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Steam Boiler

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Jeff Crabtree
Jeff Crabtree Member Posts: 3
in THE MAIN WALL
New installation.
(2) 65 psi steam boilers (PVI)
Boiler Feed Unit
System supplies steam to kitchen kettles.

1. Keep getting low water alarm at boiler feed unit
2. Water hammer at boiler feed unit
3. Ran system for 30 minutes before return line got hot

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,868
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    Flash steam?

    Do the traps discharge condensate straight from 65 PSI to 0 PSI? If so, you may need a flash tank or something similar.

    To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jeff Crabtree
    Jeff Crabtree Member Posts: 3
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    Flash Steam

    4-18-2003
    Little steam experience here, but it appears you are correct about flash steam. What I read about flash steam is that it is usually utilized at the lower pressure. I have no use for the flash steam. I found a detail in spirax-Sarco Hook-up book labeled "Flash Steam Condensing by Spray." What are your thoughts? Seems wasteful but as I say I have no use for the flash steam. Also installing a flash tank at this point will not be impossible but certainly not pretty.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,868
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    You may be able

    to use the flash steam for heating water. I'm sure they need a certain amount of hot water in that facility, and if you can use the steam twice you may lower their fuel consumption.

    Or there may be somewhere else that you're using live steam where flash steam will work. Check with your supplier for more info.



    To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jeff Crabtree
    Jeff Crabtree Member Posts: 3
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    Open in 3 weeks

    4-18-2003
    You're right about the need for hot water, but the facility is due to open in 3 weeks. Gas water heaters are in place. What is your opinion about the condensing detail that I referenced? In steady operation will the low water problems cease? Any other thoughts? Thanks for your input.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,868
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    That might work

    but it would be best to get some better info. The "Sarco" part of Spirax-Sarco has been in the steam business for years and I've never heard anything bad about them. Go to www.spiraxsarco.com to find out who your local rep is, if you don't already know.

    If I were in your shoes, I would try to find a way to use the latent heat in that flash steam. Simply condensing it with a spray might get you past the Grand Opening, but may not be a good long-term solution.

    You can probably tell I haven't worked much with high-pressure steam, but I hope I've been able to help.

    To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • shawn k
    shawn k Member Posts: 2
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    condensate tank overflowing

    I have a two pipe steam system that has boiler feed tank and two pumps that operate off the low water cutoff on boilers 1,2,3 my problem is that the tank in condensate pit occasionally overflows not sure what the problem may be have changed all strainers on low water cutoffs on boilers and tested make-up on tank fill
  • shawn k
    shawn k Member Posts: 2
    Options
    condensate tank overflowing

    I have a two pipe steam system that has boiler feed tank and two pumps that operate off the low water cutoff on boilers 1,2,3 my problem is that the tank in condensate pit occasionally overflows not sure what the problem may be have changed all strainers on low water cutoffs on boilers and tested make-up on tank fill
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