SUPERMAX® Installation

Process fluid heating—constant flow rate

The control strategy is based on condensate control. Energy delivered to the process fluid will be steady and constant, which is an ideal application for the SUPERMAX. The cold channel process flow rate must be coordinated with the hot channel heat transfer rate specified for the exchanger.

The temperature signal at the process outlet processed by a PID-based loop controller regulates the condensate control valve downstream of the steam trap. This valve must not be oversized, operating within 80–110% of its range to avoid “on/off” behavior. For balanced flow velocities, the condensate outlet must be much smaller than the steam inlet; a ratio of 1:4 is generally acceptable. Consult steam tables for accurate sizing.

Process fluid heating—variable flow rate

If the process flow rate varies, a bypass system should be configured for more accurate process control. In this strategy, the hot channel flow is set, but not controlled. The loop controller regulates the recirculation flow rate, to attain the target outlet temperature, irrespective of the steam flow rate.

If the ULTRAMAX® is used with two-phase flow in the hot channel, it is necessary to maintain a minimum of 20% maximum flow rate in the cold channel to prevent flashing, recondensation and the risk of water hammer.