10 replies to this topic

[ARASHSMART]

The term condensate lift is usually associated with a vertical rise of a condensate line AFTER a steam trap. The motive force to lift the condensate is the steam pressure. There are potential problems when there is a modulating valve on the steam inlet becuase this also modulates the pressure, often causing a 'stall' situation in the heat exchanger when there is no longer enough pressure to lift the condensate. The solution here is to use a pump.
For condensate lift before a steam trap, this is a totally different condition where you must use a collection tube (as in a rolling drum or acid tank). You need to clarify your question a little more.

furture to your answer ,the steam pressure is 58 psig and we want lift the condestae about 10 meter,I was woundering if you would mind sending your comment

[joesteam]

If you have 58 psig at the steam trap you can lift 10 meters. However, if you have a modulating control valve the pressure will be lower and you will need a pump

[nothing]

Hi everybody,

This topic was stopped a long time ago...

However, may I wake up all of you?

I got the homework to study Condensate lift. It's used to replace Condensate Recovery Pump.

I tried to look for some appropriate document from Internet, but I can't.

I'm really don't know what the Condensate Lift is.

Can anyone teach me what's the configuration of Condensate Lift, what're its components,...

Thanks in advance for your kind help!

[Art Montemayor]

Nothing:

Your query as to what "condensate lift" is, is answered in response #1 by Guest_Joe Lambert. If you don't understand his explanation, then your problem is really one of not studying the basic material and science.

This thread is practically 4 years old and nobody is asleep at the wheel; this thread simply has been resolved - mainly with Joe Lambert's explanation. I recommend you write your own query in a NEW thread, fully explaining what it is that you don't comprehend. Is it the basic science of hydraulics, or is it the terms employed? Be specific and detailed in explaining what it is that you don't understand. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed; no one knows everything. Most of all, prepare yourself by reading and studying all of the basic theory and science on hydraulics required to understand the subject. Do not expect the Forum to TEACH you what condensate lift is; we can only explain it - sometimes in simpler, conventional terms. But it is YOU that has to pay attention and do the studying.

[kkala]

Some notes added to the useful contributions already made, considering condensate rise downstream trap.
1. "The efficient use of steam" by Oliver Lyle (old book, famous to technicians and practical engineers) had details on condensate handling and clarified for every sort of trap whether it would lift condensate. Alternatively one could search pamphlets (or site nowadays) of steam trap manufacturers (like Spirax Sarco, etc) for data on the subject. In addition to verbal explanations, configuration details can be found.
2. Though not impossible, one would be skeptical to abolish condensate pump in the field, usually the opposite takes place (i.e. pump installation).
3. A "hand-made" steam trap of "a knock out drum with level control valve on liquid outlet" can lift condensate and can get greater flexibility than a ready steam trap.

[nothing]

First of all, I'm terribly sorry that long time no log in this worth forum. It doesn't mean I forgot this place, it's because of the New Year period time. Sorry again.

Dear Kkala,
Many thanks indeed for your recommended document. I will try to find out the effective information.

Dear Mr. Art Montemayor,
I'm really thankful for your wording and admired your knowledge as well. I have seen your action at any place in this forum with a number of knowledge....
Yes, it may arise from not studying basic material and science. I will try to study more what all you suggest first, and begin with the new topic in the coming time.

I already told my boss the information I got and also admitted that I still not understand. The thing I would like to understand is why people can use Condensate lift instead of Condensate Recovery Pump??? What does it look like as well as what is its component? Is there any picture of Condensate Lift?...

Hope to get your kindly response in the time being. I'm just a fresh engineer and I still must study a lot for my work!So, I'm not ashamed for sure, all my seniors...

Edited by nothing, 18 January 2010 - 10:51 AM.

[Art Montemayor]

Nothing:

Bear in mind that all of us professionals – especially we older ones – have gone through the stress and worry of trying to learn the “real” facts of practical field engineering while still young and inexperienced. Many of us have struggled through our early years because our supervisors and colleagues would not share nor give us their knowledge and experience. I was very fortunate and lucky in having excellent and instructional mentors and supervisors in my early years. This helped me tremendously and is one reason why I spend time on this Forum, sharing my experience.

You ask for illustrations or how condensate lift “look’s like”. This is an intelligent request. No engineering explanation is better than an illustrated engineering explanation. Drawings, sketches, diagrams, and graphs are all engineering tools that make our profession more formidable and respected in the art of communications. Please refer to the attached Excel Workbook to see my attempts to explain to you what condensate lift is and some of its strengths and weaknesses.

You may be a young and inexperienced engineer now, but you are very correct in guessing that your engineering learning period has just begun – and it will continue for the length of your engineering life, and never stop. This unlimited learning is, of course, based on your desire to continue to be the best at what you are – a professional engineer dedicated to solving problems.

I hope this helps you understand better what you are confronting.

Attached Files

•  Concept of Condensate Lift.xls   37.5KB   116 downloads

[nothing]

Thanks so much for your post. It's not only because of your easy-to-understand explanation but also your worth advice for my engineering life...

I have tried to study all details in your file. And also, I get back some information in my hand to understand them. It's glad to say so far so good

One more thing I would like to share is that my problem may be caused by my complication.
First time I heard the term "condensate lift", it made me wonder what it looks like. It routes me to go far away from the basic principle (about condensate lifted) ===> thinking more complex ===>can't understand! ===> a more important lesson than condensate lift!

Once again,thank-you-very-much, Mr. Art Montemayor!

Edited by nothing, 20 January 2010 - 11:36 AM.

[joesteam]

For Art,

You have been kind and understanding to this fellow.