Steam Bulletin
No. 62
Optimize Performance
with Dry Steam
Steam Bulletin is TLV's free bimonthly email magazine on steam systems, energy efficiency, product selection, and more.
To optimize heating efficiency in your steam system, it is crucial not only to drain condensate from equipment but to supply dry steam throughout the system. As steam travels through the pipeline, radiant heat loss causes condensate to be generated, which can negatively impact heat transfer and result in unwanted productivity losses.
In this edition of the Steam Bulletin, we delve into how separators can enhance heating efficiency and help reduce your plant's energy costs.
Separating condensate from steam
Although most condensate is eliminated by steam traps, the steam supplied to equipment is rarely 100% dry. Water droplets become entrained as steam exits the boiler, and condensate continues to form in the steam distribution piping.
What happens when this “wet steam” is supplied to equipment? It can cause uneven heating, decreased heating efficiency, and even equipment damage. Therefore, plant operators should strive to supply steam that is as close to 100% dry as possible for optimal heating efficiency.
TLV recommends installing a DC3S cyclone separator, which incorporates a steam trap to maintain a tight seal, with a condensate separation rate of up to 98%.
Further improvements in steam supply can be achieved by adhering to best practices for steam trap installation along steam distribution piping, as well as installation of filters to remove large scale or other particles. This is particularly effective for direct heating applications, but can help to maximize equipment service life by preventing erosion and corrosion.
Finally, make sure to install the separator where it will have the most significant impact. This may involve placing it on a steam main/branch or at the inlet of equipment that requires high-quality, dry steam.
These tips should help to improve heating efficiency, productivity, and plant safety by removing the source of the problems - condensate.
Start improving your steam system today by contacting your local TLV representative for a quote.
News
Renewed Corporate Profile Available in All Languages
We are thrilled to announce the release of our renewed company profile in all languages available on our website.
Take a moment to explore the updated profile, which offers a comprehensive understanding of our company and its offerings, with improved design and functionality.
Learn about our history, our global network, and our company principles in the language that suits you. Discover our approach to optimizing steam systems and join us in unlocking new possibilities and shaping the future of steam technology together.
Access the other languages by visiting your preferred language’s homepage or with the dropdown menu at the top of the page.
Product Focus
DC3S Cyclone Separator
Remove water droplets entrained in steam or air with TLV's DC series steam separators.
The DC cyclone separators can be installed on steam lines and at the inlet side of equipment to enable removal of virtually all water droplets within the flow. This can significantly improve heat quality, preventing problems such as:
- Low Heating Efficiency
- Product Defects or Off-spec
- Erosion of piping or valve parts, and other related problems
By installing a DC3S cyclone separator you can benefit from:
- Space Reduction: The small design of the separator helps to reduce the overall steam space requirements.
- Efficiency: The separator's design allows for superior performance with high efficiency, eliminating up to 98% of entrained water droplets in your system.
- Improved Reliability: The unit's high-quality components minimize potential failure points, ensuring consistent performance.
- Easier Maintenance: The modular construction enables quick access to internal components, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Product availability and delivery times vary by region.
Contact your local TLV representative for details.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of Steam Bulletin.
If you need assistance regarding steam dryness, TLV can help. Contact our steam specialist staff to apply for a plant survey and/or consultation session.
Finally, make sure to follow TLV on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter for more regular news and updates, and our YouTube channel for video content.
Best regards,
TLV