Production of Heating Water from the Steam Circuit using a Plate Heat Exchanger
Production of Heating Water from the Steam Circuit using a Plate Heat Exchanger
In industrial facilities, steam is one of the most efficient energy carriers, widely used in both process and heating applications. A portion of the steam used in processes, or steam from the boiler outlet, can be used to produce heating water for central heating systems using a plate heat exchanger . This allows for the safe and efficient creation of the necessary low-temperature circuit within the facility for radiators, fan-coils, hot water coils, or underfloor heating systems.
The Role of Plate Heat Exchangers in Steam-Water Heat Transfer
Plate heat exchangers provide rapid and controlled heat transfer between steam and water thanks to their high surface area, turbulent flow structure, and compact design. As steam flows along one side of the plates, the heating circuit water flows in the opposite direction, and heat transfer occurs without the two fluids mixing.
- High-efficiency heat transfer.
- Operation with low temperature differences (ΔT advantage)
- Compact and easy-to-maintain design.
- Low operating cost
- Hygienic and safe circuit separation.
How the System Works
Typical system steps for producing heating water from steam are as follows:
- Steam is fed into the primary circuit of the heat exchanger via an inlet valve, strainer, and condensate trap.
- Heating water circulates through the secondary circuit of the heat exchanger via a circulation pump.
- The steam condenses on the plates, transferring its heat to the water circuit.
- The condensate that forms is discharged from the system via a condensate trap.
- Hot water is sent to the heating system of the facility and used in radiators, coils, or fan-coils.
- The desired temperature is kept constantly stable thanks to a thermostat or automation system.
This allows the facility to reliably meet both its comfort heating and non-process heating needs from the same energy source.
Why Choose Plate Heat Exchangers?
Plate heat exchangers are the most preferred equipment for heat transfer between steam and water. The reasons for this are:
- Very high heat transfer coefficient (high U-value)
- Compact design – Takes up minimum space in the engine room.
- Modularity – Capacity can be increased, plates can be added.
- Energy efficiency – Operates efficiently even with low initial temperature differences.
- Hygienic circuit separation – Fluids do not mix, no health risk.
- Fast response time – Enables rapid temperature control during sudden load changes.
Equipment Required in the System
A professional steam-water heat exchanger heating system consists of the following equipment:
- Steam inlet valve
- Y-type strainer
- Condensate trap group
- Plate heat exchanger
- Circulation pump
- Safety valve
- Expansion tank
- Thermostatic or PID temperature control
- Automation equipment
At ORFA, we provide technical support for the correct selection of all this equipment and for capacity design according to the project.
Areas of Application
The production of steam-based heating circuits is particularly common in the following facilities:
- Factories and production facilities
- Hospital and hotel heating systems
- Warehouse and administrative buildings
- Shopping mall technical areas
- Heat treatment and process support facilities
Conclusion
Generating heating water from steam circuits using plate heat exchangers is an extremely advantageous solution in terms of both energy efficiency and operating costs. At ORFA Industrial, we provide professional support for your projects with heat exchangers, valves, automation, and all auxiliary equipment needed for steam and heating systems.