STEAM LINE SIZING
STEAM LINE SIZING
(OP)
Hello,
I have what I think is a quick question. I have a currently installed steam heat exchanger that I want to double in capacity. Per the design data I am only using 1/3 of the exchanger's capacity (U=180 but I am only using U=53 BTU/(f^2*h*F)). As I understand it, to squeeze the additional capacity, I need only to increase my steam flow rate through the exchanger. I am currently supplying 300 lbm/h @ 60 psig and want to increase to 600 lbm/h @ 60 psig. I have a 3/4" supply line and a 1/2" condensate line. I though I would just need to increase my supply and return line sizes, but they appear to be sized correctly for the 600 lbm/h rate. Am I missing something? I don't want to mearly re-pipe to a bigger size without numbers to justify the work. Any input would be appreciated.
I have what I think is a quick question. I have a currently installed steam heat exchanger that I want to double in capacity. Per the design data I am only using 1/3 of the exchanger's capacity (U=180 but I am only using U=53 BTU/(f^2*h*F)). As I understand it, to squeeze the additional capacity, I need only to increase my steam flow rate through the exchanger. I am currently supplying 300 lbm/h @ 60 psig and want to increase to 600 lbm/h @ 60 psig. I have a 3/4" supply line and a 1/2" condensate line. I though I would just need to increase my supply and return line sizes, but they appear to be sized correctly for the 600 lbm/h rate. Am I missing something? I don't want to mearly re-pipe to a bigger size without numbers to justify the work. Any input would be appreciated.





RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
Katmar Software
Engineering & Risk Analysis Software
http://katmarsoftware.com
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
Thew pressure drop is on an effective pipe length basis, not lineal footage so be careful.
The condensate removal design also needs to be checked.
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
Sometimes it just takes another set of eyes to inspire an answer.
Thanks for the help.
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
The condensate line is always of greater size than the supply line.
Offshore Engineering&Design
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
Would love to hear other opinions.
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
Using equation:
d(m)/dt= density (@ T&P) X Cross sectional area of pipe X velocity of steam, you can calculate velocity of steam and compare value with recommended values
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
Katmar Software
Engineering & Risk Analysis Software
http://katmarsoftware.com
RE: STEAM LINE SIZING
5,000 ft/min for heating service
10,000 ft/min for high pressure saturated steam
14,000 to 20,000 ft/min for high pressure super heated steam