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Best Practice Guide |
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Food and Beverage Growers and Processors |
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SteamPipe ConfigurationsIf installing a new steam distribution system or if a major retrofit is underway, consider how pipe size and configuration affects system performance and energy savings. Choose larger pipe diameters. Although the first-cost will be more expensive, larger pipe diameters (and low flow-rates) result in less pressure drop. Pressure drop results from friction caused by steam passing along pipes or over obstructions, which reduces energy available downstream. Larger pipes also reduce noise from the steam system. In existing systems, energy savings can be made by minor adjustments. Remove steam lines, for example, that are no longer in use in order to reduce unnecessary pressure drop. Look for opportunities to capture and reuse condensate through return lines, as well as opportunities to reintroduce flash steam. Resources U.S. Department of Energy, Best Practices Steam program: 3E Plus - a software program to optimize the installed thickness of mechanical insulation. Helps the user determine fuel savings and emissions reductions under varying operating conditions. Ensuring Energy Efficiency Through Effective Monitoring of Steam. Solartron Mobrey Ltd. Reproduced by Energy Solutions Center, Inc., Boiler Burner Consortium. Yoder, Jesse L., Ph.D. Using Meters to Measure Steam Flow. Plant Engineering Magazine, April 1998. Reproduced by Flow Research, Inc. |