Why is an air pipe installed on the condensate pump?
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Why is an air pipe installed on the condensate pump?
This air pipe should be called a degassing pipe; it is installed on the pump cylinder and its function is to promptly discharge the gas inside the pump cylinder into the condenser.
The condensate pump draws water out of the condenser under high vacuum; as a result, air can easily enter at the inlet pipe flanges and gaskets. Additionally, air may be present in the water itself. Therefore, the pump’s suction chamber is connected to the steam space of the condenser. During startup and operation, this pipe is used to remove the air separated from the water, so as to prevent disruptions to the pump’s normal operation. The valve on the air pipe should be kept slightly open during operation.