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low pressure vs. high pressure

Ken_24
Ken_24 Member Posts: 2
Is there a difference in the heat-loss between a low pressure steam system and a high pressure steam system?
I am looking for pipe insulation guides, and all I can find deal with higher pressure (20+ psi) systems.
Looking for any/all input.
Thank you!

Comments

  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928


    Very low-pressure steam (1-2 psi) has a temperature of 219°F or less.

    Higher pressure steam (say 20 psi) has a temperature of 259°.

    So, under the same ambient temperature of 60°, very low-pressure steam piping would be expected to loose about 25% less heat given the same insulation level. (259 - 60 vs 219 - 60)

    Steam temp increases significantly with pressure to about 274° @ 30 psi; about 287° @ 40 psi.
  • Tony Conner_2
    Tony Conner_2 Member Posts: 443
    You're Looking...

    ... at steam tables with the pressures listed in absolute. 15 PSIG (gauge) steam is 250*F. The "Pocket Ref" has abreviated steam tables with the pressure in gauge.

    As far as insulation goes, domestic steam temps aren't very high. Most industrial condensate systems will run at least that hot. (A lot of those don't get insulated, because the payback isn't there.) Probably the thinnest normally stocked type of fibreglass jacketed pipe insulation would be enough. Remember to tape the cracks between the sections. You can lose about 10% of the heat from air circulation through the gaps.
  • Ken_24
    Ken_24 Member Posts: 2


    Tony,
    Thanks for the information - what "pocket ref" are you referring to?

    Thanks Again,
    ~ken
  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928


    Thanks Tony. Have corrected the numbers--table changes pages at 15 psi and forgot about that "little" absolute pressure problem.
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