steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
(OP)
Hi, can anyone explain what the purpose of steam traps is on a non-condensing turbine where the exhaust steam is still over 100'C superheated? would that be for start-up only?





RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
All surfaces lose heat though insulation. Water collects in low spots. Heat does not travel downward through water well, at all.
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
Unexpected water ingress from things like failed spray desuperheaters, etc., will of course throw all such suppositions out the window.
No offense, but as compositepro has alluded to, I find it odd that you even needed to ask this question, as it's such basic stuff...
CR
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
a) Some transient in feed superheated steam when the degree of superheat is lower than normal
b) Backpressure on this non condensing turbine exhaust is abnormally high due to some sudden reduction in downstream demand.
c) The turbine is operating at high isentropic efficiency.
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine
According to ASME TDP-1-2013 (Prevention of Water Damage to Steam Turbines Used for Electric Power Generation: Fossil-Fueled Plants), steam traps are not a satisfactory means for removing this condensate. According to the ASME document, a “critical” drain must use a power-operated drain valve as the primary means of condensate removal. A steam trap may be used in parallel with a power-operated drain valve. I recommend that you obtain a copy of ASME TDP-1-2013 if you do not already have it. The ASME document covers the entire steam turbine cycle.
For a steam turbine which operates in the superheated region, the turbine manufacturer will recommend closing the power-operated drain valves at a certain load for any drains from the turbine itself. Typically, I would expect closure in the range of 15% to 20% load. However, you should check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific application.
If the installation consists of one boiler and one turbine, the boiler may not deliver the design temperature at the turbine inlet during low-load operation. The conditions at the exhaust of your non-condensing turbine should be checked to determine if the exhaust steam will still be superheated under low-load conditions.
Best of luck!
RE: steam traps on a non-condensing turbine