Preventing frozen condensate

In response to the harsh temperatures experienced in theUKduring the winter of 2010 – 2011, leading boiler manufacturer Worcester, Bosch Group has unveiled a brand new device which helps prevent external condensate pipes freezing.

Worcester says its CondenseSure product is entirely flexible allowing it to be fitted with any condensing boiler, either at the time of installation or in retrofit scenarios. CondenseSure consists of a syphonic trap and insulation, which connects to the condensate outlet pipe of the boiler and can then be attached to the heating flow pipe of the boiler.

As the condensate discharge pipework leaves the boiler, the condensate is collected in the CondenseSure syphon. The condensate subsequently, discharges automatically in 500ml quantities through the externally run discharge pipework to drain outside. The volume of the condensate discharged, together with the additional free ‘parasitic’ heat from the boiler flow-pipe produces the anti-freezing effect.

The company adds that intensive laboratory test work has proved that an uninsulated 32mm diameter condensate discharge pipe would not freeze, even when subjected to -15°C for over 48 hours.

Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support atWorcester, said: “After theUKexperienced the coldest winter on record for 100 years at the end of 2010, a plethora of anti-freeze type gadgets were introduced to prevent external condensate pipes becoming clogged in cold spells. These included a variety of fans and electrical-based products, which promptedWorcesterto introduce our own energy-free device that is not only compatible with our award-winning Greenstar range of gas-fired boilers, but also with any other condensing boiler on the market.”