How to properly mix steam and water in pipe without waterhammer

[dnigos]

The short description: We currently use steam directly to heat our diverted water going to our waste water treatment. This should have been obvious to the previous designer, but we now have "banging" due to waterhammer (I'm the new guy). We would still like to use the steam safely. The question is HOW.

After some time brainstorming...here are the options I have generated:

1. Steam trace the line.
2. Use steam and a sparger combo (less bubble...but can't shut down the line to insert a sparger).
3. Add heat exchanger (too expensive)
OR.
4. Utilize a mixing unit (some kind of) mixing water and steam to make hot water than can then be directly added to our diverted water. (leaning on this one more)

Here are some additional data:
Inlets to Mixer:
5000 lb/hr 125# steam in
50 gpm fresh water in at 70F

Before adding Hot water:
1000 gpm of diversion water in at 85F

After adding hot water:
1060 gpm at 94.9F

Would like to hear your comments.
Thanks in advance.
D

 

[katmar]

The quickest, cheapest most reliable way will be to buy a proprietary mixer. See the recommendations by sshep in thread798-188767.

Steam tracing won't do it in a reasonable length. Tracing keeps hot things hot. It does not heat cold fluids efficiently.

Katmar Software
Engineering & Risk Analysis Software

http://katmarsoftware.com

 

[MJCronin]

Dingo....

I suggest that you consider the purchase and use of a "pick heater"...

http://www.pickheaters.com/

Please be courteous and complete this thread... let us all know what your final selection is and the reasons for selection

-MJC

 

[dnigos]

Thanks katmar and MJC...those links were helpful. But after much consideration, the KOMAX steam heater seems like it fits my needs.

http://www.komax.com/det-ogsteam.html

I will run this through my boss and see what he thinks.

D

 

[PEDARRIN2]

There are a couple steam/water mixing valves.

We have specified them on systems where we used steam to heat water for a high temperature washdown application.

Not sure if it would apply to what you are doing, but they do exist.