Seeking assistance regarding the upgrade of the material for the condensate pipeline behind the steam trap.
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The material specified for the condensate pipeline downstream of the steam trap was originally 20#. Due to frequent leaks in the pipeline from the trap to the main condensate pipe, pressure maintenance is required each time, which presents many difficulties. Planning to upgrade the material during next year’s maintenance period to reduce the leakage rate. In 2009, with the same system, the condensate pipeline behind the trap was changed to 304 stainless steel, which essentially **reduced leaks; however, there is no theoretical basis for this – is it because 304 has better resistance to erosion and cavitation than 20# steel? Please, an expert, explain it to me. It’s best to have a theoretical basis and study it carefully.
We all have direct exhaust pipes at the outlet of the heater – temporary direct exhausts, local replacement pipes. It seems that using stainless steel is too costly.
We are also considering switching to 304 tubing recently. Is it equivalent in wall thickness to the original 20# steel?