Steam Quality
Steam Quality
(OP)
I am currently doing a review of steam flow metering systems. I know a reasonable amount about flowmeters but I'm a relative novice on the subject of steam systems. I believe that one of the primary sources of flowmetering error is that steam quality is rarely known. This is obviously not an issue in superheated steam but it is in saturated steam. What I would like to know is what are typical operating conditions for steam systems. Based on various conversations I've had I am coming to the following tentative conclusions -
1. Relatively large scale systems (e.g. in refineries or chemical plants) usually transport superheated steam (and then desuperheat at the point of use)
2. Nuclear and geothermal systems can be very wet (less than 90% quality).
3. In smaller scale systems (e.g. building heating, hospitals etc) the quality depends very much on how old and how well maintained the system is. A well maintained new system will probably operate in the 90 to 97% quality range). An old system may be much worse than this.
Does anyone have any comments on the above or further information.
Thanks for your help.
Neil
1. Relatively large scale systems (e.g. in refineries or chemical plants) usually transport superheated steam (and then desuperheat at the point of use)
2. Nuclear and geothermal systems can be very wet (less than 90% quality).
3. In smaller scale systems (e.g. building heating, hospitals etc) the quality depends very much on how old and how well maintained the system is. A well maintained new system will probably operate in the 90 to 97% quality range). An old system may be much worse than this.
Does anyone have any comments on the above or further information.
Thanks for your help.
Neil





RE: Steam Quality
RE: Steam Quality
RE: Steam Quality
Here is an article praising ultrasonic devices use for "district heating systems" (saturated service)
www.flowresearch.com/articles/InTech%207_21_00.pdf
Accuracy of steam flow measurement devices in these types of systems is of great importance, as money typically changes hands......
"Vortex flowmeters" also compete with ultrasonics for this saturated steam service.....see
www.flowresearch.com/articles/PDF_Files/Market%20watch-...
My personal experience with superheated steam has always been with a venturi device....
keep us informed about what you discover...
MJC