Air and other non-condensable gases can cause many problems in steam systems. Not only will the warm-up time be prolonged, but the temperature of the steam-air mixture will be lower than that of pure steam at the same pressure. Air will form a gas film that reduces heat transfer efficiency, thereby increasing fuel consumption, and these gases are also the main cause of pipeline corrosion. Using a steam system air exhaust valve can remove air and other non-condensable gases in the steam system without leaking steam.
Q: What does a steam system exhaust valve (air vent) do?
A: It automatically vents trapped air and gases from pipelines and vessels during startup and regular operation.
Q: Why can’t a standard water air vent be used on steam?
A: Standard water vents cannot withstand the high temperatures, pressures, and thermal expansion forces found in steam systems.
Q: Where should steam exhaust air vents be placed?
A: At high points in the piping network, at the ends of steam mains, and on jacketed processing vessels where air naturally collects.
Q: How does a thermostatic air vent identify air vs steam?
A: It senses temperature. Air is cooler than live steam; the internal capsule stays contracted to vent air and closes tight when hot steam arrives.
Solve the energy problems and challenges facing your facilities
OUVI provides products and services to keep your steam system in optimal condition, overcome challenges with customers, achieve safe and reliable operation, save energy, and improve production efficiency.
We can provide steam knowledge, various related calculations, valve and pipeline equipment selection, and overall energy-saving optimization transformation solutions for steam and thermal energy systems based on the user’s process equipment requirements.
