Repotenciación de la línea de distribución de vapor a marmitas de un centro hospitalario

Abstract

The steam distribution system that supplies eight industrial kettles in the kitchen area of a hospital institution in Guayaquil has been in operation for more than 30 years, exceeding its service life. A progressive increase in LPG consumption has been observed due to the system’s deterioration, which raises the need to carry out the engineering design for its repowering. The methodology included the energy diagnosis of the system, the repowering proposal, the comparison of projected changes, and the economic evaluation. Results showed that 10% of the steam produced by the boiler is wasted through leaks and in the distribution line due to ineffective or missing insulation. The proposal detailed the technical specifications of piping, pressure regulator, thermal insulation, and other necessary components for repowering. It is projected that, if implemented by the hospital, the system efficiency would increase by 24.3%, reducing LPG consumption by 4 kg/h, leading to an annual saving of USD 1,209.60. The implementation cost is estimated at approximately USD 3,629.13, with a projected return on investment of three years. Keywords: Repowering, Steam-jacketed kettles, efficiency, LPG consumption, return on investment.