In an ideal world, a single steam user has consistent load demand and operates continuously. However, reality is rarely this simple – and managing a dynamic steam plant operation featuring multiple users requires strong technical skills, good communication and close attention to optimise results, explains AES Commercial Director, Dennis Williams.
Variations, including time and duration of use, steam draw profiles (either constant or batch, intermittent, staged), different steam pressure requirements, direct or indirect steam use and condensate return differences impact on operations – especially when it comes to training steam plant operators, different boiler technologies and fuels, and managing consistent steam pressure supply – all while factoring in the potential use of accumulators and steam pressure control valves.
Optimising efficiency of steam generation (boiler load balancing, fuel trims, emission management due to load changes), together with carefully managing changes to steam and condensate return reticulation systems (including startup / shutdown of lines / production from one or multiple steam users), specific water treatment requirements due to variations in direct / indirect steam use and the impact of reduced condensate return from steam users are also important additional factors.