On the structural principle and operating process of closed-loop condensate recovers
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Due to work requirements, I would like to understand in detail the structural principles and operating process of closed-loop condensate recovery equipment. I’ve searched online a lot but couldn’t find any particularly good information; when I called the manufacturers, they refused to provide detailed details due to technical confidentiality reasons. So, is there anyone who could explain to me how this equipment works? (A closed-loop recycler enables the simultaneous recovery of steam and water; theoretically, no steam escapes. But then why is there a secondary steam outlet on its flash tank?) Is it a vapor equilibrium device? ）
A closed-loop recycler should, in theory, enable the simultaneous recovery of steam and water; there is secondary steam discharged from the flash tank, so it shouldn’t be a steam balance device.
It should be the result of steam pressure regulation through a safety water seal~
In this industry, as long as it is possible to use electric pumps to transport high-temperature saturated water (for example, water at 120°C) without the pump suffering from cavitation, then the technology is considered satisfactory. In fact, 90% of recycling technologies fall into this category. In China, only a few people are capable of recovering high-temperature water at 120°C while also capturing steam at temperatures above 120°C. From the perspective of energy savings in industrial steam, the total level of technology currently available in this industry scores at most 60 out of 100 when considering the needs of industry. Regarding social demands, specifically the first point: as a working fluid in boiler thermal systems, condensate water requires operation in a closed loop to minimize or avoid losses of this fluid; in reality, however, significant losses of the working fluid occur ； Secondly, since condensed water and flash steam are used as carriers of waste heat, it is necessary to make full use of or recycle this waste heat; in reality, more than 50% of this waste heat is lost ； Thirdly, for the entire thermal system, steam condensate requires the achievement of water balance, steam balance, and heat balance; in reality, however, many units are unbalanced. Such imbalance inevitably leads to waste. Regarding industry technologies, these include: thorough balancing and optimization of thermal systems, utilization of heat gradients based on pinch technology, closed-loop recovery of condensate water and waste steam, advanced treatment of condensate water (removal of oil and iron), as well as intelligent monitoring and control of steam and condensate systems. The larger the entire system, the more necessary it is to apply these technologies together. The integration of these technologies is crucial, but no one in the country is able to do it at present. For now, that’s all for today; let’s just use this as a starting point!