Problems with valve settings in steam pipelines
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The image below shows an electric heater that has been installed on one of our factory’s steam pipelines. I’m wondering whether the valve should be placed at location 1 or location 2. Location 1 is at a height of about 3 meters, which makes it difficult to operate, but it helps to reduce water accumulation in the steam. Location 2 is easier to operate, but it may lead to water accumulation and thus water hammer effects. I would appreciate some advice on this matter. Additionally, according to the drawings, why is the temperature sensing element N4 located at the inlet end? Isn’t the steam pipeline designed to have steam enter from above and exit from below?
For convenience, two check valves can be installed at two locations, connected to the return pipeline or to a drain line for regular discharge
This post was last edited by CHANGBAISHI on 2020-4-2 at 09:22. It is feasible to arrange the pipeline parallel to the upper end opening of the heater; a height of 1.7 meters should work fine for operation purposes. This might be better in terms of appearance and operation. For heaters, the condensate level will not exceed limits; it is sufficient to install a hydroseparator in parallel with the discharge valve. Because the temperature inside the container that raises the temperature of the steam is necessarily higher than that of the gas being heated. Therefore, the possibility of liquid accumulation is extremely low, and it will also evaporate at the bottom of the heater. For reference.
Add at 2, with a reverse pour above it
If used continuously, there is no issue with 1 and 2 as you mentioned; if used intermittently, device 1 is sufficient
If it were me, I would add a steam trap for automatic drainage; drainage valves don’t offer such convenience
Why not buy an electric heater? Then there will be no problems