Deaeration

Why deaerate steam systems?

Though essential, the elimination of noncondensable gases from steam systems is often neglected. De-aerating improves the energy efficiency of steam systems and reduces corrosion.

The presence of noncondensable gases in steam systems reduces the steam's partial pressure and, consequently, steam temperature, which renders energy transfer more difficult. This then necessitates an increase in evaporator pressure to maintain the same temperature. A higher consumption in combustibles is thereby required, which in turn increases costs. Moreover, the presence of noncondensable gases, such as CO2, increases corrosion, and thereby causes an overconsumption in anticorrosive products and frequent repair. Deaeration avoids all of these useless costs.

How do you deaerate?

To deaerate, we install thermostatic air vents comprised of a finned tube and a GESTRA steam trap equipped with an H-capsule. Upon starting up the system, the thermostatic air vent is opened and allows the air out and then closes once it has escaped. This vent also allows for constant deaeration. The finned tube creates a cooling point where condensation is enhanced, thus concentrating the noncondensable gases to be expelled by the thermostatic device. Once gases have been completely purged and pure steam is detected, the thermostatic steam trap closes..

Here is an example of how deaeration applies to steam vents:

This illustration demonstrates where thermostatic vents should be installed on a steam line. Fastened to each pipe turn and at the end of the lines, the vents ensure the maximum elimination of air at system start-up and eliminate noncondensable gases as soon as possible.

Do not hesitate to contact your EVEREST AUTOMATION INC. Representative for more information.

Technical Surveying

EVEREST AUTOMATION INC. carries out a technical survey to verify the state of steam traps, which includes:

• A localisation plan (personalised plan update on AutoCAD);
• A chart outlining the state of steam traps.

The survey report presented to you will include the following:

• Assessment of steam trap mechanism (using a vapophone VKP Ex);
• Identification of steam traps by tagging;
• Equipment installations;
• State of steam trap mechanism;
• Access to steam traps (notice of accessibility);
• Recovered condensate (yes or no);
• Identification of installed steam trap manufacturer;
• Identification of GESTRA equivalents;
• Identification of problems linked to system mechanism, outlined in a report.

The survey carried out by EVEREST AUTOMATION INC technicians has many advantages:

• Improved maintenance scheduling, thanks to the knowledge of the current state and quality of the system;
• Increased longevity by correcting weaknesses in the system;
• Increased system efficiency by replacing defective steam traps;
• Time savings relative to system maintenance;
• Savings thanks to recovered condensate after system improvement.