Steam traps discharging into a common header

[ProjectEng]

I have several traps that are running in individual lines to a vented receiver tank. I would like to combine the discharge of the traps into a single line that goes into a new vented receiver tank.

The traps are all operating at varying upstream pressures..30psig, 175psig, 400psig, and 1250psig. I need some pointers on how to size the common line going to the new vented receiver.

I've found information on Sarco's website on how to account for flash steam in the condensate line from a single trap, but how do you account for several traps all operating at different pressures?

Thanks.

 

[svanels]

Do you have 4 different main headers? 30, 175, 125 and 400 psi?
Don't put the discharge of the low pressure traps (30 psi), together with the 400 psi.

 

[ProjectEng]

I thought I read somewhere that if the common condensate header is sized correctly then pressure differences ahead of the traps are OK.

But how to account for that in the sizing of the condensate header?

 

[TBP]

I think that sending this range of pressures - 30, 175, 400 & 1,250 (you did mean 1,250 and not 125, right?) - into the same condensate header is just looking for trouble. I wouldn't do it. Even if you meant 125, I still wouldn't do it.

 

[kenvlach]

Big problems when a 400 psig trap fails open.

 

[svanels]

Ever heard of steam induced waterhammer?

http://www.kirsner.org/pages/forensicResAlt.html

 

[ProjectEng]

Yes, I'm aware of steam induced waterhammer. That is partly why I asked the question. The other reason I asked is because flash steam in the condensate line after the trap can add significantly to required line size.

I believe there is a way to combine all the steam trap discharges into a single line, but I agree with the rest of you that the savings is not worth the risk of a trap failing. With a common condensate header, the operation of all the other traps would be affected by a failed high pressure trap.

Thanks for the input.