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What is Direct Contact Steam Injection?

Direct Steam Injection (DSI) transfers heat by precisely injecting metered amounts of steam into the process fluid, liquid or slurry. Rapidly injecting steam transfers heat energy more efficiently compared to indirect heat exchangers. Direct contact steam heating uses all of the sensible and latent energy in the steam, providing 100% thermal efficiency. Energy savings can be considerable reductions of 20% to 30% are common.

Controlling Steam Flow
A Hydro-Thermal steam injection heater, also known as a Jetcooker or Hydroheater, is an internally modulated mixing valve that controls both steam flow and mixing. Steam mixing in the Jetcooker is controlled by an internal stem plug that precisely meters the amount of steam allowed to pass through the nozzle. Internal modulation eliminates the need for an external steam control valve.

Our patented nozzle design ensures constant steam pressure and velocity at the point where steam contacts the liquid or slurry, eliminating the potential for pressure upsets and ensuring smooth heater operation. This feature provides tight temperature control to the process and extraordinary energy efficiency.

Low Maintenance with Self-Cleaning Design
The Jetcooker is cleaned by its own turbulent mixing action, so it does not foul or scale. Chemical clean-out is never needed for our heaters, so they save money and reflect green manufacturing by lowering the environmental impact of harsh cleaning chemicals. Maintenance time is also greatly reduced.
Thanks to the self-cleaning action these steam heaters have the flexibility to heat slurries containing a high concentration of solids or non-Newtonian liquids.

Compact Design
Hydroheaters and all accessories are compact and installed as part of the piping, requiring less space than heat exchangers or spargers.

Specifying a Direct Contact Steam Heater
To specify a Hydroheater, general information about the process and the fluid properties must be considered including:

» Specific gravity
» Density
» Solids content
» Viscosity
» Abrasive or corrosive components in the fluid
» Flow rates
» Process pressures for steam and liquid

Our technical staff will help you determine which Jetcooker delivers maximum performance and benefit for your fluid heating needs. Please complete the Application Data Sheet which helps us understand your process conditions such as fluid density, flow rates and temperature parameters. We can then determine which Jetcooker is right for your needs.

Yes, I want to explore the advantages of direct steam injection.