Steam Fin Tube Radiant Heat

[ME27272727]

This is my first time having to design a fin tube system with steam rather than hot water. The building I'm serving is slab on grade, with condensate and steam ran in the ceiling. I'm relying on back pressure to lift the condensate, so modulation is out the door. I'm thinking about controlling an on/off valve with an indoor t-stat. Thoughts?

 

[MintJulep]

Water hammer.

 

[ME27272727]

Even with slow opening / closing valve, and a float / thermostatic trap?

 

[BronYrAur]

What is the pressure and how high are you trying to lift? Regardless, you will accumulate standing water in the condensate line when the valve closes. Then when it opens, hammer-time!

 

[dbill74]

ME27272727, Google "Condensate Induced Water Hammer"

There are numerous examples where CIWH has blown out valves and fittings, in some cases actually killing people. For the system you describe, the threat to life may not be there, but the potential for CIWH still does. Properly trapping and returning/draining the condensate will extend the life of the piping and system significantly.

 

[lilliput1]

Check out stream radiant ceiling panel heating.

 

[willard3]

Steam pressure is waaayyyy to variable to count on for condensate return and start-up load will make water hammer.

This is the reason traps were invented.