Effect of Air and Non Condensable Gases in Steam System

Effect of Air and Non Condensable Gases in Steam System In a steam system , air and non - condensable gases are the main causes of issues . Both may result in production issues that affect the functionality and efficiency of a steam system . Depending on the air concentration in the steam system , failing to remove air and non - condensable gases can lower heat transfer efficiency by 21 % or more . Visit @https : //www.uniklinger.com/contact On the heat transfer surface , where heat is transferred as a result of the temperature differential ( steam to the process ) , latent energy ( a change in state ) is released and condenses in the steam components . Latent energy is being used by the steam component transfer , causing the steam to condense into a liquid ( condensate ) . Gravity then drains the condensate away , leaving the air and non - condensable gases behind . A resistance is produced by the stagnant film that the non - condensable gases build on the heat transfer surface's walls . Conduction via these films of resistance is required for heat energy to be transmitted through the heat transfer surface . A ten - thousandth - thick layer of air or non - condensable gases has the same resistance as an iron wall three inches thick . Steam's temperature is lowered by air : According to Dalton's law of partial pressures , the combined partial pressures of all the gases or vapors in a mixture equal the mixture's overall pressure . The proportion of total pressure equal to the fraction of each's entire volume represents the partial pressure that each exerts . Additional problems with the concentration of air and non - condensable gases exist in the steam system . In the heat transfer area , the amount of air and non - condensable gases that accumulate or change is not constant . A stagnant film of air can have different thicknesses because of different internal heat transfer systems , baffles , flow directions , and metal finishes . This element may also contribute to issues with products heating unevenly . In order to solve the problems with air and non - condensable gases , plants raise the steam pressure . The higher expense of creating higher steam pressures thus raises the energy cost of the plant . Air venting apparatus : The main characteristic that separates 100 % steam from an air / steam mixture is temperature .