Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
(OP)
Hi,
I posted this problem before. I have a condensate receiver tank that services all the low pressure condensate return from the building, as well as a 1/2" steam trap drip leg from the high pressure steam pipe. There is an occasional banging noise in the tank, sounded like waterhammering.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
I posted this problem before. I have a condensate receiver tank that services all the low pressure condensate return from the building, as well as a 1/2" steam trap drip leg from the high pressure steam pipe. There is an occasional banging noise in the tank, sounded like waterhammering.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.





RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Problem was the the condensate returns should be flooded (water only), but at start-up it was possible to have a mix of water and steam in the return.
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Does your receiver have a vent to atmosphere? If so, check it; if a lot of steam is blowing out, you have one or more failed traps. The best way to pinpoint a failed trap is to isolate it from the return main, and open a test valve (if you have one) to see if the trap is blowing by. You can also take temperature readings on the return piping downstream of the traps to find the culprit.
---KenRad
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
KenRad, is it not possible that the HP condensate partial flashing, while entering the lower condensate receiving pressures, generates the steam that causes water hammering ? If your answer is affirmative, this would indicate that there wouldn't have to be a steam-leaking trap. Am I right ?
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Does the banging correspond to the operation of the trap on the HP drip?
Is it possible that when the trap opens the pressure in the tank experiences a sudden increase, effectively sub-cooling the condensate in the tank. When the trap closes, the pressure drops again, and the condensate rapidly returns to a saturated state, with associated rapid boiling?
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Good point - this could be the case. But if the HP trap was selected properly, it provides for sufficient subcooling of the condensate to prevent this from happening. Another thing that should be checked out.
---KenRad
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
The HP trap is a thermodynamic trap and it was replaced recently. The banging frequency is irregular though and the operator told me that it happened mostly in the morning time. I was there yesterday in the afternoon and I could hear the banging noise. The weather was relatively warm, around 8C. The building uses steam for heating and domestic hot water heating.
Thanks for all your help.
Murphy
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Otherwise, look for any areas of piping or tank where hot flashing condensate (steam) may come in contact with cooler water.
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
http://www.tycovalves-na.com/ld/YAWMC-0430-US.pdf
---KenRad
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...
Can you change the entry point from the HP line to above the liquid level? This would of course result in more of a plume from the receiver, which may be a problem in itself.
RE: Problem Revisit: Condensate Receiver Banging Noise...