Components for steam applications


Steam is a powerful and versatile technology that has powered our industry for centuries. It is indispensable in numerous manufacturing processes in which a medium must be dried or heated and in the production of electricity. However, the conditioned process of steam production carries risks that must be taken into account.

 

Areas of concern include:

- Condensate must be efficiently removed from the process

- Excess air must be efficiently removed from the process

- Implosion of critical components must be prevented

- Sealing systems must be suitable for wet steam, among other things

- Components must be suitable for fluctuations in temperature and pressure

- Pressure should remain stable and overpressure should be blown off

- The steam process must be kept as efficient as possible to minimize costs and CO2 reduction

 

Hanwel offers several components and service aimed at addressing these concerns. See our capabilities below.

Insulation and control valves

The biggest challenges for valves in steam processes are the variation in temperature and pressure and the wear and tear caused by wet steam. Leaks at the housing seals, spindle seals and especially the in-line seals / trim are common.

We supply a variety of valves that meet these challenges and are specifically designed to ensure tightness and function. For isolation, we supply double and triple eccentric butterfly valves, metal seated ball valves, double block & bleed valves and globe valves. For regulation, we supply straight-pattern and Y-type globe control valves specifically designed for fine control. Depending on process requirements, we can implement valves with a parabolic plug, V-port plug or perforated plug design.

Pressure reducing valves and thermostatic control valves

Maintaining and controlling pressure and temperature levels is critical during steam production. An undesirable change leads to undesirable process results and reduced efficiency. Pressure reducing valves regulate pressure so that it always remains at a preset pressure level by increasing or decreasing the supply of flow as needed. Through a control line, the pressure behind the valve is transmitted to the diaphragm, which then further opens or closes the valve as needed. Thermostatic control valves regulate the temperature so that it always remains at a preset temperature by increasing or decreasing the supply of cooling water as needed.

Safety valves

Steam production is a conditioned process in which pressure and temperature are interrelated. The goal is to produce saturated steam at the optimum pressure, temperature and flow rate where the efficiency of the system is maximized. During this process, there may be multiple causes for outliers in pressure levels. To ensure the safety of the system, it is crucial that these peaks in pressure are relieved by safety valves. Hanwel supplies various safety valves with closed bonnet and closed lifting device specifically designed for steam and condensate

Various process components for steam processes

A crucial part of steam production is the removal of condensate at every stage of the process. Hanwel supplies floating type, thermodynamic, thermostatic and bimetallic steam traps that make this possible.

Filters-especially for the effectiveness of steam traps-are critical to keeping the system clean.

Vacuum breakers prevent the creation of a vacuum in critical equipment by supplying air as needed.

Air vent valves remove excess air from the system to prevent oxygen corosion.

Hanwel supplies steam traps, filters, vacuum breakers, air vent valves and check valves for steam and condensate.

Venturi ejectors for steam processes

Venturi jets (or ejectors) are components that operate on the eject principle. This means that there are no moving parts and the medium is moved by pressurized fluids, steam or compressed air in combination with the ejector's internal geometry. In steam processes, ejectors are used for conveying, heating or cooling. Hanwel supplies steam jet syphons, instantaneous heaters, thermocompressors and desuperheaters.

 

stainless steel expansion joints

We supply a wide range of stainless steel expansion joints from Belman. These expansion joints are made to order, making them available quickly and specials are always possible. Because of their good pressure resistance and wide temperature range, stainless steel expansion joints are well suited for demanding steam processes. Another advantage of these expansion joints is that they can be manufactured in many different shapes and designs.

Depending on the application, we can supply axial, lateral and angular stainless steel expansion joints, for mounting in or on steam lines.

Spring supports and spring hangers

When steam pipes get hot they expand. This thermal expansion must be accommodated by flexible elements. One way to capture and control movement is through the use of flexible pipe supports.

In cooperation with Lisega, we supply various spring supports with which a suitable configuration can almost always be selected that can be built into the existing structure. Our engineers are happy to think along with you.

Core Bearings PTFE plain bearings

In long, hot pipelines,hot boilers and hot reactors, a lot of expansion takes place, causing steel structures to move relative to each other. This leads to friction and unwanted wear. Core-bearing PTFE slide plates or PTFE plain bearings are used where equipment or piping must be able to move with a very low friction force. The PTFE sliding plates can take a high axial load and have a friction value less than 0.1. The bearings consist of a carrier containing PTFE sliding plates and a polished stainless steel counter bearing.

Steam system inspections

We offer inspections of complete steam systems. Among other things, we assess the method of assembly & mounting position of critical components, the function and tightness of steam pockets and steam traps, the drainage of condensate, the tightness of valves, the function of filters, the availability of air vents and vacuum breakers, the operation of safety valves and the overall efficiency of the steam system. In addition, we offer specific advice on how to make the system more efficient by reusing hot condensate and flash steam, among other things.

The result of our inspection is a complete report with recommendations including a calculation of the amount of steam that can be saved after implementing our recommendations. This calculation is worked out both in EUR savings per year and in the exact reduction in CO2 emissions per year.

Design and engineering

In partnership with Belman Design, we offer engineering services for steam systems. Our services include piping design, piping layout & analysis, optimization of piping layout, 3D modeling & analysis, stress analysis(FEA) and calculation of steel structures. This allows us to offer expert advice for the proper use and selection of valves, expansion joints and piping supports. Contact us for more information.