Liquid Seal at the outlet from condenser to accumulator? 1

[reena1957]

Hi All, We have a P&ID showing a liquid seal (an inverted U) at the outlet from a Overhead(OH) condenser to the accumulator below. The accumulator is having a split range fuel gas/flare pressure controller. The flow is by gravity from the condenser to the accumulator as there is a pressure equalizing line between the two. Can this seal be for preventing the vapor binding of the condenser? Does the seal require a syphon breaker?

 

[reena1957]

Hy,
Again, Can it be for subcooling the liquid?

 

[katmar]

Reena, a possibility for the U-leg seal is that it is there to ensure that no vapor flows up that pipe. Please have a look at the discussion in thread391-137464 and see if it is applicable to your case.

Harvey

Katmar Software
Engineering & Risk Analysis Software

http://katmarsoftware.com

 

[CJKruger]

reena1957,

From your description I would think it is for subcooling. But it depends on the loop elevation relative to the condenser.

If the liquid velocity is more than 1 ft/s, vapour cannot flow against the liquid, and the system may siphon and oscillate. Thus, either the last vertical down pipe must be very large, or you need a vent to break the siphon.

Either way, I assume the pipe enter the overhead receiver at the top and there is no submerged internal pipe.

 

[reena1957]

Katmar I went through the thread and I feel you are 100 percent right.Thanks
Kruger,
the U seal covers the diameter of condender and the liquid inlet to the vessel is slotted at the lower half and submerged upto the bottom.
Thanks

 

[reena1957]

Sorry Kruger, One correction! the slot openings in the pipe are in both vapor and liquid phase of the accumulator.