Eliminating P-traps on multiple Horizontal Air-Cooled Condenser drain
Eliminating P-traps on multiple Horizontal Air-Cooled Condenser drain
(OP)
I have 10 identical horizontal air–cooled condensers (R-134a condensing) that are in parallel arrangement. Traditionally each individual condenser unit will have a dedicated drain condensate p-trap to equalize the pressure drops across each condenser unit. All condenser units will drain into common liquid header to feed a liquid pump.
I am considering an alternate condenser drain design approach that will eliminate each individual p-traps by directly manifolding the outlets of each condenser unit with a single common over-sized pipe header or receiver. The intent is to create a large enough header volume right at each condenser outlet to ensure that all 10 condenser unit sees the same outlet pressures. The over-sized pipe manifold will also serve as a surge receiver. Again this manifold would be directly installed the condenser outlet nozzles (no allowances for traditional trap heights).
My question: Does any have any experiences and sizing guidelines for the liquid drain header to replace all p-traps.
Thank you for your help.
I am considering an alternate condenser drain design approach that will eliminate each individual p-traps by directly manifolding the outlets of each condenser unit with a single common over-sized pipe header or receiver. The intent is to create a large enough header volume right at each condenser outlet to ensure that all 10 condenser unit sees the same outlet pressures. The over-sized pipe manifold will also serve as a surge receiver. Again this manifold would be directly installed the condenser outlet nozzles (no allowances for traditional trap heights).
My question: Does any have any experiences and sizing guidelines for the liquid drain header to replace all p-traps.
Thank you for your help.




