Steam Leakage - Pipe Joints and Rotary Joints

Hi tabbymulla,

From a safety standpoint, you should really replace them.

If you can't fix the root cause, epoxy leak injection is used for temporary repairs.

A couple of points:

It requires a specialist contractor to install the proper joint envelope and to carefully inject the goop

It's only applicable to static joints

It's very expensive!

It's only a "temporary" solution

I'd suggest that you take the hit and properly "Fix" the problem at the earliest opportunity. It'll only get worse as the steam continually erodes the joint's surface.

Hi tabbymulla,

You don't say where you are and therefore both product type and availability is unknown to me. As previous respondant says there are a number of epoxy 'gunks' which last for a while but only 'fix' static leaks, and would only be worth considering if the problem was on an arterial main which could not be decommissioned eg supplying a hospital etc.

11 barg is not particularly onerous and there is a product which I have experience of ''Belzona'' which is applied at great cost by them and lasts for a while!

You don't mention the type of joints which are leaking either. If it is small up to say 2"nb then replacement of the union or socket is probably quickest. Selection of the thread sealant may be from the simplest 'Boss white and hemp' to a PTFE equivalent. If its at flanges then the substitution of "Taylors" rings for normal flat jointing is often effective as the corrugated surface on the rings can be covered with 'graphite grease' prior to installation and this helps overcome distortions and erosions in the mating faces. New bolts and washers either side of the flange also assists in applying uniform pressure across the flanges; this is something that fitters often overlook and then the fault recurs soon aterwards. As always the quality of the repair depends greatly on the time spent scraping and cleaning the faces and given that leaks are usually in difficult places the repair will not be easy.

As regards the 'swivel' joints you should dismantle one and see whether the faces can be resurfaced by grinding or lapping in. If there is a proprietary seal system in use then it will need to be replaced with a similar product.

Again not knowing your whereabouts makes any further suggestions pointless.

Good luck,

Massey.

Can you tell me exactly for how much time the material stops the leakage. I am in Pakistan. Actually in winter season steam leakage would be lethal and would result in improper heating. Replacing will be last option as it will require whole flow line to be stopped. consider static joints, thanks

We use X-PANDO Pipe Joint Compound for steam pipe joints. www.xpando.com

Any other same kind of product brands? plz

Tabby,

If this is an on-going problem, encountered after every maintenance iteration, you may wish to reconsider your procedures or, your water chemistry. Consistent degradation of all components suggest the latter. As Expoxy Goop Injection on live lines is only a temporary solution, the use of certain pipe compounds on threaded fittings during reassembly will likewise not fix the actual problem.

Which pipe joints are leaking: The flanged Mains or the threaded Branches? Effective flange bolting is, surprisingly, a complex process. Many variables must be considered and the proper steps must be taken to ensure joint reliability.

The leakages are mainly at threaded joints of flexible steam pipe ends and M.S pipe joints. Also in in hand valves. We usually replace the rotary joints that leak. Problem is we cannot afford downtime for maintenance for next 3 to 4 months as we will need 24/7 plant operation. Material availability is not problem as we will buy if suitable solution anywhere available in the world. Everybody has mentioned that the material will stop leakage for some while but how much exactly I would like to know. Thanks

Tabby,

Although we are staunch advocates for properly addressing the problems rather than simply treating the symptoms, there are times when a "band-aid solution" is the only practical alternative. Here is the contact information for the goop-applying Belzona representatives in Pakistan. They may be able to provide you with further information. I don't know these people nor do I have a clue if they're qualified; you'll have to make that decision for yourself:

Pak Impex Corporation,
23, Naz Chambers, Shahrah-e-Liaquat,
Karachi-74000
Pakistan
Telephone # +92 (021) 242 5161 – 242 2698

* I assume that your use of the adjective "Lethal" with regards to your leakage is made in jest. If not, forget Belzona: Shut the plant down immediately and replace your lines and joints

I meant lethal to productivity. anyway thats a great help very very nice of you.

Rotary Joints leaking - What ? are you in Textiles? Rotray Joints on Cylinder Driers?

Thats because you have the wrong traps draining the cylinders and they are getting water logged resulting in rotary joint leakage.

Chinese Cylinder Driers ? 10 cylinders/bank x 3 banks with ONE steam trap / bank or 30 Cylinders and ONE steam trap!!! thats group trapping.All rotary jonts will go away.

rubber local flexibles in cylinders steam inlet & condensate outlet - thats 2-3 months then one by one will leak.

i understand you are in Pakistan but where? am in karachi. Call me on my cell 0300 2353390 to help you or email duconems@yahoo.com

rotating steam drums for heating with one trap per drum. Actually there flange seal starts leaking occasionally but not often. often ones are the threaded joints of flexible pipes and steel pipe lines. I am in Lahore.

Call my G.M Technical Mr. Muhammad Afzal 0300 4448822 in Lahore. he is a Machine Erector. seek his advice.

meanwhile please describe what particular process you are in, dia x length of rotating drums, what are you drying, what type (TD/BFT/IB) steam traps are you draining with, you want to solve your problem you have to describe a bit.

Why is that none of my rotating cylinders of textiles/ drums of paper plant don't leak, even the one in board plant using thermal oil 225C.

for flange packing you must be using local packing whereas i use Klingerite 1000.

withstands upto 1000c temp., where as the max in my plant is < 184C.No leak over 12-15 years.

threaded forged steel imported #3000 nipples & barrel nipples against yours local steel/ GI nipples.

there has to be somewhere you may be doing something wrong with selection of equipments and piping materials.

i have all sizes of flexibles on 2 year operational warranty, if they leak like yours i will be out of business.

anyway talk to afzal and we'll see how to help u,

Try this www.teamindustrialservices.com