This means that when steam condenses, the pressure in the steam space is reduced. The volume of condensate is very much less than steam.Steam condenses on the heat transfer surfaces, creating condensate.Steam passes through the control valve and into the steam space of the equipment where it comes into contact with the heat transfer surfaces.Steam is supplied at a specific pressure to the upstream side of the control valve through which it passes to a heat exchanger, also operating at a specific pressure.Before discussing the sizing of control valves for steam systems, it is useful to review the characteristics of steam in a heat transfer application.
