What equipment is used to protect sewer lines from high temperature and pressure during boiler blowdown?

Blowdown tanks are specifically designed to handle the high temperature and pressure that occurs during boiler blowdown. During the blowdown process, water is removed from the boiler to control the concentration of dissolved solids. This water can be at significantly high temperatures and pressures, which could potentially damage sewer lines if discharged directly.

The function of blowdown tanks is to absorb this high-temperature blowdown water and allow it to cool down to a safe level before it is released into the sewer system. These tanks are constructed to withstand the high pressures involved and often have safety features to prevent any accidental releases.

Other options, while important in various boiler operations, do not serve the same specific purpose. Condensate tanks are primarily used to collect condensate for reuse in the boiler system, pressure relief valves are safety devices that prevent overpressure scenarios in the system, and heat exchangers are used to transfer heat between fluids but do not mitigate the specific challenges posed by high-temperature and high-pressure blowdown directly into sewer lines. Thus, the use of blowdown tanks is crucial for ensuring that the sewer lines remain protected from the adverse effects of blowdown operations.