Configurations and methods of generating low-pressure steam

摘要

Low-pressure steam for a steam consuming device, and particularly a steam reboiler, is generated at the steam consumption pressure to maximize the heat recovery from a utility fuel and/or waste heat source. Most preferably, steam is generated at the lowest possible pressure by fluidly coupling the steam generator to the steam consuming device (e.g., by integrating the condensate drum with the steam drum). Therefore, it should be appreciated that the steam generator pressure in such configurations and methods will ride on the reboiler pressure.

主权项

1. A plant comprising:
a steam generator that is fluidly coupled to a steam consuming device, wherein the steam generator is configured to produce a steam at a pressure that is substantially equal to a condensing pressure of the steam in the steam consuming device; at least one heat source that is thermally coupled to the steam generator, wherein the at least one heat source is configured to provide heat sufficient for converting a steam condensate from the steam consuming device into the steam; and a vessel that is fluidly coupled to the steam generator and the steam consuming device such that the vessel is able to (a) receive the steam from the steam generator and (b) receive the steam condensate from the steam consuming device.