What is a common symptom of carryover in steam systems?

Carryover in steam systems is a phenomenon where water droplets are entrained in the steam produced by the boiler, which can result in excessive moisture in the steam lines. This can lead to several operational issues, with water hammer being one of the most common symptoms. Water hammer is a condition that occurs when a steam line suddenly changes direction or when there are changes in the flow rate, causing a shock wave due to the water droplets colliding with the pipe walls or other liquid masses. The presence of these water droplets indicates that the steam is not adequately separated from the liquid water, leading to the potential for damaging effects like water hammer, decreased thermal efficiency, and strain on valves and other equipment downstream.

In contrast, low steam pressure is typically not directly related to carryover; rather, it could arise from other boiler operational issues such as insufficient fuel or inadequate heat input. Increased boiler efficiency is not associated with carryover, as carryover negatively impacts thermal performance and system efficiency. Frequent shutdowns of the boiler may also occur due to different reasons, like operational errors or maintenance issues, rather than being a direct symptom of carryover.

Thus, the presence of water hammer or excessive moisture in steam lines serves as a clear indication of carryover, making it the