By combining the condensate flow and steam pressure at the working traps, the model can calculate the energy provided by a perfect system. Combining the condensate flow and steam pressure at the traps in the same manner as above provides the energy transportation cost of the system. This second measure of energy loss provides calibration of this portion of the model. If it were not lost, it would be returned to the boiler still heated. If it is lost, its components water, heat and chemicals must all be replaced.
Flash steam occurs when the condensate from a steam trap is above the boiling point.
Without a flash recovery system in place, the flash steam will be lost. As these losses are hidden, many companies don't maintain their steam traps. More sophisticated maintenance methods are rarely employed at present. The model should include various steam trap maintenance methods with their labor and parts costs as well as lost steam. Steam from leaking traps quickly overwhelms any flash recovery systems and leaves the distribution system.