While performing a steam trap survey for a customer we noticed that the condensate return line temperature was between 120 - 130⁰C (248 - 266⁰F) at different places. The condensate return line runs back to the hotwell tank at the boiler and the tank is open to atmosphere with a 3" vent pipe. The boiler is only delivering about 1000 kg/hr .
We checked the complete system and found no leaking steam traps and no steam lines tied into the condensate system.
The plant is a textile factory and the lines to each press is only 1/2" in and out at about 8 bar (116 psig).
The only thing we noticed was that at one specific area where the condensate line was at its highest there were steam and condensate lines that had been insulated together in one insulation section. In other words, the two pipes were touching each other and the insulation was wrapped around them.
Could this be the cause of the high temperature in the condensate return line?
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