Steam distribution system Components
- Strainers
- Purpose
- Stop scale, dirt and other solids
- Protect equipment
- Reduce downtime and maintenance
- Fitted upstream of steam trap, flow meter, control valve
- Two types: Y-type and basket type
- Other strainer options
- Magnetic inserts: remove iron/steel debris
- Self cleaning strainers
- Mechanical: scraper or brush
- Backwashing: reverse flow direction
- Temporary strainers: equipment protection during start-ups
- Filters
- Consists of sintered stainless steel filter element
- Remove smallest particles
- Direct steam injection – e.g. food industry
- Dirty stream may cause product rejection – e.g. paper machines
- Minimal particle emission required from steam humidifiers
- Reduction of steam water content
- Choose correct size due to large pressure drop
- Do not exceed flow rate limits
- For steam applications
- Fit separator upstream to remove condensate
- Fit Y-type strainer upstream to remove large particles
- Identify when cleaning needed
- Pressure gauges
- Pressure switch
- Separators
- Separators remove suspended water droplets from steam
- Water in steam causes problems
- Water is barrier to heat transfer
- Erosion of valve seals and fittings and corrosion
- Scaling of pipework and heating surfaces from impurities
- Erratic operation and failure of valves and flow meters
- Three types of separators
