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Application Considerations
Condensate Traps
When designing a condensate trap for the
Under normal conditions, condensate runs down the coil fins and drips into a condensate pan. In situations where no trap is installed, the water level that would be maintained in the trap to create a seal, backflows through the drainline into the unit. Because the fan pulls air through the
Air flowing through the coil can then spray condensate into the fan intake, with the possi- bility of propelling moisture into other parts of
the mechanical system. This aerosol
mist can be carried through the ducts and into the conditioned air space.
Another problem with air backflow, is the source of that air. Drain lines typically flow into waste or sewage lines, giving the potential to introduce methane and other contaminants from the drain system into the airstream.
In a properly trapped system, when conden- sate forms during normal operation, the water level in the trap rises until there is a constant outflow. (See Figure 31, for the appropriate dimensions required in designing a negative pressure system.)
Figure 31: Condensate trap installation.
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