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Cleaning of superheated steam piping system

Q. We are in the process of building an Acid Plant. Included in the system is a steam turbine. The problem is the boiler is powered by the use of a pyrite Roaster. To get enough steam, to steam blow the HP steam lines we need to use the boiler at a very high capacity but to do that we need to activate the whole system. The problem with that is you need the steam to run the system. It's a Catch-22. I was thinking of trying to pickle the piping to clean it which would I think eliminate my need for a steam blow. Has anyone ever tried this before successfully and what chemicals were used in the process. We are also entertaining the thought of doing an air blow but the problem is we need 600 psi and it is hard to find a compressor in Turkey that will produce this kind of pressure. Any help would be appreciated

Steve Leger
Piping Superintendent /Building an Acid Plant in Turkey - Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
2003

A. Steve,

I don't know that this will help you ... but it well might!

Back in the early 60's (Bilboa, Spain) they sure had a problem with the superheated steam hitting the turbines because the steam contained 'droplets' and these started to erode the turbine blades. The Company was Babcock and Wilcox.

They solved the problem by using German TS-5 stainless mist eliminator blades ... the temperature was 200 °C, if I recall correctly.

The supplier has now been bought out by Munters.

Anyhow, maybe this data is of some interest to you. If so, please let us know.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2003

A. To perform an air blow, you would need 3-6 compressors, but to get to 600 psig, you will need a booster pump or two.

Regards,

Dennis L Miller
precommissioning cleaning services - La Porte, Texas
2004

2004

A. Steve,

This is a little late but in an event you cannot generate the necessary steam to clean a steam system consider this.

Pre-pickle the piping.
Oversee that it is installed "clean" and with "golden welds".
Inert the system with Nitrogen during any stress relieving activities.
Hydro-lase the system after erection.
Flush the system with foam, it has good particle carrying characteristics.

JERRY AITON
- ROCKWOOD, Tennessee, USA

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