Formula & worked example
Return%=mreturn/msteam·100; Q=ṁreturn·cp·(Treturn−Tmakeup).
Returning 7 t/h from a 10 t/h steam load gives 70% return and 3 t/h nominal makeup before losses.
HVAC engineering calculator · Updated Sep 17, 2026
Condensate Return Calculator — Return %, Makeup Water & Heat Recovery
Calculate steam-system condensate return percentage, makeup-water demand and approximate sensible heat recovered from hot condensate versus makeup water.
Inputs
Live result
Condensate return 70%
Nominal makeup 3 t/h
Recovered sensible heat 529.06389 kW
Recovered heat 1,805,240.9 BTU/h
Assumptions & limits
- Mass flows use the same time basis.
- Heat recovery is a sensible-water estimate and excludes flash-steam recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What does this Condensate Return Calculator calculate?
Calculate steam-system condensate return percentage, makeup-water demand and approximate sensible heat recovered from hot condensate versus makeup water.
Is this suitable for final equipment selection?
Use it as an auditable engineering cross-check. Final selections should use measured design conditions, manufacturer data, applicable standards and local code.
Why does MAXScanner expose the assumptions?
HVAC shortcuts can hide density, pressure, concentration and effectiveness assumptions. Exposing them makes the result easier to verify and revise.