[Anton Dooley]

Spirax Sarco on-line training

I have come across an excellent resource for those interested in furthering their knowledge of steam systems.

http://www.spiraxsarco.com/learn/modules.asp

This is an overview of the course contents]Steam Engineering Learning Modules[/b]

1. Introduction
The introduction of steam as a useful and powerful purveyor of energy. It discusses the versatile uses and benefits of this ubiquitous vapour; and the ways in which it is produced and distributed to achieve maximum performance and economy for the end user.

1.1 Steam – The Energy Fluid
1.2 Steam and the Organisation
1.3 The Steam and Condensate Loop

2. Steam Engineering Principles and Heat Transfer
Properties of various types of steam are considered, along with basic heat transfer principles and how to calculate consumption rates for process applications. Entropy is tackled in simple terms, removing unnecessary fears often associated with the subject.

2.1 Engineering Units
2.2 What is Steam?
2.3 Superheated Steam
2.4 Steam Quality
2.5 Heat Transfer
2.6 Methods of Estimating Steam Consumption
2.7 Measurement of Steam Consumption
2.8 Thermal Rating
2.9 Energy Consumption of Tanks and Vats
2.10 Heating with Coils and Jackets
2.11 Heating Vats and Tanks by Steam Injection
2.12 Steam Consumption of Pipes and Air Heaters
2.13 Steam Consumption of Heat Exchangers
2.14 Steam Consumption of Plant Items
2.15 Entropy – A Basic Understanding
2.16 Entropy – Its Practical Use

3. The Boiler House
Various types of boilers and fuels are discussed, alongside the best ways in which to get the best out of this important part of the steam plant. All necessary associated boiler equipment is considered, including basic deaerator and accumulator theory.

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Shell Boilers
3.3 Water-tube Boilers
3.4 Miscellaneous Boiler Types, Economisers and Superheaters
3.5 Boiler Ratings
3.6 Boiler Efficiency and Combustion
3.7 Boiler Fittings and Mountings
3.8 Steam Headers and Off-takes
3.9 Water Treatment, Storage and Blowdown for Steam Boilers
3.10 Water for the Boiler
3.11 The Feedtank and Feedwater Conditioning
3.12 Controlling TDS in the Boiler Water
3.13 Heat Recovery from Boiler Blowdown (TDS control only)
3.14 Bottom Blowdown
3.15 Water Levels in Steam Boilers
3.16 Methods of Detecting Water Level in Steam Boilers
3.17 Automatic Level Control Systems
3.18 Water Level Alarms
3.19 Installation of Level Controls
3.20 Testing Requirements in the Boiler House
3.21 Pressurised Deaerators
3.22 Steam Accumulators

4. Flowmetering
Fluid characteristics and flow theory (including Bernoulli’s theorem and Reynolds’ numbers) are introduced and developed to provide basic metering theory and techniques. Different meter types, instrumentation and installation practice are also discussed.

4.1 Fluids and Flow
4.2 Principles of Flowmetering
4.3 Types of Steam Flowmeter
4.4 Instrumentation
4.5 Installation

5. Basic Control Theory
Control theory is discussed from fundamental proportional action to PID control. The dynamic of the simple control loop is discussed, alongside practical issues of choosing the best system for the application, and installation and commissioning issues.

5.1 An Introduction to Controls
5.2 Basic Control Theory
5.3 Control Loops and Dynamics
5.4 Choice and Selection of Controls
5.5 Installation and Commissioning of Controls
5.6 Computers in Control

6. Control Hardware: Electric/Pneumatic Actuation
Control valve capacities and characteristics are investigated, along with theory and practical advice on how to size them for water and steam systems. Actuators, positioners, and controllers are introduced plus their overall effect on the control loop.

6.1 Control Valves
6.2 Control Valve Capacity
6.3 Control Valve Sizing for Water Systems
6.4 Control Valve Sizing for Steam Systems
6.5 Control Valve Characteristics
6.6 Control Valve Actuators and Positioners
6.7 Controllers and Sensors

7. Control Hardware: Self-acting Actuation
Basic self-acting control theory is discussed, alongside the different types of direct-acting and pilot-operated valves, controllers, and applications for the proper selection of temperature and pressure control of steam and water systems.

7.1 Self-acting Temperature Controls
7.2 Typical Self-acting Temperature Control Valves and Systems
7.3 Self-acting Pressure Controls and Applications

8. Control Applications
A brief summary of, and advice on, temperature, pressure, flow and level control methods to suit various types of steam applications, with consideration to surplussing control, differential pressure control, and cascade control and installation thereof.

8.1 Pressure Control Applications
8.2 Temperature Control for Steam Applications
8.3 Level and Flow Control Applications
8.4 Control Installations

9. Safety Valves
Arguably, the most important subject in the generation, distribution and use of steam. Why are safety valves required? What different types are available and how are they selected, sized and installed? Other protection devices are also shown in some detail.

9.1 Introduction to Safety Valves
9.2 Types of Safety Valve
9.3 Safety Valve Selection
9.4 Safety Valve Sizing
9.5 Safety Valve Installation
9.6 Alternative Plant Protection Devices and Terminology

10. Steam Distribution
Efficient distribution gets clean dry steam to apparatus at the right pressure. Pipe sizing, essential drainage techniques, pipe support and expansion, air venting, and heat transfer calculations are included to help the system designer and practitioner.

10.1 Introduction to Steam Distribution
10.2 Pipes and Pipe Sizing
10.3 Steam Mains and Drainage
10.4 Pipe Expansion and Support
10.5 Air Venting, Heat Losses and a Summary of Various Pipe Related Standards

11. Steam Traps and Steam Trapping
How steam traps work and why steam traps are necessary. All is explained in this module, along with the different types, where they are used, and how they are selected. Air venting theory and applications are touched upon, along with steam trap maintenance.

11.1 Introduction – Why Steam Traps?
11.2 Thermostatic Steam Traps
11.3 Mechanical Steam Traps
11.4 Thermodynamic Steam Traps
11.5 Considerations for Selecting Steam Traps
11.6 Selecting Steam Traps – Canteen Equipment; Oil Transfer/Storage; Hospital Equipment
11.7 Selecting Steam Traps – Industrial Dryers
11.8 Selecting Steam Traps – Laundries, Presses
11.9 Selecting Steam Traps – Process Equipment
11.10 Selecting Steam Traps – Space Heating Equipment
11.11 Selecting Steam Traps – Steam Mains; Tanks and Vats; Pressure Reducing Valves
11.12 Air Venting Theory
11.13 Air Venting Applications
11.14 Testing and Maintenance of Steam Traps
11.15 Energy Losses in Steam Traps

12. Pipeline Ancillaries
These are often neglected to save costs; but strainers, stop valves, check valves, separators, gauge glasses and vacuum breakers all have their part to play in an efficient steam system. This module explains why, and explores the different types available.

12.1 Isolation Valves – Linear Movement
12.2 Isolation Valves – Rotary Movement
12.3 Check Valves
12.4 Strainers
12.5 Separators
12.6 Gauges, Sight Glasses, Vacuum Breakers

13. Condensate Removal
Proper condensate removal is essential to heat exchanger efficiency and long service life. An explanation of how heat exchangers operate. It introduces the subject of stall, and why and how the best trapping device is selected to maximise system efficiency.

13.1 Heat Exchangers and Stall
13.2 The Heat Load, Heat Exchanger and Steam Load Relationship
13.3 Oversized Heat Exchangers
13.4 Example: Selecting the Trap
13.5 The Stall Chart –
Constant Flow Secondary
Varying Inlet Temperature
Constant Outlet Temperature
13.6 The Stall Chart –
Varying Flow Secondary
Constant Inlet Temperature
Constant Outlet Temperature
13.7 The Stall Chart –
Constant Flow Secondary
Constant Inlet Temperature
Varying Outlet Temperature
13.8 Practical Methods of Preventing Stall

14. Condensate Recovery
Relaying condensate back to the boiler house reduces costs. Pipe sizing and layout is discussed for drain lines, discharge lines, and pumped lines. The effects of lift and backpressure are explained; and how to reduce overall costs by utilising flash steam.

14.1 Introduction to Condensate Recovery
14.2 Layout of Condensate Return Lines
14.3 Sizing Condensate Return Lines
14.4 Pumping Condensate from Vented Receivers
14.5 Lifting Condensate and Contaminated Condensate
14.6 Flash Steam

15. Desuperheating
Why is it necessary to desuperheat steam? What types of desuperheater exist, where are they used, and how are they installed? Basic types and more sophisticated types of desuperheater and their applications are discussed in some detail.

15.1 Basic Desuperheating Theory
15.2 Basic Desuperheater Types
15.3 Other Types of Desuperheater
15.4 Typical Installations

16. Equations
A list of all the equations used in the complete set of Learning Centre Modules relating to the subject of how to get the best out of the steam and condensate loop.

16.1 Equations

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