Site Bite: Vertically Mounted Coils with a Horizontal Airflow

When you're dealing with unique projects, you often need to think outside the box—literally. At John S. Roberts J.H.S., we encountered a special challenge that required a custom approach. The steam coils were mounted vertically, but the airflow was horizontal, which is not the usual configuration.

This setup wasn’t just for show—it was necessary to manage condensate buildup effectively. Once steam condenses into liquid, it needs to exit the system. If left in the tubes, it can freeze and expand, potentially causing the coils to rupture. That’s a big no-no in any HVAC system.

To prevent this, we made sure the return header was pitched downward. This allowed gravity to assist in draining the condensate naturally. It's a simple fix, but one that makes a huge difference in system longevity and performance.

Normally, full steam pressure would push the condensate out of the coil. But when the system is running at half load or lower pressure, the pitched header becomes essential. It ensures proper drainage and avoids potential damage from trapped water.

Whether you have a unique coil setup or just want to learn more about commercial HVAC systems, we’re always here to help. Email us anytime with your questions.

From custom coils to OEM replacements, Nationwide Coils has the expertise to create a solution for any application. No job is too strange or too challenging for us.