Saturator Purpose

Stripping columns use steam removing light hydrocarbons from oil or water. Superheated steam from boilers too hot and dry. Saturator adds controlled water converting superheated steam to saturated condition optimal for mass transfer and heat balance.

Operating Principle

Superheated steam enters vessel. Water spray or injection contacts steam. Heat from superheat vaporizes water achieving saturation temperature. Controlled water addition precisely conditions steam matching stripper requirements. Exit steam saturated at desired temperature.

Vessel Design

Vertical or horizontal pressure vessel with superheated steam inlet, water injection nozzles or spray system, mixing chamber ensuring complete saturation, saturated steam outlet to stripper, drain for excess water, temperature and pressure instrumentation controlling water addition.

Operating Pressure

Matches stripper steam pressure typically 50-150 psig for crude and vacuum tower strippers, varies by application. Design pressure per ASME codes. Operating temperature at saturation corresponding to pressure typically 130-180C.

Water Control

Flow control valve modulates water injection based on outlet temperature measurement. Too little water leaves steam superheated. Excess water creates wet steam carrying liquid to stripper. Precise control achieves target saturation.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for steam and water service. Design handles thermal cycling during operation. Spray nozzles resist erosion from high-velocity water injection. Drain system removes any condensate accumulation.

Stripping Applications

Crude oil stabilization stripping light ends, vacuum tower stripping residual lights from heavy oil, sour water stripping removing H2S and ammonia, and any operation requiring precisely conditioned stripping steam.

Energy Balance

Saturator removes superheat reducing steam temperature. Heat released vaporizes injected water. No external energy input required. Simple thermal exchange between phases. Exit conditions predictable from steam tables.

Temperature Control

Exit temperature setpoint based on stripper requirements. Automated control adjusts water flow maintaining target. Temperature transmitter provides feedback for control loop. Precise conditioning optimizes stripping efficiency.

Performance Benefits

Optimizes steam condition for efficient stripping. Prevents superheated steam overheating oil products. Ensures adequate moisture for mass transfer. Simple proven steam conditioning technology.

System Integration

Positioned between steam supply and stripper column. Temperature and pressure instrumentation coordinates with stripper controls. Water supply from treated feedwater or condensate system.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII for operating pressure and temperature. Materials for steam and water service. Complete documentation with thermal calculations and control specifications.

ERGIL HP stripper steam saturators provide precisely conditioned steam optimizing stripping column performance in refinery operations.