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Oil-water superheater

Equipment designed to raise the temperature of the steam produced, bringing it to a superheated steam state. This device receives saturated steam from the boiler and heats it by passing through tubes exposed to the combustion gases at high temperature.

Superheated steam has a higher energy and thermal capacity, making it more efficient for use in industrial applications and power generation by avoiding condensation in steam turbines and improving overall system efficiency.

How does a superheater work?

The superheater is a device designed to increase the temperature of the steam generated in the boiler, transforming it into superheated steam. This device receives saturated steam from the boiler and heats it by passing it through tubes exposed to the heat of the combustion gases, which are used after leaving the boiler.

By utilizing this waste heat, the superheater raises the steam temperature to the level required by the process, without the need for significant additional energy input. This not only improves the thermal efficiency of the system, but also reduces fuel consumption. In addition, superheated steam, having higher energy and thermal capacity, is more efficient for industrial applications and power generation, as it avoids condensation in turbines and increases overall system efficiency.

Operation of a steam superheater

 

  1. Waste heat capture: The flue gases, which contain a significant amount of thermal energy, pass through the superheater.
  2. Heat transfer: Inside the superheater, the heat of the gases is transferred to the steam circulating in a closed circuit. This exchange takes place without mixing of the fluids.
  3. Reduced emissions and energy savings: By recovering and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost, fuel consumption and pollutant gas emissions are reduced.

It consists of:

  • Steam circuit: It is composed of a set of tubes, which can be smooth or finned, depending on the process requirements. The system is completed with two collectors located at the sides: one in charge of the inlet and distribution of the saturated steam, and the other one that collects the steam already superheated to the required temperature level.
  • Gas circuit: Circulates on the outside of the tubes and is oriented perpendicular to the steam path.
Sobrecalentador listo para transporte a planta siderurgica en México

Superheater ready for shipment to steel plant in Mexico

Sobrecalentador en fabricacion para planta quimica en Galicia

Superheater in manufacture for a chemical plant in Galicia, Spain

What types of superheaters are there?

Depending on the type of process, duty, space and customer requirements, a type of superheater is designed.

Aitesa designs the following types of superheaters:

  • Superheater

The equipment is responsible for transferring the heat from the hot gases to the saturated steam coming from the generator, raising its temperature to a superheat level suitable for various applications. These range from use in steam turbines for power generation, to processes where dry steam, without condensate, is required at the point of use.

 

  • Reheater

In this type of superheater, the incoming steam comes from a partial expansion that occurred in previous stages of the turbine. The equipment is responsible for restoring the level of superheating necessary for the steam to continue to the next stages of the turbine without reaching saturation conditions.

Not sure which one you need? Our team of experts can analyze your process and recommend the best solution.

Key benefits for your industry

Energy savings and thermal efficiency

The use of superheaters makes it possible to take advantage of the heat contained in the exhaust gases to increase the temperature of the steam generated. This reduces the need for additional fuel to reach the required thermal conditions, which translates into higher system efficiency.

Power generation

Thanks to the superheated steam, it opens up the possibility of generating energy by turbining the steam. It not only helps to save energy by using the waste heat, but also generates energy for the customer’s use.

Reduced operating costs

By increasing energy efficiency, superheaters help to significantly reduce operating costs. The lower fuel demand generates direct savings in energy costs, and by implementing proper preventive maintenance, wear and tear on major equipment can be reduced, extending its useful life and lowering the costs associated with maintenance.

Reduction of pollutant emissions

The improved energy efficiency provided by superheaters also benefits the environment. By reducing the use of fossil fuels, emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants are reduced. This helps to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and improve its environmental image, an aspect that is increasingly valued in the market and facilitates compliance with environmental regulations.

Adaptation to customer needs

We customize the superheaters to suit various environments and demands. Thanks to their modular design, they can be installed either horizontally or vertically, depending on available space. They are also configured to meet the particular specifications of each process, including pressure, temperature and steam volume required. In addition, their compatibility with existing equipment allows for easy integration without the need for significant modifications to the existing system.

At AITESA we are experts in the design of oil-water superheaters.

Industrial sectors where superheaters are used

Petrochemical and refinery industries

Superheaters provide key benefits in complex industrial processes such as catalytic cracking, distillation and hydrogen generation, where it is essential to take advantage of waste heat. This equipment can be made from materials that withstand highly corrosive gases, making them particularly suitable for demanding environments such as those in the petrochemical industry. By recovering thermal energy that would normally be wasted, they contribute to a significant decrease in energy consumption in refining operations and fuel production, thus increasing overall plant efficiency.

Cement and glass industry

In sectors such as cement and glass, superheaters make it possible to reuse the waste heat produced in clinker and glass kilns, using it to superheat or reheat steam to the desired temperature. This thermal recovery increases the efficiency of fuel use, since less energy is needed to reach the required temperatures. As a result, the amount of emissions generated in energy-intensive processes is considerably reduced, which helps both to save resources and to comply with environmental regulations.

Do you need a customized solution for your industry? Contact us and we will design the ideal equipment for your process.

At AITESA we study your case to offer you the best superheater.

Key factors in choosing the right superheater

Sizing and capacity

  • Heat available in flue gas
  • Space limitations
  • Adaptability to existing installations

Process conditions

  • Flow rate
  • Temperature
  • Pressure
  • Fouling factor
  • Fluid velocity

Modular design and adaptability to existing installations

  • Integration without modifying the plant infrastructure.
  • Vertical or horizontal configuration to adapt to the available space.

 

Compliance with international regulations

  • ASME, API 661, ISO 9001, EN 12952 certifications for maximum safety and quality.
  • Design adapted to specific requirements of the petrochemical, energy and manufacturing industries.

 

Compliance with customer specifications

  • Adaptation to specific customer requirements
Sobrecalentador

At AITESA we are experts in the design of steam superheaters.

Why choose an AITESA superheater?

More than 5000 projects in strategic sectors

  • 40 years of experience designing superheaters.
  • Adaptation to demanding environments such as refineries, petrochemical and industrial plants, where every degree of efficiency optimizes profitability.

Maximum efficiency and minimum emissions

  • Proven and optimized designs: our experience allows us to guarantee robust and safe solutions for every industry.
  • Reduced environmental impact with minimum heat loss and maximum thermal efficiency.
  • Reduced operating costs with advanced technology that maximizes thermal efficiency and minimizes energy waste.

Comprehensive technical support and maintenance

  • Maximum operational availability
  • Fast response and guaranteed supply to reduce downtime.
  • Solutions to problems

We not only design superheaters, we create energy solutions that optimize your production, reduce costs and ensure regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need to provide to get a quotation for a superheater suitable for my process?

The composition of the gas to be heated, inlet temperatures, available heat, flow rates, operating pressure, type of installation, space limitations, and possible material restrictions due to corrosion or regulations must be indicated.

How is the number of steps determined?

It requires regular inspections for scale, corrosion or fouling of the pipes. In some cases, automatic cleaning systems or manual access can be used for maintenance.

What materials are used in their manufacture?

It depends on the type of gases and process conditions. In corrosive or high temperature environments, stainless steels or special alloys are used to extend the life of the equipment.

What maintenance does a superheater require?

It requires regular inspections for scale, corrosion or fouling of the pipes. In some cases, automatic cleaning systems or manual access can be used for maintenance.

Success stories

sobrecalentador-galicia

Design and supply of a superheater for a chemical plant in Galicia

| Success Stories - Superheater | No Comments
In 2020, AITESA collaborated with a chemical company in Galicia that was facing recurrent failures in the steam superheater feeding its turbine. These failures caused prolonged shutdowns, seriously affecting operational…
sobrecalentador-portugal

Design and supply of a superheater in Portugal

| Success Stories - Superheater | No Comments
In 2023 we received an inquiry from a customer who, in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve plant efficiency, installed a steam superheater; however, a bad design caused…

Talk to an expert

Aitesa has more than 40 years of experience designing and supplying heat recovery boilers.

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