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by Katie Reid on Fri, Feb 05, 2016 @ 13:02 PM
The original idea was good, but we keep finding ways to make it even better
The Steam Lance, pictured above, is an unique product that comes pre-assembled and ready to use & install at your site. For all the product's highlights and benefits, download the Steam Lance info sheet.
It started when a customer asked Swagelok for a new kind of product. It would be a device that could be hooked into a steam line and used to remove ice buildup on equipment without having to shut the system down. Workers in the field would not have to improvise a tool on the spot that may not meet safety standards and could cause preventable injuries.
The result was the Steam Lance. It consists of a piece of insulated tubing, heat-shrink boots to seal off the insulation, and a 60 series steam-rated ball valve at one end. It's an elegantly simple solution that's ready to use right out of the box. The customer can order it with a single part number and can operate it with confidence because it's 100 percent tested before it leaves our shop.
But wait, there's more
Now the scene shifts here to Edmonton. We liked the Steam Lance, and our customers did too.
"We use steam lances to clear plugged drain valves, clear plugged piping, and for melting ice hanging from outside structures," says one of our customers. "There really wasn't a good off-the-shelf solution that we were able to find. There were some steam-cleaning tools on the market, but they were heavy and awkward to use in tight areas. This particular Steam Lance, on the other hand, is the right weight and size for the job - and it is pressure rated.”
But we, as well as our customer, saw room for improvement. We added a 12-inch piece of insulated pipe upstream of the valve, giving the operator something to hold on to other than the steam hose itself. We also insulated the valve to further protect the operator.
The key reason for making these improvements was summarized by our customer when he said, “The safety piece was really important as several people had been burned while using home-built solutions.”
At Edmonton Valve & Fitting, we know steam, and we know how to deal with cold weather. Put us to work for you. Download a copy of the Steam Lance Information sheet.
Additional resources
- Swagelok Sample Probe Modules: Welded Or Retractable?
- Swagelok Orifice Fittings – What do you know about flow control?
- Part 3 FAQ: Answered by Your Edmonton Valve Representatives
In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640