Page 181 - Boiler plant and distribution system optimization manual

166 Boiler Plant and Distribution System Optimization Manual

rates steam from condensate and the low pressure
flash steam is piped off to some useful purpose.
Only as a last resort should flash steam be vented
to the atmosphere and lost.

Advantages/Disadvantages
New coils or heat exchangers may be re-
quired to utilize the flash steam for heating and
other uses. Flash steam possibilities are becoming
recognized.

21. USE HOT CONDENSATE TO KEEP
STORAGE TANKS WARM (LOCAL USE)
Figure 10.61—Heating unit drains supply flash steam
In this case the heat in steam trap drains is to a heating coil to augment unit capacity. This is an
example of utilizing flash steam locally.
used to augment local heating in a process or stor-
age tank.
Description
There are some older steam systems around
22. MEASURE STEAM LOADS that are of the condensing type, where steam is
circulated back to a condensing unit in the boil-
Getting an understanding of the steam de- er room. By modulating the steam pressure, the
mands of various components in your system temperature of the distribution system can be
provides you with vital information on managing matched to the demand for a particular weather
your steam system and data necessary for deci- condition. For example, on a cold day the steam
sion making for projects under consideration. pressure and temperature can be allowed to rise

to meet a higher demand for heat and on warmer
days the pressure and steam temperature can be
23. INSULATE OIL STORAGE TANKS controlled below atmospheric pressure and tem-
HEATED WITH STEAM peratures, below 212°F, to supply less heat.

Uninsulated tanks lose a lot of heat, especial-
ly tanks out in cold winter weather. If they get too 25. STEAM COMPRESSION
cold there are wax formation and viscosity prob-
lems and it becomes very difficult to pump the Cost
oil. Moderate to High

Potential Savings
24. MODULATE VACUUM PRESSURE High
IN VACUUM RETURN SYSTEMS
Description
Cost If you have low pressure waste steam or if
Original Design (low) you need higher pressure steam at some remote
location in the distribution system, then steam
Savings compression may serve to your advantage. With
High a source of low pressure steam that would other-