Steam Piping Submerged in Water

[amiraz]

.I am working on a steam system upgrade project. We have 150# and 450# steam piping sizes from 6 to 24" diameter. This system is laid in pipe ditches that have been silted up over the years and it makes it very difficult for the rain water to drain when we have heavy rain showers. Therefore we have had cases where the piping system has been under water and this has caused violent hammering and bursting of the piping twice in the last 8 years and we are trying to mitigate the risk to personnel and equipment by either raising the piping above a safe level or install vent valves and temperature and pressure detection instrumentations to safeguard the system. Anyone out there has had experience with this type of an issue in their careers in the past? I am going to contact folks like Sarco and other steam specialty equipment suppliers and consult with them in the next few days. But In the meantime any tip in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TD2K]

Bad situation. Is it feasible to flush out or clean out the ditches so the rain doesn't submerge your piping? Would that be less expensive than re-routing piping?