Condensate Pumps Key Terms

Understand condensate pumps by becoming familiar with key terms

By Sherry Grant

Condensate pumps are used to pump the condensate (liquid) produced in an condensing boiler furnace, steam system, refrigeration unit or a heating and cooling system. Condensate pumps are used in homes or in industrial settings. Condensate pumps run continuously or intermittently into tanks which accumulate the condensate. When the liquid reaches a certain level, the float switch activates and lowers the water level. Check valves work by preventing liquid from flowing back into the tank. Become acquainted with key terms for condensate pumps by perusing the following key words.

Steam traps

A steam trap is a device used to discharge condensate and non condensate gases while not permitting the escape of live steam. Thermostatic steam traps are beneficial for use in schools, hospitals and homes. Thermodisc steam traps are best for laundry and kitchen equipment.
Try: Globalindustrial.com sells varied steam traps for specific uses and gives descriptive uses for each device.

Condensate pots

Condensate pots are installed at the drain position of the steam line. All foreign matters are collected in the pot and cleaned during shutdown of the main line. Condensate pots also ensure that the steam temperature is not transmitted to the gauge device.
Try: Technical Specialties describes a wide variety of condensate pots with descriptions and specifications for each type of pot.

Sump pump

A sump pump is one of the two main types of condensate pumps. Sump pumps prevent water build up in heating and air conditioning machinery by pumping water out of collection tanks. Sump pumps also prevent water build up in sump pits commonly located in basements.
Try: NDSU Extension Service answers all of your inquiries about sump pumps and how the pumps work. InspectAPedia gives an overview of how a sump pump works as a condensate pump for air conditioning components.

Boiler feed pump

Boiler feed pumps are one of the two main types of condensate pumps. Boiler feed pumps control the amount of water fed to the boiler and whether it is fed in a continuous or intermittent manner.
Try: P.C. McKenzie Company gives an overview of boiler feed pumps with information regarding temperature, capacity and pressure.

Pump traps

Pump traps function to eliminate condensate handling problems such as temperature control, noise, poor transfer of heat and tube failure. A pump trap is designed to automatically collect and remove condensate the instant it forms in equipment.
Try: Backos Pumpless Pump discusses pump traps and explains how they work.

Pre-piped PRV station

A pre-piped PRV station is an accessory for a condensate pump. PRV stations provide control of steam pressures and help to ensure the longevity of pump internals and check valves. PRV stations also provide stable management of the steam supply to the pump connection.
Try: Armstrong distributes condensate pumps and accessories. Armstrong provides a visual and a description of a pre-piped PRV station condensate pump accessory.