Articles on Steam Piping and Separators

Here are some articles from professional literature, about steam and condensate separation and the savings you can achieve.

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Staring the beast in the eye, looking for genuine cost savings and implementing them whilst there is time is good management for the future. Contact VESSCON for more information on how you can achieve cost savings.

The installation of a steam separator is a must when a plant experiences reduced heat exchanger efficiency, erosion at pipe directional changes, erosion to in-line equipment and water hammer. These are possible indicators of the presence of entrained condensate particles and accumulated condensate existing in the flow of steam.

Moisture separators remove the moisture that remains suspended in the steam flow which cannot be removed by either drainage or steam trapping. The Separator is designed to work in- line and removes approximately 95-98% of the entrained condensate particles.

Steam Line Moisture Separators take advantage of the inertia difference between water and steam. There are intercepting plates built in the body, which force the steam - water mix to change direction a number of times in order to pass through. The heavier condensate falls to the bottom while the lighter and drier steam goes ahead to the process.

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> More on Steam Separators

In some steam systems, wet steam is generated. This wet steam contains water droplets that can reduce the effectiveness of the steam system.

Water droplets erode turbine blades and passages, and pressure reducing valves, thus reducing efficiency and life. Furthermore, liquid water can significantly reduce heat transfer rates in heat exchange components, as well as result in water hammer. Removing water droplets before they reach end-use equipment is necessary.

Steam separators remove water droplets, generally relying on controlled centrifugal flow. This action forces the entrained moisture to the outer wall where it is removed from the separator. The means of moisture removal could be a steam trap or a drain. Some manufacturers include the trap as an integral part of the unit. Additional accessories include water gauge connections, thermometer connections, and vent connections.

A steam separator can be installed in either a horizontal or vertical line. They are capable of removing 95 -98% of particulate entrainment 10 microns and larger over a wide range of flows. Separators are often designed in accordance with ASME Code, Section VIII, Division 1 with pressures to 300 psig.

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