Desuperheaters are put to use in a variety of applications across multiple industries.  They can use them for steam and vapor cooling and some designs can cool gases depending on the situation and needs.  Here is an in-depth look at desuperheaters in action.

What are Desuperheaters and How They Work

Desuperheating is the process by which superheated steam is restored to its saturated state and the superheated temperature is reduced.  Desuperheaters reduce the temperature and pressure of superheated steam to near saturation levels, thus improving heat transfer.

Desuperheaters work by mixing finely atomized cooling water droplets into superheated steam flow.  These water droplets must remain suspended in downstream pipework for as long as possible.  Otherwise water droplets fall-out occur, resulting in a loss of efficiency in the desuperheating process and possible corrosion.

Komax desuperheaters eliminate water droplet fallout and ensure a reliable, efficient energy transfer.

Industries That Require Desuperheaters

• Chemical
• Food & Beverage
• Oil & Gas
• Petrochemical
• Power Generation
• Pulp & Paper

Applications 

While there are many applications that desuperheaters are perfect for there are a few that are the main reasons industries look to them as a solution.

• Power Generation
• Thinner Pipe Schedules
• Process Controllability
• Protect Downstream Equipment
• Gas Desuperheaters

Power Generation

When boilers run on reduced load or at a high cycle, they produce steam at variable temperatures.  Desuperheaters help the temperature stabilize and saturate.  Different types of power generation machines use them in various ways, but the purpose is the same – to cool down the temperature of the steam.  Turbine steams also need cooler steam to work normally, and they achieve this through the use of desuperheaters.

Thinner Pipe Schedules

When steam is cool, it requires thinner pipe schedules than what is needed by superheated steam.  This reduces costs and also lowers lead times for valves, piping, controls, and other machinery either during maintenance or temporary shutdown.

Process Controllability

Desuperheaters are vital when it comes to controlling a number of production processes.  If the temperature of the steam is not cool enough or keeps fluctuating the process may become difficult to manage.  This, in turn, affects the product quality, create safety issues, and also cost a lot in repairs, and maintenance.

Protect Downstream Equipment

Desuperheaters help in the atomization of water droplets, and also its evaporation and mixing downstream.  When the downstream mixing is thorough, it keeps the equipment from damage, while also boosting efficiency.

Gas Desuperheaters

Although they are usually meant for steam cooling, they may also be used for any other vapor.  It does not mean these superheaters only cool steam, but to cool gases like air, natural gas, methane, and toluene.  We often utilize custom designs for mixing any kind of miscible or immiscible gases.

Paving the Way

Komax is paving the way in desuperheater technology for over 4 decades.  They can customize any solution to fit your needs.   Contact Komax to get your industry the most effective solution to increase productivity.