Anti-freezing and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline

By using a double-layer stainless steel insulation tank, stirring fan, and heating wire in the superheated steam pipeline, combined with a float-type steam trap and composite insulation layer, the freezing problem of the superheated steam pipeline in cold environments was solved, achieving energy saving and safety improvement.

CN223840172UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27SHANDONG YANKUANG INT COKING CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520316634.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-26
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing superheated steam pipelines are prone to freezing in cold environments, leading to pipeline rupture and energy waste. Existing antifreeze measures are inefficient and increase operating costs.

Method used

The insulated pool features a double-layer stainless steel structure, an internal stirring fan and heating wire, combined with a float-type drain valve and a composite insulation layer to prevent condensate from freezing and reduce heat loss.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents steam pipelines from freezing, reduces energy consumption, improves operational efficiency and safety, and lowers operating costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223840172U_ABST
    Figure CN223840172U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of steam pipeline equipment, and relates to an anti-freezing energy-saving superheated steam pipeline which comprises a steam main pipe, a direct discharge pipe is led out of the steam main pipe and connected to a heat preservation pool, a root valve and a direct discharge valve are respectively arranged on the direct discharge pipe, a drain pipe is led out of the direct discharge pipe, a steam trap is arranged on the drain pipe, and the root valve and the direct discharge valve are connected to the heat preservation pool. A stirring fan and an electric heating wire are arranged in the heat preservation pool; and outlet pipes are arranged on two sides of the heat preservation pool. According to the utility model, the problem of freezing of the steam pipeline in a low-temperature environment is effectively prevented, meanwhile, the energy-saving effect is realized through the matching of the electric heating wire and the stirring fan, and the operation efficiency and the safety of the steam pipeline are improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of steam pipeline equipment, specifically relating to a freeze-proof and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of industrial production and energy transmission, superheated steam pipelines, as the core carriers of high-temperature heat energy transfer, undertake the critical task of transporting high-temperature, high-pressure steam to production stages in petrochemical, power, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Their stable operation directly affects the continuity of industrial processes and energy utilization efficiency. Traditional superheated steam pipelines typically reduce heat loss by externally covering them with insulation materials and installing steam traps in the condensate drain pipes to discharge condensate. However, under cold climatic conditions, especially when the ambient temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius in winter, existing technologies reveal significant shortcomings:

[0003] Firstly, there is the risk of condensate freezing in drainage pipes: While main steam pipelines are less prone to freezing due to continuous high-temperature steam flow, branch drainage pipes, characterized by low steam flow and intermittent operation, are susceptible to condensate buildup due to heat loss. When ambient temperature drops sharply, the condensate freezes and expands, potentially causing pipe ruptures, valve seal failures, and leaks at flange connections. Industry statistics indicate that in northern my country, the failure rate of steam systems due to pipe freezing increases by 30%-50% in winter compared to other seasons, with maintenance costs increasing by approximately 25%-40%.

[0004] Secondly, existing antifreeze measures are inefficient: the current common practice of using steam traps to continuously discharge condensate can mitigate the risk of freezing, but it has two major drawbacks: the steam traps discharge high-temperature steam for extended periods, resulting in direct heat loss. Research data shows that in cold regions, the energy loss of steam systems in winter due to steam trap discharge increases by an average of 10%-20%.

[0005] Third, the insulation has limitations: most existing drainage pipelines use a single insulation layer structure, which is still difficult to prevent heat loss in extreme low temperature environments.

[0006] In conclusion, developing a freeze-resistant and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline that can effectively prevent the condensate pipe from freezing and reduce energy consumption has become a key technological requirement for improving the reliability of industrial steam transportation and reducing operating costs. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a freeze-proof and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline, which has freeze-proof and energy-saving functions and solves the problems in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: This utility model provides a freeze-proof and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline, including a steam main pipe, a straight discharge pipe leading out from the steam main pipe, the straight discharge pipe being connected to a heat preservation tank, a root valve and a straight discharge valve being respectively installed on the straight discharge pipe, a drain pipe leading out from the straight discharge pipe, and a stirring fan and an electric heating wire being installed inside the heat preservation tank.

[0009] Preferably, the drain pipe is positioned between the root valve and the straight drain valve on the straight drain pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the drain pipe is equipped with a drain valve, which is a float-type drain valve with a valve body made of cast steel and a hard alloy layer welded to the internal sealing surface.

[0011] Preferably, outlet pipes are provided on both sides of the heat preservation pool.

[0012] Preferably, the heat preservation pool adopts a double-layer stainless steel structure, with an inner layer of 304 stainless steel lining and an outer layer of 316L stainless steel shell, and a rock wool insulation layer filling the space between the inner and outer layers.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the outlet pipe is provided with a flange structure, and the sealing surface of the flange structure is provided with a graphite spiral wound gasket.

[0014] Preferably, the heating wire is evenly distributed in a spiral shape at the bottom of the heat preservation pool. The heating wire is made of nickel-chromium alloy with a magnesium oxide insulating layer on the surface and is covered with a high-temperature resistant ceramic protective tube on the outside.

[0015] Preferably, the stirring fan includes a central shaft and 3-6 fan-shaped blades. The blades are made of aluminum alloy and coated with a tungsten carbide wear-resistant coating. The blade edges are provided with a serrated turbulence structure.

[0016] Preferably, the outer wall of the steam main pipe is covered with a composite insulation layer, the total thickness of which is 80-120mm, and consists of an aluminum silicate fiber felt layer, a nano aerogel layer, and an aluminum-zinc coated steel plate protective layer from the inside out.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0018] 1. This utility model effectively prevents the freezing of steam pipelines in low-temperature environments. At the same time, through the combination of electric heating wire and stirring fan, it achieves energy-saving effect and improves the operating efficiency and safety of steam pipelines.

[0019] 2. This utility model is an antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline that can effectively prevent the condensate pipeline from freezing and reduce energy consumption, thereby improving the reliability of industrial steam transportation and reducing operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a freeze-proof and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline.

[0022] In the diagram above, 1. Steam main pipe, 2. Straight drain pipe, 3. Insulation tank, 4. Root valve, 5. Straight drain valve, 6. Drain pipe, 7. Drain condenser, 8. Stirring fan, 9. Heating wire, 10. Outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0024] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0025] Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, an antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline includes a main steam pipe 1, which serves as the main channel for transporting superheated steam, responsible for transmitting high-temperature and high-pressure steam to various production stages. A straight discharge pipe 2 extends from the main steam pipe 1, transporting steam and condensate from the main steam pipe 1 to the outside. The straight discharge pipe 2 connects to an insulation tank 3, which receives the steam and condensate transported by the straight discharge pipe 2, facilitating condensate recycling and maintaining the tank temperature to prevent freezing.

[0026] A root valve 4 and a direct discharge valve 5 are respectively installed on the direct discharge pipe 2. A drain pipe 6 is led out from the direct discharge pipe 2 to drain condensate and prevent water from freezing inside the pipe. The insulation tank 3 is equipped with a stirring fan 8 and an electric heating wire 9. The stirring fan 8 is installed inside the insulation tank 3 and rotates to agitate and distribute heat evenly to prevent local temperature drops. The electric heating wire 9 is installed at the bottom of the insulation tank 3 to heat the medium inside the tank, maintain the temperature, and prevent condensate from freezing.

[0027] The specific design of the aforementioned key components will be discussed in detail below:

[0028] The drain pipe 6 is located between the root valve 4 and the direct discharge valve 5 on the straight discharge pipe 2. The drain pipe 6 ensures that condensate can be discharged in a timely manner during the steam flow process to avoid accumulation; the inclination angle of the drain pipe 6 is designed to be 15°-30° to facilitate the natural flow of condensate and reduce the risk of blockage.

[0029] A steam trap 7 is installed on the drain pipe 6. The steam trap 7 is a float-type steam trap with a valve body made of cast steel and an internal sealing surface overlaid with a hard alloy layer. The valve body of the steam trap 7 is made of cast steel ZG230-450, and the internal sealing surface is overlaid with a hard alloy layer such as Stellite STL6 alloy. The float-type structure is sensitive and can automatically adjust the drainage according to the amount of condensate. The hard alloy layer improves the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the sealing surface and extends its service life.

[0030] The insulation pool 3 is equipped with outlet pipes 10 on both sides, which facilitate the drainage and recycling of condensate from the insulation pool 3. Each outlet pipe 10 has a flange structure at its end, and the sealing surface of the flange structure is equipped with a graphite spiral wound gasket. The flange connection facilitates installation and maintenance, and the graphite spiral wound gasket is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, providing excellent sealing performance.

[0031] The insulated pool 3 adopts a double-layer stainless steel structure, with an inner lining of 304 stainless steel and an outer shell of 316L stainless steel, with a rock wool insulation layer filling the space between the inner and outer layers. The 304 stainless steel lining is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, making it suitable for steam environments, while the 316L stainless steel shell has even stronger corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments. The rock wool insulation layer has a low thermal conductivity and excellent insulation performance.

[0032] The heating wire 9 is evenly distributed in a spiral shape at the bottom of the heat preservation tank 3. The heating wire 9 is made of nickel-chromium alloy with a magnesium oxide insulating layer on the surface, and is covered with a high-temperature resistant ceramic protective tube. The spiral distribution ensures uniform heating and avoids local overheating or undercooling. The magnesium oxide insulating layer and ceramic protective tube improve the high-temperature resistance and insulation performance of the heating wire 9, extending its service life.

[0033] The stirring fan 8 includes a central shaft and 3-6 fan-shaped blades. The blades are made of aluminum alloy with a tungsten carbide wear-resistant coating on the surface, and the blade edges have a serrated baffle structure. The aluminum alloy blades are lightweight and high-strength, the tungsten carbide coating improves wear resistance, and the serrated baffle structure enhances the stirring effect and ensures uniform heat distribution.

[0034] The outer wall of the steam main pipe 1 is covered with a composite insulation layer, with a total thickness of 80-120mm. From the inside out, the composite insulation layer consists of an aluminum silicate fiber felt layer, a nano-aerogel layer, and an aluminum-zinc coated steel plate protective layer. The aluminum silicate fiber felt layer is resistant to high temperatures and has a low thermal conductivity, providing basic insulation. The nano-aerogel layer further reduces heat conduction and improves insulation performance. The aluminum-zinc coated steel plate protective layer is corrosion-resistant, impact-resistant, and extends service life.

[0035] After entering winter, instead of using steam traps to drain condensate, the current method of using steam traps to drain steam condensate should be changed to closing the root valve 4 and opening the direct drain valve 5 to prevent the direct drain pipe 2 from freezing. If the superheated steam main pipe 1 is long, individual steam traps 7 can be selectively retained for drainage, depending on the actual situation. The drained condensate is temporarily stored in the insulation tank 3, and the temperature inside the tank is maintained at night using heating wires 9 and stirring fans 8, or the heating wires 9 can be turned on in advance to heat the condensate to a liquid state for easy use the next day.

[0036] Taking our company as an example, the superheated steam pressure is 3.8MPa and the temperature is 440℃. The length of the superheated steam pipeline from the boiler room to the turbine is about 300m, with a total of 10 drain pipes in 6 sections. Only two drain pipes are kept outside the boiler and outside the turbine room, and the root valves of the rest are closed. Empty pipes are protected against freezing, and the process is operating normally.

[0037] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. In addition, the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A freeze-proof and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline, characterized in that, It includes a steam main pipe, from which a straight discharge pipe is led out, which is connected to the heat preservation tank. A root valve and a straight discharge valve are respectively installed on the straight discharge pipe, and a drain pipe is led out from the straight discharge pipe. A stirring fan and an electric heating wire are installed inside the heat preservation tank.

2. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain pipe is located between the root valve and the straight drain valve on the straight drain pipe.

3. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain pipe is equipped with a drain valve, which is a float-type drain valve with a cast steel body and a hard alloy layer welded to the internal sealing surface.

4. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, Outlet pipes are installed on both sides of the heat preservation pool.

5. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat preservation pool adopts a double-layer stainless steel structure, with an inner lining of 304 stainless steel and an outer shell of 316L stainless steel, and a rock wool insulation layer filling the space between the inner and outer layers.

6. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outlet pipe is provided with a flange structure at its end, and the sealing surface of the flange structure is provided with a graphite spiral wound gasket.

7. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating wires are evenly distributed in a spiral shape at the bottom of the heat preservation pool. The heating wires are made of nickel-chromium alloy with a magnesium oxide insulating layer on the surface, and are covered with a high-temperature resistant ceramic protective tube.

8. The antifreeze and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring fan includes a central shaft and 3-6 fan-shaped blades. The blades are made of aluminum alloy and coated with a tungsten carbide wear-resistant coating. The blade edges are provided with a serrated turbulence structure.

9. A freeze-proof and energy-saving superheated steam pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the steam main pipe is covered with a composite insulation layer with a total thickness of 80-120mm. From the inside out, the composite insulation layer consists of an aluminum silicate fiber felt layer, a nano aerogel layer, and an aluminum-zinc coated steel plate protective layer.