Equalization Line Placement

[VVman1]

I have been advised that the placement of the equalization tube (pipe) must be directed from the top of the valve to the high pressure side of the valve. In this case it is a 16"-900# Parallel Gate Valve with a planned by-pass to be installed along with the equalizing pipe. I willmount a globe valve on the equalizing pipe. The service is hi-pressure steam, I plan to put the equalizer in the center line of the valve port rather then at the tob of the valve body since the valve will be in a dedicated steam service. My coworker is adament that I should place the equalizer at the top of the valve regardless of the valve being in steam service vs liquid service. Does anyone have an opinion as to the placement of the equalizer for steam service vs. liquid/steam service?

 

[gerhardl]

For steam service you have the two points that always must be properly solved: draining of condensate during operation or by shutdown, and outlet of air (and eventual condensate) when starting up (and also inlet of air when closing down to avoid vacuum collapse).

If you have arranged your bypass with an orientation where this is all taken care of, or if you arrange the bypass with components to take care of this, you can else orientate your bypass as you want.

 

[Scotsinst]

You may consider installing a small parallel slide gate valve on the bypass too if you want tight shutoff.