AC condensate drainage

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by coxjam

I have a generic question about these venturi devices. Do you just lay the tubing in the bottom of the condensation pan? My pan has two drain ports that have a 5/8 in ID hose that fits over it that runs to the bilge ( I don't have a sump pump in my boat). I'm reluctant to block the

I think you lost part of your post.

I have installed the venturis on my boat. Got them for about $15/piece IIRC. I installed them on the exit side of the compressor, above the waterline, just before it goes overboard. From there, I ran the small tube directly into the condensate drainage. I put panty hose over that to keep any particles from clogging it up.

It works very well. However, it will reduce the flow of your water circulation. That could have some long term issues I might think?? I still think the best solution is a dedicated catch basin and having it pumped overboard. The venturi is only a lot cheper and easier to install. Who knows.... time will tell I guess.

Brian

[coxjam]

Brian, thanks for the reply. I was wondering how you small tube was placed for the condensate drainage. Do folks just lay it in the drain pan? I hate to not connect the two drainage ports in the pan, if the condensator failed to work properly, there would be a heck of amess. I am installing a 900 gph pump which is over kill for my 16K BTU unit so some water reduction should be tolerated just fine I think. The panty hose idea is a great idea. I use to do that on my polaris swimming pool vaccuum to collect the finer particles in that.

James

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by coxjam

Brian, thanks for the reply. I was wondering how you small tube was placed for the condensate drainage. Do folks just lay it in the drain pan? I hate to not connect the two drainage ports in the pan, if the condensator failed to work properly, there would be a heck of amess. I am installing a 900 gph pump which is over kill for my 16K BTU unit so some water reduction should be tolerated just fine I think. The panty hose idea is a great idea. I use to do that on my polaris swimming pool vaccuum to collect the finer particles in that.

James

The condensate vacuum tube is roughly 1/4 inch. It is small, but works. Now coming off the condensate pan should be a 5/8 inch hose IIRC. You need both because the venturi may fail. In Florida at least, it is shocking how much water you pull out of the boat!!

When putting the condensate tube in, make sure it is well above the waterline and secure it via tie straps into the condensate pan with the end down. It seems to work best when it does not get air sucked into the line.

Regarding the pump size, I am not sure how much more of a difference it will make. The issue is the venturi will reduce the size of the exit. I would guess it is no more than a quarter inch where it goes through. I have no idea how much (or little) the larger pump will make.

Brian

[67Therapy]

Originally Posted by PalmettoSailor

Another less expensive option would be to use a "fertilizer injector" from Mazzei. These are often used in hot tubs and aquariums and can sometimes be found on E-bay.

Folks on the C36 site have experimented with the 484X, 584 and 684. According to the postings on C36, the 484X worked but resulted in some loss of cooling due to reduced water flow. Replacing it with the 684 solved the problem. Apparently the fellow that used a 584 was happy as well.

I'm considering installing either the 684 or 584 over this winter.

Dragging up an old post...did you ever do this Mazzei modification?

[dsmauney]

I'm using a 684 on a 16000 BTU unit and it is working fine. Flow seems OK as unit performance seems no different. 684 has a built in check valve and I put in a second plastic check valve from US plastics. If venture stops working condensate will continue to go to bilge through drain hole like it did before. Sure keeps most of pan dry. I only run unit when I am on board.

Goodwinds
DaveM

[67Therapy]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a 16K and 12K running off the same water pump...been thinking about trying 2 684's.