October Meeting: Steam Systems - Equipment Operation & Drain Design

Steam Systems: Equipment Operation & Drain Design

Join ASHRAE SoCal on October 6 at La Kretz Innovation Campus in Downtown Los Angeles for an evening of industry networking and a practical technical session on steam system performance, condensate management, and equipment drainage.

Connect with fellow engineers, contractors, manufacturers, facility professionals, and other members of the Southern California HVAC community before diving into the technical program.

Steam systems are only as effective as their approach to drainage, condensate return, and distribution. This presentation will explore the often-overlooked concept of steam stall and the drainage strategies designers can use to improve reliability, efficiency, and equipment performance.

Attendees will learn how to identify common symptoms of suboptimal steam system performance, understand the role and operation of steam traps, evaluate considerations for flash steam and condensate return, and compare drainage strategies for both open and closed systems.

The presentation will include:

• Steam system reliability and optimization opportunities
• Common performance issues, including water hammer, corrosion, leaks, and poor condensate drainage
• Steam trap functions and mechanical trap operation
• Steam quality and dryness considerations
• Flash steam and condensate return sizing
• Single-phase vs. two-phase condensate return
• Steam stall: causes, impacts, and system design considerations
• Open vented and closed non-vented pump systems
• Motive pump and trap combinations
• Layout considerations, including fill head, reservoirs, and pressure balancing
• Q&A

Speaker: Bryan D. Martin, CEM | TLV Corporation

Bryan Martin has more than 30 years of experience supporting industrial and commercial facilities across industries, including food and beverage, institutional, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, power generation, geothermal, and manufacturing.

His work focuses on steam, condensate, and compressed air systems, helping organizations improve energy efficiency, system reliability, process performance, and operational effectiveness.

📅 October 6, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 La Kretz Innovation Campus | Downtown Los Angeles

Tabletop Sponsorship ($500)

Showcase your company at the first ASHRAE SoCal meeting of the new chapter year with a Tabletop Sponsorship. Sponsors will receive space to set up a display table, recognition and exposure across event marketing materials, and two general admission tickets to attend the meeting. It’s a great opportunity to connect directly with HVAC professionals, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and industry partners while highlighting your products, services, and expertise.