During the refrigeration process of an air conditioning system, condensate is an aspect that sometimes makes it difficult to install equipment. Now there are solutions to overcome these cases.
by Aspen Pumps*
Traditionally, gravity drains have been used to extract condensed water from air conditioning equipment. However, in many applications, this seemingly simple solution turns out not to be so simple to install and can also pose potential health and safety risks. An effective solution to this problem is a pump to absorb condensates.
Where to install the tube? When installing air conditioning systems, engineers often have to face the problem of where to install the tube that will evacuate the condensed water. Gravity drainage has always been considered a simple solution for condensate absorption. However, the reality is that, on the ground, a gravity drain is not easy to install.
Gravity drainage
Condensed water is a natural by-product of the cooling process. Therefore, when assembling an air conditioning system, whether in a commercial, industrial or domestic application, engineers have to take into account that the condensed water generated by the air conditioning equipment will have to be evacuated. In some cases, the water can be drained with a plastic tube that takes it out of the system. However, this traditional method has many drawbacks, such as possible water damage, space limitations and lack of flexibility when installing it.
For example, installing gravity drains in new buildings can be tricky if they haven't been taken into account in the design phase. Installing air conditioning in a building once it is finished can also be complex. Gravity drainage systems require air conditioning equipment to be mounted on the wall closest to the outer wall and also need enough space to be able to drain by gravity. However, if you don't plan ahead where to place a gravity drain, air conditioners can end up installed quite a distance from the outside walls or in a boiler room with restricted space, making it difficult to use a gravity drain to evacuate condensed water.
Another disadvantage of using a gravity drainage system is that water damage to the building can occur. Water leaks from gravity drainage systems can deteriorate facades, which will mean tens of thousands of pounds for the owner in repairs to the exterior of the building.
In addition, gravity drains also pose potential health and safety risks, as standing water can become a hotbed of bacteria and fungi posing a latent health and safety risk.
The solution
What's the answer? In an attempt to meet the ever-increasing comfort demands of the air conditioning industry while also addressing the challenges posed by gravity drains, the air conditioning industry realized that it needed to devise an alternative method of condensate absorption that was fast and reliable.
Manufacturers took these problems into account, came up with an alternative solution and introduced it to the market: the condensed water absorption pump. The arrival of this technology in the air conditioning industry was a revolution. Not only did it increase the number of applications in which air conditioning could be used, but it also made it easier to upgrade equipment already installed in older buildings. Condensate absorption pumps have shown that gravity drainage systems are no longer needed, since a pump is able to evacuate water up and away from the equipment.
Adrian Thompson, Managing Director of Aspen Pumps commented: "When we upgrade an air conditioner in a commercial building in the UK, in most cases it is not feasible to use a gravity system. A condensate absorption pump allows total and unrestricted installation flexibility. It doesn't have any science."
The development of condensate removal pumps in the air conditioning market has given engineers total installation flexibility; allowing them to place the pump in, on or on top of the air conditioner and causing the water to be pumped up and away from the equipment without the need for gravity. These pumps are able to remove condensed water in a simple and effective way whatever the application: whether it is a floor on the thirtieth floor of a building or the basement of an office block.
A condensate absorption pump ensures maximum flexibility, as the building owner or contractor can place the air conditioning equipment wherever they want, unlike gravity drainage systems, which require the equipment to be placed on the wall closest to the outer wall. For example, the Silent + Mini Orange from Aspen Pumps is capable of pumping condensed water up to 10 meters upwards emitting a very low sound level (19DBA). It is ideal for installation in commercial buildings."
Serge Becker, Director of Marketing and Sales at Aspen Pumps explained: "Aspen Pumps offers innovative products that help solve a problem that exists around the world. In many countries, gravity drainage systems have so far been the only way to evacuate condensed water from buildings, with all the potential water damage and health and safety risks that come with it. The condensate absorption pump is an easy alternative to install and requires very little maintenance.
Condensate absorption pumps are now available worldwide for a wide variety of applications. When space is an issue, there is a pump that suits almost all possibilities: it can be installed inside a wall-mounted air conditioner, fits perfectly inside a duct elbow, can be installed above the ceiling and is also valid when you need to pump water to a higher point, such as the new Pump with 2-liter Hi-Flow tank from Aspen.
These pumps remove condensates effectively and meet all the requirements demanded by both engineers and building owners, while eliminating installation problems and the risk of water damage that gravity drainage can cause. These absorption pumps prove that the traditional is not always the best.
* For more information on condensed water absorption pumps, please contact Aspen Pumps. Email: [email protected] or visit www.aspenpumps.com
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