FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about Dekon Solutions:

Q. What are the shipping weights of the SQ-Pro Test Kits?

Kit L = 12kg

Kit A = 14kg

Kit B = 20kg

Kit C = 16kg

Kit D = 21kg

Kit E = 11kg - 1 condenser, 13kg - 2 condensers, 15kg - 3 condensers

Kit F = 20kg

Q. What are the shipping dimensions of the SQ-Pro test kits?

Kit L = Please enquire

Kit A = 27cm x 53cm x 63cm

Kit B = 29cm x 60cm x 66cm

Kit C = 27cm x 53cm x 63cm

Kit D = 29cm x 60cm 66cm

Kit E = Please enquire

Kit F = 29cm x 60cm x 66cm

Q. Why do I need to use a Pitot tube to test steam dryness and superheat?

A. The steam sample for all tests other than Non-Condensable Gases, is required to be taken from the centre of the tube to permit a representative sample and to avoid droplets of water entering the sample from the side of the supply pipe. The droplets will falsely decrease the dryness value and may contain other contaminants that may be apparent when laboratory analysis is performed.

Q. Why does the EN285 Non-Condensable gas test method have a different start and end temperature to the SQ-Pro method?

The EN 285 method uses a vessel of water at ambient temperature to condense the steam. The temperature of the WATER is measured at the start and the end of the test NOT the incoming condensate. If a thermocouple was positioned at the outlet pipe where the condense steam meets the water, the temperature measured would be approximately 85 to 90 Deg C.

The EN 285 instructions for start and end temperatures are there to ensure that a maximum temperature differential is used (so that the sample is as large as possible and is safe for the operator).

The SQ-Pro method does not rely on a fixed volume of water but uses a water cooled heat exchanger. The temperature of the CONDENSATE is measured just before it enters the separation manifold. This method is then essentially the same as the EN 285 description.

The aim of both methods is to separate gas and condensate from the incoming steam.

Q. How often should the SQ-Pro kit be calibrated and who can perform the calibrations?

We recommend re-calibration at intervals of 12 months although the volume of the sight glasses may be extended depending upon the history of change. Ultimately the frequency of re-calibration will be dependent on Quality Control procedures within a company, type of industry or country.

Our internal production procedure is to ask the customer what they require to be typed in the re-calibration section of the calibration certificate.

We are happy to recalibrate the SQ-Pro kit if it is returned to our calibration laboratory in the UK. If arranged in advance we are normally able to perform the calibration within three working days.

The re-calibration procedures are detailed in the SQ-Pro manual supplied with the kits and may be carried out by our authorised distributors or other third-party calibration laboratories.

Depending on the kit option purchased, the items requiring re-calibration are:

temperature a. thermometer with 4 probes by comparison or b. by electrical injection (thermometer only)

small mass (balance)

small volume (NCG sight glasses)

Q. Why does the result of my Dryness test produce values greater than 1.0?

The Dryness Value and Superheat tests are both methods of measuring 'Dryness'. The Dryness Value test only works well for minimum values and the Superheat test only works well for maximum values. Providing the results of both tests fall within the limits of EN 285, the results will be acceptable.

A negative Superheat value is not uncommon (there is no minimum).

A dryness value of greater than 1 is possible (there is no maximum). It should be noted that this is a test for dryness value and should not be considered as a true dryness fraction test.

Q. Why does the result of my Superheat test produce negative values?

This is the same answer as the previous FAQ for Dryness Test because both tests are linked.

A negative Superheat value is not uncommon (there is no minimum).

A dryness value of greater than 1 is possible (there is no maximum). It should be noted that this is a test for dryness value and should not be considered as a true dryness fraction test.

Q. Why do I need to measure 'Maximum steam supply temperature difference' between the Superheat Test and Dryness Value Test?

The reason for measuring the temperature of the steam supply during the Superheat and Dryness Value tests is to demonstrate that the change in supply pressure and temperature is acceptable (without excessive fluctuation).

A difference of 3 Deg C is deemed to be acceptable by EN 285.

Q. What is the duration of Steam Quality Tests using SQ-Pro test kits?

Approximate duration times of SQ tests using SQ-Pro apparatus:

NCG test - 10 minutes per test (normally 3 tests carried out)

Superheat test - instantaneous

Dryness – 20 minutes per test

Sampling for laboratory analysis - dependent upon steam pressure and pitot size - average time = 15 minutes per 500ml

In the case of use with sterilizers, the tests are started when the steam to chamber valve first opens following the commencement of a process cycle. Therefore the total time of SQ tests depends upon the process.

Q. What connection types are available for SQ-Pro test kits?

The standard connections available are ½” triclamp and ¼” BSP tapered male.

Other types and sizes including ¼” NPT tapered male are available on request.

Q. What is the difference between Thermocouple calibration by Comparison and Thermocouple Calibration by electrical injection?

Calibration by Electrical Injection only calibrates the instrument without its cables. It does not take into account any error that the cables might be responsible for. The millivolt source mimics the temperature by injecting the same millivolt signal to the thermometer that would be generated to display a specific temperature reading.

Calibration by Comparison calibrates the whole system (thermocouples + instrument) by placing the temperature sensors in a calibrated heat source and then heating them to a range of temperatures.

When we perform comparison calibration at Dekon Solutions, on the SQ Kit thermometers, we examine the results for 4 probes across 2 channels – therefore 8 results are given in total for each temperature measured across the range.

Q. Where should I take samples from for Steam Quality and Laboratory analysis of condensate

The position of sampling is crucial to the results obtained.

Tests for Dryness, Superheat and Non-Condensable Gases and Laboratory Analysis should be taken as close to the inlet of the process equipment as possible from a 'Test Elbow' as shown by EN 285. This is to show that the steam conditions immediately before the process are satisfactory.

Although it may be useful for identification of problems, taking samples from anywhere else in isolation may give misleading results.

Additional tests from other points in the system (eg at the steam generator) should be in addition to the standard position.

Q. Can you give me information about UK Deliveries

For Express deliveries and for before 9:00, 10:00 and 12:00 please enquire

Q. Can you give me information about International Deliveries

A.
INCOTERMS are internationally agreed terms for the shipment of goods. They are used to define the responsibilities and obligations of the seller and importer in terms of risk and insurance status. INCOTERMS 2010 has reduced the number of terms used from that of the 2000 document from 13 to 11. The term DAP is generally used to replace the previous term DDU.

We offer the following terms:

EXWORKS:

The buyer and/or importer arranges collection of the goods from the seller. All responsibility of the seller passes to the buyer and/or importer when the goods are removed from the sellers premises.

Please ask for a quotation.

DAP:

Used for all modes of transport.

The seller bears the responsibility for delivery of the goods to an agreed point of destination. The importer is responsible to clear the goods of the export together with any import duties incurred.