TROUBLESHOOTING EVAPORATION SYSTEMS

Discrepancies in performance may be caused by deviations in physical properties of fluids, flow rates, inlet temperatures, mechanical construction of the equipment, or by problems caused during the installation of the equipment. The troubleshooter should first check to see that compositions, flows, temperatures, and physical properties agree with those specified for design. He should then examine the equipment drawings to determine if the problem could lie in the manner in which the equipment was constructed, or in the manner in which the equipment has been installed. After these basic items have been reviewed, the checklist below outlines some questions that should be raised. 

Has the steam side been vented to remove air or other entrapped gases  

Has the steam control valve been adequately sized What is the actual steam pressure in the steam chamber  

Has the steam trap been properly selected and sized  

Are the control valve and steam trap functioning correctly  

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