How to warm buried steam pipes
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As the title suggests, in actual production, when dealing with steam pipes buried underground, the buried section consists of a dropped U-shaped bend; liquid condensate accumulates at the lowest point and cannot be drained. So, how should such pipes be warmed again after they are put back into use after normal operation? We welcome everyone to share their valuable experience.
For this situation, there are usually several steps: 1. Before starting the steam pipeline, turn on the pump first to drain any excess condensate that may be present in the pipeline. 2. Slowly introduce steam into the pipe, gradually increasing the temperature. This can be achieved by adjusting the steam valve. 3. Continue to discharge condensate during the heating process, while monitoring the operating condition of the pump. This is because rapid changes in temperature can cause pressure fluctuations in the condensate, thereby affecting the performance of the pump. 4. Once the desired temperature and pressure are reached, the amount of steam can be gradually increased. However, while increasing the steam volume, it is still necessary to pay attention to the discharge of condensate and adjust the operating condition of the pump. 5. Once the system is stable, regular inspection and maintenance may be required to ensure the proper operation of the equipment. Please note that this is only a general approach; the specific implementation may vary slightly depending on your system design. It is recommended to consult relevant engineers or professionals before making any changes. .
At the lowest point of a normal steam buried pipe, a trap well should be installed; the trap is equipped with a bypass, allowing any water accumulated in that bypass pipe to be drained.
Steam pipes should be installed overhead, rather than in ducts, and certainly not buried underground. It is recommended to replace it with an overhead pipe and install a steam trap. (The welds of steam pipes need to be regularly inspected and documented; inspections of pressure vessels as special equipment may require corrective actions.) To prevent water hammer, one approach is to raise the steam temperature to superheated levels slightly above the saturation temperature when warming the pipes, under conditions where the pipes can withstand such pressures and temperatures; this might prove effective. (V valves for draining condensate are also installed on the pipes for superheated steam; they are opened briefly during pipe warming and closed during operation.)
It is common for steam pipes to be laid underground, such as when they need to pass under roads, in front of company entrances, in areas that affect the visual appearance of the surroundings, or in spaces where it is not feasible to install them above ground.
The designs are in place; wherever hydrophobic treatment is required underground, hydrophobic wells are installed there