http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:53:04 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Air and non-condensable gases are one of the major problems in a steam system.   Both can cause production problems for a steam system’s operation and performance.   For example, the thermal conductivity of air is 0.000049, compared with 0.002 for water, 0.20 for iron, and 0.96 for copper.  Not removing air and ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=230 For a facility that uses steam in it's manufacturing process is there a rough percentage that can be attributed to the steams portion of that plants overall energy bill? http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=227 Steam System Specialist Level I (An Overview of the entire Steam System)  Steam System Specialist Level I Training is an exciting three (3) day course. The training program reviews all aspects of a steam system.  Steam System Training Level I is targeted for all individuals looking to achieve more knowledge of ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=225 With today’s energy pricing and the need to reduce emissions, a plant’s steam/condensate systems cannot afford to vent flash steam to the atmosphere. The modulating steam system’s operational design requires the condensate to be recovered by a gravity (0 psig) condensate system. A typical system will incorporate a condensate receiver ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=223 True energy savings come from three basic sources: (1) energy-efficiency baked into the design of a building and its mechanical systems, (2) operating and maintenance procedures, and (3) the behavior of its occupants. Read another way, energy savings are not simply a function of building design; human choices also play ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=213 Energy and energy conservation is on everyone’s mind these days.  As the world’s population grows and the standards of living increases so does our demand for energy.  This is why each of us should be aware of our individual energy use and the resulting impact on the environment or what’s ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=209 As mentioned in a previous blog, insulation provides energy savings for a steam system.   Often, valves are not insulated for a variety of reasons, yet they offer a substantial energy savings as well.   We would be interested in hearing from you as to what heat loss value you utilize for ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=206 We are trying to standardize the steam trap test results plants use for testing steam traps.  If you have any recommendations - please respond.... Good: the steam trap is operating properly Blow: (failure) the steam trap is completely failed and blowing steam Lk: (failure) the steam trap is severe leaking steam US: (failure) the ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=203 As we identify opportunities in our plants to improve efficiency, save energy, and ultimately save money, often there are incentives provided by utility and government agencies.   A range of incentives are avaliable such as corporate tax credits, loan guarantees, rebates, and grants among others.  A valuable tool is the Database of State Incentives for ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=200 Remember in physics class when the professor demonstrated the venturi effect.  The experiment most likely had water or compressed air passing through a nozzle.  As the fluid is constricted in the nozzle it's velocity increases and as we know from the Law of Conservation of Energy, the pressure at the constriction decreases.  ... http://blogs.swagelokenergy.com/?p=195