Theory:
Steam is transferred from a steam plant element to another by means of pipes, often of considerable length. As the steam is obviously at a much higher temperature than the atmosphere, the heat energy is lost all around. Pipes must be insulated to minimize this loss; this is the purpose of covering with a suitable low conductivity material. This process is known as lagging.
Calculation of heat flow rate:
We can assume that if steam passes through a pipe, heat energy will be lost at constant pressure, then the enthalpy h of the steam will be reduced.
Now:
h = hf + x * hfg
where:
hf: liquid enthalpy [kJ/kg]
hfg: condensation/vaporization enthalpy (latent heat) [kJ/kg]
x: dryness fraction.
Flow rate between (1) and (2):
h1 - h2 = (hf + x1 * hfg) - (hf + x2 * hfg)
Fig. 1:
hf and hfg are obtained from the steam table at the inlet pressure.
Mechanical Engineering Laboratories
Superheat