lewist57
Mechanical
- Jul 18, 2006
- 11
Here are some basic, but not necessarily simple, questions about the design and layout of steam distribution systems (for non-power applications), from the building level, to plant level, to campus level:
1) It is my experience that virtually all steam distribution systems are "branching" or "tree" type systems, with a central boiler (or boilers) feeding a main (or mains), which in turn has branches going to individual steam users. The flow is "one way", i. e. - from the boiler to the end user. Would you agree that this type of distribution system is the most common?
2) As an alternative, a steam distribution system could be a "loop" design, which potentially would allow flow in the mains in either direction; any input on when this type system would be designed? I have seen this in larger systems, but it is more expensive, and was used to provide alternative paths if part of the loop is valved out (as such, that still would be a "tree" type system).
3) Last but not least, a steam system could be a "grid" design, such that the flows potentially could be at 90 degrees direction to that of the main (for example, connecting pipes between multiple mains or multiple branches). I have seen this in older systems that have been modified to accomodate increases in individual branch lines to avoid repiping the mains, but I assume one would not do that from scratch; any input on why this type of distribution system would be designed on day one?
Thanks in advance for your input. Once again, note that these questions are specifically for non-power applications of steam distribution, from small (building system) to large (campus wide system), and not for fluids, compressed air, natural gas, etc.
1) It is my experience that virtually all steam distribution systems are "branching" or "tree" type systems, with a central boiler (or boilers) feeding a main (or mains), which in turn has branches going to individual steam users. The flow is "one way", i. e. - from the boiler to the end user. Would you agree that this type of distribution system is the most common?
2) As an alternative, a steam distribution system could be a "loop" design, which potentially would allow flow in the mains in either direction; any input on when this type system would be designed? I have seen this in larger systems, but it is more expensive, and was used to provide alternative paths if part of the loop is valved out (as such, that still would be a "tree" type system).
3) Last but not least, a steam system could be a "grid" design, such that the flows potentially could be at 90 degrees direction to that of the main (for example, connecting pipes between multiple mains or multiple branches). I have seen this in older systems that have been modified to accomodate increases in individual branch lines to avoid repiping the mains, but I assume one would not do that from scratch; any input on why this type of distribution system would be designed on day one?
Thanks in advance for your input. Once again, note that these questions are specifically for non-power applications of steam distribution, from small (building system) to large (campus wide system), and not for fluids, compressed air, natural gas, etc.