I have problems with the use of steam traps; I seek guidance from experts
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Our workshop is mainly equipped with various types of distillation towers used for product separation. The steam traps in some of these units operate at 150°C, while those in others operate at 120°C. We are considering connecting the steam traps operating at 150°C directly to the reboilers that use steam at 120°C, and connecting those with high heat value and high pressure to reboilers that use steam with lower heat value and lower pressure. Is this feasible? Is this approach profitable? Are there any better ways? We currently have a hot water tank for collecting hot water, and most of that water is sent to the circulating water system as makeup water, which is somewhat wasteful. We’ve considered using a flash tank, but it seems complicated. Moreover, the temperature of our drain water isn’t very high, and the steam pipeline operates at around 10 kilograms of pressure. I hope experts can give me some advice: handshake
It depends on whether the temperature at the bottom of the tower is appropriate to determine whether it can be utilized. Since the reboiler originally used steam as the medium, it is now being fed with condensed water; therefore, it is necessary to reassess whether the reboiler can meet the requirements. It’s not enough to simply connect it over. The utilization of low-temperature heat should be considered from an overall plant perspective – it’s not easy for a single workshop or unit to achieve effective utilization. However, using it as makeup water for circulating water would indeed be a waste, while using it as deoxygenated water for steam generation is a viable option
I’m not quite sure; I just see high pressure turning into low pressure? Have you considered the capacity of the original reboiler? First of all, the design must meet the required standards; otherwise, there are significant safety risks.
It can be used; our company has had similar cases, but our hydrophobic pressure is 250 kp
It connects to the preheater; this helps save some steam
Feeding the preheating tower is also an option; it is mainly used to preheat those with low hydrophobic temperature, while it is considered a waste for those with high hydrophobic temperature
Logically, it’s possible, but you need to consider a very important issue: namely, how much heat is required by the substance being heated in your second heat exchanger. If the existing equipment is fixed, in other words, if the A and U values are already determined, then will the heat provided by condensed water be sufficient compared to that from steam? Additionally, it’s necessary to check whether the equipment can withstand the required pressure levels (this is an example from my past experience). So... there’s a lot to consider
Seeing the original poster and the replies, in the words of our technology inventors, “My liver hurts!” Our new generation of steam traps enable continuous drainage at low temperatures (not exceeding 100 degrees) and at normal pressure (with the ability to handle back pressure), with the aim of making maximum use of each batch of steam! Based on user feedback: The hydrophobic system no longer requires secondary energy-saving devices such as steam separators and flash tanks; the drainage water from pipelines at different pressure levels can be easily combined and returned to the soft water system. In the chemical industry, especially in distillation units, efficient heat transfer with a minimum temperature difference of 3 degrees can be achieved! With the heat exchange equipment remaining unchanged, efficiency is greatly improved! For heating processes with high heat sensitivity, the temperature can be precisely controlled to suppress side reactions. We offer free consultations and contract energy management partnership models.
Your question is very representative! The temperature and pressure at which hydrophobes separate vary depending on the pressure system! But all of this will become history!