This week we turn our attention to the condensate outlet. A customer recently asked, “I was told to pipe a 14-inch condensate drop leg from …
Vacuum Breakers: Steam and Steam Heat Exchanger Basics Part 3
This week we take a look at the vacuum breaker on a steam-to-water heat exchanger. Steam-to-water heat exchangers, or steam heating coils with on-off …
Why Use Low Steam Pressure: Steam Heat Exchanger Basics Part 2
A recent engineering graduate asked a question about reducing steam pressure before using the steam for heating and domestic water heat exchangers: Why do you …
Understanding Steam and Steam Heat Exchangers: Part 1
Steam heating systems are a bit of a mystery for many engineers and contractors. Much of the “old school” knowledge on steam heat exchangers retired …
Hydronic and Steam Heating Pressure Relief Valves
The pressure relief valve or pressure safety valve is the last line of defense when a steam or water heating system is in trouble. This …
Water Side Economizers Part 11: Summary of Design Thoughts
We can conclude the series on waterside economizers with a summary of suggestions for the engineer to consider. ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standards require this energy-saving …
Water Side Economizers Part 10: Heat Exchanger Fouling & Maintenance
Waterside economizer heat exchanger fouling can lead to significant operational cost for the owner of the commercial chilled water system. The water side economizer system …
Water Side Economizers Part 9: Heat Exchanger Pressure Drop
The water side economizer pressure drop is an important point for the engineer to consider. The ASHRAE 90.1-2013 energy standard requires the pressure drop of …
Water Side Economizers Part 8: The Heat Exchanger Approach
The gasketed plate heat exchanger and the capacities it should be scheduled at is the subject of today’s blog. The first seven parts of this …
Waterside Economizers Part 7: Tower Side Temperatures
The waterside economizer is normally a gasketed plate heat exchanger. There is chilled water on one side and cooling tower water on the other side …