In many applications steam traps drain condensate. But when you have steam condensing at sub-atmospheric pressures what are typical options used to drain condensate?
e.g. In intermediate effects of a Multi Effect Evaporator steam from previous effect is used to heat and this is often under a decently high vacuum. say 200 mm Hg abs.
Most articles I checked out don't elaborate much about draining the drips / condensate part.
Elevating the whole unit to make the system gravity draining seems unwieldy; you might need to elevate the heat exchangers say 20 ft? Or do people provide a condensate pump for each such unit? Or are there special traps that can drain from a vacuum?
Would love to hear people's experiences.
Edited by curious_cat, 31 March 2015 - 11:05 PM.