Purpose Of Condensate Pot In Steam Reboilers

Dear All,

I would like to understand, purpose of condensate pot in steam reboiler, I have read few articles, which states, condensate pot will provide the liquid seal, to avoid blowing of steam outside the heat exchanger, and break in the seal result in heat transfer losses.

I would like to understand how exactly, it results in heat transfer losses?. Thank you.

What is the purpose of equalization line that is provided on condensate pot with steam pressure?

Hi ,

Consider the document attached .

Hope this is helping you.

Breizh

 

I would like to understand, purpose of condensate pot in steam reboiler, I have read few articles, which states, condensate pot will provide the liquid seal, to avoid blowing of steam outside the heat exchanger, and break in the seal result in heat transfer losses.

 

I would like to understand how exactly, it results in heat transfer losses?. Thank you.

 

 

What is the purpose of equalization line that is provided on condensate pot with steam pressure?

Hi Chalapathi,

Condensate pot is mostly applied in a steam reboiler to keep the live steam from passing into the downstream condensate line.

In general, reboiler balance line is a line connecting the condensate pot to the reboiler inlet in order to pressure equalization between mentioned pot and the reboiler. Such balancing allows the condensate will be easily conducted to the pot from the reboiler.

Thank You all, for your response on the topic. I could understand and feel the concept now.

There is no loss in heat transfer. But, there is energy loss if steam is discharged as Fallah stated.

Bobby

I don't want to split hairs, but technically there is a heat transfer loss, isn't there? The steam passes through the reboiler without condensing, the heat transfer coefficient however is higher with condensation than it is without.

So both the energy is wasted (as the steam is discharged into the condensate system) and the heat transfer is lower, resulting in less heat transfer and therefore less duty and evaporation in the reboiler.

EDIT: Thought about it again: Of course there is condensation at the tubes, so the the heat transfer coefficient doesn't change. As the pressure is probably not properly maintained anymore however, the condensation temperature is lower, so the duty is reduced.

Edited by PhilippM, 25 September 2019 - 05:07 AM.

The condensate pot, properly installed and instrumented, is a highly reliable steam trap. And should only be used as such.

Bobby

In case of vertical reboiler (steam at shell side, is it correct to tap reboiler shell side outlet to condensate drum above its HLL? Reboiler duty is controlled by outlet condensate drum level controller. To reduce reboiler duty, exchanger will be flooded by condensate.