People still take operations of steam systems as an everyday, no big deal, lax part of the job. It's not! Steam is so powerful that it has leveled huge complexes.
My very first lesson by a retired Navy Chief back in 1988 was when it comes to the start up of a steam plant, ALWAYS follow each and every step of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Lesson two was to ALWAYS review each step before you hit the start button.
Less than 4 weeks ago two steam workers at the VA Hospital in West Haven, CT, were killed while starting up a steam line. The preliminary report states that this was a "pressure event."
Especially critical from a safety standpoint is making sure that all water is eliminated from the steam system prior to and during start-up. (It is also good practice to drain the system upon shutdown due to corrosion.) Failure to do so can likely result in water hammer events endangering personnel and damaging system components.
Gleason Steam posted this link showing the explosion.
For this reason it is imperative that facility managers provide proper start-up procedures to their employees. Personnel should be held accountable for diligently and consistently adhering to these procedures.
This is not an SOP but Including the following items in system start-up procedures should be considered:
Procedures to be formatted as a CHECKLIST
Warm-up to be slow and methodical
Ensure any removed insulation has been replaced
Use radio communication between participants
Warm-up valves to be used on any isolation valve > 3"
Open drip leg blowdown valves
Open strainer blowdown valves
Confirm that all steam trap stations are in service
Open test valves downstream of steam traps to ensure evacuation of condensate
Once system is running, check test valves again to confirm proper steam trap operation
Monitor expansion joints, blowdowns, steam quality, movement, and noise throughout
Hold personnel accountable for diligent and consistent use of start-up checklists
All drip leg steam trap stations should be evaluated regularly. At-a-glance saturated temperature indication - along with operator training - should be standard specification.
This was posted by Gleason Steam who has AVAILABLE NOW:
ON-SITE or REAL-TIME ONLINE TRAINING
SAFETY & OPERATION REVIEWS (901) 212-8323
I like these guys I think they're pretty good at what they do.
Until next time, get training and stay safe.
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