wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
(OP)
Several exchangers are having tube failures due to 'wet steam'eroding impingement plates and consequently tube failure follows.
The steam inlet nozzle is 4"nb and is therefore very difficult to repair impingement plate.
Is it possible to fit a 'diffuser' within the nozzle.
If so,does a design exist.
The steam inlet nozzle is 4"nb and is therefore very difficult to repair impingement plate.
Is it possible to fit a 'diffuser' within the nozzle.
If so,does a design exist.





RE: wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
I'm assuming that there's a temperature control valve on the steam supply to each heat exchanger. Is there a trap on the steam line just ahead of this control valve? If there isn't then any time the control valve is closed, condensate will collect ahead of it. When the HX goes into service, the first thing that happens is that all of this water gets shot into it as the valve opens. I've seen HX bundles that look like they've been beaten with a hammer, right under the steam inlet because of no trap ahead of the control valve.
RE: wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
RE: wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
RE: wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
The steam trap should be before the isolation valve to keep the steam line hot and dry. The control valve should be protected with a strainer as STEAM4 mentioned and the strainer should be installed horizontally to avoid that condensate can be collected. The isolation valve should be located before the strainer and the control valve to allow maintenance.
Review additionally if you have enough traps and if they are big enough on the steam line going to this equipment to remove the condensate of the system.
If you suspect that even after doing all possible steps (treating the root of the problem first) you still have condensate, then use a steam separator. with this you will be able to change the eroded impingment plates (last ditch effort).
I would recommend you to consult technical information of Spirax Sarco (www.spiraxsarco.com).
RE: wet steam destroys 'impingement' plate
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