Problems with the reboiler steam trap
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Background: The existing horizontal reboiler is about 30 cm above the ground, with steam entering at the bottom and exiting at the top. Due to space constraints, the construction party flipped the condensate pipe up high to cross the corridor, then lowered the pipe to install a drain valve connected to the main condensate pipe. What are the disadvantages of this? I personally feel that this can lead to water accumulation, which in turn reduces the heat exchange area of the reboiler; moreover, the condensate pipelines at the top are prone to air blockages. I’m not sure if this is correct
The first picture doesn’t look good; fix it
The last edit to this post was made by henglinkou on 2020-6-22 at 08:50. Although this method of installation works, it has two problems. First, the installation height of the demister is not below the bottom of the reboiler; instead, it is at the same level as the reboiler’s center line. As a result, during operation, the level of condensate water in the reboiler remains at least above the center line, which reduces the reboiler’s heat transfer capacity； Second, this installation method does indeed have air resistance issues; a bypass is needed to release air when it first starts operating. It is recommended to install the trap near the reboiler, at a height lower than the bottom of the reboiler. The outlet pipe of the trap should then rise and pass over the corridor; this way, the pipe in front of the trap is shorter, resulting in less resistance loss in that section of pipe. What I’ve mentioned above can be understood through pressure analysis – by analyzing three types of pressure: the pressure above the liquid level in the reboiler, the pressure in front of the trap, and the pressure behind the trap. Also, the installation height of this reboiler at 30 centimeters above the ground is indeed too low.
Everything shall be in accordance with the requirements of the design drawings. If there are any discrepancies from the drawings, a document explaining the engineering changes must be attached, indicated in the drawings, and traces must be left. It is unacceptable to rely on things like sensory incomprehension; there must be a logical basis. For reference.
In the past, designs were created on-site, but nowadays they are mostly designed at the computer, with many on-site conditions not being very clear. I previously brought a young woman who worked in design to the site, so that she could operate the valves she had designed; P
A steam trap should be installed before the pipeline is raised; otherwise, water accumulation can occur, reducing the heat exchange area of the reboiler
While the change is justified, it isn’t really a change at all; the installation should suit the actual circumstances, rather than remaining fixed