High Pressure Steam Leaks 1

[PlantEng]

Above what pressure (or degree of superheat) would a steam leak be mostly invisible and become an additional risk to personnel walking in the area.

Is there any covering which would aid in detection or protection from such a leak? (ie a covering that would change colors when exposed to the high temperature.)


We have polymer processing machines which are supplied with 400 psig steam, in certain areas the vapor plume 4-5 feet away from the leak may not keep someone from walking through the high velocity leak. The area is also an ear plug area, so we can't count on the sound warning anyone.

 

[sailoday28]

How about a sensor for relative humidity?

 

[25362]

See thread524-101309 for interesting comments on the subject related to this thread.

 

[zdas04]

Since most leaks happen at flanges and threads, I've had good luck with putting duct tape or pipe-coating tape around flanges and threads. The tape is tough enough to hold a bit of pressure so that when it fails you get a flap of tape that is really obvious.

This doesn't help with corrosion leaks, but it is a really cheep and visually impressive technique with flange/thread leaks.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

http://www.muleshoe-eng.com

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

The Plural of "anecdote" is not "data"

 

[25362]

Sound and ultrasound sensors may detect high velocity leaks and translate detection, for example, into light flashes.

 

[micjk]

An ultrasonic detector with cone or parabolic disk or possibly Infrared detection.

Roy Gariepy
Maintenance and Reliability Dept.
Dorlastan Fibers LLC.
Goose Creek, South Carolina USA

 

[Reynosajake]

There are various manufacturer's of Thermal Imagery cameras that can be quite cost effective depending on application. They can be fixed to provide a wealth of information and security. We had a group that specifically dealt with this equipment and frequently they were able to save the client a lot of money on identifying heat waste as well as locating "danger" spots regarding machine human issues.