Heating and Ventilating Systems

Figure 3-3. Btu change in One Pound of Ice to Water to Steam to Superheated Steam

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32 HVAC Fundamentals

important to recognize that low pressure steam contains more

latent heat per pound than high pressure steam. For example, low
pressure steam at 250°F and 30 psia has 946 Btu per pound of
latent heat while high pressure steam at 700°F and 3,094 psia has
only 172 Btu per pound of latent heat. This indicates that while
high pressure steam may be required to provide very high tem-
peratures and pressures for process functions, low pressure steam
provides more economical operation.

STEAM TRAPS

Steam traps are installed in locations where condensate is

formed and collects, such as all low points, below heat exchangers
and coils, at risers and expansion loops, at intervals along horizon-
tal pipe runs, ahead of valves, at ends of mains, before pumps, etc.
The purpose of a steam trap is to separate the steam (vapor) side
of the heating system from the condensate (water) side. A steam
trap collects condensate and allows the trapped condensate to be
drained from the system, while still limiting the escape of steam.
The condensate may be returned to the boiler by a gravity return
system, a mechanical return system using a vacuum pump (closed
system), or condensate pump (open system).
Condensate must be trapped and then drained immediately
from the system. If it isn’t, the operating efficiency of the system
is reduced because the heat transfer rate is slowed. In addition,
the build up of condensate can cause physical damage to the
system from “water hammer.” Water hammer can occur in a
steam distribution system when the condensate is allowed to ac-
cumulate on the bottom of horizontal pipes and is pushed along
by the velocity of the steam passing over it. As the velocity in-
creases, the condensate can form into a non-compressible slug of
water. If this slug of water is suddenly stopped by a pipe fitting,
bend, or valve the result is a shock wave which can, and often
does, cause damage to the system (such as blowing strainers and
valves apart).
Steam traps also allow air to escape. This prevents the build