Mutiny – Steam Operated Condensate Return System
Condensate units or transfer pumps serve a specific purpose. The goal is to pump hot condensate from low points in the building back to the boiler system as quickly as possible. The condensate flows by gravity from the steam traps down into the condensate receiver and the water/condensate level in the receiver rises. There is a float or mechanical alternator in the receiver. When the level rises high enough to make the contacts on the float, the pump starts and sends the condensate out of the receiver and back to the boiler room.
Most condensate units have two pumps so there is a standby pump. When using two pumps, there is normally an alternator for the pumps. In addition to alternation, there can be two floats or a two-level mechanical float alternator with a higher level sensor so if the pump cannot keep up, the second pump comes on.