Combating steam valve passing and leakage
Steam valve passing, or leakage, is a pervasive issue that poses serious concerns in normally closed valves within power and process plants worldwide. One of the primary causes of steam leakage is the erosion of the steam valve plug and seat sealing surfaces due to condensate or wet steam.
The consequences of steam leakage can be far-reaching, affecting downstream temperature control, spray water valves, and overall system integrity. It is essential to address this problem to prevent issues like erosion, loss of controllability, hunting, over spray, downstream pipe cracking, water hammer, excessive noise, and vibration. By implementing effective measures, we can successfully mitigate the detrimental effects of condensate or wet steam erosion in steam valves.
Solution reduces
- Severe trim erosion
- Frequency of repair or maintenance
- Downtime due to unplanned shutdowns
- Noise and vibration
- Cracking of spray nozzle, pressure reducing stages and downstream pipe
- Water hammer
- Energy and profit loss
Steam leakage
Steam valve passing (leakage) is a common problem in normally closed valves used in power and process plants worldwide. Wet steam erosion of the valve plug and seat sealing surfaces is a significant cause of steam leakage. This results in downstream temperature increase, leading to spray water valve operation at lower openings and potential water valve trim erosion, hunting, over spray, downstream pipe cracking, and water hammer.
In addition, steam leakage causes high noise and vibration and can lead to energy loss, increased heat rate, and frequent repair or replacement of valve components.
Flashed condensate or wet steam flowing at high velocity within the valve can cause droplet impingement, resulting in trim erosion and steam (valve) leakage. This adversely affects safety, health, and customer experience, leading to unplanned shutdowns and production losses.
Coal plant operator
India
Across industries
The EroSolve Wet Steam solution is applicable to steam valves used in various industries including coal-fired power, combined cycle power, combined heat and power, and process plants.
Maximising value
- Specially engineered sealing surfaces and cage to optimise the impingement angle of droplets to minimise the impact
- Special erosion resistant hard facing to enhance the trim life
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