Energy System Blog

Airem Energy's new 1.8MW Turbine with a blue swoop next to it

Energy Independence Through On-Site Generation | Airem Energy

The ever-increasing push for carbon reduction and energy independence requires innovative solutions that can be deployed right away. The modern design of Airem Energy’s turbine gensets allow you to achieve these goals through the generation of low-carbon electricity and heat, often resulting in total-site reductions in emissions. Campbell-Sevey partners with Airem Energy, as they are […]

Steam System Dangers with Uncontrolled Gases

One of the most serious and costly hazards that can befall your steam system is the buildup of air and non­condensible gases (usually carbon dioxide and oxygen). Left unattended, such accumulations accelerate corrosion and block flow, resulting in leaks, steam or water hammer, reduced heat transfer and, eventually, expensive repairs. The real danger to your […]

Steam System Troubleshooting – 4 Tips You Should Know

4 Installation Tips For Troubleshooting Steam Systems We recommend you do not repair or replace suspect pressure reducing valves or steam traps without first considering four potential steam system installation pitfalls. When a pressure reducing valve (PRV) or steam trap appears to be malfunctioning, there is a strong tendency to simply replace the suspect part […]

Verify the Correct PRV Size – Steam System Troubleshooting Tip #2

TIP #2: Verify the Correct PRV Size to not cause valve wear and erratic pressure control. Installation of an oversized PRV will often cause increased valve wear and erratic pressure control. The selection of the proper PRV should be based on the supply pressure, delivery pressure, and amount of steam required to be delivered to […]

Remember Seasonal Steam Load Variations – Steam System Troubleshooting Tip #3

TIP #3: Noting Seasonal Steam Load Variations is Important. Even when you think you’ve selected the correct PRV, there are some “tricky” installations that can fool you. For in­stance, consider an installation where a large percentage of the supply steam is used for heating and only a small percentage is used in a manufacturing process. […]

Prepare for a Malfunctioning PRV – Steam System Troubleshooting Tip #4

TIP #4: Be ready for the aftermath of a malfunctioning PRV. Pressure reducing valves are subject to wear and will eventually fail. For that reason, it is vitally important that you evaluate every component down­stream from the PRV and determine the consequences of exposing those components to elevated pressures. If a PRV does malfunction, chances […]

State-of-the-Art Steam Tracing

QMax FTS: High Performance, Low Cost QMax FTS (Fluid Tracing System) combines performance comparable to jacketed pipe with the flexibility and low cost of standard steam tracing. QMax FTS is a patented, highly conductive aluminum channel that fits over standard stainless or copper tubing to maximize heat transfer from the heating medium to the process […]

Increase System Efficiency with Steam Trap Surveys and SAGE

Steam trap performance can significantly impact safety and overall plant efficiency, however they also tend to be neglected for long periods of time. This can be costly – as much as $300 – $3000 per trap in energy losses alone (see chart below for potential losses based on leak size). Campbell-Sevey’s steam trap surveys have […]

How Expansion Joints Prevent Catastrophic Failures

To avoid catastrophic failutres a critical requirement in any steam system is accounting for pipe expansion. As pipes heat up with high pressure steam, pipes can grow up to 8 inches for every 100 feet. That growth can exert forces that break loose pipe guides and cause catastrophic failures. In order to avoid that two […]