Steam is an extremely effective state of matter used to transfer thermal energy. The gaseous phase of a substance is easy to create and transport, and its parameters are easily adjusted. Unique properties as a coolant predetermined its use in various industries, mainly in thermal and energy processes.
For a more complete and efficient use of steam, a reduction and cooling unit (ROW) was created - valves of the energy and heat power industries. Such equipment has found application on the basis of medium and large businesses, as part of industrial enterprises, power plants, boiler houses and other organizations.
Reduction and cooling unit
Steam is the main link in the "source - heat consumer" system. When it is condensed, an instantaneous transfer of a huge amount of thermal energy through a heat transfer surface occurs. The main objective of this system is to provide the end consumer with the necessary amount of steam with the given characteristics.
The movement of steam inside the system occurs due to the driving force that is artificially created while reducing the pressure in the apparatus and condensation of the gaseous medium. This principle is implemented in reduction and cooling plants.
The main elements that make up the equipment are reduction and cooling valves and safety devices, separators and steam traps, as well as a variety of control devices and a process automation system.
Basic principles of work
It should be noted that the formation of steam occurs in a separate unit. The reduction and cooling system only brings its characteristics to the required values. Steam enters the installation through the inlet valve and, passing through the filter element, enters the control valve. Here a decrease in steam pressure occurs.
A further principle of operation depends on the type of reduction and cooling unit. If a steam line is provided in the design, then the steam is cooled by injecting coolant into it. In systems without a steam line, the cooling of the gaseous phase occurs directly in the control valve - a cooling agent or water is injected under its body.
The temperature of the steam at the outlet depends on the amount of cooling water that is injected through the nozzles or nozzle system. The amount of water is regulated by a special injection valve. Automation is responsible for maintaining the set steam temperature. The set pressure control is assigned to the throttle system. After that, the steam with the given characteristics is supplied to the consumer.
Device features
The design of reduction-cooling plants provides several control devices. The first of these is shut-off valves, which completely block the access of the cooling agent to the steam line or to the butterfly valve.
The second is the safety valve system, which is installed behind the control unit. It is necessary to lower the vapor pressure when it slips into the system in case of damage to the control valve.
This solution protects personnel and equipment from complete failure. The number of safety valves depends on the parameters of the gaseous medium and the power of the equipment.
To maintain the specified steam characteristics, the reduction and cooling unit includes pneumatic or electric controllers that obey the automation system. She, in turn, focuses on the signals of electronic indicators.
Types of installations
Depending on the speed of inclusion in the operation of the plant are divided into ordinary (DOC) and high-speed (BROU). Both systems are used in power units to reduce the temperature and steam pressure to the specified parameters.
In addition, they also distinguish reduction plants (RU), which only lower the vapor pressure, as well as cooling devices (OC), capable of only cooling it. Depending on the operating principle implemented in the reduction and cooling installation, its field of application is found.
In any case, the equipment is installed in the system as bypass devices of power plants, as well as to save and reserve the steam coming from the working boilers, turbines.
Purpose of installations
Typical reduction and cooling plants are designed to lower the pressure and temperature of the steam, as well as to maintain the specified characteristics when transporting the gaseous phase to the consumer.
High-speed plants are used to efficiently use water vapor when it is released by a power unit or boiler, for example, during start-up or shutdown, increase in system pressure above a critical level, or to reduce the load on steam generators.
Fields of application
Directly reduction and cooling units are used to preserve the production selections of turbines of power plants, to kindle heating boilers, but only in medium and low pressure systems. They are also intended for dispensing steam for the needs of industrial equipment, for dispensing steam at power plants and in other cases when there is no own source of a gaseous medium with specified characteristics.
A high-speed reduction and cooling unit is designed to remove steam generated by a steam generator or boiler, but not used by turbines in variable or starting blocks. In this case, BROU acts as an intermediary.
Steam, passing through the device, enters the system of capacitors or collectors that are used to meet the company's own needs. The resulting steam can be used to power pumps, to heat intermediate pipelines, or to operate blowers.
Manufacturers
A new word in the use of the unique characteristics of the steam was said by ZAO Reduction and Cooling Units. This industrial enterprise of Barnaul specializes in the development and production of heat power equipment for industrial enterprises, medium and large enterprises.
The company has been operating since 2003 and is one of the rapidly developing enterprises in the country. In just 13 years, the company has increased its production scale so much that it has become a supplier of energy equipment in Asia, America, the near abroad and Eastern Europe.
Another major domestic organization is Uralteplopribor. She is engaged in the design and production of special projects. As part of the manufacturer's reduction and cooling plants, there are elements of foreign production. All equipment supplied by the companies is certified and has permission for use from the Gosgortekhnadzor.
Development directions
The development of reduction and cooling plants will make it possible in the future to more effectively use the thermal energy of steam. Now the task is to modify existing equipment in order to reduce the cost of its production, increase its durability and economic efficiency.
In the future, it is necessary to develop more powerful and cheaper cooling agents, the use of which will be safe for personnel. Modernization of the structure is also necessary in order to increase its reliability and security of employees. Modern companies work in these areas.