At pipe lining material, condensate piping systems are designed. They are the type of pipes that are used to remove condensate from vessels which are steam-heated for recovery and reuse in boiler feed water.
The discharge of hot condensate under pressure from a steam trap into a system with low pressure causes the resultant pressure to drop which then causes some of the condensate to find their way into steam.
The following are some of the factors to consider when condensate piping systems are designed. • Design code and pipe sizing: The size of the pipe has to take into consideration the volume of the flash steam that will be created. This is what the pressure drop across the steam trap is used to condensate the flow rate.
The flash steam can easily cause velocities which are very high if the return line is not correctly sized and in the process, causing back pressure inside the system and reducing the performance of the steam trap. • Piping connection: The condensate piping undergoes contraction and expansion. Connections that are threaded cannot take in the thermal cycling and tend to be a prime target for corrosion caused by acid. Pipes have to be welded or utilization of tube connectors should be used to minimize leaks from appearing.
• Materials: The condensate piping systems are prone to corrosion by carbonic acid. Due to that, to prolong its life, it is recommended to use stainless steel but there is a cost implication to that.
• Connection to the condensate header: It should be aligned horizontally with lines of condensate, which are connected to the top. The headers are aligned vertically or those with side or bottom entries which can cause hydraulic shock.