ASME B31.1 Section 107.2

ASME B31.1 / Steam trap selection per Armstrong/Spirax Sarco

Steam heat exchangers must have properly functioning steam traps on the condensate outlet to remove condensate and prevent water hammer. Water hammer in steam systems generates pressure shocks up to 10 times operating pressure, which can rupture piping, damage equipment, and cause severe personnel injuries.

ASME B31.1 para. 131.4 (Table 132) / ASME BPVC Section IX

Carbon steel (P-No. 1 group) with a specified maximum carbon content over 0.30% AND a thickness at the joint over 1 inch requires a minimum mandatory preheat of 175°F before welding per ASME B31.1. Failure to preheat risks hydrogen cracking in the heat-affected zone.

ASME B31.1 Section 107 / MSS SP-92

This is a proper installation. Globe valves on steam service should be installed with flow entering under the disc to prevent the disc from being forced off the stem by line pressure when the valve is open. The vertical stem-up orientation is preferred for steam service to prevent condensate from pooling in the bonnet.

ASME B31.1 Section 114

ASME B31.1 requires welded or flanged connections for steam piping 2-1/2 inches and larger. Threaded connections on larger steam lines are prone to leaks under thermal expansion.

ASME B31.1 Section 119

The expansion loop is drastically undersized. The calculated thermal expansion is approximately 3.28 inches, but the loop is only designed for 1.4 inches of movement. This means the loop will be overstressed, potentially causing weld failures or equipment nozzle damage. The expansion device must be resized to handle the full calculated movement with appropriate safety factor per ASME B31.1.

ASME B31.1 Section 122 / ASHRAE Handbook

Condensate is highly corrosive (carbonic acid from CO2). Condensate return piping should be stainless steel, copper, or use Schedule 80 carbon steel with corrosion allowance. Standard weight carbon steel corrodes rapidly.