DES CHAMPS Technologies N Series HVAC Air Trap Negative Plenum Pressure Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- DES CHAMPS Technologies
Table of Contents
N-SERIES
Negative Plenum Pressure
Instruction Manual
HVAC Air-Trap®
Patented
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual for Des Champs Technologies
These instructions are a guide to the user of an NSERIES Air-Trap during
installation, commission into service, operation, or periodic maintenance.
Product Description
The N-SERIES Air-Trap allows water to drain from HVAC equipment and
simultaneously prevents air from entering the equipment.
The N-SERIES Air-Trap does not require standing water to prevent gas
(typically air) from entering the HVAC equipment. With the occurrence of
condensate or other water sources within the unit, the water flows out of the
HVAC unit but no gas enters. When there is no production of condensate or
water there is no water in the trap and there is no gas entering through the
trap. Install the N-Series Air-Trap in a horizontal position.
Delivery Check
Upon receipt of the air-trap(s), inspect for damage that may have occurred
during shipment and check to ensure delivered items match purchased items.
Resolving Shipping damage If damaged or items are missing:
- Report all claims of shipping damage to the delivering carrier (transporter) immediately, and schedule an inspection.
- Make specific notations on the freight bill concerning the damage.
- Keep damaged material in the same location as received. The receiver is responsible for providing reasonable evidence that damage did not incur after delivery.
- Photograph damage if possible.
- Do not move or discard damaged freight packaging materials.
- Notify the sales representative, or Des Champs Technologies, of the damage. Do not attempt to repair the unit without consulting the sales representative or Des Champ Technologies. DES CHAMPS TECHNOLOGIES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING DAMAGE.
Storage Considerations
Store the Air-Trap in a protected area prior to installation. The warranty
will not cover damage to the trap due to negligence.
Installation
For negative pressure cooling section(s), always connect the drain pan
directly to a trap to ensure proper drainage of condensate.
CAUTION
Failure to provide adequate drainage piping may result in water damage to
equipment or building.
Place stainless steel filter screen, Figure 1, over drain inlet or install a
neon trainer, see Figure 4) upstream of the trap.
Figure 1 Filter Screen
Important: Make sure a strainer screen, as shown in Figure 1, is placed over
the drain inlet prior to the operation of the HVAC unit and before installing
the trap. An integral Union- trainer™ may also be inserted in the drain line
upstream of the Air-Trap as shown in Figure 4.
- Install the N-SERIES Air-Trap as shown in Figure 2. The trap has to be installed level in a horizontal plane with the arrowhead in the direction of water flow. The vertical distance X must be at a minimum equal to the negative plenum pressure in inches of the water column. This is a requirement for proper movement of the internal components. Figure 2 illustrates a 2- inch negative pressure condition.
- The trap must be installed horizontally only for negative plenum pressure systems. DO NOT INSTALL VERTICALLY.
- The trap must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and with all applicable local or national plumbing, drainage, and mechanical codes. NEVER CONNECT CONDENSATE DRAIN DIRECTLY TO A SANITARY DRAIN LINE.
For proper operation, place in a horizontal position with a cleanout plug on top!
Figure 2 N-Series Air-Trap Installation
Operation
The N-SERIES Air-Trap operates dry when no water removal is required and wet
when it is required. When dry, essentially no air flows into the HVAC unit.
When removing water, the water exits the unit but essentially no air flows
into the unit through the drain connection.
One of the principal advantages of the N-SERIES Air-Trap is that it operates
in a horizontal position. This allows the centerline distance between the unit
drain connection and the trap to be approximately the same as the negative
pressure in inches of water column within the negative pressure plenum. See
Figure 2.
When there is no water to remove the negative pressure within the plenum draw
the internal valve against the valve seat and essentially no air enters the
AHU through the drainpipe. When condensate forms then water builds up in the
vertical pipe. When the water level equals the negative air pressure, in
inches of the water column, the force of the water head becomes equal to or
greater than the negative pressure, the internal valve moves to the right, and
water flows, as shown in Figure 2. When there is no requirement to remove
water then the negative pressure returns the internal valve to the valve seat
and prevents airflow to the unit plenum. The internal rails aid in returning
the internal valve to the seat, especially when a variable speed fan is
operating at a low flow and low negative pressure. The N-SERIES Air-Trap will
allow the flow of greater than 2 GPM with no external drainpipe restrictions.
Figure 2 illustrates the distance between the unit drain connection and the
centerline of the AirTrap is approximately half the requirement of a standard
P-trap. Therefore, the use of the N-Series AirTrap could be of great advantage
if the height from the AHU drain to the floor or roof is less than required by
a conventional “P” Trap.
The N-SERIES Air-Trap accomplishes the following:
- Reduces sludge buildup that normally accumulates in the standard “P” trap
- Prevents water from blowing out when condensate begins to form at the beginning of cooling the season when the trap has dried and the air is rushing into the HVAC unit plenum, causing water to spray into fan plenum compartment
- Since there is no water in the trap, there is no chance of freezing during cold periods.
- Reduces the trap height by approximately 50% as compared to the “P” trap
Techniques for Cleaning the N-SERIES Trap
In some operations, particulate matter may move from the HVAC unit through the
drain line and into the N-SERIES Air-Trap. The accumulation of particulate
matter in the rap may potentially cause the trap to operate less efficiently
or fail. Therefore, a means to remove the debris is required. A stainless
steel filter screen over the drain inlet or a neon-Strainer within the drain
line and upstream of the Air-Trap extends the time between maintenance but
more than likely the time will come.
There are several options for cleaning. Option 1 is to use the ½-inch cleanout
port in the trap housing. This will allow the insertion of water or air hose
for washing or blowing away material that may be hampering the operation of
the trap. See Figure 2
Figure 3 The Air-Trap with unions
Option 2, shown in Figure 3, is to isolate the N-SERIES Trap from the main
drain line by installing unions that allow Air-Trap removal for replacement or
cleaning.
The best way to reduce maintenance is to install a Deschamps Union-Strainer™
upstream of the Air-
Trap (See Figure 4). The DCT Union-Strainer™ is also a convenient way to
prevent unwanted creatures from entering the terminus of the drain line, like
snakes, rats, lizards, and insects.
Figure 4 DesChamps Union-Strainers™
The water flow is in direction of the arrow shown in Figure 4, with the strainer cup oriented to capture debris within the cup.
Maintenance
Inspect the N-SERIES Air-Trap on an annual basis; remove any sludge or foreign materials that might obstruct the proper operation of the valve contained within the trap or general drainage of the drain line. Remove obstacles utilizing the clean-out port located on the top of the Air-Trap or in the drainpipe. Caution – do not damage the internal valve inside the N-SERIES Air- Trap. Properly dispose of any contaminated materials.
Limited Warranty
Des Champs Technologies warrants to the original consumer purchaser
(“Purchaser”) of its product, the N-SERIES Air-Trap, that it is free from
defects in material or workmanship. If within the 12-month period from the
date of the original consumer purchase this product shall prove to be
defective, it shall be repaired or replaced at Des Champs Technologies’
option. Your original receipt of purchase is required to determine warranty
eligibility. The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, misapplication,
lack of maintenance, failure to comply with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions or recommendations, or any other loss or damage exceeding the
purchase price of the equipment purchased from Des Champs Technologies. Des
Champs Technologies assumes no responsibility for damage or injury resulting
from chemical incompatibility between its products and the process fluids to
which they are subjected. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of
the N-SERIES Air-Trap only and is the only warranty issued by Des Champs
Technologies on its trap products.
The product design is Patented by Des Champs Technologies LLC, Natural Bridge
Station, Virginia 24579. Des Champs Technologies also has a full line of
Positive Pressure Traps. Call or go to the website below for more information.
Des Champs Technologies
2 Nikki Lane
Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
www.deschampstechnologies.com
info@deschampstechnologies.com
Ph:540-228-1967
ADE IN THE USA
Documents / Resources
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CHAMPS Technologies N Series HVAC Air Trap Negative Plenum
Pressure
[pdf] Instruction Manual
N Series, HVAC Air Trap Negative Plenum Pressure, N Series HVAC Air Trap
Negative Plenum Pressure
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