The Future is Bright in Pennsylvania

Best Practices - Steam Distribution

1. An effective steam trap maintenance program can save 3% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 2 months.
2. An effective steam trap maintenance program can reduce a boiler's fuel use by 10% to 20%. Repairing steam system leaks can save 1% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 3 months.
3. A single high-pressure steam leak (125 psi) can result in energy losses costing from $660 to $2,200 per year (8,760 hrs). A single low-pressure steam leak (15 psi) can result in energy losses costing $130 to $480 per year (8,760 hrs).
4. Insulating steam lines can save 1% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 10 months.
5. Vapor recompression saves 90% to 95% of the energy needed to raise the steam to the same pressure in a boiler.
6. Measures to reduce heat loss from condensate in a steam system can save over 1% of a facility's total energy use with an average simple payback of 8 months.