Global Search Navigation Looking for Spirax Sarco products and services? SELECT YOUR LOCATION LEARN ABOUT STEAM HOME LEARN ABOUT STEAM These tutorials explain the principles of steam engineering and heat transfer. They also provide a comprehensive engineering best practice guide covering all aspects of steam and condensate systems; from the boiler house and steam distribution system up to the point of use; through the condensate recovery system and returning to the boiler. Virtually all major applications and products are discussed. STEAM INSIGHTS Our blog on the latest topics and thought leadership on all things steam READ IT HERE INTRODUCTION The introduction of steam as a useful and powerful purveyor of energy. It discusses the versatile uses and benefits of this ubiquitous vapour; and the ways in which it is produced and distributed to achieve maximum performance and economy for the end user. STEAM ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES & HEAT TRANSFER Properties of various types of steam are considered, along with basic heat transfer principles and how to calculate consumption rates for process applications. Entropy is tackled in simple terms, removing unnecessary fears often associated with the subject. THE BOILER HOUSE Various types of boilers and fuels are discussed, alongside the best ways in which to get the best out of this important part of the steam plant. All associated boiler equipment is considered, including basic deaerator and accumulator theory. FLOWMETERING Fluid characteristics and flow theory (including Bernoulli's theorem and Reynolds' numbers) are introduced and developed to provide basic metering theory and techniques. Different meter types, instrumentation and installation practice are also discussed. BASIC CONTROL THEORY Control theory is discussed from fundamental proportional action to PID control. The dynamic of the simple control loop is discussed, alongside practical issues of choosing the best system for the application, and installation and commissioning issues. CONTROL HARDWARE: ELECTRIC/PNEUMATIC ACTUATION Control valve capacities and characteristics are investigated, along with theory and practical advice on how to size them for water and steam systems. Actuators, positioners, and controllers are introduced plus their overall effect on the control loop. CONTROL HARDWARE: SELF-ACTING ACTUATION Basic self-acting control theory is discussed, alongside the different types of direct-acting and pilot-operated valves, controllers, and applications for the proper selection of temperature and pressure control of steam and water systems. CONTROL APPLICATIONS A brief summary of, and advice on, temperature, pressure, flow and level control methods to suit various types of steam applications, with consideration to surplussing control, differential pressure control, and cascade control and installation thereof. SAFETY VALVES Arguably, the most important subject in the generation, distribution and use of steam. Why are safety valves required? What different types are available and how are they selected, sized and installed? Other protection devices are also shown in some detail. STEAM DISTRIBUTION Efficient distribution gets clean dry steam to apparatus at the right pressure. Pipe sizing, essential drainage techniques, pipe support and expansion, air venting, and heat transfer calculations are included to help the system designer and practitioner. STEAM TRAPS AND STEAM TRAPPING How steam traps work and why steam traps are necessary. All is explained in this block, along with the different types, where they are used, and how they are selected. Air venting theory and applications are touched upon, along with steam trap maintenance. PIPELINE ANCILLARIES These are often neglected to save costs; but strainers, stop valves, check valves, separators, gauge glasses and vacuum breakers all have their part to play in an efficient steam system. This block explains why, and explores the different types available. CONDENSATE REMOVAL Proper condensate removal is essential to heat exchanger efficiency and long service life. An explanation of how heat exchangers operate. It introduces the subject of stall, and why and how the best trapping device is selected to maximise system efficiency. CONDENSATE RECOVERY Relaying condensate back to the boiler house reduces costs. Pipe sizing and layout is discussed for drain lines, discharge lines, and pumped lines. The effects of lift and backpressure are explained; and how to reduce overall costs by utilising flash steam. DESUPERHEATING Why is it necessary to desuperheat steam? What types of desuperheater exist, where are they used, and how are they installed? Basic types and more sophisticated types of desuperheater and their applications are discussed in some detail. Investors Privacy Policy Legal Notice Cookie Notice COVID-19 International Page Change Location © 2021 Spirax Sarco Limited. All Rights Reserved. Linked In Twitter Instagram Facebook You Tube