Diagnóstico termográfico en equipos mecánicos consumidores de vapor del área seca de la empresa Tenería Díaz Cía. Ltda. para la determinación de pérdidas térmicas

Abstract

The present experimental work refers to the determination of heat losses by convection and radiation in the equipment consuming steam of the company Tenería Díaz Cía. Ltda., by means of a thermographic diagnostic. In addition, the areas of overheating, temperature variation and inspection of the steam distribution pipelines were visualized. Measurements were made during the working day, in the morning, midday and afternoon because the demands of the equipment at work vary during these periods. In the thermographic inspection the images were taken of the elements that present abnormal temperatures and higher than the environment, and then take corrective measures on certain elements. In relation to the steam distribution pipelines, a visual and thermographic analysis of the pipe sections found without thermal insulation and having high temperatures were performed, to carry out the relevant calculations and then to put a thermal insulation of characteristics such as wool spout of glass and finally evaluate the energy and economic savings obtained by placing said insulation. In addition, a steam trap was selected for the return pipe of the plate which shows a high temperature and direct connection to the sump, through the guide of selection of steam traps of the company Spirax Sarco which directed us towards one that can meet the requirements of the system. For the estimation of the thermal losses by convection, in each equipment a procedure was performed according to the area of heat transfer, either horizontal, vertical or inclined, using correlations and estimates that allowed we to first determine the convection coefficient, for later obtain the losses by convection. In parallel, the radiation losses in each section of the equipment taken as abnormal temperatures and representing losses of heat were determined.