In a steam deaerator, steam serves as the scrubbing agent to reduce the partial pressures of the gases being removed.  The phenomenon of gas removal from water through the use of scrubbing in a deaerator can be accomplished in several different ways. 

With the scrubbing action occurring, the deaerator must vent the non-condensable gases into atmosphere.  Therefore, the only acceptable steam venting from a steam system operation is the Deaerator venting of non-condensable gases with a very small percentage of steam.  To accomplish this goal of venting non-condensable gases; the deaerator will vent a small percentage of steam.

With the high cost of steam today, the deaerator vent must be investigated to insure excessive venting of steam is not occurring.  Our Steam Group Members have found steam losses that have exceeded $ 100,000.00 a year cause unnecessary venting from the deaerator.

Read the full best practice @ http://www.plantsupport.com/download/PSE_BP_2.pdf

Too often the real reason for  steam trap failure is missed.  There are a number of things that can cause steam trap failure – one of them being corrosion material or other foreign material getting into the steam trap and affecting it’s operation.  When this occurs it can cause the steam trap to fail closed or fail open.  To help prevent this, a strainer with a 20 mesh or finer screen should be a part of all steam trap stations and blown down at least every six months.

All steam lines need to have adequate condensate removal from the steam line on a continuous bases. No matter how well the steam line is insulated; the heat energy will be transferred from steam into the atmosphere, and the steam in the steam line will change state (latent energy is released); thus condensate will form in the steam line. The condensate volume will depend on the steam line insulation, steam pressure, and steam line length. The condensate will flow with the steam at the bottom of the steam line in a swaying motion (not a straight line); thus the steam line “drip pocket must be large” (drip pocket is the name of the branch line extending down).

Read the Best Practices:  http://www.plantsupport.com/download/PSE_BP_1.pdf

We are looking from our readers recommendations and comments on steam valve insulation covers.  For outside installations.   Sizes 1/2″ to 14″

We have a large number of questions regarding this subject.

Thanks

Kelly Paffel

Technical Manager

What is the best type of steam seperator? And will it improve boiler effeciency?

Steam and condensate leaks cost industrial plants millions of dollars in lost energy, while concurrently increasing emissions, creating safety hazards, and lowering the reliability of plant operations. 

Steam leaks result in the loss of both latent and sensible energy.  While plant personnel would be well advised to pay attention to all utility losses, greater attention should be paid to the costs and problems associated with those losses related to steam. 

Read the full fact sheet on the SEA’s Best Practice

http://www.plantsupport.com/download/Best-Practices-24.pdf