Why Choose Aerial Infrared?
Inspections of boilers and lines in steam tunnels are best conducted on-site. However, when it comes to direct-buried distribution and condensate return lines, aerial infrared thermography is the preferred method of inspection.
Aerial infrared thermography is an efficient method for steam line inspections, providing a cost-effective approach to preventative maintenance. By detecting thermal contrast between active steam lines and the surrounding ground, our experts can accurately pinpoint and document the location of flaws over any given area.
Steam Usage and Energy Costs
Energy Use and Cost
Steam is used to heat buildings, heat raw materials, finish products in manufacturing, and generate electricity. However, Steam is not free, the US alone spend approximately $20 billion dollars annually to feed the boilers generating steam.
Steam System Components
A steam system consists of three components: generation, distribution, and recovery. These include boilers, distribution system and the condensate return system. The generation component of a steam system refers to the boilers that are used to generate steam. The distribution component of a steam system refers to the pipes, valves, and other equipment that are used to transport the steam from the boilers to the end-use equipment. The recovery component of a steam system refers to the condensate return system, which captures the heat from the condensate produced by the end-use equipment and returns it to the boiler for reuse.
Steam Distribution and Recovery
The goal of an effective steam distribution system is to link the output of the steam generation system to the steam end-use equipment efficiently, supplying high-quality steam at the required rate and pressure, minimizing heat loss. The purpose of an effective condensate recovery system is to make the most effective use of all remaining steam and condensate energy after process end-use.