In a steam system, what is affected if the turn down ratio exceeds the recommended limit?

When the turn down ratio exceeds the recommended limit in a steam system, it can lead to hunting and instability. The turn down ratio refers to the ability of a steam system to modulate its output to match varying load conditions. If the system is required to operate at a turn down ratio that is too high, it cannot maintain stable operation, leading to fluctuations in pressure, temperature, and flow rates.

This instability may manifest as a "hunting" behavior, where the system continuously cycles between high and low output, unable to settle at an optimal operating point. Such fluctuations can cause not only inefficiencies but also potential wear on system components due to the frequent changes in operation.

In contrast, an appropriate turn down ratio allows for more stable and efficient operation, adapting to load demands without significant fluctuations. Understanding the impact of turn down ratios is crucial for maintaining system performance and reliability in steam systems.