Valves, Actuators & Pump Control


Process plant steam control

April 2015 Valves, Actuators & Pump Control

Industrial boilers normally produce steam at high pressures and temperatures, since in this superheated condition it carries more energy and results in more efficient production of power in the turbine. This high pressure also allows the steam to be transported around the plant in smaller lines with less heat loss. For use in a process plant, both the pressure and the temperature have to be reduced.

A letdown station solves this problem. It comprises a pressure reducing valve and the temperature reducing apparatus. The solution is to use a valve with a special trim that is engineered to solve the complex requirement of both pressure reduction and noise control. A Mitech energy dissipating disk stack that fits into the company’s range of standard Globe valves is one of the best methods to achieve this. The pressure is dropped across many stages. The disk stack combines the concept of many restrictions in series (along each passageway) with multiple paths in parallel (several passageways in each disk and many disks in a stack). This enables the valve to handle low flow rates as well as the maximum flows. One or more diffuser plates may be installed downstream of the valve to create back-pressure to enable a smaller valve to be used.

But, reducing the pressure of the superheated steam does very little to reduce the temperature. To reduce the temperature of the steam, a de-superheater is utilised to add water. To vaporise the water a large amount of energy is required to overcome the latent heat vaporisation. The high temperature steam provides this. The result is an increased flow of steam at a reduced temperature. By varying the amount of water added, the temperature can be controlled.

For more information contact Pieter Badenhorst, Mitech, +27 (0)11 927 4850, enquiries@mitech.co.za, www.mitech.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Compact valve position indicator
Emerson Automation Solutions Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.

Read more...
Dependable pumping for dewatering in hard rock mining areas
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Becker Mining’s Pumpor Vertical Spindle (PVS) pumps are hard at work on many mines throughout Africa, with many units installed recently in the Carletonville area, West of Johannesburg.

Read more...
Efficient, affordable solution for electrohydraulic pumps
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
In the world of construction a revolution is changing the status quo, the electrification of small and efficient construction machinery.

Read more...
Redefining Industrial Automation with the new Festo Valve Terminal
Festo South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Festo recently introduced its latest innovation in the form of the Valve Terminal VTUX. This invention marks the beginning of a new era in valve terminals, with its features making it an impressive solution for the future.

Read more...
New pilot-operated relief valve
Emerson Automation Solutions Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced a pilot-operated relief valve for installation on pressurised bullet tanks used to store liquid propane and anhydrous ammonia. This type of pressure relief valve is typically installed on tanks fabricated by OEMs for end users, engineering firms, or contractor customers.

Read more...
Pulse valves for dust collection
Emerson Automation Solutions Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
In process manufacturing, especially hard mineral mining, dust particles are unavoidable. If this pervasive dust is not effectively removed, it can accumulate throughout mines, plants and other facilities, becoming hazardous to workers and equipment.

Read more...
Case History 191: The weakest link.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Which is the weakest link in a control loop? The answer, without any doubt is that, in most cases, the final control element is the weakest link.

Read more...
High-flow solenoid valve
Emerson Automation Solutions Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.

Read more...
Selection of two-port valves: an open and shut case
SMC Corporation South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Little consideration is generally given to two-port valves because they are often perceived as simple devices that only open and close to control downstream fluid supply. Although this is mechanically true, choosing the optimal two-port valve for your application can make a big difference, saving space, weight and energy consumption.

Read more...
Emerson software optimises maintenance
Emerson Automation Solutions Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has announced the Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application, a powerful software tool that combines Fisher control valve expertise with advanced analytic algorithms. The new app makes it possible for users to visualise an entire connected fleet of valves, while prioritising actions based on the health index of each valve.

Read more...