Condenser drain line floats

[Superfridge]

Hi all, when installing condenser drain line floats like the Hansen HT100, is the prefered method to trap the condenser drain line at the required height upstream of the the float and balance the presure in the float with the discharge gas line or pipe the condenser drain line for sewer flow and balance the presure internally? I have the Hansen bulletin which shows the two methods but I would like to know from 1st hand experience which is the better method or if there is a better way. The system has 2 evaporative condensers with 4 drain floats feeding a LP separator on NH3. Thanks.

[HVACRsaurus]

Howdy,
Good question

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/568fc9bac21b86decbc1965f/t/58ebb308f5e231a18aee700b/1491841805170/D409a+-+Jan+2004.pdf
I’m drawn to paragraph bottom page 5
Keywords “EQUALIZATION IS INTERNAL TO INLET PIPING”
(Pipe it Big - that’s how I like it)

Happy tinkering

[RANGER1]

Witt also a good product, here is a few links that might help your decision/s

http://www.th-witt.com/en/news/reports/more-efficient-condensation.php

http://www.th-witt.com/default-wAssets/docs/service/hr-und-hs-hochdruck-schwimmerregler/en/01_hr-hs-manual_de_en.pdf

[Superfridge]

Thanks for the links folks.

Sight glasses in the liquid drain legs seems like a good idea but I have never seen them installed in this position, is this common practice elcewhere? Also is it good practice to install a bleed line from the top of the float to the down stream side to allow gas and any non-condensibles to bleed out of the float housing?

[RANGER1]

Thanks for the links folks.

Sight glasses in the liquid drain legs seems like a good idea but I have never seen them installed in this position, is this common practice elcewhere? Also is it good practice to install a bleed line from the top of the float to the down stream side to allow gas and any non-condensibles to bleed out of the float housing?


You need to bleed non condensable gases otherwise they keep going around the system.
They recommend an auto purger.
A bleed line is good to get you out of trouble.
A sight glass or bullseye is nice for troubleshooting & indication everything is working ok, if client can afford, why not!
So are you installing one on each condenser drain, or ???
Do you currently have a problem?

[Superfridge]

I dont have a problem but I do have the opportunity to possibly make an improvement hence getting my ducks in a row. No sight glass installation just asking the question. Manual purging only on this site.

[RANGER1]

So what’s the current arrangement, how is it set up?

[Superfridge]

The purge/balance connection on the the top of the floats are hard piped and teed together in pairs and balanced to the discharge. No place to purge. Not ideal!

[RANGER1]

I’m no expert on them but
Does current system work, if so no problem.
From Hansen article 'P' trap each one, also vent individually unless generous sized balance line header.
What size are balance lines & header?
You need air purge line off each float & on each condenser drain to manually purge, sight glass would be nice to observe if 1 or more floats not flowing/working.
Does system work in vacuum?
If so strongly recommend a purger.

[Superfridge]

Finally got a chance to service the floats. Photo is of new and old. Nearly 20 years worth of wear and note a change in quality. Fitted purge points, removed the balance, working as it should.
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