Utilization of steam depressurization energy

Energy utilization during the steam depressurization process can be achieved by adding energy recovery devices such as turbine units (steam turbines) or backpressure turbines. Turbine power generation is a common method for improving energy efficiency by converting high-pressure steam into electrical energy. A backpressure turbine can provide both low-pressure steam and electricity, making it suitable for applications that require both steam and electricity. Many industries at home and abroad, such as the chemical industry and cogeneration, have already widely adopted this technology. For example, some refineries and chemical plants install turbine units to convert the energy of high-pressure steam that would otherwise be released through pressure relief valves into electrical energy, thereby reducing energy losses and improving overall energy efficiency. .

For backpressure power generation, we use backpressure machines; this is a highly mature technology.

Without a power generation unit, medium-temperature and medium-pressure steam at 3.5 Mpa is fed to the turbine of the sulfuric acid furnace bottom fan; the steam emerging from there is saturated steam at 0.7–1.0 Mpa after temperature reduction, and this setup has been in use for over a decade. Recently, I encountered a troublesome issue: due to technical upgrades carried out by the users of saturated steam, the steam consumption dropped significantly, disrupting the steam balance. To maintain the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the turbine, it was necessary to discharge large amounts of steam from the turbine’s outlet. The sister units use back-pressure generator sets, so they don’t have this problem.

During the process of reducing the steam pressure from 3.5 MPa to 1.0 MPa, it is indeed possible to recover some of the energy by installing additional energy utilization devices, thereby reducing waste. Here are several common methods along with their application examples: 1. Backpressure turbine. Principle: A backpressure turbine uses the expansion of high-pressure steam to generate power, driving a generator to produce electricity, while simultaneously releasing low-pressure steam for use in other processes. Application cases: In industries such as chemicals and petroleum refining, backpressure turbines are widely used in cogeneration systems. For example, a chemical plant uses a backpressure turbine to reduce high-pressure steam to the pressure required for its processes, while generating electricity for use within the plant. 2. Turbine power generation Principle: A turbine uses the expansion of steam to generate power, which in turn drives a generator to produce electricity. The turbine can be a condensing type or a back-pressure type, with the choice depending on the process requirements. Application example: In power plants or large industrial enterprises, turbine power generation is a common method for energy recovery. For example, a power plant recovered the energy from the steam during the pressure reduction process using turbines, thereby significantly improving its overall energy efficiency. 3. Principle of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC): An ORC system utilizes low-grade thermal energy (such as low-pressure steam) to drive an organic working fluid to expand and generate work, thereby producing electricity. Application examples: In the field of waste heat recovery, ORC technology is widely used. For example, a steel plant recovers the thermal energy from low-pressure steam using an ORC system, converting it into electrical power for use within the plant. 4. Steam ejector Principle: A steam ejector uses high-pressure steam to draw in low-pressure steam; upon mixing, they reach an intermediate pressure that can be used in industrial processes. Application example: In systems that require steam at multiple pressure levels, steam injectors are used to optimize steam utilization. For example, a paper mill uses steam injectors to mix high-pressure steam with low-pressure steam in order to meet various process requirements. 5. Heat exchanger Principle: The heat energy from high-pressure steam is transferred to other media (such as water or air) through a heat exchanger, for heating or preheating purposes. Application examples: In industries such as food processing and textiles, heat exchangers are widely used for heat recovery. For example, a food factory recovers the thermal energy generated during the steam pressure reduction process using heat exchangers, to preheat the process water. 6. Steam heat accumulator – Principle: A steam heat accumulator stores excess thermal energy when steam pressure drops, and releases it when needed to balance the system load. Application example: In systems with large fluctuations in steam load, steam accumulators are used to improve system stability. For example, a hospital uses steam accumulators to balance steam supply and ensure stable operation. Conclusion By installing energy utilization devices such as backpressure turbines, turbine generators, and ORC systems, it is possible to effectively recover the energy generated during steam depressurization and reduce waste. These technologies have been successfully applied in various industries, enabling a significant improvement in energy efficiency and a reduction in operational costs. The specific method to choose depends on a comprehensive evaluation of process requirements, economic considerations, and technical feasibility.

Hello, I can handle the calculation, selection, and production of injectors. We can first have a technical discussion to see if it fits with your process requirements. Jiang Huinan: 13210220130, same VX number