Kondenskontroll

Kondenskontroll is a discipline within process engineering that deals with managing condensate—the liquid formed when steam or hot gas cools—in industrial systems. The aim is to remove condensate efficiently, retain energy, prevent damage from water hammer and corrosion, and maintain stable process conditions. In Nordic and other European contexts, kondenskontroll covers the design, operation, and monitoring of condensate collection and return in steam networks found in power plants, refineries, chemical plants, and district heating systems.

Core elements include condensate collection and return lines, steam traps, condensate tanks or receivers, pumps, and valves. Condensate traps are selected to maximize condensate removal while minimizing steam loss; types include thermodynamic, mechanical, and thermostatic traps. Return lines transport condensate back to the boiler feedwater system, often via separators or drains to avoid carryover.

Control strategies use sensors for condensate temperature and level, pressure measurements, and flow rates, feeding a control system (PLC or DCS) that modulates valves and pumps. Practices include trap testing and maintenance, balancing return lines, and monitoring for signs of trap failure or blockage. Energy recovery, such as preheating feedwater with recovered condensate, is a common objective.

Benefits of effective kondenskontroll include reduced energy consumption, improved boiler efficiency, lower risk of corrosion and water hammer, and extended equipment life. Challenges include trap fouling, improper sizing, and sensor or actuator failures. Related topics are steam traps, condensate recovery, and boiler feedwater management.