Issues regarding the design of steam pipeline drain points
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Hello, masters! For my tank farm project, there is a DN50 steam pipeline with a capacity of 5 kilograms per unit; it is connected to the existing steam pipelines in the pipe rack and is intended for use at the newly built loading/unloading station. From the old pipeline access point to the tank farm, it takes 5 pipe tunnels to reach the loading and unloading station. The conveying length is 185 meters; the first trap is only specified in the design drawings at the 100-meter mark, which is the lowest point of the entire conveying pipeline. As required by the plant, the condensate is recycled; therefore, the condensate pipes and steam pipes form a closed loop. The steam pipe and the condensate pipe are two parallel pipes laid simultaneously. Is it sufficient to have just one steam trap for such a long pipeline? Does it meet the design requirements? Will it affect the quality of the steam?
The last edit to this post was made by Watt Energy Saving on 2019-10-26 at 10:16. The following factors need to be considered when setting the dew point: Steam pressure and temperature determine the temperature difference for heat dissipation to the surroundings; the greater the temperature difference, the more condensate is produced. The larger the diameter of the steam pipes, the greater the heat dissipation area, and thus the more condensate is generated； The longer the steam pipeline, the larger the heat dissipation area and the greater the amount of condensation. The better the insulation, the less heat is dissipated. With continuous steam supply, only the amount of condensation resulting from heat dissipation needs to be taken into account, allowing for fewer control valves to be used ； Steam is supplied intermittently; the starting load must be taken into consideration (this starting load is more than twice the heat dissipation load). Regarding the design flow velocity in the steam pipes, if the flow velocity is below 25 m/s, the number of steam traps required can be reduced appropriately, with one trap every 100 meters ； The flow velocity should be over 50 m/s; ideally, it should be 30–50 meters per second ； For wet steam with a low steam dryness degree (high moisture content), it is advisable to install a trap every 10–30 meters. For dry superheated steam, the number of traps can be reduced accordingly – one trap per 100 meters may suffice. The number of traps does have an impact on the efficiency of water removal, but proper selection and installation of the traps are even more important; refer to the diagram below! If you have any questions, you can contact Hangzhou Watt Energy Saving
Thank you for your patient answers. The steam in my project is dry superheated steam, with a pressure of 5.5 kilograms and a temperature of 220 degrees. According to your instructions, it is sufficient to design one drain point in the pipe tray section. There are also 2 drain points in the tank area; this 190-meter-long steam pipeline is equipped with 3 sets of drainage devices in total. Since my project is carried out under the EPC model, all materials are procured by the general contractor. The hydrophobic materials have been delivered. Thank you for your guidance! Wish you great success in business!