Where should air vents be installed in a steam system
Air vents should be installed at the following locations in the steam system:
- On steam distribution lines, especially at the end of the steam mains
Air in steam pipelines gets pushed towards dead ends. This air-steam mixture which makes its way to the process will not be at the same temperature as steam and will reduce heat transfer efficiency of the process.
An automatic air vent evacuates air and non-condensable gases from the steam distribution system eliminating possibilities of air hampering heat transfer.
- Air vents should also be installed at the highest point on process equipment or where air is likely to get pushed /trapped as steam enters into the process equipment.
Air vents should always be installed above the condensate level so that the air can reach the vent.
