Steam has long been used to deliver heat to buildings connected to a district heating system, such as those found on college campuses. High heat capacity, relatively low cost of generation, and ease of conveyance make steam an efficient method of delivering thermal energy to a large area, but steam distribution systems require some careful considerations. Proper design, installation, operation, and maintenance can significantly lower the risk of a catastrophic failure. Efficient condensate removal is not only key to the safety and reliability of any steam distribution system, but maximizing recovery rates can help decrease operational costs.
