53
Total Humidification Load Calculation
Nortec EL
2596995_0_EN_1905
5.1.3 Condensate Loss
Some steam in the steam distribution system will condense back to a liquid state due to convection
heat transfer, which reduces the gross output of the humidifier. An estimate of the condensate losses
throughout the distribution system should be determined to ensure the total humidifier capacity, less any
condensate loss, will still satisfy the total load requirement. The factors that contribute to condensate
losses are discussed below.
Steam Distributor Losses
The steam distributor is often the largest contributor to condensate losses in a steam distribution system.
The amount of steam lost due to condensation is dependent upon the design of the distributor system.
Refer to the steam distributor engineering guide for specific information on condensate loss.
Using Condair stainless steel air-gap insulation is one way to reduce distributor loses and
conserve energy. Additional information on calculating condensate losses, and savings from
the use of insulating distributors can be found in the Condair white paper “Condair Stainless
Steel Air Gap Insulation R Value”.
To compensate for condensate losses when using a SAM-e distribution manifold, the calculated hu-
midification must be increased accordingly. Refer to
for SAM-e condensate losses.
Table 17: Condensate Losses for Un-insulated SAM-e Distribution Manifold
Air Velocity
fpm (m/s)
Atmospheric Steam Condensate Losses*
(% of Maximum Capacity)
55 °F (13 °C)
70 °F (21 °C)
500 (2.5)
15%
12%
1000 (5.1)
20%
15%
* These values may change due to other unknown variables, and as such should only be used as a guideline.
Table 18: Condensate Losses for Insulated SAM-e Distribution Manifold
Air Velocity
fpm (m/s)
Atmospheric Steam Condensate Losses*
(% of Maximum Capacity)
55 °F (13 °C)
70 °F (21 °C)
500 (2.5)
5%
4%
1000 (5.1)
10%
8%
* These values may change due to other unknown variables, and as such should only be used as a guideline.
For more information on specifying SAM-e insulation, refer to SAM-e Engineering Manual (Condair
document 1503529).