Pressure-powered pump halts loss of condensate from low-pressure steam

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)

OSTI ID:6051200

Quartararo, G; Donohue, M; Gaines, A

Problem: Argus Chemical, a division of Witco Chemical Corporation in Brooklyn, NY that produces PVC stabilizers and other specialty chemicals, needed an efficient system to recover condensate from low pressure steam. Condensate from high pressure steam was pumped back to the boiler room, but condensate from drip legs and pipe tracing was being discharged to the sewer system. Low pressure steam condensate had also been collected and returned to the boiler plant for many years with electric drive pumps, but recovery was discontinued due to the high cost of maintaining the pumps, motors and electric controls. The plant was concerned about the steadily increasing cost of fuel and decided to investigate alternatives to electric equipment that could economically return the condensate to the boiler room. Solution: A pressure-powered, float-operated trap that can collect condensate and other liquids from low level, low pressure or vacuum lines and transfer the fluid to an elevated or higher pressure outlet was installed in August 1983. Steam, air or other suitable gases at pressures from 5 to 125 psi are used to pump the liquid, and operating costs are negligible when the exhaust is vented back to a closed system. The self-contained, non-electric unit has no seals that can leak, and assures safe, trouble-free operation in areas with flammable fluids. The compact trap/pump can handle up to 11,300 lb/hr or 22.5 gpm, and transfer 1000 lb of liquid with about 3 lb of steam. Corrosion-resistant stainless steel internals are standard, and body choices are cast iron or ASME-labeled welded galvanized steel.

• Research Organization: Witco Chemical Co., Brooklyn, NY
• OSTI ID: 6051200
• Journal Information: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States) Vol. 48:6; ISSN CHPCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
42 ENGINEERING
420400 -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
CONDENSATES
COST
LOW PRESSURE
OPERATING COST
PUMPING
PUMPS
STEAM
VAPOR CONDENSATION