Expanders can work as non pressure apparatus with the function of carrying away secondary non pressure steam or as pressure apparatus with the function of recuperation of secondary steam at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. Because of the product's large range of possibilities their application is always agreed with the client.
2. Basic materials
Standard version:
- carbon steel with grade determined by the client
Optional version:
- acid resistant steel with grade determined by the client
3. Design
Standard version:
- apparatus without fittings
Optional version:
- apparatus with full equipment, fittings, Measurement and Control System and additional fittings (see below)
4. Characteristics
The condensate expander is a vertical cylindrical tank, equipped with a jacket type support or supporting legs. In the tank there is a partition of the secondary steam outlet socket which is designed to trap condensate drops carried away by the steam originating from expansion. Handles have been installed on the jacket for safety isolation reasons.
The expander is used for expansion of the hot pressure condensate returning from the installation and which cannot be used at a given pressure. Inside the expander a violent expansion of condensate takes place, down to a lower operating pressure which causes the release of secondary steam. It can be carried away to the low steam pipelines and then used in further technological processes or for heating purposes. For further use the expanded condensate is carried away to condensate tanks via an installed steam trap or self-acting valve. When the expander is used as a pressure apparatus with the function of recovering secondary steam, the condensate can be raised behind the steam trap in relation to the operating pressure in the expander. The operating pressure is determined by the back pressure in the pipeline where the secondary steam is carried away. The advantage of the expander is that several pipelines with condensate at different pressure and temperature parameters can be incorporated in it.
The apparatus has been equipped with handles for transportation. It can be equipped with an inspection cover and many technological and measuring sockets - depending on your needs. Amongst other additional elements there are condensate steam trap bleeders, safety valves for pressure equipment, drain stop valves, level indicators, manometers, thermometers, foundation screws, flanges with counter flanges and sets of fasteners.
5. Requirements and testing
Depending on the expander type they are submitted to different requirements and subjected to different tests. Expanders made in standard non pressurised version are not submitted to UDT (Office of Technical Inspection).
6. Directions for ordering
To receive detailed information when making an enquiry it will be necessary to complete a data input card supplied by the manufacturer which will help us select and design the expander.
