Condensate systems efficiency, maintenance

To maximize turbine efficiency (by minimizing turbine back-pressure). This is achieved by condensing steam and creating an adequate vacuum. The level of vacuum created by the reduction in steam-to-water volume is typically on the order of 26 to 29 inches of mercury and is in large part a function of the cooling water inlet temperature. A contribution to the maintenance of the vacuum is obtained through the mechanical pumps and air ejectors, which form part of the condenser system. 

Excessive corrosion of the condensate system can lead not only to costly equipment failure and increased maintenance costs, but can also cause deposition of metal oxide corrosion products on boiler heat transfer surfaces if the condensate is recovered as feedwater. Metal oxide deposition on boiler heat transfer surfaces will result in lower fuel to steam efficiency and higher fuel costs. The deposition may also lead to tube failure due to long-term overheating. 

Steam traps are automatic mechanisms that remove low heat-content air and condensate from the steam delivery system. The lack of steam traps or use of traps that fail to function properly leads to a gradual decline in heat-transfer efficiency, waterlogged heat exchangers, and water hammer (which may in turn result in ruptured pipes). When adequate maintenance of steam traps is neglected, this ultimately leads to a serious overall loss of operating efficiency. There are various types of steam traps, each designed for a specific function. Some common variations are discussed in the following sections. 

The pretreatments, described above, that deliver a particulate-free stream at 38 °C to the amine system provide a ready-made feed for processing via membrane modules. This feed can be used with simple and efficient membranes, new structured sorbents, membrane + structured sorbent hybrid systems or more advanced super H2 selective membranes. These membrane systems can simplify and condense the flow sheet in Figure 7.10, thereby enabling a more compact plant with less piping and associated maintenance concerns. 

At periodic drain of the condensed slurry, the water discharge is determined by consistency of slurry and averages to 10 r on 1 m air, and at fixed drain the charge does not exceed 100-200 g on 1 m air. Filling of dust traps with water should be controlled automatically. Maintenance of a fixed level of water has primary value as its oscillations involve essential change as efficiency and productivity of system [15-17],... 

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