Salem Middle School

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1996
Case Study
Salem Middle School
Salem, MA
THE PROBLEM
Very serious water hammer problems were ongoing for three years. Staff had had enough and planned to walk out if the problem was not solved. Steam trap failure was extensive. Steam was venting from the receiver tanks. The boiler ran all the time and the energy bills were high.
THE SOLUTION

Conservation Solutions Corporation was called in to solve the problems during the summer before the administrative staff planned their walk out. Conservation Solutions Corporation staff did a detailed study of the steam “system” and recommended piping and steam trap changes be made. The Salem School was concerned the recommendations would not solve the problem. Conservation Solutions came back with a proposal guaranteeing the solution to solving the water hammer noise or the School would not have to pay for the improvements. When October 15 th arrived the steam system was turned on and the building was quiet. All the steam traps were replaced or retrofitted with the SteamLoc® Tubular Outlet Steam Traps, some steam traps were added and some minor re-piping was done. In addition to eliminating water hammer noise, energy use and cost dropped dramatically. The boilers were able to reach desired steam pressures and maintain steam pressure. Steam no longer vented from the receivers tanks. SteamLoc® traps were installed on applications including varying loads such as radiators, air handlers and large heat exchangers that heat the addition which is hot water.

The SteamLoc® steam traps have never been replaced since the traps were installed almost 10 years ago. This has resulting in long-term energy savings as well as reduced maintenance costs

THE RESULTS
  • Eliminated Water Hammer Noise
  • Significantly Reduced Energy Costs
  • Eliminated Venting Steam for the Long-Term
  • Significantly Reduced Make-up Water Requirement
  • Solve steam “system” piping problems.