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What is Direct Contact Steam Injection?

Direct steam injection transfers heat by precisely injecting metered amounts of steam into the process fluid, liquid or slurry. Injecting steam more rapidly and more efficiently transfers heat energy than 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 in the 20% - 30% are common. 

Controlling Steam Flow

A Hydro-Thermal steam injection heater is an internally modulated mixing valve that controls both steam flow and mixing. Steam mixing is controlled by an internal stem plug that 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 Because of Self-Cleaning Design

The Hydroheater^® 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 such as specific gravity, density, solids content, viscosity and whether any abrasive or corrosive products are present must be taken into consideration. Other information needed are flow rates and steam pressures.

Our talented staff will help you determine which Hydroheater delivers maximum performance and benefit for your fluid heating needs.

Learn more about DSI in several ways:

1. Sign up for our Knowledge Center to gain access to articles, white papers, CAD drawings, etc.  
2. Read "Taking the Direct Approach - Direct steam injection for heating water provides many benefits" appeared in Process Heating, November 2010
3. Download the presentation Process Heating Fits into the Sustainability Triangle?  - presented to several conferences and seminars on energy savings and industrial sustainability

Yes, I want to explore the advantages of direct steam injection. 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 Hydroheater is right for your needs.