Condensation pump recommendations

[SycloneDriver]

I need a new condensation pump for my AC unit. There are quite a few to choose from. I'm considering a cheap unit from Amazon. I only run the AC it a few hours per weeks. Recommendations?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Did you read the recent discussion about using a Venturi tube instead of a mechanical pump? Much preferable alternative.

 

[SycloneDriver]

Did you read the recent discussion about using a Venturi tube instead of a mechanical pump? Much preferable alternative.

I have not seen that thread. I know the advantages of the venturi but it also reduces water flow. My boat is already setup for a pump and I would prefer to stay with a pump. However I will look for the ventrui thread.

Thanks

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I have not seen that thread. I know the advantages of the venturi but it also reduces water flow. My boat is already setup for a pump and I would prefer to stay with a pump. However I will look for the ventrui thread.

Thanks

Here is that discussion:

Any ideas, better A/C drainage?

This boats ac system is rigged in a “curious” way. The drainage is no good, pan overflows constantly. Any ideas how I could remedy this?

forums.sailboatowners.com

If all you are concerned with is the condensate, you don't need much water flow. As to the coolant water flow through the Venturi, I too was concerned about reducing the heat exchange capacity and measured the flow rate before and after installation. Don't recall precise flow rates but the difference was trivial

 

[SycloneDriver]

Here is that discussion:

Any ideas, better A/C drainage?

This boats ac system is rigged in a “curious” way. The drainage is no good, pan overflows constantly. Any ideas how I could remedy this?

forums.sailboatowners.com

If all you are concerned with is the condensate, you don't need much water flow. As to the coolant water flow through the Venturi, I too was concerned about reducing the heat exchange capacity and measured the flow rate before and after installation. Don't recall precise flow rates but the difference was trivial

A friend of mine measured his cooling water flow rate and the venturi cut it in half. I will investigate this further.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

A friend of mine measured his cooling water flow rate and the venturi cut it in half. I will investigate this further.

Proper sized Venturi shouldn’t do that. If it is much larger than necessary, it will pull lots of air.

 

[joe28532]

The venturi device is installed on the outlet side of the raw water discharge, meaning after it has already gone through the system. How would that reduce the flow rate?

 

[SycloneDriver]

The venturi device is installed on the outlet side of the raw water discharge, meaning after it has already gone through the system. How would that reduce the flow rate?

A venturi is a narrowing of a flow path ( tube, pipe, ect. ) and a smaller cross section will flow less. This isn't a very good explanation, sorry I'm tired. Just look up venturi and you will see how it's made. Now insert this narrowed piece of pipe into your water supply on your AC system and it will reduce flow. A properly sized unit probably won't be a problem. My friend may not have used the correct sized unit but he is a smart guy.

 

[joe28532]

I completely understand what the venturi effect is. What I'm saying is these venturi devices are installed on the discharge side. The water has already been through the air conditioner. It has no effect whatsoever how much water gets to or goes through the air conditioner. It uses the water that's already on its way out the thru-hull to create the venturi effect and vacuum or suck the condensate water from the pan.

 

[SycloneDriver]

I completely understand what the venturi effect is. What I'm saying is these venturi devices are installed on the discharge side. The water has already been through the air conditioner. It has no effect whatsoever how much water gets to or goes through the air conditioner. It uses the water that's already on its way out the thru-hull to create the venturi effect and vacuum or suck the condensate water from the pan.

Put your finger over the discharge port on the side of the boat. It's located after the AC unit, right? How much water is going through the AC now? Less, a lot less. A restriction anywhere in the system reduces flow in the entire system. Water cannot go in if it cannot get out.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

The venturi effect does not decrease flow volume ... the volume is the same but the constriction causes an increase in flow velocity and a corresponding negative pressure or vacuum to suck the condensate as @joe28532 describes. I believe it also sucks a fair amount of air, which causes the discharge to appear rather "foamy" as I've heard it described.