Effects of Impure Steam Quality on the Process
The quality of steam supplied to the process is important as it can have a significant impact on process and energy efficiency and safety. Steam being supplied to the process should ideally be dry, clean and free from air and non-condensable gases.
Poor quality steam can affect the plant in the following ways :
- Lead to higher process times due to poor heat transfer thereby reducing plant productivity
- Lead to product quality issues and rejections
- Damage expensive steam accessories and process equipment
- Lead to recurring leakage from pipes and flanges
- Impact safety of personnel due to water hammer
- Lead to higher operating cost
- Increase the frequency of maintenance required to sustain uptime
