New Swagelok eBook Introduces Our Engineers' Best Practices

New eBook shows the high cost of an inefficient or leaking steam system

Steam technology has been around for so long that it's easy to take for granted. If a system isn't working at top efficiency, or even if it leaks a little, is it really such a big deal?

Yes, it is.

A new e-book from Swagelok Energy Advisors and Swagelok Northern California, "Plan Your Steam System Success Vol. 1 - Steam Loss Prevention," shows you how to calculate just how expensive wasted steam can be. During California's drought, we've all been made aware of how important it is not to waste water. But even if water were free and abundant, you pay for the fuel to heat it. You get no benefit from heat that's lost to radiation or which goes out the flue. If your system isn't hitting the benchmark of 90 percent condensate return, it means more make-up water must be injected and heated.

The difference between getting 80 percent returned condensate and using 80 percent makeup water could mean spending tens of thousands of dollars a year for a facility that produces 50,000lb./hr. of steam on average, with a 70 percent run time.

For a truly detailed look at the cost of steam, also figure in emissions payments, waste disposal, labor to operate and maintain the system, and other factors.

As the e-book shows, there are ways to bring costs down. Less expensive fuels, lower operating steam pressure, higher boiler efficiency and other steps can make a big difference.

Lurking leaks

If merely running an inefficient steam system is expensive, think of the extra cost when steam escapes through leaks. Leaks in a steam and condensate system can be as great as 19 percent of the overall energy consumption in a plant's operation. The good news is that most leaks can be corrected without expending large capital.

As our eBook explains, the biggest cause of steam and condensate leaks is the use of threaded pipe connections. Welded or tube fitting connections make a big difference in performance. Another common source of trouble is the packing on standard type valves. Steam is very corrosive when it comes in contact with packing. It's important to use steam isolation valves designed for that type of service.

Another problem to watch for is water hammer. It should never happen in a well-designed and properly run steam system. When it does happen, it can damage pipe connections.

One of the top priorities in any steam producing system should be reducing the overall operating cost. Using the roadmaps and guidelines provided in the new eBook from Swagelok Energy Advisors and Swagelok Northern California, you can expect efficiency, reliability and safety from your steam systems.

Now, don't forget to get a copy of the new eBook here »

Additional Resources

1 Day Steam System Training for your Industry	2 Hour Safety & Installation Training