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WR Training

The productivity and efficiency of a process plant depend as much on the plant equipment as it does on the steam and condensate system.

As a result, it is essential that the design of your steam system be optimized, safely operated, properly maintained, and when required, repaired in an effective and timely manner.

This course is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of design, sizing, operation, maintenance and optimization of steam and condensate systems.

This understanding is a pre-requisite for a successful, efficient and safe operation of your plant and piping systems.

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The productivity and efficiency of a process plant depend as much on the plant equipment as it does on the steam and condensate system.

As a result, it is essential that the design of your steam system be optimized, safely operated, properly maintained, and when required, repaired in an effective and timely manner.

This course is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of design, sizing, operation, maintenance and optimization of steam and condensate systems.

This understanding is a pre-requisite for a successful, efficient and safe operation of your plant and piping systems.

The course provides a comprehensive engineering best practice guide covering all aspects of steam and condensate systems, from steam distribution up to the point of use, through the condensate recovery system.

The course includes detailed technical descriptions, basic step-by-step instructions, extensive graphics, sizing tables, engineering data, end section quizzes and numerous solved problems to emphasize the key learning points.

So with no further ado, check out the free preview videos and the curriculum of the course and we look forward to seeing you in the first section.

Thank you for your interest in our online courses. Hope to see you there .

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the science behind modern steam engineering
  • Acquire a solid foundation for understanding the principles and practices relating to steam
  • Delve into the physics that lies behind steam
  • Understand the triple point, saturated steam tables, steam dryness, and what is flash steam
  • Explore why superheated steam is used, the superheated steam table, and its pros and cons
  • Learn about the properties that ensure steam works effectively, why noncondensable gasses matter, and what is a waterhammer and why they should be avoided
  • Understand how heat is transferred, the barriers to heat transfer, and the various equations needed to measure the efficiency of heat transfer
  • Estimate your steam needs, both in flow and non-flow applications
  • Calculate your steam consumption
  • Understand the concept of thermal rating and the factors you will need to consider when interpreting it
  • Calculate the amount of energy required for tanks and vessels
  • Understand the principle of operation of submerged steam coils and steam jackets
  • Understand how the pipes that carry steam affect your plant's efficiency
  • Understand the difference between warm-up and running loads, and know the calculations needed to measure heat losses
  • Know and understand what is the steam and condensate loop, the working pressure of a system, and see why pressure-reducing valves are used
  • Select the appropriate pipe size for saturated and superheated steam systems in accordance with international standards
  • Know how to use sizing equations, charts and tables to size your steam piping system
  • Understand the requirements for steam mains and drainage and what to look out for to avoid waterhammer
  • Understand the concept of steam pipe expansion allowance and discover the various methods of making sure your pipes are properly installed
  • Know the different types of steam traps, how they work, and the pros and cons of each
  • Understand why steam traps are important, how they operate and the standards applied to them
  • Be aware of the considerations for selecting steam traps
  • Successfully identify issues with steam traps and how they can impact your plant's performance
  • Demonstrate how little energy steam traps use
  • Examine routine maintenance, replacement of internal parts, and potentially replacing steam traps
  • Know the different types of strainers and how they work
  • Understand the hazards of steam for safe operation of your plant and piping systems
  • Test your knowledge with a 120+ question quiz
  • Download a valuable booklet containing steam tables, charts and engineering data
  • Show more
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Syllabus

WR Training
Welcome to WR Training
Steam plant overview
Course introduction
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of steam and condensate systems, from steam distribution to condensate recovery, which is essential for efficient plant operation
Covers routine maintenance and replacement of internal parts for steam traps, which helps to ensure the longevity and reliability of steam systems
Explores the physics behind steam, including the triple point, saturated steam tables, and flash steam, which builds a solid foundation for understanding steam engineering principles
Highlights the hazards of steam for safe operation of plant and piping systems, which is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment
Includes sizing equations, charts, and tables for sizing steam piping systems in accordance with international standards, which is essential for proper system design
Requires learners to understand the principles and practices relating to steam, which may necessitate some prior knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer

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Reviews summary

Steam systems: practical foundation and sizing

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation (positive) in steam systems, covering design, sizing, operation, maintenance, and optimization. Students highlight the practical applicability (positive) of the content, finding the calculation examples (positive) and solved problems (positive) particularly helpful for understanding concepts and applying them to their work. The course includes useful resources (positive) like data tables and a downloadable booklet. While many find it comprehensive (positive), some experienced professionals feel the content is too basic (warning) in certain areas and that some sections feel rushed (warning). Feedback also suggests the presentation can be dry (warning) and could benefit from more real-world examples (warning) or case studies. Overall, it appears well-suited for beginners or those needing a foundational understanding, offering practical insights and resources.
Good foundation, potentially basic for experts.
"Provides a very good foundation in steam systems."
"Decent course, but much of the content felt quite basic if you already have some experience..."
"...some modules felt a little rushed, could use more detail on specific components..."
Data tables and booklet are valuable assets.
"The included data tables are incredibly useful."
"The downloadable booklet with tables and data is a fantastic resource I'll use often."
"I appreciated having the data tables and charts available for future reference."
Clear explanations with helpful examples.
"The calculation examples were clear and easy to follow."
"The solved problems throughout the modules are very helpful for understanding the concepts."
"The pipe sizing module was also well explained and practical."
Content is directly useful for work applications.
"Great course, highly practical content directly applicable to my work."
"Found the maintenance sections, especially on steam traps, very useful for my role."
"I learned content that I could apply immediately to my work situation."
Delivery can be dry; could use more engagement.
"The information presented is generally accurate, but the delivery is quite dry and hard to stay engaged."
"I found the presentation style somewhat monotonous at times."
"Could benefit from more engaging visuals or instructor interaction."
Lacks sufficient real-world case studies/videos.
"Content is theory-heavy. Could benefit significantly from more real-world case studies..."
"...operational videos, or troubleshooting examples to make it more relatable."
"I wished there were more hands-on or practical demonstration examples shown."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Steam Systems: Design Sizing Operation Mtce & Optimization with these activities:
Review Thermodynamics Principles
Reinforce your understanding of thermodynamics to better grasp the behavior of steam systems.
Browse courses on Thermodynamics
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and heat transfer.
  • Work through practice problems related to heat and energy balance.
  • Summarize the laws of thermodynamics and their implications.
Read 'Steam Plant Operation' by Woodruff and Lammers
Gain a deeper understanding of steam plant operations through a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to steam generation and distribution.
  • Take notes on key concepts and operational procedures.
  • Attempt the end-of-chapter problems to test your understanding.
Create a Steam System Diagram
Visualize the components and flow within a typical steam system to solidify your understanding.
Show steps
  • Research the components of a typical steam system.
  • Draw a diagram showing the flow of steam and condensate.
  • Label each component and its function.
  • Write a short description of the system's operation.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Steam Pipe Sizing Calculations
Sharpen your skills in sizing steam pipes using various equations and charts.
Show steps
  • Gather relevant sizing equations and charts.
  • Find example problems with varying steam flow rates and pressures.
  • Calculate the appropriate pipe size for each scenario.
  • Compare your results with established sizing tables.
Develop a Steam Trap Maintenance Checklist
Create a practical checklist for maintaining steam traps, reinforcing your knowledge of their operation and potential issues.
Show steps
  • Research common steam trap failure modes.
  • List the steps involved in inspecting and maintaining steam traps.
  • Organize the steps into a clear and concise checklist.
  • Include troubleshooting tips for common problems.
Read 'Applied Steam and Condensate Systems' by Robert Flowett
Expand your knowledge of steam and condensate systems with a practical guide.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to condensate recovery and energy conservation.
  • Take notes on key concepts and best practices.
  • Consider how these practices can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Optimize a Steam System for Energy Efficiency
Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by optimizing a steam system for energy efficiency.
Show steps
  • Identify a steam system to analyze.
  • Assess the system's current energy consumption.
  • Identify areas for improvement, such as steam leaks or inefficient traps.
  • Propose solutions to improve energy efficiency.
  • Estimate the potential energy savings.

Career center

Learners who complete Steam Systems: Design Sizing Operation Mtce & Optimization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Plant Engineer
A plant engineer is responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and systems in industrial plants. This course on steam systems directly applies to the knowledge a plant engineer needs to ensure plant productivity and efficiency. The course provides a complete understanding of the design, sizing, operation, maintenance, and optimization of steam and condensate systems. Plant engineer responsibilities involving steam systems include overseeing steam distribution, usage, and condensate recovery. The course's coverage of topics such as steam properties, heat transfer, steam consumption estimation, and steam piping systems provides a practical skillset for a plant engineer. Sections on steam traps, strainers, and safety considerations around steam would be especially relevant.
Process Engineer
A process engineer develops and optimizes industrial processes, often involving heat transfer and fluid dynamics. This course provides a solid foundation for a process engineer working with steam systems. A process engineer will find the course helpful in understanding the science behind steam engineering, calculating steam consumption, and optimizing heat transfer. Knowledge of steam tables, dryness fraction, and superheated steam will support the design and troubleshooting of efficient processes. Process engineers should be familiar with steam and condensate loops, pressure reducing valves, as well as steam pipe sizing; these are all covered directly in the course.
HVAC Engineer
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning engineers design and maintain systems for controlling temperature, humidity, and air quality in buildings. Steam systems are often used in large HVAC systems for heating purposes, making this course especially helpful. An HVAC engineer benefits from understanding steam properties, heat transfer mechanisms, and steam consumption calculations. The course will familiarize the HVAC engineer with steam distribution, steam traps, and condensate recovery systems which are essential for efficient HVAC operation. The steam pipe sizing section is particularly helpful. This course helps an HVAC engineer to design, size, operate, and maintain steam systems, which are crucial to designing thermal comfort for building occupants.
Energy Engineer
An energy engineer focuses on improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in various industrial and commercial settings. This course helps an energy engineer become proficient in optimizing steam systems, a significant source of energy use. The course provides the necessary comprehensive understanding of steam and condensate systems including design, operation, maintenance, and potential optimization strategies. Energy calculation, pressure reduction, steam quality, and minimizing the effects of waterhammer all contribute to energy efficiency. This knowledge empowers the energy engineer to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that reduce energy waste.
Maintenance Engineer
A maintenance engineer is responsible for ensuring that equipment and systems operate reliably and efficiently. Steam systems are a crucial part of many industrial operations, and this course provides the knowledge a maintenance engineer needs to effectively maintain them. As a maintenance engineer, understanding steam traps, strainers, and condensate recovery systems is essential for preventing downtime and optimizing performance. This course helps develop a familiarity with routine maintenance procedures, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring the safe operation of steam systems. Given the course's design to improve plant productivity and efficiency, this course is a natural fit for maintenance engineers.
Piping Engineer
A piping engineer designs and oversees the installation of piping systems for various applications, including steam distribution. This course will familiarize the piping engineer with the principles of steam engineering, including steam properties, heat transfer, and steam consumption. A piping engineer must understand the requirements for steam mains and drainage to avoid waterhammer. The course’s coverage of steam pipe expansion allowance and installation methods is essential for ensuring the integrity and safety of steam piping systems. Piping engineers will benefit from the course’s coverage of international standards for saturated and superheated steam systems.
Reliability Engineer
A reliability engineer focuses on improving the reliability and availability of equipment and systems. Since steam systems are often critical to industrial processes, this course will provide information useful to the reliability engineer. This course facilitates a better understanding of steam trap operation, maintenance, and issues that impact plant performance, thus positively affecting reliability. The course provides valuable context regarding steam quality and pressure reduction that further supports this. By preventing failures and optimizing system performance, the reliability engineer makes plants more efficient and productive.
Facilities Manager
A facilities manager oversees the operation and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure, including steam systems used for heating and other purposes. This course is useful because it provides a broad understanding of steam systems, from design to maintenance. The facilities manager benefits from the topics covering steam distribution, condensate recovery, and steam traps. This course helps to ensure that steam systems are operating efficiently and safely, reducing energy costs and minimizing downtime. Steam system knowledge allows one to effectively manage the facility's utilities.
Project Engineer
A project engineer manages engineering projects, often involving the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and systems. This course may provides essential knowledge for project engineers working on projects involving steam systems. The project engineer gains practical knowledge of steam system design considerations, including steam properties, heat transfer, and steam consumption. The course's coverage of steam piping systems, steam traps, and safety considerations will further aid in the successful completion of steam-related projects.
Consulting Engineer
A consulting engineer provides expert advice and guidance to clients on a variety of engineering topics. This course may be helpful for a consulting engineer who specializes in steam systems. The consulting engineer benefits from the course’s comprehensive understanding of steam system design, operation, maintenance, and optimization. They can use this knowledge to help clients improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of their steam systems. The topics of steam tables, steam dryness, and flash steam are worth noting.
Energy Auditor
An energy auditor assesses the energy consumption of buildings and industrial facilities and identifies opportunities for improvement. Because steam systems are often a significant source of energy consumption, this course may be useful for energy auditors. Energy auditors benefit from the courses understanding of steam system design, operation, and maintenance including the ability to calculate steam consumption and identify areas where energy is being wasted. The energy auditor can then recommend changes to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. Heat transfer and steam flowmeters are important components to understand.
Field Service Technician
A field service technician installs, maintains, and repairs equipment at customer sites which may include steam systems. This course may provide foundational knowledge for understanding the operation and maintenance of steam systems. A field service technician would benefit by understanding the material on steam traps, condensate recovery, and steam distribution. Troubleshooting skills can be sharpened with the course, which covers routine maintenance and common issues. This course helps improve ability of the field service technicians to ensure efficient and reliable operation of steam systems for customers.
Instrumentation Technician
An instrumentation technician installs, calibrates, and maintains instruments used to measure and control process variables, including those in steam systems. This course may support a better understanding of how steam systems operate. The course provides an understanding of the principles behind steam, including steam properties, heat transfer, and steam consumption, which are essential for accurate measurement and control. Additionally, condensate pumps and steam flowmeters provide important context for understanding how to measure levels.
Engineering Technician
An engineering technician assists engineers in the design, development, and testing of equipment and systems. This course may provide useful background knowledge for engineering technicians working with steam systems. An engineering technician would benefit through the gained understanding of steam system design and operation. Topics such as heat transfer, modes of heat transfer, and temperature gradients are worth noting.
CAD Drafter
A CAD drafter creates technical drawings and schematics based on engineer specifications for manufacturing, construction, or installation purposes. This course may be useful for CAD drafters working on projects involving steam systems. A CAD drafter benefits from understanding the components of steam systems, such as boilers, piping, and heat exchangers. Drawings incorporate elements such as steam mains and steam traps. This in turn allows the CAD drafter to accurately represent these components in technical drawings.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Steam Systems: Design Sizing Operation Mtce & Optimization.
Comprehensive guide to steam plant operation, covering everything from basic principles to advanced techniques. It provides detailed explanations of steam generation, distribution, and utilization. It valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of steam systems and troubleshooting common problems. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Provides a practical approach to understanding and optimizing steam and condensate systems. It covers topics such as steam trap selection, condensate recovery, and energy conservation. It valuable resource for engineers and technicians involved in the design, operation, and maintenance of steam systems. This book adds more depth to the existing course.

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