Treatment Method for Condensate drain line in HVAC System

In the central air conditioning system, there are three types of water systems: chilled water, cooling water, and condensate water. Generally, more attention is given to the chilled water and cooling water systems during design, and the construction quality management and pressure testing are also relatively sufficient. After running for a period of time, there are fewer problems. However, the attention to the condensate water system is relatively lacking. In most hotel buildings, the air conditioning end is installed on the ceiling. Due to the lag in condensate water discharge, problems can often go unnoticed until damage is caused to the ceiling. Therefore, the discharge of condensate water should also be given sufficient attention. So, how should the air conditioner condensate drain line be installed indoors? What are the standards for air conditioning condensate drain line installation?

The reason for the air conditioning unit to produce condensate water is that when the outdoor air exchanges heat with the surface cooler of the air conditioning unit, it absorbs heat. Because the surface cooler's wall temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the outdoor air, water vapor in the outdoor air condenses and forms dew on the surface cooler's wall, and when the dew drops accumulate to a certain degree, they will slide down to the condensate water tray below the surface cooler, forming condensate water.

Condensate water treatment: connect the condensate drain line at the condensate water tray to discharge the condensate water to a suitable place nearby. Now let's take a look at the installation instructions for the air conditioning condensate water pipe on the outdoor unit.

Indoor air conditioning condensate drain line installation

• Install with a 1:100 slope (that is, one centimeter drop per meter of pipeline length) to ensure smooth drainage of condensate water;

• Install brackets at intervals of 0.8-1 meter;

• Add a protective sleeve between the bracket and the condensate pipe;

• Add an exhaust hole every 3 meters. The outlet of the exhaust hole should be horizontal or downward to prevent dust from entering and causing water blockage;

• Make a mark on the pipeline;

• For indoor units with lifting pumps or sufficient height, add check bends. When adding glass wool insulation on the surface, the thickness of the insulation layer should be good, and the gaps between the insulation cotton should be glued.

Standards for air conditioning condensate water pipe installation

The installation requirements for refrigerant pipes have two types, horizontal and vertical. The installation requirements for the air conditioning condensate water pipe are as follows:

• Slope. Wrap the refrigerant pipe and condensate drain line with insulation cotton, because the air conditioning system is poorly insulated, it is easy to cause condensate water to appear on the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe and condensate water pipe. A large amount or long-term accumulation of water will damage the ceiling decoration. Pay special attention to the fact that the splitter can only be installed horizontally or vertically.

• Where to connect both ends of the air conditioning condensate drain line: Connect one end of the air conditioning condensate water pipe to the air conditioning condensate water outlet. Generally, PPR pipes are used for connection because they are low-cost and easy to install. Metal pipes are prone to rust. There must be a slope, because drainage is basically discharged by gravity. It is best to discharge to the bathroom or kitchen.

• Set an exhaust pipe at the end or middle position of the main condensate water pipeline to facilitate smooth drainage. The outlet of the exhaust pipe should be higher than the water level of the highest indoor unit in the drainage system to prevent water from overflowing from the exhaust hole. The opening of the exhaust port should face downward to prevent dust or debris from entering the drainage pipe.