Steam is an extremely efficient state of matter used to transfer thermal energy. The gaseous phase of a substance is easy to create and transport, it is easy to adjust its parameters. Its 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-cooling unit (ROU) was created - fittings for the energy and heat and power industry. 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.
Reducing cooling unit
Steam is the main link in the "heat source - heat consumer" system. When it condenses, there is an instantaneous transfer of a huge amount of thermal energy throughheat transfer surface. The main task of this system is to provide the end user with the necessary amount of steam with the specified characteristics.
The movement of steam inside the system occurs due to the driving force, which is artificially created while reducing the pressure in the apparatus and condensing the gaseous medium. It is this principle that is implemented in reduction-cooling units.
The main elements that make up the equipment are reducing and cooling fittings and safety devices, separators and steam traps, as well as a variety of control devices and a process automation system.
Basic operating principles
It should be noted that the formation of steam occurs in a separate unit. The reduction-cooling system only brings its characteristics to the required values. Steam enters the unit through the inlet valve and, passing through the filter element, enters the control valve. This is where the steam pressure drops.
The further principle of operation depends on the type of reduction-cooling unit. If the design provides for a steam pipeline, then the steam is cooled due to the injection of a 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.
Outlet steam temperaturedepends on the amount of consumed cooling water, which is injected through the nozzles or nozzle system. The amount of water is regulated by a special injection valve. Automatics are responsible for maintaining the set steam temperature. The control of the set pressure is assigned to the throttle grid system. After that, steam with the specified characteristics is supplied to the consumer.
Device Features
The reduction-cooling units are designed with several control devices. The first of these are shut-off valves, which completely block the access of the cooling agent to the steam line or to the throttle valve.
Second - a system of safety valves, which is installed behind the regulation unit. It is necessary to reduce the steam pressure when it slips into the system in case of damage to the regulator 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 capacity of the equipment.
To maintain the specified characteristics of the steam, the reduction-cooling unit includes pneumatic or electric controllers, which are subject to 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 installation are divided into ordinary (ROU) and high-speed (BROU). Both systems are used in power unitsto reduce the temperature and steam pressure to the specified parameters.
In addition, there are also reducing units (RU), which only lower the steam pressure, as well as cooling devices (DU), capable of only cooling it. Depending on the principle of operation implemented in the reduction-cooling unit, its scope is determined.
In any case, the equipment is installed in the system as bypass devices for power plants, as well as for storing and reserving steam coming from working boilers, turbines.
Assign settings
Typical reduction-cooling units are designed to reduce the pressure and temperature of the steam, as well as to maintain the specified characteristics during the transportation of the gaseous phase to the consumer.
Fast-acting units are used to efficiently use water vapor when it is discharged by a unit or boiler, for example, during start-up or shutdown, pressurizing the system above a critical level, or to reduce the load on steam generators.
Application areas
Directly reducing-cooling units are used to save the production selection of turbines of power plants, to kindle heating boilers, but only in medium and low pressure systems. They are also intended for steam supply for the needs of industrial equipment, for steam supply at power plants and in other cases when there is no own source of gaseous medium with specifiedcharacteristics.
Fast-acting reduction-cooling unit is designed to remove steam generated by the steam generator or boiler, but not used by the turbines in the variable or starting units. In this case, BROW acts as an intermediary.
Steam, passing through the device, enters the system of condensers or collectors, which 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.
Producers
A new word in the use of the unique characteristics of steam, said ZAO Reducer-Cooling Plants. This industrial enterprise in Barnaul specializes in the development and production of thermal power equipment for industrial enterprises, medium and large businesses.
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 scale of production so much that it has become a supplier of power equipment in Asia, America, neighboring countries and Eastern Europe.
Another major domestic organization is Ur alteplopribor. It is engaged in the design and production of special projects. The reduction-cooling units of the manufacturer contain elements of foreign production. All equipment supplied by the companies is certified and has a permit forapplication from Gosgortekhnadzor.
Development directions
The development of reduction-cooling plants will make it possible to use the thermal energy of steam more efficiently in the future. 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. It is also necessary to modernize the design in order to increase its reliability and security of employees. Modern companies work in these areas.
