4 replies to this topic

[Sharon83]

Is it a common practice the put the control valve on the condansate return line instead on the steam inlet of a tank jacket?
This why we can directly control the area of the heat transfer.
Is it recommended?

[Saml]

Both has pros and cons:

The valve in the condensate line provides more control at low capacity. It is slow, specially when reducing the load, since to modify the area you have to wait until condensates cover that area, 

 

The valve at the inlet is fast, but when the condensation pressure goes below that of the condensate return line, it starts to behave erratically, since it accumulates condensate, area is reduced, pressure rise, condensate is pumped out, etc, etc, etc,. it can be solved with a pumping steam  trap, but those are relatively expensive compared with normal traps.

[Sharon83]

If there is control valve in the condensate outlet, do i need a steam trap after the control valve? How can i make sure that no steam goes to the condensate line?

[Pilesar]

See this reference describing best practice to control tank jackets:

http://www.spiraxsar...nd-jackets.aspx

[Sharon83]

Does anyone have experience with condensate control?

Do I need a steam trap before or after the valve?