Direct Steam Injection vs. Sparging
Like the JetCooker™, the sparger heating device relies on the steam from the plant steam supply. Piping from a steam header directs the steam through a sparging nozzle that is located in the process fluid pipe. A common sparging nozzle consists of several holes which allow steam to enter the process fluid and heat it to the desired temperature.
Sparging Drawbacks
Sparging has several disadvantages when compared to the JetCooker:
» Inconsistent steam mixing and heat transfer leading to product inconsistency and
wasted energy
» Nozzle clogging which requires maintenance
» Steam hammer leading to process equipment failure
» Imprecise temperature control which translates to higher energy cost
Spargers rely on external modulation by means of a valve to control steam flow and thus process fluid temperature. This type of operation can lead to steam hammer or unit vibration as the steam mixes with the process fluid in the piping or tank. Over time, this can contribute to equipment wear, piping damage and lead to poor performance.
Instantaneous Steam Mixing in a Hydroheater
Another major difference between the Hydroheater and a sparging nozzle can be seen in the mixing process. The Jetcooker utilizes a single nozzle which focuses the incoming steam and accelerates it to a very high velocity (usually sonic velocity) before it comes into contact with the process fluid. This high velocity helps to atomize the steam bubbles and shear the incoming process fluid, which allows for a more complete, efficient heat transfer.
Read the direct advantages of direct steam injection over sparging.
