Condensate load from heating a liquid batch, abbreviated as \(m_c\), is the amount of condensate (liquid formed from vapor) generated when steam is used to heat a batch of liquid in a process, such as in a heat exchanger or a jacketed vessel. It’s used in designing and operating heating systems, especially in industries like chemical processing, food production, or pharmaceuticals.
Condensate Load from Heating Liquid Batch Formula |
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| \( m_c \;=\; 1000 \cdot c_l \cdot SG_l \cdot V \cdot \dfrac{ T_o - T_i }{ Q_l \cdot t_h } \) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( m_c \) = condensate load | \(lbm\) | \(kg\) |
| \( t_h \) = heating time period | \(min\) | \(min\) |
| \( Q_l\) = steam latent heat | \(Btu \;/\; lbm\) | \(kJ \;/\; kg\) |
| \( SG_l \) = liquid specific gravity | \(dimensionless\) | \(dimensionless\) |
| \( c_l \) = liquid specific heat | \(Btu \;/\; lbm-F\) | \(kJ \;/\; kg-K\) |
| \( T_i \) = liquid inlet temperature | \(^\circ F\) | \(^\circ K\) |
| \( T_o \) = liquid outlet temperature | \(^\circ F\) | \(^\circ K\) |
| \( V \) = liquid volume | \(ft^3\) | \(m^3\) |
When steam is used as a heating medium, it transfers its latent heat (the energy released during condensation) to the liquid batch. As the steam condenses into water, this condensate must be accounted for to ensure proper system sizing, drainage, and efficiency. The condensate load depends on the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of the liquid batch and the steam’s latent heat of vaporization.
