Fluid Handling

Liqui-Mover PumpTraps and System Engineering - Case Study

A U.S. paper mill in the Southeast wanted to increase the air temperature in its pocket ventilating (PV) system based on recommendations included in a dryer audit conducted by Kadant Johnson.

Written by Danielle Rohrer on April 26, 2016.

Steam Hammer in Continuous Casting of Steel

Continuous casting of steel is the process where molten steel is solidified into a semi-finished billet, bloom, or slab for subsequent rolling in the finishing mills. Effective water cooling of continuous casting rolls is critical. Any drop in water pressure, even from a leaking hose, can result in reduced water flow causing water to remain in the rolls longer than recommended.

Written by Frank Marsden on November 10, 2015.

Does your vacuum breaker experience sporadic periods of chattering and spit out condensate?

A newly installed steam injection water heater with a ½” vacuum breaker was experiencing sporadic periods where the vacuum breaker chattered rapidly and “spit out” condensate. Once the water heater reached its set point, the chattering stopped and did not reappear for hours. Chatter will eventually destroy the cage that holds the spring and ball-check in place on the vacuum breaker.

Written by Jan Walter on April 16, 2015.

What is the lowest operating temperature for a vacuum breaker?

A vacuum breaker is an anti-siphoning check valve used in a variety of applications to prevent a vacuum from developing. When the vacuum breaker valve is sealed, its spring seats a ball against an O-ring.

Written by Jan Walter on January 06, 2015.

Paper Dryer Fabric Tension Impacts Dryer Performance

Dryer fabrics, often called dryer “felts”, are used to hold paper against the outer surfaces of steam-heated drying cylinders. The pressure from the dryer fabrics increases the rate of heat transfer from the dryer to the paper. The pressure that is applied to the paper depends on the fabric tension and the diameter of the dryer. The pressure can be calculated, as a first approximation, by the equation:

Written by Greg Wedel on September 16, 2014.

Case Study - PT Rotary Joint with Shield

PT rotary joint with integral protective shield keeps debris out of the sealing area and enhances safety around the rotary joint.

Written by Danielle Rohrer on March 29, 2016.

Steam, Paper Drying, and the Bottom Line

Because energy drives the papermaking process, steam is found in many energy streams in a paper mill. Steam is used to cook fibers for improved sheet strength, heat stock for improved drainage, heat process air for ventilation, heat dryers to dry paper, and selectively heat the web for improved gloss and smoothness.

Written by Wes Martz on October 13, 2015.

Vacuum Breaker Best Practice: Keeping Contamination Out

Vacuum breakers are frequently installed with the air inlet port facing up. This orientation can lead to contaminants entering the steam system and potentially accumulating on the ball, seat, and cage area of the vacuum breaker.

Written by Al Ives on March 17, 2015.

Pressure Powered Pump Alternative Reduces Maintenance

There are thousands of electric centrifugal pumps in service used to pump condensate. These pumps are either simplex or duplex condensate pump units and operated with a mechanical float switch assembly.

Written by Mike Sneary on October 28, 2014.

Kadant Johnson to Offer Donahue Steam Products

Kadant Johnson Inc. has expanded its corrugator steam and condensate handling systems to now include Donahue steam systems, Donahue steam traps, and corrugator audit services.

Written by Danielle Rohrer on August 06, 2014.

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Fluid Handling