- Steam Theory
- 1. Basics of Steam
- 2. Steam Heating
- 3. Basics of Steam Traps
- 4. Steam Trap Selection
- Steam Trap Selection: How Application Affects Selection
- Steam Trap Selection: Understanding Specifications
- Steam Trap Selection: Safety Factor and Life Cycle Cost
- Traps and Orifices Part 1
- Traps and Orifices Part 2
- Casting vs. Forging
- Applications of Different Types of Steam Traps
- Don't Get Steamed : Selecting Steam Trap Design
- Understanding Steam Traps
- Compare Two Fixed Orifice Venturi Products to a Variable Orifice Free Float Steam Trap
- 5. Steam Trap Problems
- 6. Steam Trap Management
- 7. Water Hammer
- Water Hammer: What is it?
- Water Hammer: The Mechanism
- Water Hammer: Cause and Location
- Water Hammer: In Steam Distribution Lines
- Water Hammer: In Equipment
- Water Hammer: In Condensate Transport Piping
- Water Hammer: Conclusion
- Mitigation of Water Hammer in Vertical Flashing Condensate Transport Piping
- Stop Knocking Your Condensate Return
- Steam Trap Management: Do Something; Anything. Please!
- 8. Risk Mitigation
- 9. Steam Quality
- 10. Steam Distribution
- 11. Condensate Recovery
- Introduction to Condensate Recovery
- Returning Condensate and When to Use Condensate Pumps
- Condensate Recovery: Vented vs. Pressurized Systems
- Condensate Recovery Piping
- What is Stall?
- Methods of Preventing Stall
- Cavitation in Condensate Pumps
- Steam Heat Exchangers are Underworked and Over-Surfaced
- Allocate New Plant Focus to Steam System Design—Part 2
- 12. Energy Efficiency
- Tips to improve steam plant efficiency
- Advice on Winter Preparation for Steam Systems
- Insulating Traps
- Steam Compressors
- Why Save Energy?
- Management Strategies for Conserving Energy
- Recovering Steam Clouds and Waste Heat
- Waste Heat Recovery
- Boiler Energy Saving Tips
- Steam Line Energy Saving Tips
- Handle Steam More Intelligently
- Optimize the Entire Steam System
- Use Available Data to Lower System Cost
- 13. Compressed Air / Gas
- 14. Other Valves
Condensate Recovery: Vented vs. Pressurized Systems
Contents:
Condensate recovery systems can be classified as either vented-to-atmosphere or pressurized depending on whether condensate is recovered in an open-to-atmosphere tank (vented) or sent to a pressurized vessel/directly to the boiler (pressurized).
Vented vs. Pressurized Condensate Recovery
In a vented condensate recovery system, steam trap inlet pressure or a condensate pump is used to return condensate to an open-to-atmosphere collection tank for use as boiler make-up water, pre-heat or other hot water applications.
In a pressurized condensate recovery system, recovered condensate is maintained above atmospheric pressure throughout the recovery process. The pressurized condensate is generally used as boiler make-up water. Since any associated flash or live steam is pressurized, this steam can be recovered for reuse in applications such as waste heat steam generators (that involve heat exchange) and cascade systems.
Besides pressure, one of the major differences between vented and pressurized systems is the temperature at which condensate can be recovered. In a vented system, because condensate is vented to atmospheric pressure, the maximum recovery temperature of condensate is some value less than 100°C [212°F] due to flashing at that temperature, and subsequent heat loss during from return piping and equipment.
In a pressurized system, condensate can be recovered at much higher temperatures. For example on a closed system with steam at 10 barg [145 psig], condensate can be recovered with a temperature of 184 °C [363 °F] if it is sent to a Deaerator or similar system which captures the higher heat of the higher temperature liquid.
Selecting Between a Vented or Pressurized System
The selection between a vented or pressurized condensate recovery system should be based on a careful economic analysis relative to the gains and losses of each system, which includes the following factors:
- Sensitivity to backpressure
- Amount of equipment being drained and recovered relative to the economic and physical constraints
- Need for a flash recovery system
For a discussion on the differences between using trap inlet pressure and a condensate pump for condensate return, please refer to:
Typical Range for Vented / Pressurized Systems
Pros and Cons of Vented Recovery Systems
Because their configuration is much simpler, vented recovery systems typically require a much lower initial investment than pressurized recovery systems. Sizing condensate transport lines is also much easier as piping can be sized like water piping once condensate and flash steam have been separated.
On the other hand, since the collection tank is open-to-atmosphere, a larger amount of energy is lost when condensate flashes to atmosphere – especially in installations where trap inlet pressure is high. The formation of vapor clouds can also have a negative impact on a plant’s work environment.
Example of Condensate Recovery Vented-to-Atmosphere

Pros and Cons of Pressurized Recovery Systems
Pressurized systems involve a much greater number of design considerations than vented systems. For instance, a specialized valve must be installed to regulate the release of flash steam to atmosphere and condensate transport piping must be sized for two-phase flow of steam and condensate.
However, these systems allow for a much greater percent of energy to be recovered compared to vented systems. Additionally, since flash steam is not vented to atmosphere, a greater amount of water can be recovered and reused. The absence of vapor clouds can also considerably improve a plant’s work environment.
Example of Pressurized Condensate Recovery

Summary Table
Vented Recovery | Pressurized Recovery | |
---|---|---|
Recovered Condensate Temperature | Up to 100 ºC [212 °F] | Up to 180 ºC [356 °F]* |
System Configuration | Simple | Advanced |
Initial Costs | Lower | Higher |
Running Costs | Varies | Varies |
Piping Corrosion | Significant (condensate comes into contact with air) | Slight (no contact with air) |
Vapor Clouds | Large amount (if condensate temp. is high) | Minimal amount |
Recovery Applications | Boiler make-up water Pre-heat Water for cleaning, etc. |
Mainly for direct feed to boiler, and Flash Steam Recovery Applications |
Returning Condensate and When to Use Condensate Pumps | Condensate Recovery Piping |