Is there significant frictional loss of high-pressure steam in carbon steel pipes?
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As the title suggests, our company receives high-pressure steam from our upstream supplier at a rate of around 20 tons per hour. However, we receive only about 2 tons per hour less than what they supply. I would like to know if such a loss is normal; the pressure is 3.8 MPA and the temperature is around 300°
It’s normal to have losses. Heat loss in pipeline transportation, losses due to leaks, and temperature difference of flow meters.
This 10% loss rate is too high! At 200 yuan per ton of steam, the hourly loss amounts to 400 yuan; over a year with 8,000 hours of operation, this totals 3.2 million yuan. If steam is used on a one-to-one basis, it is recommended to check the flow meter first (if the flow meter supplied by the steam provider is inaccurate, it’s more cost-effective to replace it oneself or for the supplier to do so). Then identify the points where heat is lost: this includes pipe insulation, steam trap leaks along the pipeline, and the presence of any side pipes that use steam. It’s worth investing 20W in maintenance efforts, as it can result in savings of 300W. Also, if settlement is based on the flow meter readings of the steam user, then one can make a profit quietly; otherwise, it’s necessary to negotiate with the steam supplier... you know what I mean