How to handle the waste steam generated by condensate water
Thread Content
During the condensate recovery process in refineries, a large amount of steam condensate is generated as a by-product of the heating systems used for asphalt. Since this condensate cannot be utilized locally, it has to be fed into the condensate recovery system. With a temperature of 150 degrees and a large amount of waste steam present, there are many issues that need to be addressed during this recovery process. Discharging it on-site is not an acceptable option as it causes negative effects. What suggestions do you have for dealing with this waste steam?
It depends on the level of pressure you have; the condensate water generated is determined by that. If the pressure of the waste gas is high, it is directly combined with the low-pressure steam.
If there is a deaerator, it can be used for deoxygenation, thereby saving low-pressure steam.
This portion of waste steam is the flash vapor from the condensate; if its amount is small, it is not recovered and is simply vented. If the environmental impact is a concern, it can be considered for recovery as hot water, by using a steam-water heat exchanger or a hot water tower to exchange heat between the waste steam and water, thereby producing hot water. This hot water can then be returned to the condensate recovery system, used elsewhere, or even discharged.
If there is a coking unit, it can be sent before the overhead cooling in the vent tower.
If there is a 0.3MP steam drum, it can be connected.
Our company uses the following method to handle condensate water: The condensate water system flows into a condensate tank. At the top of this tank, there is a line for feeding waste gas into the furnace, which is connected to a steam stripping line. A pressure control valve for the stripping steam is used to regulate the pressure from 1.0 MPA to 0.3 MPA. The condensed water, after being cooled, can be used as cooling water for pumps or as water in the asphalt cooling tank.
If the volume is large, waste steam recovery can be implemented; the investment is not high.
This portion of the waste steam can be considered for reuse. You can learn about the steam in the entire plant, then decide which steam system to integrate with, and afterward consider how to make use of it.
Can it be used for the heat tracing of other devices? For some types of heat tracing, such as those used in dehydration packs, the required temperature cannot be too high.
150 degrees – it’s a great heat source when a large amount of heat is needed; it would be a shame to waste it. Use it in a heat exchanger to heat the appropriate materials, and send the cooled condensate back to the recycling system.