Steam compressor definition_Steam compressor composition

Steam compressor definition

Steam compressor is a key device in heat recovery system that compresses the generated steam to increase the temperature and pressure of steam. Its function is to pressurize and heat low-pressure (or low-temperature) steam to meet the temperature and pressure requirements of the process or project.

Steam compressor components

The overall structure of the steam compressor is relatively complex, mainly composed of three basic units: compression system, steam cooler and lubrication system. The steam generated in the reboiler (evaporator) passes through the embedded droplet separator to remove part of the liquid in the steam, and then enters the steam compressor or the corresponding steam point. In the process design, a steam bypass without compression can be left to automatically control and meet the production requirements for different steam pressures and temperatures or to prevent maintenance space when the compressor fails.

Compression system

The steam compressor compression form is different according to the principle. It is a single-stage centrifugal compressor driven by an integral gear device. The compressor form is also different according to different needs. The most common ones are Roots compressor (positive displacement), centrifugal compressor (speed type), etc.

Steam Desuperheater

The steam desuperheater is a specially designed nozzle installed in the steam recovery pipe. It makes the flowing steam atomize as much water as possible into steam. The water flow to the desuperheater is controlled by the temperature of the steam after the desuperheater.

Lubrication system

The lubrication system consists of an oil tank, two parallel water-cooled coolers, a set of parallel oil filters and two oil pumps. The main oil pump is a screw pump driven directly by the low-speed gear shaft. The standby oil pump is driven by an electric motor and is used at startup. The oil cooler is a tubular heat exchanger in which the oil flows. An oil defoamer and an electric heater are installed on the oil tank. The lubricating oil is pumped from the oil tank to the gearbox through the oil cooler and oil filter. The temperature of the oil is regulated by a temperature controller in the bypass of the oil cooler. There is a differential pressure indicator on the oil filter to detect contaminants in the filter.

Steam compressor type

Depending on the direction of flow through the steam compressor impeller, the equipment is called axial flow, mixed flow or centrifugal compressor. The most suitable type of compressor depends on the operating conditions of the application. The key parameters are the required pressure rise and the flow rate of the steam to be compressed.

In the evaporation industry, operations are often carried out in the vacuum range, the heating surface load is medium, and the temperature difference is small, so centrifugal and Roots recompressors are usually used.