EroSolve

Steam valve passing (leakage) is a common problem, and a serious concern in normally closed valves within power and process plants across the globe. One major reason for steam leakage is condensate or wet steam erosion of the steam valve plug and seat sealing surfaces.

Steam leakage increases downstream temperature and in order to bring the temperature under control, the spray water valves are forced to operate at lower openings (bypass valves also in some cases). This can lead to water valve trim erosion, lost controllability, hunting, over spray, downstream pipe cracking and water hammer. In cases where wet steam erodes the pressure reducing stages, the valve generates high noise and vibration.

The continuous steam leakage and unintended opening of steam and water valves leads to loss of energy and increased heat rate. Frequent repair or replacement of steam and spray water valve trim components are very common. Pipe cracking and water hammer can result in unplanned shutdown and production loss. All these adversely affect safety, health of the business and the customer's experience.

Condensate flashes when it flows through the steam valve and drops pressure. Flashed condensate or wet steam flowing at high velocity within the valve can cause droplet impingement on trim surfaces and seat sealing surfaces, leading to trim erosion and steam (valve) leakage.

The EroSolve solution is available for all steam valves in:

• Coal fired power.
• Combined cycle power.
• Combined heat and power.
• Process plants.