Steam accumulator pressure(s)

[utilman]

We run a saturated steam system at 150F with large swings in demand. I'm interested in a pressure drop type steam accumulator and wondering "whats a typical pressure drop accross an accumulator like this?"

 

[TBP]

You mean 150 PSIG, right?

I don't think that there's any typical pressure drop, but the bigger the drop, the more flash steam.

 

[utilman]

Yeah, your right, where was my head. I assume from your answer that there's a trade off between delta P and the size of the vessel (besides other variables like system demand swing response time), i.e. the lower the delta P the larger the vessel and vice versa.

 

[abbver98]

Consider that it's no pressure drop across the accumulator.
Take care ! You need a drain !!!?
I suppose that the discharge valve is a PRV !

 

[TBP]

The "Handbook of Mechanical Engineering Calculations" by Hicks actually walks you through the whole set of calculations for steam produced, recharge time, etc.

 

[jproj]

utilman:

It's not so much the pressure drop that determines the size of the unit, but the steam demand (discharge quantity). Look at the "Handbook of Mechanical Engineering Calculations" like TBP says. It does a great job of going throught the calculation method used to size steam accumulators.

Good luck!

jproj