If the steam main is not hydrophobic and all the drain lines at the low points on the main are closed off, does this result in energy savings or a decrease in efficiency?
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If the steam main is not hydrophobic, and all the drain lines at the low points on the main are kept completely closed at all times, does this result in energy savings or a decrease in efficiency?
Water hammer will occur; it may not save energy, but it will definitely reduce efficiency.
The operators reported that excessive heat loss occurred once the globe valve before the steam trap was opened, which is why they kept it closed
It’s probably a problem with the steam trap; it removes too much steam instead of allowing proper drainage.
It’s a problem with the steam trap. Many steam traps stop working properly after long use, causing excessive steam discharge.
Based on operating conditions, since water hammer does not occur, shutting it off definitely saves energy.
Could it lead to the following situation: If it is superheated steam, and moisture is not removed over time, it gradually accumulates until there is also condensation water in the lower part of the pipe. When the superheated steam comes into contact with this condensation water, heat transfer occurs, causing some of the water to vaporize, and as a result the quality of the steam decreases (mainly in terms of superheat). If it is saturated steam, hydrophobicity fails to function over time and condensation gradually accumulates, until condensation appears even in the lower parts of the pipes. Since it is saturated steam, there is no excess heat available to evaporate this condensation; instead, the overall heat dissipation in the system leads to an increasing amount of condensation, resulting in liquid slugging.
Previously, at the lowest point of the factory’s steam pipelines, a drain valve was used directly, with no steam trap; when it was turned on, steam would escape immediately, and there was always water present. By installing a steam trap, the steam flow could be stabilized
Open it slightly to drain the condensate from the pipe
If it is a steam trap, it is recommended to be normally open； If it is a stop valve drain, it is recommended to keep it open during startup and closed during operation. If it is used for power generation, it is recommended to keep it on continuously ； If heat exchange is to be performed, it is recommended to use a normally closed type. If it is saturated vapor, it must be turned on; otherwise it is very dangerous.