On the true practicality of closed-loop condensate water recovery systems
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Our company has such a project that has been completed for a long time, yet it still hasn’t been approved. Because it cannot be used. Looking at the technical specifications from that time, the manufacturers claimed to have various technologies; one of them was something related to cavitation elimination, but I didn’t understand it and it wasn’t explained clearly. When I searched online, many companies claimed that it was their proprietary technology. Here’s the situation: we produce very little condensate water, and it comes in intermittent bursts, only during certain periods of the day. As a result, the manufacturer supplied us with a 1.6-ton closed-loop system; initially two pumps were installed to supply water to the boiler. Later, it was stated that these pumps couldn’t be used in conjunction with the boiler’s existing water tank for replenishing water, so two larger pumps were connected in series after those two pumps. Has anyone used such a setup before? Discussion: 1. What operating conditions and scenarios are suitable for closed-loop condensate recovery systems? It is said online that a condensate flow rate of over 40 tons per hour is necessary to be meaningful. 2. How to avoid and eliminate cavitation? How reliable are the patented technologies claimed by manufacturers? How can cavitation be eliminated without increasing the suction head, lowering the fluid temperature, reducing system pressure losses, or altering the pump’s structure? 3. Is such a conceptually complex but practically simple thing really needed in situations involving small amounts? Can a water tank and a hot water pump solve the problem? It seems that for things like this, the manufacturers exaggerate their concepts to make them sound impressive, but their practicality is questionable. I hope experts who have used it and understand it can provide an answer.
Sometimes, the condensate can be recovered without a condensate recovery pump, relying on the pressure of the condensate itself. Given that the cavitation problem associated with electric pumps has not been properly resolved, coupled with the high operating costs over time, we highly recommend using mechanical pumps when a condensate recovery pump is needed based on actual requirements. For more related content, please follow the WeChat official account \"Furied Steam Energy Saving\" and the website with the same name, or get in touch with us.
As long as the condensate is not contaminated, it has value for recycling; whether it is economical depends on the amount recovered and the investment required in equipment. Two more pumps have been connected in series; was the head rating of the original pumps too low? Regarding cavitation, the condensate temperature should not be too high, otherwise cavitation is likely to occur.