A large tank farm was updating their 70 PSI steam system to return their condensate to save energy. Electric condensate return pumps were first considered, but no existing electric power was available and much of the plant was in CLASS I, Div. I areas. The cost to run electric to the far reaches of the tank farm was very costly.

Conventional pressure powered pumps were ruled out for two reasons. The steam system was regularly shut down at night and on weekends, plus any condensate trapped in the system was subject to freezing. Alternatively, compressed air could be used to power the pumps; however, the energy costs would be very high to continuously provide large amounts of compressed air.

F. S. Welsford Company provided the solution to the problem. Modified Bestobell Pressure Powered Pumps were provided for the system using steam as the primary source of power for the pumps. In the event that the steam pressure dropped to unacceptable levels the pumps would automatically switch to pneumatic power.

This unique approach proved less costly to operate, and because it required no electric power at all was much less costly to install.