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Methods of Draining
Condensate
There are four methods to drain
condensate. They are manual, level-operated mechanical traps,
electrically operated solenoid valves and zero air loss traps with
reservoirs.
In order to discharge condensate utilizing the manual method, operators
will physically open the valves. The drawback with this procedure is
that manual valves are quite often left open to drain the condensate
from moisture separators, intercoolers, refrigerated dryers and filters.
When this occurs, compressed air is able to continuously leak into the
air.
With the level-operated mechanical traps, such as the float-type traps,
air cannot be wasted when operated correctly. However, these traps often
need a substantial amount of maintenance. They may also be susceptible
to blockage from sediment remaining in the condensate. Not as much
maintenance is needed with inverted bucket traps, although they may
waste compressed air if the condensate rate is not sufficient to
preserve the level of liquid (prime) contained in the trap.
A timing device is contained on the solenoid-operated drain valve that
may be set to open for only a specified period of time, as well as at
preset variable intervals. However, there are a couple of disadvantages
with these valve. There may not be enough time for adequate drainage of
accrued condensate during the period of time in which the valve is open.
Also, if there is little or no condensate, the valve will function
anyway, and as a result there will be a loss of valuable compressed air.
Since contaminants may block the inlet and discharge ports of the
level-operated and electrically operated solenoid valves, they should
contain strainers in order to reduce those contaminants.
Programmable timers may contain motorized ball valves which are quite
dependable, although these valves can be more wasteful than the other
types because the period of time that the valve is open is actually
dependent on the valve actuator and it is not adjustable.
There are different types of zero air-loss traps with reservoirs. an
electric solenoid or ball valve is operated by a float or level sensor.
This type preserves the condensate level in the reservoir below the
high-level point. A pneumatic signal becomes activated by a float which
transmits the signal to an air cylinder in order to open a ball valve
through a link to force out the condensate in the reservoir to the
low-level point. The reservoir must be drained frequently so that the
contaminants do not accumulate, as that could harm the mechanisms of the
traps. Heated drains should be installed when there is the potential for
freezing. A manual drain valve should not be cracked open because it
will cause costly compressed air to be wasted.
Before the contaminated condensate can be discharged to a sewer system,
the lubricant should be removed. Contact your local sewage authority to
find out the allowable levels of contamination.
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