HP Steam+Temporary Piping for portable Heaters

[pmover]

All,

location: alaska

a central steam plant is used for electrical power generation and furnishes steam for bldg heating throughout the area.

a contractor is working in a bldg w/out heating (the existing heating system is not operational) and the contractor requests temporary steam piping (75-85 psig & superheated - won't discuss that matter!) to space heaters for heating purposes. i gather there are other issues in using other portable heaters. the contractor personnel will be working in same space, which is design for human habitation (i.e. a work space).

are there any code issues, other than relief valves and ansi codes, that need to be addressed when using temporary steam piping to space heaters? the question that came up is piping hp steam in an area designed for human habitation (work space), even though it is temporary.

we've consulted with the in-house osha/safety rep and there appears to not be any safety issues to address other than the asme and ansi codes/standards.

feedback is appreciated!
-pmover

 

[yogibear1]

Have you considered state and local codes? I, would like to suggest looking at a very similar question at another forum,

http://www.steamforum.com

and look at the discussion threads for "RE: Screwed" high pressure steam piping".Some of the comments may apply here.

Steam heat is, of course, an old standby. Are you planning on just radiators or forced air over coils? The forced air seems like the way to go. Be safety minded in condensate traps, think about where that hot water would blow off (unless captured)- keep that away from work areas.

 

[pmover]

yogibear1!

thanks for the response and link!

will share link and responses with other essential personnel.

-pmover

 

[MJCronin]

pmover,

If we consider the rules and regulations that would apply to a permanent installation, it sounds like you have considered all reasonable issues.....The code to consider for piping heating buildings is ASME B31.1

I suggest you:

1) Review the pressure rating of all equipment and the possibility of overpressurizing the space heaters (Can the steam pressure run above 75-85 psig under any kind of control failure ? If so, install an adequately sized relief valve)

2) Ensure that your system of steam traps and shutoff valves are prperly sized and selected

3) Pressure test your system as per B31.1

4) Give some thought to thermal expansion of the piping and the flexibility of the system.....

Well, by the time that you have done all of these things and spent all of this money, doesn't it make more sense to use or rent temporary space heaters ? Hmmmmmmmm ?

Yogibear gives you good advice......steam traps are required or your system will not work........you can either dump or recycle the condensate, either way this may be a problem.

Good luck