3.6 Install steam flow meters at strategic locations within the network

The first step for any plant which wishes to reduce opex by promoting efficient use of steam is to be able to accurately monitor its consumption. The presence of steam flow meters can enable the following.

Costing: Quantify the steam consumed per unit of product (specific steam consumption) enabling accurate cost allocation to products/ production

Benchmarking: The best an average specific steam consumption analysis of the plant/equipment and comparison against similar plants/equipment can help establish the potential for improvement

Troubleshooting: Deviations in steam consumption or a gap between steam generation and consumption can help identify losses in the plant

Maintenance: Deviations in steam consumption can trigger the need for maintenance in the system

While different types of flow meters are used across plants to measure steam consumption, vortex flow meters offer the highest accuracy.