| Resources |
| Utah IOF Steam Resources
|
Steam Tip Sheets from the Industrial Technologies Program
- Inspect and Repair Steam Traps (PDF 87 KB)
- Insulate Steam Distribution and Condensate Return Lines (PDF 79 KB)
Calculating Insulation Thickness - Industrial Insulation For Systems Operating Above Ambient Temperature.
|
|
Best Practices - Steam Distribution
Steam Systems Chapter 10 - Industrial Technologies Program Energy Efficiency Handbook Generating steam is the primary function of most boiler systems. In some industries, where 40-60 percent of all energy is consumed in the generation of steam in fired or waste heat boilers, efficient operation and regular maintenance can represent a great potential in energy savings. (pdf)
EPA - Steam Wise Rules More . . .
- An effective steam trap maintenance program can save 3% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 2 months.
- An effective steam trap maintenance program can reduce a boiler's fuel use by 10% to 20%.
- Repairing steam system leaks can save 1% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 3 months.
- A single high-pressure steam leak (125 psi) can result in energy losses costing from $660 to $2,200 per year (8,760 hrs). A single low-pressure steam leak (15 psi) can result in energy losses costing $130 to $480 per year (8,760 hrs).
- Insulating steam lines can save 1% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 10 months.
- Vapor recompression saves 90% to 95% of the energy needed to raise the steam to the same pressure in a boiler.
- Measures to reduce heat loss from condensate in a steam system can save over 1% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 8 months.
Steam Trap Case Study - Specialty Chemical Plant in Theodore, Alabama The goal was to cut energy costs and improve productivity. This plant has a total capacity exceeding 350 million pounds of steam per year. The plant achieved a 10% energy savings that was divided between gas and electricity (6.8% gas and 3.2% electricity). Of the gas savings, 70% was attributed to the steam trap program. In two years, the steam trap failure rate dropped from 12.4% to 4.6%. The plants condensate return is averaging 90%, and the goal is to increase that to 95%.
"Steam traps should not be relegated to piping because of the impact they can have on operating costs and productivity. People at all levels in the plant must be educated about steam energy conservation. They need to understand that steam traps should be engineered just like any other critical mechanical or instrumentation device." More . . . |
