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GAGE GLASSES IN STEAM SERVICE
Special Precautions
       
  Standard reflex gages are recommended up to 250 PSI SATURATED Steam (401 ° F). Mica shields with transparent glass are recommended over 250 PSI SATURATED because of improved service life. Special Steam Gage configurations should be used above 450 PSI.  
  Use special Steam Gage configuration on all applications of SUPERHEATED Steam where temperature is over 450° F.  
 
The reason for the precaution is that hot water attacks glass and causes a chemical corrosion . This process accelerates with higher temperature. Above 250 PSI (401 ° F) the rate is sufficiently high to justify the use of mica shields.
Above 450° F use of MICA shields is MANDATORY.
  
  Recommendations- Gage Columns Recommendations- Gage Valves  
 

Up to 250 PSI Saturated (401°F). Use regular
unprotected glass. Reflex style gage is cheapest; however cannot be converted to mica protection. If unacceptable glass corrosion occurs use MICA shields with Transparent style gage. Use Grafoil™ gaskets.

Above 250 PSI (401 ° F) …. Use Mica protection, series TA or TOM gages, Grafoil™ sealing gaskets, Belleville spring washers

Above 450 PSI (457° F). … use Special Design Steam Gage.

Above 600° F use special high temperature glass such as Almax II (aluminosilicate).

On steam service over 400 PSI (445° F SATURATED) high temperature valve stem packing must be used. Teflon™ packing only good to 450° F.

Over 350 PSI (430° F) provision must be made for expansion by using either slip-fit nipples with stuffingbox valves or a flanged expansion loop. Use of rigid pipe connections may cause distortion and leakage.

Over 400 PSI (445° F) use a Bolted Bonnet valve with Outside Screw & Yoke (OS & Y). Valve should have a back seating stem.

  
     
       
  SUPERHEATED Steam is steam with a temperature higher than SATURATED Steam for any given pressure. If the temperature of the steam exceeds 450° F no matter whether SATURATED or SUPERHEATED then mica protection must be used. If service life is too short using Reflex glass then change to mica-protected Transparent glass. This will require changing the gage glass housing.
Note that superheated steam can have a temperature of 450° F with a pressure as low as 1 PSI.		  
   
 

*RA gage in service over 250 PSI saturated may give unacceptably poor service life….