Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

condensate return pump placement

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • condensate return pump placement

    Im in the middle of a boiler install. The condensate return pump and lowest condensate return outlet of the jackets are level to the pump inlet or the pump is a tad (1 inch) too high. I can't raise the brewhouse up or dig a hole for the pump. We have it directly next to the brewhouse. My question is "will the steam pressure be able to push the condensate the short level distance (5-10 ft) to the pump? My boiler installation guys are steamfitters but this is their first brewhouse. Its a low pressure 670,000 btu boiler.
    thanks

    Scott

  • #2
    Our guys installed a tank to collect the condensate then the pump can draw from that. I think you will need this so there is a reserve for the tank to draw from. Also it takes a special pump ($1000) to be able push the water into the boiler since it is under pressure. I know the cost because we just had to replace ours
    Mike Eme
    Brewmaster

    Comment


    • #3
      In short. No. There is no significant pressure at the steam trap. (To push a long distance uphill.)

      Is there any way to replumb the condensate discharge pipes from the traps?

      Can you post a few pictures of your current road block?
      Last edited by Todd Hicks; 07-05-2016, 06:42 AM.
      Todd G Hicks
      BeerDenizen Brewing Services

      Comment


      • #4
        pump

        I have a return tank and pump. Its just that the inlet to the tank is just too high for the lowest two jackets and might have an issue draining with gravity. The local regional brewerys 20 bbl pilot system doesn't even have a condensate return tank/pump. I will get a picture later in a bit if i can.

        thanks

        Comment


        • #5
          Yes.

          Condensate traps will push liquid condensate under steam pressure to your condensate tank. Condensate does not flow by gravity, but instead by pressure from your steam boiler. If your boiler installers don't know this, then get a new crew!
          Phillip Kelm--Palau Brewing Company Manager--

          Comment


          • #6
            Real World Situations

            Originally posted by gitchegumee View Post
            Condensate traps will push liquid condensate under steam pressure to your condensate tank. Condensate does not flow by gravity, but instead by pressure from your steam boiler. If your boiler installers don't know this, then get a new crew!
            Although not ideal, this is correct. I noted this when I came into this plant as we have one steam trap outlet that runs uphill to the next TEE. If you are not dealing with too much rise you will ilkely be ok with a good quality F&T trap. Your traps need blow down valves on the bottom port so you can keep them clean. There are pump stations available with inlets pretty low to the ground as in less than 12 inches made by oufits such as Hoffman and Armstrong.
            Last edited by Starcat; 06-30-2016, 05:53 AM.
            Warren Turner
            Industrial Engineering Technician
            HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
            Moab Brewery
            The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

            Comment


            • #7
              thanks

              Thanks everyone, your responses just confirmed what I told the steam fitters. But your answers have helped push these guys in the right direction.

              Scott

              Comment

              Working...
              X