In a steam heating system, what happens to condensate?

In a steam heating system, condensate is the water that forms when steam cools and loses energy as it transfers heat to its surroundings. The behavior of condensate is crucial for the efficient operation of the heating system. When steam cools, it condenses back into liquid water, and this liquid, or condensate, is typically drained from the system.

Draining the condensate ensures that it does not accumulate in the heating equipment and that the system can maintain its efficiency and operational integrity. If condensate is not adequately drained, it can lead to issues such as water hammer, inefficiencies in heat transfer, and potential system damage.

While some systems may collect condensate for reuse or other purposes, the primary function in a traditional steam heating system is to allow condensate to drain away effectively. This is why the option indicating that it drains from the system accurately reflects the correct behavior of condensate in steam heating applications.