Steam Blow PDF

Steam Blowing Procedure
This Steam Blowing procedure is intended to provide general

application guidance and establish controls during Steam Blowing of
piping and equipment. The purpose of steam blowing, prior to start-up
of a new unit, is to remove any foreign material in the superheater
and steam piping after the erection completion. Considerable damage
could result, if such foreign material is allowed to enter the steam
system or steam turbine during initial operation.
Target plate
The basis behind steam blowing is to create a momentum equal to or

preferably greater than that during normal operation. This will blow
out all the loose debris from the system. The two methods in practice
for steam blowing are puffing method and continuous blowing. In the
puffing method, a thermal shock is created, whereas in continuous
blowing method, constant purge steam rate is maintained. In the
puffing method, the pressure is allowed to decay during blowing.
Requirements for Steam Blowing
Temporary pipes and temporary valves used for steam blowing must be
equal to the maximum sizes of permanent pipes. Sharp elbows, bends and
tees are to be avoided in temporary piping as these contribute to
increased pressure loss during steam blowing conditions. Temporary
discharge piping should be well supported to withstand reacting forces
during blowing. The steam must be exhausted to atmosphere outside the
turbine hall. Since, steam blowing is not a normal operation
procedure, extreme care should be taken to ensure safely of personal
and equipment. The area should be cordoned off and notice should be
displayed prominently. For thermal expansion of the pipe, proper
allowances must be given. First steam blow is given at a lower mass
flow of steam and the pipe lines are to be surveyed for proper
expansion and supports. Ensure that all permanent hangers of various
pipe lines including main steam line is erected as per drawing and the
values set accordingly to the design values also ensure that locking
of hangers are removed. Ensure that remote operation of startup valve,
main steam stop valve and its bypass valve is possible. Ensure that
flow nozzles, control valves non return valve flaps are not erected
before steam blowing. Spool pieces may be erected at its places
wherever applicable. Ensure that hydraulic test of pressure part/ pipe
lines are completed.Ensure that insulation of temporary and permanent
piping is completed as per schedule before starting the steam blowing.
Steam Blowing procedure
The steam generating unit is started in normal manner following a cold

start-up procedure. All recommendation with reference to drains,
vents, firing system etc should be followed.
The boiler should be brought-up slowly and the expansion movement

should be monitored. When the drum pressure reaches the pressure value
of 5kg/cm2(g), the first blowing can be started.
Fuel feeding is discontinued and the blow-off valve is opened to blow

through the superheaters, main steam line and out of the temporary
blow off piping. When the drum pressure drops 1o kg/cm2(g), the blow-
off valve is closed and the firing is started to establish the blowing
off at 40kg/cm2(g) or 85% of the boiler working pressure, whichever is
lower.
The blowing is started once again at this pressure and when the
pressure drops to 20kg/ cm2(g) or 50% of the blowing pressure, the
blow off valve should be closed. The cycle is repeated until the
cleaning is considered satisfactory. Maintain at least 3 hours time
gap between the consecutive blows.
During the steam blowing, the drum level will be subjected to extreme
fluctuations. Therefore, it is important that the drum level is
established at or slightly above normal operating level before the
start of each below.
After 2 to 3 blows, place the impact specrmen (Aluminium target plate)

in its pre determined location (place the target plate at the nearest
possible final user point) and inspect the target plate.
Indications for the result of steam blowing are the number of pitting
/ impression found on the target plate. The highest velocity of steam
is in the center of pipe and hence judgment should be made at this
area. It is recommended to place the target plate after completing few
blows in each stage.
The result of blowing operation can be judged by the absolute number

of pitting / impression on target plate central zone.
Acceptance Criteria
The piping is considered clean if there are not more than 5 (five)
pitting less than 1 mm diameter in central zone area and shall not
have any deformed edge. Besides this there shall be no pitting in the
rim zone.

Steam Blow PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Steam Blow PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Steam Blow PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the two methods of steam blowing discussed?

What criteria is used to judge the result of steam blowing?

Steam Blowing Procedure

This Steam Blowing procedure is intended to provide general

The basis behind steam blowing is to create a momentum equal to or

Requirements for Steam Blowing

Steam Blowing procedure

The steam generating unit is started in normal manner following a cold

The boiler should be brought-up slowly and the expansion movement

Fuel feeding is discontinued and the blow-off valve is opened to blow

After 2 to 3 blows, place the impact specrmen (Aluminium target plate)

The result of blowing operation can be judged by the absolute number

You might also like