What is Steam hammering?
It happens when there is direct contact of steam with liquid, as hot steam comes in contact with cooler condensate or liquid, creating a low-pressure zone. The liquid then rushes in to fill the low-pressure zone creating a pressure spike. As the steam flow increases, steam carries the water with it a lot of momentum is created and hammers the line loops with tremendous forces causing a lot of stress.
Effects of steam hammering
- Cause valve failure.
- Break pipe welds and rupture piping.
- Failure in heat exchange or tubes.
- Crack steam trap and pressure gauges.
How to prevent Steam hammering?
- Have a checklist for the start and shutdown of various steam systems onboard.
- Correct usage of the warm-up valve.
- Drain the steam line and make it free of condensate
- check and repair insulation to reduce heat wastage and accumulation of condensate
- Gradual opening and closing of the valve.
- Ensure steam traps are working satisfactorily.
What is water hammering?
Water hammering is the sudden pressure surge caused by rapid change in the velocity in the pipeline, which sounds like being pounded with a hammer
It is caused when a fluid in motion is forced to change direction or stop abruptly. When a pump is suddenly stopped, or when an open valve is closed suddenly.
How to prevent Water hammering?
- Reduce operating pressure.
- Open and close the valve slowly.
- Installing pressure reducer.
- Good pipeline control (start-up and shut-down procedure).
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