Author: "Philippopoulos s.a."

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  Steam Dryness Fraction in Steam Distribution Systems

  Posted in: Engineering guides

  Wet Steam, Enthalpy and Steam Separation Steam dryness fraction is used to describe the amount of dry saturated steam contained in a steam-water mixture. In real steam systems, water droplets may be present due to boiler carryover, heat losses in pipework, poor drainage or incorrect pipe sizing. For engineering purposes, steam dryness is not a theoretical parameter. It directly affects available thermal energy, heat transfer, steam trap operation, valve wear and the risk of water hammer.

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  Flash Steam and Heat Recovery

  Posted in: Engineering guides

  Flash steam is generated when hot condensate at a higher pressure is released to a lower pressure. This typically occurs downstream of steam traps, pressure reduction points, condensate headers or return systems operating at a lower pressure than the steam-consuming equipment. In terms of thermodynamic properties, flash steam is not different from saturated steam. The term describes the way it is generated: it is not produced in the boiler, but results from pressure reduction of hot...

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  Valve Materials and Elastomers

  Posted in: Engineering guides

  Valve material selection should not be based only on nominal pressure or valve size. Operating pressure, temperature, fluid compatibility, corrosion risk, mechanical loads, connection type, design standards and installation requirements must be evaluated together. The following tables provide indicative material equivalents according to EN, DIN, WNr and ASTM designations, together with typical temperature limits. These limits do not replace pressure-temperature ratings from applicable...

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  Expansion of Pipes in Steam Systems

  Posted in: Engineering guides

  In steam and hot fluid systems, pipe length increases as temperature rises. Thermal expansion must be considered during system design in order to avoid high mechanical stresses, excessive loads on fixed points, pipe deformation and forces transmitted to valves, flanges, steam traps, heat exchangers and other equipment. Proper arrangement of pipe guides, supports, fixed points and expansion joints allows the pipework to move in a controlled manner and absorb the change in length caused by...

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  Calculating Flash Steam

  Posted in: Engineering guides

  Flash steam is generated when hot condensate at a higher pressure is released to a lower pressure. The pressure reduction lowers the saturation temperature, and part of the heat contained in the condensate is converted into steam. This phenomenon commonly occurs downstream of steam traps, pressure reducing points, condensate return lines and flash vessels. Correct estimation of flash steam quantity is important for sizing condensate lines, flash vessels, vents and energy recovery systems.

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  Content of Air in Steam Systems

  Posted in: Engineering guides

  The presence of air and other non-condensable gases in a steam system affects saturation temperature, heat transfer and equipment operation. Even a small percentage of air can cause a significant reduction in the actual steam temperature at the point of use. Correct air venting, removal of non-condensable gases and proper selection of steam traps and air vents are therefore important factors in the operation of industrial steam systems.

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