Hi sir Steve. This is to prevent motive steam to discharge directly to the condensate line. Only condensate should be discharged in the condensate line. Second, direct motive steam in the condensate line will create high back pressure w/c affects other traps tapped on the line.
I have a motive pump that pumps into a vented flash tank so virtually no back pressure. The pump has 30psi steam pressure going to it. Im taking over for a retired maintenance fitter who says the pressure isn’t high enough to operate the pump correctly and that once in a while I’ll find the pump is cold and full on condensate but if I hit it with the 2x4 provided it kicks on. Clearly he doesn’t know what he’s talking about There is roughly 8 fr of head. Could the pump need to be rebuilt? Im guessing 30 psi is more than enough?
normally the trap used inside the pump/trap is an orifice Venturi trap so the motive steam is left behind and does not cross the condensate back line. ain't enough?
