Estimating steam consumption on a steam distillation column/ deodorizer

[Thuba]

We use sparging steam fo agitation and stripping in a deodorizer column. Is there a way l can calculate steam consumption of the continuous deodorization column. We use superheated steam, we superheat saturated steam from boiler house using thermic fluid in a superheater. Attached is a schematic diagram.

 

[pierreick]

Hi,
weird question,
Install a steam flowmeter meter or use a non-intrusive meter. Other option, let you ask a contractor for this task.!

Pierre

 

[LittleInch]

Calculate implies that you have some data to use which you haven't stated what is available.

Is this just one use off a header?

 

[Thuba]

Calculate implies that you have some data to use which you haven't stated what is available.

Is this just one use off a header?

This is one steam line from the superheater then branches as ahown to each tray and at the end is a steam trap, which directs condensate to the steam condensate tank. The pressure gauge is installed as shown and reads 0.5bar gauge; and the pressure in the vessel is -1 bar gauge (vacuum). Just after the valves before the steam enters the vessel, there is a non return valve.

 

[georgeverghese]

You mean calculate theoretical steam requirement for this stripping operation ?

 

[Thuba]

You mean calculate theoretical steam requirement for this stripping operation ?

yes sir, estimating as we don't have a flowmeter?

 

[goutam_freelance]

yes sir, estimating as we don't have a flowmeter?

If you have flow data and thermal properties of product/reagent, you can conduct a heat and mass balance study to determine the steam flow rate. This assumes that the main task of steam is for heating of product/reagent.

 

[pierreick]

If you have flow data and thermal properties of product/reagent, you can conduct a heat and mass balance study to determine the steam flow rate. This assumes that the main task of steam is for heating of product/reagent.

Good luck! Did you look at the set up?
Pierre

 

[goutam_freelance]

Did you look at the set up?

Yes! But unfortunately, many details are not available. That's why I said 'If you have----available'.

 

[georgeverghese]

Specialist info on VLE for this liquid will be required at this pressure and temp range, and what are the chemical components to be stripped out to what residual concentration in the liquid. Do you have this ? Approx Henry's Law type info may also do.

If you dont, then a flow meter seems unavoidable.

 

[pierreick]

Hi,
This may be an option is you don't want to install a flowmeter:
Check whether there is a length of pipe upstream the control valve after the superheater, where you can install 2 pressure gauges. This means the length should be long enough to measure a significant delta P, it could include minor head losses (ki).
Using the compressible flow equation (isotherm), you could calculate the specific flow rate G (kg/s/m2) then the mass flowrate:

Mw/(Z*R*T)*(P2^2-P1^2)+2*G^2* Ln(P1/P2) +(f*L/D +Σki) *G^2=0 I still believe you need to install a flowmeter , the only way to control your process. Pierre