Nortec Steam Distributors - Manual (Page 7)

Steam Distributors Installation Manual | 4
Condensate Return Guidelines For Main Steam Lines
1. Use vertical condensate leg of distributor only. Do not over-tighten clamp.
2. Condensate traps on steam mains must be located at all low points in the system, at each
elevation change and or directional change.
3. Horizontal runs of steam must rise 2” per foot (10º) when flow is going upwards away from
condensate trap, and fall ½” per foot (2º) when flow is going downwards towards a
condensate trap.
4. In a horizontal run of the steam main, condensate traps must be located at regular intervals
of 20 feet.
5. The condensate trap itself is a section of piping connected to the bottom of the main. A full
size tee must be used to create a condensate trap to allow the condensate to fall away from
the steam flow.
6. Vertical drop of the condensate trap should be 1.5 times the diameter of the steam main
but no less than 12”.
7. A p-trap should be installed at the bottom of the condensate trap. The center to center trap
height should be 2” greater than duct static pressure (see Figure 1).
8. All distributors must be individually trapped.
12 in. (30 cm)
min drop to
top of ‘P’ Trap
P Trap min
6 in. (15 cm)
or
duct static
pressure + 2 in
whichever is
greater
Tee is same size
as steam line
Use a full size tee, not a 90
degree elbow for vertical
to horizontal transitions.
‘P’ Traps Use:
- NORTEC 0.375 in condensate hose
- 1/4 in Med-L copper tubing, or
- 0.375 in stainless steel tubing
Condensate drains must be sloped down.
Figure 1: Drain Tee