How exactly should the water hammer problem in the condensate pipe network be solved?
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I have an open-type condensate recovery system here; the temperature of the returned condensate is generally below 100°C. The entire system is relatively simple – after using the steam, each steam consumer’s steam goes into their own open-type condensate tank, from where it is then pumped back to the boiler room using condensate pumps. Water hammer occurred after the drain water from behind the steam pipe traps along the way was connected to the condensate pipe. Apart from the air leakage in the check valve, no other cause can be found. There are a bit too many drain points throughout the pipeline network, but according to feedback from the site, replacing the drain valves didn’t help either. Is there any colleague who can offer some good suggestions? 1. Is it useful to increase the accumulator? 2. Is it useful to add an automatic exhaust valve? 3. How to ensure full-flow in the condensate pipeline?
It provides pressure control at the end of the hydrophobic pipeline, preventing vaporization of the liquid due to low pressure inside the pipeline and thus avoiding surge effects.
Add a flash tank to the main pipe; let the steam be removed in the flash tank first, which will also help to lower the temperature. Then, the water coming out from the bottom of the tank is less likely to cause water hammer effects