Many industrial facilities utilize steam to generate energy and complete different operational processes. While these different industries generate and use large quantities of steam on a regular basis, they usually do not possess the complete expertise needed to manage their respective steam systems. While personnel is usually trained to operate these systems, rarely are these employees designated solely for maintenance and repairs.

This often leads to unforeseen repair needs that could have been easily avoided if the steam system’s upkeep was done consistently. Regular maintenance often results in high levels of energy efficiency, as leaks and other types of damage are avoided, with any existing problems being addressed in a timely manner. This leaves very little room for the damage to result in wasted fuel or steam.

Fortunately, commercial and industrial facilities can now turn to external providers when it comes to the upkeep of their systems, which leads to more efficient steam generation and use. This measure will also enhance the safety of employees and could significantly increase overall productivity. As mentioned in an article published by MidlandsBiz Profiles on September 13, 2013, Spirax Sarco—producer of efficient Sarco steam traps and systems—is one of these external providers:

“Spirax Sarco’s Steam System Asset Management programs are designed to provide ongoing in-plant steam trap and utility leak maintenance. Spirax Sarco’s extensive steam system knowledge and experience ensure Total Cost of Ownership is minimized and driven down to the lowest point possible.

Spirax Sarco’s asset management programs enable complete steam system optimization by identifying and then implementing opportunities discovered for energy and utility efficiencies, productivity gains, improved plant availability and uptime, improved health and safety, and regulatory compliance.”

As Spirax Sarco is a manufacturer of steam traps, and boiler and pipeline control valves for handling and steam fluids, they are adept at managing systems composed of their products. Experts recommend that commercial and industrial facilities in need of steam system management acquire these services from the companies that produced the current systems they’re using. As for parts, they don’t have to necessarily be acquired directly from the manufacturer.

Parts can be obtained from an authorized supplier like A.L.B. Industrial Supplies, Inc., which offers a wide selection of steam system parts from all the leading manufacturers. Some reputable suppliers don’t require their clients to place minimum orders, and offer same-day delivery services to anywhere in the country. When the utilized components are authentic, it facilitates ease of maintenance and ensures system performance of the highest level.

(Article Information and Image from Spirax Sarco steam system asset management program for the fuels and chemical industry; MidlandsBiz Profiles; September 13, 2013)

Heat is the most common form of energy utilized within the various operations found in modern industry. Steam remains one of the most efficient ways of generating and distributing heat within industrial and commercial facilities. However, with the advent of carbon taxes, climate change, and the steady reduction of the planet’s fossil fuel supplies, the mass production of steam continues to increase in cost as time goes by.

At the moment, there are no effective alternatives when it comes to mass producing the energy generated by steam. Hence, industries whose operations depend on steam must ensure that their systems are in the best operational condition possible. This measure ensures that all of the fuel used to generate steam, and the steam itself, are put to good use.

To guarantee efficiency, condensate and air must be removed from these systems with high-quality Spirax Sarco steam traps. One method that so far has only been explored by select industrial companies is having specialists manage their systems for them. While it may seem costly initially, operators of industrial and commercial steam powered systems can benefit quickly from such expertise.

The following excerpt from an energy management article published on December 2, 2013, on BSEE provides more information:

“Whatever business they’re in, another thing that steam system users tend to have in common is that steam is not their core area of expertise. And with the much-discussed skills gap affecting many organizations, and in-house estates and maintenance personnel facing increasing demands on their time, calling in specialists to provide service and support for the steam system can be the most realistic, cost effective way of keeping things running at their optimum.

From steam system audits and water treatment to project management and training, there are a wide range of support services available from external suppliers.”

By having their systems periodically serviced by reliable providers, industrial facilities can focus more on operation or production without having to worry about the escalating costs of their steam use. Many experts consider it best if the system manufacturer takes charge of managing the contract itself. Efficient Sarco steam traps, pumps, and other steam system components are best managed by the manufacturers of the system.

This of course would only be possible if the chosen system and its parts are all authentic and sourced from certified suppliers like A.L.B. Industrial Supplies Inc. Legitimate parts make overall system management easier, as any problems will be easier to identify, with quality concerns at a minimum.

(Article Information and Image from Five top tips for maximizing productivity; Building Services & Environmental Engineer (BSEE); December 2, 2013)

While emphasis is placed on choosing the right domestic or industrial steam systems to ensure the consistent production of steam while using the least amount of energy, equal importance should be placed on ensuring that these systems are safe to use. Most people consider steam to be water that has been boiled into vapor that is more or less harmless. While on most accounts this assumption proves true, excess amounts of steam, particularly when pressurized, can be a significant hazard.

As detailed in a report published by The Biola University Chimes on November 3, 2013, pressurized steam that isn’t regulated by pressure reducing valves or regulators could lead to dangerous explosions:

“Steam in Biola’s power plant reached an abnormally high pressure Sunday around 1:30 p.m., forcing excess vapor to rise from the building, according to Los Angeles County fire captain Skip Berry. An alarm sounded for approximately 20 minutes before power plant operator Joseph Hidy arrived on the scene around 2:11 p.m. and silenced it.”

“Had a safety valve not been in place to relieve the pressure, the plant would have exploded, Berry said.”

“It was a buildup in steam pressure, so that was the relief valve releasing the extra steam and pressure so it wouldn’t blow up,” he said. “The thing operated the way it should’ve.”

In the aforementioned scenario, the appropriate pressure relief valve was installed in the plant’s system. This effectively released excess steam and relieved pressure, which would have otherwise mounted, causing damage to the facilities and injuring the workers. While PRVs are paramount to ensuring that pressurized steam does not endanger the system or those who use it, it is also important to ensure that the correct PRV of the highest quality is installed.

Those who are looking to replace their current PRVs or any other part of their steam system can find authentic parts from reliable suppliers, like A.L.B. Industrial Supplies Inc. These include Spence PRV regulators, Armstrong Steam Traps, Danfoss Valves, Hoffman Steam Traps, Mepco products, and Spirax Sarco Steam Traps. Utilizing products of the highest quality will reduce repair costs and reinforce safety measures.

A durable Spence valve for domestic and industrial steam systems boasts nearly frictionless operation, which leads to longer service life. Spence steam valves can be used for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, such as steam boilers and pressure reducing stations, as well as air compressors and cookers. Experts recommend that operators source their valves from suppliers that offer extensive inventories. These suppliers should also be able to recommend the products that would work best for their clients’ systems.

(Article Information and Image from Pressurized steam causes white smoke to emanate from power plant; The Biola University Chimes; November 3, 2013)