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Posted by Joe Lambert on November 14, 2008 at 08:38:38:
In Reply to: Water Hammer posted by Al on November 13, 2008 at 18:15:58:
Two main problems here.
1. You have a modulating steam inlet and at least 10 psig backpressure. When the steam regulator cuts back on the amount of steam, it also reduces the inlet pressure. The inlet pressure probably goes lower than the backpressure, and you back up condensate. When the regulator re-adjusts, BANG - you get water hammer. Bottom Line: You need a condensate pump. All heat exchange applications with a modulating valve need atmospheric return.
2. You are using an on/off type steam trap not recommended for modulating loads. This trap also has backpressure limitations "Maximum back pressure should not exceed 80% of the inlet pressureunder any conditions of operation, otherwise the trap may not shut." So, in the same modulating inlet steam valve inlet mentioned above, you could be temporarily causing the steam trap to fail open, and the live steam could be causing downstream water hammer. I would recommend an F&T type of modulating trap that is backpressure independent.