steam condensate

[chuckman]

Is it necessary to slope condensate lines?
I have seen condenste lines with pockets and
it it flows with out any problems.

 

[Ralph2]

The requirement is to maintain a free flow of steam in the line. Pockets with traps or slope into a pocket, just so long as the line can not fill with condensate..
Ralph

 

[TBP]

Some applications will work OK without slope on the condensate lines. Others, such as intake air coils for heating make-up air, will be prone to freeze-ups in the spring & fall. Higher pressure applications often have enough pressure to force the condensate past the pocket. Applications with a control valve on the steam supply will suffer problems at low load, due to the pressure drop across the valve. Low pressure applications suffer the most.

They correct way to deal with this (recognizing that it can't ALWAYS be done), in places where the condensate line HAS to dip, then come back up, install a tee to split the flow. Run a full size line over the obstruction, and a half size line under it, teeing them back together downstream. There must be a drop in elevation between the two tees, to permit the condensate to drain by gravity. Any air or flash steam will go over the obstruction, and condensate will drain under it.

 

[PAN]

Slope for steam line
thread378-16008