What condition can indicate a liquid level issue in the surge drum of a flooded system?

When considering conditions indicative of a liquid level issue in the surge drum of a flooded system, warm return line temperatures serve as a significant indicator. In a properly functioning system, a lower liquid level in the surge drum can lead to increased return line temperatures because the liquid is not being adequately cycled back into the system for cooling. This is due to insufficient liquid inventory, which means that the system is not efficiently managing the heat load.

When the return line temperatures are warmer than expected, it often suggests that there is a lack of adequate liquid in the surge drum to absorb the heat, potentially leading to insufficient cooling and operational issues. Monitoring the temperatures in the return lines helps operators to diagnose liquid level problems early, allowing for timely intervention before more serious issues develop in the system. Thus, warm return line temperatures can be seen as a warning sign of an underlying liquid level issue.