ER/ 0734 / C10

Rev 02 00/ 30.06.09

ISGEC John Thompson

STEAM BLOWING
Purpose
The Purpose of steam blowing is to descale and remove foreign materials from
steam pipelines leading to turbine in
order to avoid damage to turbine blades
from such material in the course of
normal operation.

Principle

A
Steam Blowing is carried out by
Puffing Method for main steam line to
Turbine.
B
Steam Blowing is carried out by
Continuous blow Method for low and
medium pressure lines to process plants/
Deaerator.

The purpose of steam blowing is to:

Dislodge rust/scales from pipe work
by thermal shocks.
High momentum of expanding steam
in the pipe work purges out the
loosened material.
It is required to create a higher
momentum during steam blowing than
possible during operation of the unit.

2 Requirements
Ensure that hydraulic test of all pipe
lines is completed. Ensure that all
NDT activities and Post weld heat
treatment where ever applicable (After
welding of Boiler external piping) has
been completed.
Experience shows that for achieving
better results of operation it is
desirable to ensure that the nominal
1 x 190 TPH CFBC Boiler
M/s Arasmeta Captaive Power Co. Ltd., C.G.

bore sizes of temporary valves and

temporary pipes is at least equal to the
maximum
size
of
permanent
pipes/valves. Higher size temporary
arrangements yield better results.
However, the strength of supporting
systems of pipes should be taken into
account while deciding the sizing of
temporary arrangement.
Mass flow, pressure and temperature of
steam at the outlet of source govern the
disturbance factor to be achieved. The
disturbance factor for a given mass flow
is enhanced by reducing the pressure
drop in the temporary piping. Any
restrictions, reduction in diameter in
the temporary piping increases the
pressure loss and limit the mass flow
through the pipe work, adversely
affecting on DF. The temporary piping
layout should be chosen so as to
minimize the length of piping involved.
Sharp elbows, bends and tees are to be
avoided as these contribute to increased
pressure loss, during steam blowing
conditions.
The temporary discharge piping should
be well supported to withstand reacting
forces during blowing.
The steam must be exhausted to
atmosphere outside the turbine hall
building and so directed that personnel
and equipment are not damaged
endangered.
The area should be cordoned off and
notice displayed prominently.
For thermal expansion of the pipe,
proper allowances must be given. First
steam blow is given at a lower mass flow
of steam and the pipe lines including
1

ER/ 0734 / C10

Rev 02 00/ 30.06.09

ISGEC John Thompson

temporary piping is surveyed
proper expansion and supports.

for

It should be ensured that all

permanent Hangers of various lines
should be erected as per drawing and
all values set accordingly to the design
figures.
Hangers of main steam lines and
other all hangers are unlocked for
expanding in both directions from
their set value.
All fans & BFP available.
Burning fuel and fire
arrangement is complete.

light

Feed water
available.

chemicals

and

dosing

up

Startup vent valve, stop valve, bypass

valve is checked for its smooth
operation.
Drum level indication available at
local and remote.
ACPCPL to ensure the availability of
skilled
operation
engineers
and
supervisory staffs during the activity
and also ensure availability of
communication facilities such as
walky-talky with chargers and the
Public announcement system. Ensure
proper illumination of all the floors of
Boiler, TG and deaerator area.

STEAM BLOWING METHODS:

A :
Puffing Method : For Main
Steam line

During this period of gradual pressure

raising the plant should be under
constant
observation,
and
the
following inspections made:-

1 x 190 TPH CFBC Boiler

M/s Arasmeta Captaive Power Co. Ltd., C.G.

a. Check all bolted flanges, manhole

doors and inspection caps for leaks
and tightness.
b. Check
&
Record
amount
of
movement due to thermal expansion
against witness marks. Restriction
to free movement of pressure parts
can result in over-stressing and
rupture and any such restriction
observed must be investigated and
corrected for free movement.
Increase Boiler Pressure up to 75 % of
its working Pressure, limited to a
maximum of 40 kg/cm2.
Maintain
Drum level to 55 % of gauge glass &
then open gradually the Main Steam
Stop valve fully and charge the line to
the inlet of the closed sacrificing valve.
Stop fuel firing in the boiler and stop all
the fans. Open the sacrificing valve as
fast as possible and keep it open till the
boiler pressure falls down to 40 % of the
working pressure or a pressure drop of
10 kg/cm2 whichever is lower. Now
close the sacrificing valve. Once the
sacrificing valve close completely, close
Main steam stop valve. Open the drain
line valves to depressurize the line. After
depressurizing the line, open the
sacrificing valve fully to cool down the
line. (If Target plate is fixed in line,
then do not open sacrificing valve till
the removal of target plate. Line is to
be depressurized using line drains.
After removal of target plate, open
the sacrificing valve).
Keep a constant watch on drum level
during the process.
Maintain at least one 2 hour time gap
between two consecutive steam blows.
After 2-3 blows fix target plate in its
predetermined position and then again
give steam blows till the target plate is
found clear.

ISGEC John Thompson

B:
Continuous blow Method :
For Low and medium pressure
lines.
During this period of gradual pressure
raising the plant should be under
constant
observation, and
the
following inspections made:a. Check all bolted flanges, manhole
doors and inspection caps for
leaks and tightness.
b. Check & Record amount of
movement
due
to
thermal
expansion against witness marks.
Restriction to free movement of
pressure parts can result in overstressing and rupture and any
such restriction observed must be
investigated and corrected for free
movement.
Increase Boiler Pressure up to 75 % of
its working Pressure, limited to a
maximum of 40 kg/cm2. Maintain
Drum level to 55 % of gauge glass &
then open gradually the Main Steam
Stop valve fully and charge the line to
the inlet of the line to be blown. Open
gradually the valve at the inlet of the
line to be blown keeping a close watch
on drum level and firing rate to
maintain the pressure. Open the valve
till the flow is achieved equivalent to
the design flow of this line. Boiler
main steam flow meter can be utilized
to monitor the flow. If the flow is below
30% MCR of the boiler flow, keep the
start up vent open to maintain at least
30% flow thru the boiler. Keep this
condition for about one hour and then
close the valve for allowing the line to
cool down.
Keep a constant watch on drum level
during the process.
Maintain at least 2 hour time gap
between two consecutive steam blows.
1 x 190 TPH CFBC Boiler
M/s Arasmeta Captaive Power Co. Ltd., C.G.

ER/ 0734 / C10

Rev 02 00/ 30.06.09
After 2-3 blows fix target plate in its
predetermined position and then again
give steam blows till the target plate is
found clear.

NOTE:
Target plate should be fixed at
the nearest possible final user
point.

4 COMPLETION CRITERIA
An indication for the result of each blowing
is the number of pitting found on the
target-plate. The highest velocity of steam is
in the center of the pipe. Hence judgment
should be made at this area. It is
recommended to install the target plate
after completing few blows in each stage.
The result of the blowing operation can be
judged by the absolute number of pitting on
the target plate in the central zone.

Material of target plate must be equivalent

or softer than the actual turbine blade
material. Use of target plate of material
equivalent to turbine blade material will
require very close observation and high
level of magnification for judgment of the
quality of target plate. Therefore, use of
softer material is desired as it automatically
magnifies the impact of particles and a
more clear observation can be done.
Generally target plates used are made
Aluminum or Stainless Steel.

For Target plate made of Aluminum :

The piping considered clean if there are not
more than three pitting of maximum 0.5
3

ISGEC John Thompson

ER/ 0734 / C10

Rev 02 00/ 30.06.09

mm diameter in center area of 25 mm x

25 mm & shall not have any deformed
edges. Besides this there shall be no
pitting in the rim zone. Pitting below 0.4
mm may be ignored.

For Target plate made of Stainless

Steel :
The piping is considered clean if there are
not more than five pitting of maximum
0.2 mm diameter in center area of 50 mm
x 50 mm & shall not have any deformed
edges. Pitting below 0.1mm may be
ignored.

Note: In case, steam blowing on coal is

attempted, it may be required to do steam
blowing by continuous blow method for
main steam line also maintaining
pressure of 40 kg/cm2 in the boiler
drum. However target plate may be
checked by puffing method.

1 x 190 TPH CFBC Boiler

M/s Arasmeta Captaive Power Co. Ltd., C.G.