Energy efficiency is a common theme among industries, and it is also something that can save jobs within sectors.  By saving energy costs is can boost a companies profits and secure its workforce.  Pulp and Paper mills are an energy-intensive industrial sector.  With that said, they are constantly looking for ways to improve in energy-savings while maintaining production standards and effectiveness.  Direct Injection Steam Heaters are one way that pulp and paper mills can achieve savings.

The Pulp and Paper Industry

Studies have shown that pulp and paper mills use up to 20% of all energy in the U.S. Manufacturing sector.  The biggest part of that is due to steam generation.  The plants combined use 43% of all steam generated in the nation.  With these percentages not only do the mills need energy savings or budgeting purposes but also for the environment.  With the push for industries to be more sustainability sound, the pulp and paper mills as a whole need a solution.

What is a Direct Injection Steam Heater?

A direct injection steam heater delivers a cost-effective method to heat water like fluids by injecting steam directly into the fluid.  The design of the instrument is to operate a wide range of flow rates and produce hot fluids at precise temperatures with less energy than an indirect heat exchanger.

How Direct Injection Steam Heaters are the Solution

Inline direct injection steam heaters cause a low-pressure drop in existing flow.  By creating this, no extra effort is needed to continue the system except steam.  They incorporate a smooth flowing stream path that supports the use of momentum in steam injection.  Thus, helping mills achieve energy savings and lean manufacturing.

By using direct injection steam heaters, mills will get up to 66% reductions in heating costs.

Komax Creates Technology That Benefits Pulp and Paper Mills

Komax saw the need for inline direct injection steam heaters in all applications and developed a more modernized solution.  With their patented Equalizer Mixing Module, it takes the traditional steam heater to the next level, ensuring the pulp and paper mill’s success in energy efficiency.

The equalizer mixing module encompasses six parallel mixing chambers that are installed with Komax’s helical mixing elements that allow the steam and product to be heated.  The module then separates and recombines the process flow to form multiple impingent blending zones that produce high turbulence.  This makes for a more consistent temperature output with no vibration, no water hammer, and thus no excessive noise.

Komax’s Design Proves Itself

The Komax Direct Injection Steam Heaters have been installed in mills around the world and performing at excellent standards.  Between the high energy savings, efficiency, and no vibration not only are they working well they have a prolonged life span.

Komax is continuing to work on technology to help industries with their application needs and can customize the design of a solution for your plant whether it is an inline direct injection steam heater, static mixer, or desuperheater.