Uphill Condensate Flow
Uphill Condensate Flow
(OP)
I have 3 condensate lines (400KPA) running through some control valves and then immediately going up into the top of the flash tank. (First off I didn't design it).
That being said I have a lot of errosion issues presumably with flashing steam through the valves driving the condensate at high velocity uphill around various elbows etc.
I've thought about a small flash tank venting the steam to the flash tank and pumping the condensate uphill but I thought I'd ask if anyone has a simpler solution? (By pumping I mean either a steam pump or mechanical pump).
That being said I have a lot of errosion issues presumably with flashing steam through the valves driving the condensate at high velocity uphill around various elbows etc.
I've thought about a small flash tank venting the steam to the flash tank and pumping the condensate uphill but I thought I'd ask if anyone has a simpler solution? (By pumping I mean either a steam pump or mechanical pump).





RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
Cheaper than installing another flash tank and a pump, and it solves the problem, not the symptom of the problem.
rmw
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
Consider the use of Chrome-moly piping (ASTM A335 P11 or P22). It works well for the utility industry in flashing service.
Stainless piping also has a much better life that CS in flashing service (might be too expensive..)
Or......Consider schedule 80 (or higher) carbon steel piping in the downstream leg.
-MJC
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
I have a Chrome Moly spec I could use - I have no stainless spec but I'll ask if one could be made.
RE: Uphill Condensate Flow
Since you can't move them, then you are going to have to size your down stream piping (as well as pay attention to materials) for 2 phase flow, and possibly slug flow.
If you size the pipes right, and set the valve control function so that it is not varying too much, you might benefit from the "percolation" effect of the vapor traveling with the fluid. Coffee percolators work on that principal and boiler circulation does too. Make it work for you.
The idea of flashing to atmosphere and pumping will waste the flash steam from your condensate saturation pressure to atmosphere (unless you have a use for and a way to collect atmospheric flash). If you have lots of free fuel (bark, liquor, etc) maybe you can afford it. If you are using purchased fuel to supplement the bark and liquor, then you pay a price for your method. You can do the calculations.
rmw