6 Benefits in Boilers and Steam Plants with Spirax Sarco

Steam is a fairly common form of heat transport in industrial processes and plants, as it is often very efficient. The reasons for this are that it saves energy, fuel, water, chemical treatment and effluent. And this is a context in which Spirax Sarco has a long history of working with this type of equipment.

We will now explain the benefits of using condensate recovery systems in steam plants and boilers.

The importance of condensate recovery

The most effective way to improve efficiency in a steam plant is to return condensate to the boiler feed tank. However, it is important to drain liquid condensate from pipes and equipment to avoid the risk of water hammer.

The reason why water hammer is dangerous is because, if condensate accumulates, solid pockets of water are formed. And because this water cannot be compressed, unlike steam, it can cause damage when it is carried away at high velocity. In addition, condensate has a high energy value, so throwing it away in the form of water is a waste of valuable resources.

There are applications where condensate may not be returned to the boiler room, but this is usually for operational reasons. However, there are often alternatives that allow partial or full recovery of this energy through alternative systems.

The 6 advantages of condensate recovery systems

Having a clear understanding of the importance of the condensate process, as well as the use of steam as a means of heat transport, we could summarise the key advantages of condensate recovery systems in boilers and steam plants in 6 points.

• 1. Fuel costs are reduced. Condensate normally contains 25% of the usable energy of the steam. If, in addition, we use it to heat the boiler feed water, less energy would be needed to convert the water into steam. In other words, we are using less fuel for heating.

• 2. Energy is saved. Condensate is distilled water with only a few dissolved solids. If it is returned to the feed tank, the need to purge it is reduced, and therefore the energy loss during this process is also reduced.

• 3. Water costs are reduced. If the condensate is returned, it means that there is no additional cost to replace the percentage of condensate we have lost with new water.

• 4. The cost of chemical treatment is reduced. The more condensate that is reused, the less need there is to add chemicals for water treatment.

• 5. It reduces the cost of discharges. Pouring water above 40ºC is prohibited in Spain because it is harmful to the environment and pipes. Getting rid of the condensate would mean having to cool it, and therefore additional costs.

• 6. Steam plumes are eliminated. Processes in which water and energy are wasted by steaming are visible, which also creates a bad image.

How to find out more about Spirax Sarco at Rodavigo

We have updated the Spirax Sarco PDF catalogue on our website, which means that you can consult it directly if you want or need to know more about the products we sell from this manufacturer.

If you want to order material directly from us, you can also do so via the Spirax Sarco digital catalogue that we make available to you on our B2B portal.

If you have any questions or queries, you can use our contact form, email or telephone number.

+34 986 288 118
web@rodavigo.com