Forest Products, Food Processing, Hospitals, Universities, and Other Steam Users

Improve startup times and heat transfer

The permanent Enercon condensate removal system is being used in pulp and paper mills, sawmills, plywood mills, food processing and fertilizer plants, and other steam users to improve heat transfer and eliminate maintenance.  Equipment such as heat exchangers, dryers, presses and soot blowers are seeing better and more consistent temperatures.  Pressures range from very low pressures to high pressures for cogeneration. To date, over 100 sawmills have converted their dry kilns, including 70 full plant conversions. Six of those companies with multiple plants have converted all of their facilities.

Increase savings on fuel, makeup water and chemicals

A typical facility will experience 10% to better than 15% improvement in fuel consumption. Because the orifice is sized to match the application, steam losses can be reduced to a minimum. This translates into savings in fuel and makeup water, as well as a reduction in the chemicals required to condition the water.  Air emissions are reduced as well, contributing to a healthier environment.

Improve productivity and temperature consistency

Sawmills that have converted their dry kilns have been reporting an average of 8% improvement in charge time while maintaining or improving quality because of more consistent drying and improved heat transfer. Some plants have reported an improvement in grade recovery due to improved heat transfer throughout the coils. Veneer dryers have reported hotter temperatures and increased throughput.  Presses see very consistent temperatures at each platen. 

Reduce downtime and maintenance due to failed steam traps

The venturi trap is permanent and comes with a Lifetime Warranty. There has not yet been a reported case of the orifice eroding to a larger size in 19 years.

Reduce corrosion

By properly trapping the header and distribution with a continuous flow Enercon venturi system, many of the causes of contamination in coils and other piping are eliminated. This results in extended life in other parts of the steam system. By properly sizing the orifices, water logging is also eliminated, further minimizing another major cause of contamination. By splitting ganged coils, the negative effects of short-circuiting in piping are reduced. This again reduces corrosion.

Food processing plants

Food processing plants with cooking kettles (or reactors) will have a quicker ramp-up time than with mechanical traps -- about 25% quicker.  Temperatures will also hold at a much more level pace, because there is no decompression from traps opening and no holding back of water when the traps are closed.  The constant change in pressure across the Enercon venturi orifice trap draws the vapors and discharges them much faster, so there is significantly less vapor and significantly less condensed water on the heat transfer side of the equipment.  Heat transfer capability improves, because there is a higher BTU count in the heat transfer chamber, and water isn't acting as an insulator.

Hospitals, Universities and Institutions

Institutions such as hospitals and universities have steam equipment that will benefit from improved heat transfer and trap maintenance elimination.  Steam will be dryer in the distribution system and condensate problems, such as water hammer and inconsistent temperatures, will be greatly reduced.  The venturi system will do a better job than mechanical traps of stripping out carryover from the boiler which could be contaminated and spread disease.  This is due to the continuous flow of the venturi traps -- condensate does not get a chance to collect at the bottom of pipes. 

With venturis on distribution drip legs and the main header, pure dry steam is provided to equipment such as humidifiers and sterilizers.  Dry steam from the distribution system will protect sterilization applications from contaminating items.  With venturi traps installed on a humidifier system, there will be pure steam instead of steam and water vapor. Trap repair and replacement will no longer be needed.

Metal plants

Over 170 metal plating companies have converted their facilities to the Enercon's condensate removal system. Many of these systems go back 16 years and attest to the long life and viability of the system.  Other metal plants have been converted as well.

Other plants with steam

Other manufacturing plants that use steam and steam traps will experience similar benefits:  fuel savings, trap maintenance elimination and improvements in heat transfer.  Facilities such as pharmaceutical companies, laundries, textiles, marine, packaging, and many other types of plants also benefit from a permanent condensate removall system.