Uses and Benefits of Saturated Steam
Saturated steam systems are used in residential and commercial buildings to control temperature and humidity. The higher heat-transfer properties of steam mean that these systems can be a smart choice for facility managers who want to achieve rapid and uniform heating and create a precisely controlled thermal environment. The clean, dry heat provided by saturated steam also makes it ideal for use in industrial applications, laundries and in healthcare facilities for sterilizing equipment.
Challenges of Saturated Steam
Some of the challenges faced by the operators of saturated steam systems are:
- Steam leakage: When corroded, pipes, faulty valves or fittings allow steam to escape, resulting in wasted energy, increased costs, loss of performance and possible safety issues.
- Poor steam quality and condensation: Saturated steam needs to be kept in a fully vaporized state—known as dry steam—to be effective. If steam quality decreases, wet steam will form, leading to condensation build-up and a large reduction in heat transfer and effectiveness.
- System drainage: Steam traps are an important design feature, facilitating the removal of condensate from the system. Inefficient installation and maintenance of the traps can lead to reduced steam quality or potentially damaging pressure surges (water hammer).
- Insufficient maintenance: Poorly insulated pipes, dirty heat-exchanging surfaces and underperforming pumps are among the difficulties that can mount up in a poorly designed or maintained system, contributing to inefficiency.
- Energy use and sustainability: To keep costs and carbon emissions under control, it’s vital to understand where steam is being used in the system, and in what quantities. A lack of monitoring could cause excessive use to go undetected, allowing operating costs to quickly escalate.
Solutions
Maintaining the right pressure and temperature within your HVAC system is key to optimizing its performance and sustainability. A modern control system, including digital flow and pressure monitoring, alerts the user to any drop in pressure while avoiding excessive pressures and temperatures that typically lead to waste and inefficiency.
Flow meters can measure steam usage in mass units; with this data, building owners can bill customers or tenants accurately and drive down energy costs. They can also manage operational demand in times when capacity is exhausted or taxed.
Measuring steam flow, together with other parameters such as water quality, energy use and condensate return rates, help to build up the fullest picture of normal operation and highlight any emerging issues across the system. Where a possible issue is identified, thermal imaging can be a supplementary tool to pinpoint any leak or malfunction leading to heat loss.
Whatever the technology, it is important to implement rigorous monitoring protocols, together with ongoing maintenance and staff training.
BlueEdge™ from Badger Meter can assist operators of saturated steam systems with solutions including:
Full Steam Ahead for Savings and Efficiency
Saturated steam is a powerful method of heating and environmental control in buildings, but one that needs careful monitoring and maintenance. Optimizing and measuring usage in your saturated steam system helps you manage demand, promote safety and unlock a host of financial and environmental benefits.
