Technical Policy Statement

Air Handling Unit Condensate Traps

Ref . A7

August 2006
Prepared by: Engineering Team Endorsed by: Steve Howe Director of Building Projects Nick Roalfe Director of Facilities Management

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Engineering Team

Technical Policy Statement - Air Handling Unit Condensate Traps

Introduction It has been found that in many cases, condensate traps serving cooling coils on air handling units are inadequate. It is often the case that the air handling unit has not been located on a suitable base or set of plinths and the condensate trap is of insufficient height to be effective. Consequently, with the height of the trap being too low, the water seal would be pulled out under the influence of the fan pressure.

Preferred Solution In order to alleviate the problem of insufficient trap height and pulling of the water seal, the following measures shall be adopted:-

a) Ensure that air handling units that are installed in plantrooms/roof plant areas are located on concrete/steel plinths to a minimum height of 100mm. b) Install a trap at the cooling coil condensate drain point of each air handling unit. The trap shall be constructed from copper pipe and fittings consisting of two tees and removable plugs for inspection, cleaning and, if necessary, priming. The trap shall be configured to maintain a suitable water column that will overcome the fan outlet pressure. (Please refer to attached sketch).