What type of pipe is used for condensate?
The recommended material to use for a condensate system is stainless steel. Stainless steel greatly enhances the pipes’ ability to withstand the corrosive attack for a longer, more reliable operational life.
What type of pipe is used for steam?
carbon steel
Pipes for steam systems are commonly manufactured from carbon steel to ASME B 16.9 A106. The same material may be used for condensate lines, although copper tubing is preferred in some industries.
Are condensate lines pressurized?
Condensate recovery systems can be classified as either vented-to-atmosphere or pressurized depending on whether condensate is recovered in an open-to-atmosphere tank (vented) or sent to a pressurized vessel/directly to the boiler (pressurized).
Does condensate piping need to be insulated?
The condensate and hot water return lines also need to be insulated.
What is steam condensate piping?
Condensate piping is used to remove condensate from steam-heated vessels, ideally for recovery and re-use in boiler feedwater. When hot condensate under pressure is discharged from a steam trap into a low pressure system, the resultant pressure drop causes some of the condensate to flash into steam.
Can you use copper pipe for steam condensate?
Everyone knows that copper tube has a proven history in use in a variety of applications, however a common question is “can I use copper tube in a steam system?” Just like in water systems, copper tube has long been used in both steam and steam condensate piping systems.
Can you use copper pipe for condensate?
The condensate pipe must be plastic – usually solvent-weld fittings – and at least 22 mm in diameter. Copper or steel pipework cannot be used. This is because, at a pH of 3-4, the condensate is slightly acidic and would corrode it. Condensate pipes may run outside or through unheated buildings, such as garages.
What pressure is steam condensate?
A pressurized condensate system is the medium pressure, 16 to 99 PSI. And the high pressure’s 100 PSI or higher.
What is condensate piping?
A condensate pipe’s main function is to transfer acidic waste water produced from the boiler’s condensing process, safely away and out the property via an external drain.
Should steam pipes be insulated?
Any surface over 120°F should be insulated, including boiler surfaces, steam and condensate return piping, and fittings. Insulation frequently becomes damaged or is removed and never replaced during steam system repair.
How does steam piping work?
Steam passes from the boiler into the steam mains. Initially the pipework is cold and heat is transferred to it from the steam. The air surrounding the pipes is also cooler than the steam, so the pipework will begin to lose heat to the air. Insulation fitted around the pipe will reduce this heat loss considerably.
Can PEX handle steam?
No. PEX is plastic and is not rated for steam, which reaches temperatures of 212ºF.
Does steam corrode copper?
Well treated steam does not produce condensates that are corrosive to copper, cupro-nickel, brass, aluminum, carbon or stainless steel. Condensates that contain dissolved gases such as oxygen, and to a greater extent, carbon dioxide, are corrosive to copper, cupro-nickel, brass, and even steel.
What size should condensate pipe be?
Any external boiler condensate pipe must be a minimum internal diameter (ID) of 30mm, and insulated, using suitable waterproof and weatherproof insulation. Any internal condensate pipe should be a minimum of 19mm ID and upsized to 30mm ID minimum before passing through the building structure to outside.
What is steam piping?
Steam pipe may refer to: A pipe designed to carry pressurized steam from a boiler to the working components, i.e. the steam engine(s) or turbine(s). Such piping usually includes valves to control the routing of the steam, or to stop the flow altogether.
How do you clean a condensate line?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your drain line with vinegar and keep everything operating at peak performance.
- Turn off your air conditioner.
- Locate your condensate drain line.
- Identify the access point on the drain line.
- Flush with distilled vinegar.
- Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
- Repeat each month.
Can foam pipe insulation be used on steam pipes?
Answer: NO! The cheap black/grey foam pipe insulation you find in the big box stores should absolutely not be used on steam pipes!
Does condensate pipe need insulation?
No. Building & mechanical codes do not require insulation on A/C condensate drains, based on a reading of the current U.S. Energy Code that I will excerpt here.
How do you use a steam condensate pump?
Move a higher volume of condensate than standard steam condensate pumps. Use these pumps in low-pressure steam systems to capture hot condensate and return it to your boiler or feed unit. They turn on when the tank is 2/3 full and turn off when condensate drops to 6″ deep.
How do high-flow steam condensate pumps handle high volume?
To handle high condensate volume, the workload is distributed between two pumps for a longer service life than standard high-flow steam condensate pumps. The second pump provides redundancy so one pump can operate while you work on the other. These pumps move a higher volume of condensate than standard steam condensate pumps.
Should you consider steam vapor when designing condensate recovery piping?
Considering steam vapor when designing condensate recovery piping may at first seem counterintuitive, but is in fact necessary.
How does a stainless steel condensate pump work?
The stainless steel tank has excellent corrosion resistance. Designed for use in low-pressure steam systems, these pumps capture steam in the attached tank and return hot condensate to your boiler or feed unit. They are activated by a float switch, turning on and off when condensate level reaches a certain depth.