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Plant Engineering Calculator

Updated Sep 18, 2026

Steam Distribution Efficiency Calculator — Generated vs Delivered Steam

Compare generated steam with useful delivered/process steam to quantify distribution efficiency, losses, annual lost tonnes and cost.

Live calculationWorking shownPrivate in browser

Inputs

Results

Efficiency 88.0%
Loss 1.20 t/h
Annual loss 8400 t
Annual cost $21000000
More actions

Shared links reopen these inputs. Recent and saved calculations stay in this browser unless you clear site data.

Formula

η=useful delivered/generated; loss=generated−delivered.

Your calculation, step by step

These steps use the values currently entered above so the result can be checked independently.

  1. 1.Distribution efficiency = 8.800 ÷ 10.000 × 100 = 88.000%.
  2. 2.Unaccounted steam = 10.000 − 8.800 = 1.200 t/h.
  3. 3.Annual unaccounted steam = 1.200 × 7000 = 8400.00 t.
  4. 4.Entered steam-value consequence = 8400.00 × $2500.00/t = $21000000.00.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter measured or design values using the units shown beside each field.
  2. Review the live results and the substituted calculation steps before using the estimate.
  3. Check the assumptions below, then continue to a related calculator when the next engineering decision needs another model.

Worked example

If 10 t/h is generated and 8.8 t/h reaches useful loads, distribution efficiency is 88%.

Assumptions and limits

  • Meter boundaries and time periods must match.
  • Loss includes all unmetered distribution effects within the chosen boundary, not only pipe radiation.

How to interpret the result

Treat the primary result as an engineering screening value, then use the secondary outputs to understand scale, energy or operating impact. Confirm site measurements, equipment limits and applicable standards before making a design or control change.

Questions engineers ask

What boundary does steam distribution efficiency represent?

It is only the boundary between the entered generated-steam meter and useful-delivered steam meter. Loss includes every unaccounted steam path inside that boundary—leaks, vents, trap failures, unmetered users and metering error—not just pipe radiation.

Why must generated and delivered steam use the same time period?

The ratio is meaningful only when the two mass flows are aligned in time and operating condition. Mismatched averages can create apparent gains or losses that are only timing artifacts.

Can useful delivered steam exceed generated steam?

Not for a consistent closed boundary/time basis. Such a result signals meter, unit, boundary or timing inconsistency and should be rejected rather than shown as efficiency above 100%.

Continue the calculation

Use the next calculator in the same engineering workflow instead of restarting from search.

steam leak costcondensate returnsteam pipe sizing
Methodology. MAXScanner shows the governing formula, entered values and calculation outputs so the estimate is auditable. The calculator is a screening aid; assumptions and equipment-specific limits remain part of the engineering review.