4930000/1 IM-P493-01

EMM Issue 2

SJT
Steam Jet Thermocompressor
Installation and Maintenance Instructions

1. Safety information

Please note 2. General product

that the
preferred information
installation
orientation
is in the 3. Installation
horizontal
plane
4. Operation

5. Maintenance

6. Commissioning

7. Spare parts

8. Troubleshooting

© Copyright 2017
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Printed in GB
 1. Safety information
Safe operation of these products can only be guaranteed if they are properly
i n s t a l l e d , c o m m i s s i o n e d , u s e d a n d m a i n t a i n e d by q u a l i f i e d p e r so n n e l
(see Section 1.11) in compliance with the operating instructions. General
installation and safety instructions for pipeline and plant construction, as well
as the proper use of tools and safety equipment must also be complied with.

1.1 Intended use

Referring to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, name-plate and Technical
Information Sheet, check that the product is suitable for the intended use / application.
The product complies with the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment
Directive 97 / 23 / EC and carries the mark when so required. The product falls
within the Pressure Equipment directive categories as shown below:
Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2
Application
Gases Gases Liquids Liquids
Steam Will not exceed Cat. 3
Water Will not exceed Cat. 2

i) This product has been specifically designed for use on steam which is in Group
2 of the above mentioned Pressure Equipment Directive.

ii) Check material suitability, pressure and temperature and their maximum and
minimum values. If the maximum operating limits of the product are lower than
those of the system in which it is being fitted, or if malfunction of the product
could result in a dangerous overpressure or overtemperature occurrence, ensure
a safety device is included in the system to prevent such over-limit situations.

iii) Determine the correct installation situation and direction of fluid flow.

iv) Spirax Sarco products are not intended to withstand external stresses that
may be induced by any system to which they are fitted. It is the responsibility
of the installer to consider these stresses and take adequate precautions to
minimise them.

v) Remove protective covers from all connections and protective film from all
name-plates, where appropriate, before installation on steam and water lines.

1.2 Access
Ensure safe access and if necessary a safe working platform (suitably guarded)
before attempting to work on the product. Arrange suitable lifting gear if required.

1.3 Lighting
Ensure adequate lighting, particularly where detailed or intricate work is required.

1.4 Hazardous liquids or gases in the pipeline

Consider what is in the pipeline or what may have been in the pipeline at some
previous time. Consider: flammable materials, substances hazardous to health,
extremes of temperature.

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 1.5 Hazardous environment around the product
Consider: explosion risk areas, lack of oxygen (e.g. tanks, pits), dangerous gases,
extremes of temperature, hot surfaces, fire hazard (e.g. during welding), excessive
noise, moving machinery.

1.6 The system

Consider the effect on the complete system of the work proposed. Will any proposed
action (e.g. closing isolation valves, electrical isolation) put any other part of the
system or any personnel at risk?
Dangers might include isolation of vents or protective devices or the rendering
ineffective of controls or alarms. Ensure isolation valves are opened and closed
progressively to avoid system shocks.

1.7 Pressure systems

Ensure that any pressure is isolated and safely vented to atmospheric pressure.
Consider double isolation (double block and bleed) and the locking or labelling of
closed valves. Do not assume that the system has depressurised even when the
pressure gauge indicates zero.

1.8 Temperature
Allow time for temperature to normalise after isolation to avoid the danger of burns.

1.9 Tools and consumables

Before starting work ensure that you have suitable tools and / or consumables
available. Use only genuine Spirax Sarco replacement parts.

1.10 Protective clothing

Consider whether you and / or others in the vicinity require any protective clothing
to protect against the hazards of, for example, chemicals, high / low temperature,
radiation, noise, falling objects, and dangers to eyes and face.

1.11 Permits to work

All work must be carried out or be supervised by a suitably competent person.
Installation and operating personnel should be trained in the correct use of the
product according to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions.
Where a formal 'permit to work' system is in force it must be complied with. Where
there is no such system, it is recommended that a responsible person should know
what work is going on and, where necessary, arrange to have an assistant whose
primary responsibility is safety.
Post 'warning notices' if necessary.

1.12 Handling
Manual handling of large and / or heavy products may present a risk of injury. Lifting,
pushing, pulling, carrying or supporting a load by bodily force can cause injury
particularly to the back. You are advised to assess the risks taking into account the
task, the individual, the load and the working environment and use the appropriate
handling method depending on the circumstances of the work being done.

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 1.13 Residual hazards
In normal use the external surface of the product may be very hot. If used at the
maximum permitted operating conditions the surface temperature may reach
temperatures in excess of 570 °C (1058 °F).
Many products are not self-draining. Take due care when dismantling or removing
the product from an installation (refer to 'Maintenance instructions').

1.14 Freezing
Provision must be made to protect products which are not self-draining against
frost damage in environments where they may be exposed to temperatures below
freezing point.

1.15 Disposal
Unless otherwise stated in the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, this product
is recyclable and no ecological hazard is anticipated with its disposal providing due
care is taken.

1.16 Returning products

Customers and stockists are reminded that under EC Health, Safety and Environment
Law, when returning products to Spirax Sarco they must provide information on any
hazards and the precautions to be taken due to contamination residues or mechanical
damage which may present a health, safety or environmental risk. This information
must be provided in writing including Health and Safety data sheets relating to any
substances identified as hazardous or potentially hazardous.

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 2. General product information
2.1 General description
The SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor is designed having a fabricated metallic construction.
The Thermocompressor may (or may not) incorporate an 'Actuator assembly', a 'Positioner'
and an 'Air regulating set'. If the Thermocompressor is supplied complete with these
accessories, the reader will find the Instruction Manuals for these items to the rear of this
document.
An SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor can be described as a particular type of Ejector. An
Ejector is a device in which steam under pressure is used to entrain a gas or vapour that is
at a lower pressure. Within the Body of the Ejector, the two gases become intimately mixed
and are subsequently discharged at a pressure that lies somewhere between the original
steam pressure and the pressure of the entrained gas or vapour.
When the gas being entrained is purely water vapour, the Ejector is referred to as a Steam
Jet Thermocompressor.

Standards
These products fully comply with the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment
Directive 97 / 23 / EC. The product is manufactured to ASME B31.3 mechanical design code.

Certification
This product is available with certification to EN 10204 3.1. Note: All certification / inspection
requirements must be stated at the time of order placement.

2.2 Materials
The materials of construction for an SJT depend upon the following:

a) The size of the SJT (reflects how the SJT is designed and made).
b) The Mechanical Design Temperature (MDT).
c) The Minimum Metal Design Temperature (MDMT, not often specified).

The most common material of construction for Spirax-Sarco Limited's SJT is carbon steel.
Chrome Molybdenum materials are used for high temperature applications and occasionally
stainless steel grade 316L is employed. A carbon steel SJT tends to employ stainless steel
316L motive steam nozzles.

Component Carbon steel Stainless steel Gr. 316L Chrome Molybdenum

MDT Mechanical up to and including up to and including above 425 °C (797 °F) up to
Design Temperature 425 °C (797 °F) 500 °C (932F) and including 570 °C (1058 °F)

Pipe ASTM A106 Gr. B ASTM A312 TP 316L ASTM A335 P11
Fittings ASTM A234 WPB ASTM A403 WP 316L ASTM A234 WP11
ASTM A105N or
Forgings ASTM A182 F316L ASTM A182 F11
ASTM A350 LF2N
Bar ASTM A350 LF2N ASTM A479 316L ASTM A739 B11
Plate ASTM A516 Gr. 70 ASTM A240 316L ASTM A387 Gr. 11
Flanges ASTM A105N ASTM A182 F316L ASTM A182 F11
Bolts ASTM A193 Gr. 7 ASTM A193 Gr. B8 ASTM A193 Gr. B16
Nuts ASTM A194 Gr. 2H ASTM A194 Gr. 8 ASTM A194 Gr. 4
ASTM F436 Gr. A2 or ASTM F436 Gr. A2 or
ASTM F436 Gr. 8 or ASTM F436 Gr. A4 or ASTM F436 Gr. A4 or
Washers BS 4320 Gr. 8 or BS 4320 Gr. A4 or BS 4320 Gr. A4 or
BS 3410 Gr. 8 BS 3410 Gr. A2 or BS 3410 Gr. A2 or
BS 3410 Gr. A4 BS 3410 Gr. A4

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 2.3 Mechanical Design Temperature and Flange rating
< 374 °C ASME 150, ASME 300 and ASME 600
(705 °F) EN 1092 PN16, PN25 and PN40 Slip-on (Weld neck optional)

374 - 525 °C ASME 150, ASME 300 and ASME 600

(705 °F - 977 °F) EN 1092 PN16, PN25 and PN40 Weld neck (Slip on N/A)

375 - 570 °C ASME 150, ASME 300, ASME 600, ASME 900 and ASME 1500
(707 °F - 1058 °F) EN 1092 PN16, PN25, PN40, PN63 and PN100 Weld neck (Slip on N/A)

Low pressure
water vapour inlet

Diffuser

High pressure
Intermediate pressure outlet
steam inlet

Diffuser

Nozzle

Please note that for clarity welds are not shown.

Fig. 1 SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor -

illustrating the preferred installation orientation

2.4 Inspection and Performance Confirmation

2.4.1 Receiving Inspection
Although Spirax-Sarco Limited carries out a full inspection of all units before dispatch, damage
may occur during transit. On receipt of the unit, a visual inspection will show any external
damage and hence indicate any possible internal damage that may have occurred. If damage
has occurred, please do not hesitate to contact us.
2.4.2 User’s Rating Inspection
Before installation of the SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor, the user must ensure that the
mechanical rating of the unit is suitable for the intended service.
Details of the mechanical rating can be found on the name-plate and associated documentation.

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 3. Installation
Note: Before actioning any installation observe the 'Safety information' in Section 1.

It is important that installation should only be carried out by qualified, experienced personnel,
who are familiar with the fitting of Steam Jet Thermocompressors and have read and
understood all the instructions in these Installation and Maintenance Instructions.

3.1 Suction piping and orientation - Installation considerations:

3.1.1 Spirax Sarco SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressors can be installed and operated in any
position but, the preferred orientation is to have the ejector discharge connection
pointing virtically downwards.
In cases where the motive steam supply is likely to be wet, an installation which has
the thermocompressor discharge connection pointing upwards must be avoided.
Further, when deciding on the orientation of a thermocompressor, remember that when
the unit is shutdown, condensate is likely to build-up around the low points within the
ejector body, which could influence the corrosion rate and cause operational problems
during start -up. If the ejector discharges vertically downwards, full drainage of the unit
will be achieved after shutdown and these possible sources of problems eliminated.
3.1.2 The connecting suction pipework should be sized and installed so as to provide as little
resistance to flow as possible. The effect of pipeline frictional losses must be considered
when specifying the performance of an SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor.
It is recommended that the connecting pipework should have at least the same bore
as the mating unit flange. However, if this is not possible, slow tapers should be installed,
preferably 6 to 10 pipe diameters away from the unit.
We strongly recommend that the Installation Engineer performs velocity calculations
to size the suction pipework and does not simply make the piping the same size as the
suction connection on the thermocompressor, without performing a check.
3.1.3 The thermocompressor should be located as close as possible to the source of the low
pressure water vapour that forms the suction gas - thus keeping the piping as short
and as straight as possible.
3.1.4 The suction line should lead downwards to the connection on the thermocompressor.
This will avoid condensate from the motive steam line entering the plant during start-up.
The best layout would be to have the ejector suction branch below the point where the
vacuum is required. The connecting suction pipework would then come down and turn
through a 90º bend, immediately before the ejector suction branch. We appreciate that
this is an ideal situation and may not be achieved in practice but, any potential problems
due to liquid build-up are eliminated because of the natural drainage of this type of
layout.
3.1.5 If flow reversal into the suction branch must be prevented, a check valve should be
installed in the suction piping, adjacent to the thermocompressor. The resistance to
flow offered by such a valve should have been taken into account when the
thermocompressor was specified.
3.1.6 The suction piping must be free of any loops in the vertical plane. These are potential
sources of liquid and solids collection points and they can cause serious operational
problems - particularly if the suction gas contains droplets, dust or vapour near its
saturation point.
3.1.7 An isolation valve should be fitted in the suction line, bearing in mind that this valve
will present an additional resistance to flow. We strongly recommend the use of full
bore valves (e.g. Ball valves, Gate valves).

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 3.2 Motive steam piping - Installation considerations:
3.2.1 The steam supply line to the thermocompressor is to be insulated to minimise heat
loss and for personnel protection.
3.2.2 A steam isolation valve should be provided in the steam line, feeding the SJT steam jet
thermocompressor. This should be installed in a vertical run of piping, in accordance
with recommended good practice for steam lines.
3.2.3 The thermocompressor should be located as close as possible to the vessel where
the vacuum is required, thus keeping the piping as short and as straight as possible.
The number of flanged joints should also be kept to a minimum as they are a potential
source of leaks and add to the resistance of the piping.
3.2.4 Spirax-Sarco Limited strongly recommend the incorporation of a steam strainer. This
should be positioned upstream of any valve feeding the thermocompressor.
3.2.5 The steam piping to the thermocompressor should come off the top of the main line,
since that is the region of driest steam within the line.

3.3 Discharge piping - Installation considerations:

3.3.1 Long runs of pipework in which the flow is vertically upwards must be avoided.
3.3.2 Discharge piping should be kept as short and as straight as possible with the minimum
number of bends and fittings.
3.3.3 We strongly recommend that the Installation Engineer performs his own velocity
calculations to size the pipework, rather than simply relying on the discharge connection
size as being a reliable basis.
3.3.4 When the proposed installation is to have the thermocompressor discharging directly
to the atmosphere, we recommend that a silencer is fitted to bring the noise down to
an acceptable level.
3.3.5 The discharge piping must be free of any loops in the vertical plane. These are potential sources
of liquid and solids collection points and they can cause operational problems - particularly if
the suction gas contains droplets, dust or a vapour near its saturation point.

3.4 General recommendations - Installation considerations:

3.4.1 All connecting pipework must be sized and installed with good working practice.
We strongly recommend that the Installation Engineer performs his own velocity
calculations to size all pipework and does not simply make the piping the same size
as the corresponding connections at the termination points of the thermocompressor,
without first performing this check.
3.4.2 All termination points of the Thermocompressor are not designed to be load bearing,
therefore the customer is responsible for ensuring that all connecting pipes are free of
stresses. We recommend that heavy pipes are supported from adjacent steelwork, to
prevent loads being transmitted to the thermocompressor.
3.4.3 Gaskets, valves, cocks and any in-line instruments should not reduce the cross sectional
area of the pipes. This is of particular importance in the suction and discharge piping.
3.4.4 Ensure that low points of all interconnecting pipework have suitable connections for
drains.
3.4.5 We strongly recommend that all lines connected to the thermocompressor incorporate
connections for pressure tappings. Thus, should an operational problem arise, gauges
can be quickly fitted, which will then help to identify a particular problem.

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 3.5 Unit installation
Before reading this section, the reader is strongly advised to read and take note of the
considerations laid down in the previous sections within Section 3.

3.5.1 Notes prior to installation:

- Always use a compatible gasket material on all flanged connections to reduce friction,
improve sealing and facilitate disassembly of the unit from the line.

- A lot of potential trouble at the commissioning stage could be prevented if care is taken
at this stage to ensure that all weld spatter, scale and other foreign bodies are removed
from all connecting pipework, which would otherwise block the small cavities within the
thermocompressor.

3.5.2 Installation of the unit into the surrounding pipework is easy.

All connections are flanged and only 3 connections are necessary:

- The Motive Connection is to be connected to the Motive Steam Line.

- The Suction Connection is to be connected to the Suction Line.

- The Discharge Connection is to be connected to the downstream pipeline.

3.5.3 Summary information regarding accessories

The SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor is generally supplied without any accessories,
however if supplied with a set of accessories, such as an Actuator, a Positioner and an Air
Regulating Set, assembly of the a aforementioned upon the Steam Jet Thermocompressor
will already have been effectuated by Spirax-Sarco Limited prior to dispatch of the equipment.
In the event accessories are supplied, an additional manual will accompany the unit, providing
information as to how they should be connected to their supply medium, once the SJT Steam
Jet Thermocompressor has been installed into its position in the pipework.

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 4. Operation
4.1 General information regarding operation
Steam under pressure is introduced to the Motive Nozzle, which is usually a converging /
diverging type. As the steam passes through the Nozzle, its velocity is greatly increased and
its pressure is reduced (pressure energy converted to velocity (Kinetic) energy). This results
in a high velocity jet of steam emerging from the Nozzle outlet.
By a principle of momentum transfer, energy is transferred from the high velocity jet to the
vapours present in the suction chamber or body of the Thermocompressor. This results in
the suction gases being entrained with the motive steam, in a direction towards the Diffuser.
In the converging section of the Diffuser, the motive steam and the suction vapours combine
and mix intimately.
The resulting uniform mixture of vapours is then decelerated in the diverging section of the
Diffuser, this is marked by a corresponding pressure rise as the velocity energy (Kinetic) is
transferred back to pressure energy, thus enabling the Thermocompressor to overcome the
specified backpressure.

Low pressure Please note that for clarity welds are not shown.
water vapour inlet

Fig. 2
Diffuser

High pressure
Intermediate pressure outlet
steam inlet

Nozzle Diffuser

To summarise, high pressure motive steam entrains lower pressure water vapour and, the
mixture is discharged at a pressure with a value lying between the suction and motive pressure.
In some operating circumstances, the required operating duty of the Thermocompressor
can be constantly changing. Thus the amount of motive steam actually required to make the
Thermocompressor perform is constantly changing too.
You will appreciate that the design must cater for the worst envisaged operating conditions,
which of course will correspond with the highest motive steam requirement. As a consequence
of this, when the Thermocompressor is only required to perform low duty (and therefore only
requiring a low amount of motive steam), if some form of steam flow regulating device is not
present, the Thermocompressor will actually be using much more motive steam than is actually
required to perform the duty. This can be a costly waste of motive steam.
It is in these circumstances that a steam flow regulating device is usually employed. This
comprises an Actuator, a Positioner and an Air Regulating Set, mounted directly onto the
Thermocompressor. The Actuator regulates the position of a spindle within the Steam Nozzle.
The operation of the Flow Regulating Device can be described as follows:-
A control signal is sensed by the Actuator, which then moves the spindle either into or out of
the Motive Steam Nozzle. In the region of the Motive Nozzle, the spindle is tapered so that
it has a varying cross-section. Thus, as the spindle moves in and out of the Motive Nozzle,
the cross-sectional area within the Nozzle that is available for the flow of steam is constantly
changing and, since the flow of steam is proportional to the cross-sectional area of the Nozzle,
this gives rise to a change in steam flow.
Since it is the cross-sectional area of the Nozzle that changes and not the motive steam
pressure, the design ensures that the velocity of the steam jet, as it emerges from the Nozzle,
is unchanged, which is a desirable feature for stable operation of the Thermocompressor.
If the Thermocompressor is supplied with the accessories mentioned above, more detailed
information regarding their operation will be provided within a supplementary documentation.

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 4.2 Pre-operational checks
4.2.1 Check that all installation procedures have been carried out in accordance with
the recommendations of these Installation and Maintenance Instructions and other
Suppliers’ Manuals which may appear at the rear of this document.
4.2.2 Ensure that all connecting lines have been made free of foreign materials (e.g.
weld spatter) which could potentially clog the small bores within the body of the
Thermocompressor.
4.2.3 Ensure that any Valves in the discharge line are fully-open.
4.2.4 Ensure that the Motive Steam Supply Valve is fully-closed.
4.2.5 Ensure that any Suction Steam Line Valves are fully-closed.
4.2.6 Take all precautions necessary to handle the possibility of leakage, both in terms of
protection of personnel and other equipment.

4.3 Start-up
4.3.1 If the Thermocompressor is supplied complete with accessories as previously stated
activate their control loop. Ensure that instrument air is feeding the Air Regulating Set
(if present).
4.3.2 Open the motive steam Supply Valve to the Thermocompressor. The motive steam
should now be flowing through the Unit, which will be indicated on the Pressure Gauges,
positioned immediately before and after the unit (if fitted).
4.3.3 If fitted, open the Isolating Valve in the suction line.
4.3.4 The Thermocompressor should now be fully operational. Checks should be made to
ensure that:
i) The inlet steam pressure is equal to or exceeds that stated in the Purchase Order
Specification.
ii) All steam traps and other equipment installed are operating satisfactorily, to
ensure dry steam.
iii) The overall System operation is satisfactory with no instability and no pressure
surges.
iv) The Actuator Assembly (if present) is operating satisfactorily - read in conjunction
with the supplementary documentation covering the Actuators installation and
connections.
v) The pressure at the discharge of the unit is equal to or lower than that stated in
the specification.
If the above conditions are met, the unit should be entraining the correct amount (or
slightly more) of the suction vapour.

4.4 Shutdown
4.4.1 If an Isolation Valve is present in the suction line, then this should be closed fully. The
equipment on the suction side of the Thermocompressor can then be brought back
to ambient conditions by opening the Vent Valve, positioned upstream of the Isolation
Valve.
4.4.2 Fully close the Steam Supply Valve to the Thermocompressor.
4.4.3 De-activate the Control Loop for the accessories (if applicable).

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 5. Maintenance
Note: Before actioning any maintenance programme observe the 'Safety
information' in Section 1.

Maintenance should only be carried out by qualified, experienced personnel, who are familiar
with Steam Jet Thermocompressors and have read and understood all the installation and
maintenance instructions within this document.

Caution: Do not proceed with any maintenance unless the SJT has:
i) All connecting lines fully isolated.
ii) Been allowed to reach ambient temperature.
iii) Been drained of all liquids.
iv) Been relieved of all pressure.

5.1 Preventive maintenance

We recommend that the user creates maintenance schedules, safety manuals and inspection
details for each specific installation of an SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor.
On all installations of the SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor, the following items and
conditions should be regularly checked by the user, for the purposes of maintenance:
1. Thermocompressor Motive Steam Nozzle for corrosion, wear and blockages.
2. Thermocompressor Diffuser Section for corrosion, wear and blockages.
3. All connecting piping and fittings for corrosion, debris build-up and blockages.
4. Strainers for debris build-up.
5. Leakage on any piping and related process equipment.
6. Satisfactory operation of associated Steam Traps for ensuring that condensate is being removed.
7. Satisfactory operation of the Steam Regulating Assembly, if fitted.
8. Wear around the Steam Regulating Assembly.
This schedule for maintenance checks on the unit must be the responsibility of the customer.
Realistic maintenance schedules can only be determined with full knowledge of the services
and the actual application involved.

5.2 Maintenance of the SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor

Since the SJT has no moving parts, maintenance is virtually negligible and is limited to
checking Nozzles and Diffusers for blockages and erosion and replacing these items when
proven necessary.

Ejector inspection
In order to inspect the internals of the Thermocompressor, the Nozzle must be removed from
the Unit. Reference should be made to the Spirax-Sarco Limited GA (General Arrangement
Drawing).
1. Remove the bolts which hold the nozzle in position. The Nozzle can now be withdrawn
from its location in the body.
2. When the Nozzle has been removed from the body of the unit, it can be inspected for
internal wear. The bore of the Nozzle should be parallel and round and should not appear
warped.

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 3. Whilst the Nozzle is removed from the unit, it is possible to inspect the Diffuser. The bore
should be parallel and should not appear warped.
4. Re-assembly of the SJT is achieved by using the reverse procedure. However, care must
be taken to ensure that:

- The replacement Nozzle Gasket is the same thickness as the original one.

- There is concentricity between the Nozzle and the Diffuser. This will ensure that the
Thermocompressor performance is maintained. Concentricity will be automatically
achieved if the Nozzle and Diffuser are still in prime condition.

6. Commissioning
After installation and maintenance ensure that the system is fully functional. Carry out tests
on any alarms or protective devices.

7. Spare parts
The only available spare parts for the SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor is the Nozzle and
its Gasket.

For a complete replacement unit please contact Spirax Sarco and quote the following data:
Unit Serial number: .....................................................................................................................
Original contract reference: .......................................................................................................
Your item number (if applicable): ................................................................................................

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 8. Troubleshooting
8.1 Introduction
When successfully commissioned SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressors operate trouble free.
However, as with any equipment in erosive or corrosive service, breakdowns beyond control
may occur.
Knowledge of the correct procedures for locating and correcting faults can lead to considerable
time saving.
Poor performance of an SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressorcan be caused by either external
or internal factors. Secondly, poor performance can also be classified as either being gradual
or sudden.
In general, a gradual loss of performance will normally suggest internal corrosion or erosion,
whereas a sudden loss in performance will normally suggest an external factor is to blame.
Before setting out to examine why an SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor is not performing
correctly, we strongly recommend that all instruments are first checked to ensure that it is
not them that is giving false readings.

8.2 External causes of poor performance

At this stage, check that Steam Traps are operating correctly:

8.2.1 Motive pressure not in accordance with the specification.

If the available Motive Pressure is below that stated in the Design Specification, poor
performance will result. The Motive Pressure must either be increased to that stated
in the Design Specification or, the design of the unit must be modified.
The use of pressure above the design value usually improves performance slightly, up
to a point beyond which no improvement is noted.
A varying steam pressure will cause a fluctuating performance. If for some reason
this is undesirable, then a Steam Pressure Regulating Valve must be fitted within the
steam supply line.

8.2.2 Steam Quality

The quality of steam feeding an SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor is of primary
importance and cannot be overstressed.
The effect of wet steam is two-fold:
Firstly, it creates poor performance because the energy available in the motive supply
is less than if the supply were dry and saturated and,
Secondly, It will cause erosion of the internals of the Unit.

8.2.3 Steam Temperature

Check that the temperature of the steam does not exceed that specified in the Design
Specification. If the steam is superheated at the design pressure and dry, saturated
steam conditions were stated in the Design Specification, the Thermocompressor will
be starved of motive steam, which will result in a loss of performance.
Generally, if dry saturated steam conditions were stated in the Design Specification,
up to 5 °C (9 °F) of superheat will still be acceptable (in fact it will help to ensure that
the steam supply is not wet!) with no loss in performance noted. However, if the steam
is very superheated, it must either be:

i) Increased in pressure.

ii) Desuperheated.

iii) The SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor must be re-designed.

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 8.2.4 High Discharge Pressure
If the backpressure to the System is greater than that stated in the Design Specification,
poor System performance will result.
High backpressure to Thermocompressors are normally caused by:

a) A blockage or restriction somewhere in the discharge line.

b) Incorrectly sized discharge pipework.

c) Poor discharge pipework layout.

If high discharge pressure is suspected as the reason for poor performance, the
remedial measures are to check for and remove any restrictions or blockages, check the
line sizing of the discharge pipework and increase if necessary, check Steam Strainers
for blockages and, finally, in the case of poor piping layout, re-route the pipework.

8.2.5 Restrictive Suction Piping

Restrictive suction piping is normally caused by:

a) A blockage or restriction somewhere in the suction line.

b) Incorrectly sized discharge pipework.

c) Poor discharge pipework layout.

The remedial measure is to check for and remove any restrictions or blockages, check
the line sizing of the suction pipework and increase it if necessary, check for satisfactory
operation of Non-return Valves and, finally, in the case of poor piping layout, re-route the
pipework in accordance with our recommendations, given in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

8.3 Internal causes of poor performance

This involves an investigation into the individual SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor.
To perform a full investigation on an individual SJT, we recommend that the Nozzle is removed
from its location, as described in Section 5.2 of these Installation and Maintenance Instructions.
Things to be checked during disassembly are as follows:-
8.3.1 Eroded or corroded parts, particularly the Motive Steam Nozzle and the Diffuser. If
the internal components are worn or corroded, spares should be fitted.

8.3.2 Gaskets and Gasket Seating Surfaces. Check that Gaskets are sitting correctly and
do not permit by passing of the motive steam around the Nozzle. A new Gasket should
always be fitted when reassembling an SJT Steam Jet Thermocompressor.

8.3.3 Concentricity between Nozzle and Diffuser.

8.3.4 Cracked components.

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