The various steam engines implemented in a number of industries are generally affected by the presence of moisture in the steam that is emitted from the machine. The presence of humidity strongly affects the efficiency of the machines as well as the performance capacity. All of these factors eventually lead to additional expenses in operations. Such an expense for any industry or business is extremely unfortunate. Therefore, the best way to mitigate this problem is to invest in the right equipment, such as moisture separators.
Moisture separators: Principle of use:
These devices are also known as steam separators. The efficiency of this device is such that it removes water vapor or any kind of moisture content from the steam. Removing excess water vapor from steam effectively increases the overall thermal efficiency of a steam engine. These devices make use of centrifugal force that effectively expels condensation from the steam.
Also, the final product obtained from a steam moisture separator is known as dry steam, although it does contain some water in a gaseous state.
Generally, these devices are used in applications that require dry steam. So you would mainly see them used with devices like industrial autoclaves. They are also used with other industrial devices such as nuclear reactors, large industrial boilers, modern turbine systems, and classic steam locomotives.
Operation
The operation of these devices is quite simple to understand. The steam present in the machine enters the separator unit through an inlet. As soon as it enters the system, it runs into a baffle and spirals on its way. It is the centrifugal force that removes the water droplets from the steam and expels the dry steam through an outlet.
This type of mechanism can be compared to the spin-dry function of a washing machine, where the rapid rotation of the cylinder causes the water to escape from the clothes.
It is very imperative to install this device in the best environment to ensure that the dryness of the vapor is as desired. Proper use of these instruments really makes them efficient and better performing. These dividers can also be used in standard and custom designs. Furthermore, they can be installed in various configurations such as vertical, in-line or horizontal. However, when purchasing these devices from an online source or any authentic outlet, it is critical to ensure that they comply with ASME and industry standard codes.
While the above mentioned are basic details that would help you choose the right moisture separators for your applications, it is recommended that you consult a professional manufacturer for more details on this subject.