Formulas - Calculating Condensate Load for Steam Tracer Lines

         L x U x ∆T x E
Q = ———————
                S x H

Where:
Q = Condensate Load in lbs/hr
L = Length of product pipe between tracer line traps (ft)
U = Heat transfer factor (Btu/sq ft/°F/hr) BELOW
∆T = Temperature differential in °F
E = 1 minus efficiency of insulation
S = Lineal feet of pipe line per sq ft of surface
H = Latent heat of steam in btu/lb

 

Properties of Saturated Steam

 

Standard Dimensions for Schedule 40 Pipe

 

EXAMPLE: SAFETY FACTOR: 2
4 tracer lines
150 PSIG 10” diameter uninsulated pipe
200 feet between traps
50 °F ∆T

L = Length of product pipe between tracer line traps (ft) 200
U = Heat transfer factor (Btu/sq ft/°F/hr) 3.1
∆T = Temperature differential in °F 50
E = 1 minus efficiency of insulation 1-0
S = Lineal feet of pipe line per sq ft of surface .355
H = Latent heat of steam in btu/lb 857

        200 x 3.1 x 50 x (1-0)
Q = ———————               = 1019 lbs/hr ÷ 4 tracer lines = 255 lbs/hr
              .355 x 857

REMEMBER: Because you have 4 tracing lines you need to divide total condensate by 4 in order to calculate load per line/trap

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