SMS Operation

Steam-making systems flash hot water or generate steam from waste heat. Steam carries water droplets from turbulent boiling or high steam velocities. SMS separator removes entrained water before steam enters headers preventing carryover that would damage equipment or reduce steam quality.

Separator Design

Vertical vessel with steam-water mixture inlet, mechanical or cyclonic separation stage, chevron or mesh mist eliminators, dry steam outlet to distribution, and separated water return to deaerator or feedwater. Multi-stage separation achieves low moisture content.

Moisture Removal

Primary separation uses baffles or cyclonic action removing bulk water droplets. Secondary stage employs chevron vanes changing flow direction. Final polishing through wire mesh captures fine mist. Combined stages reduce moisture to under 1% by weight.

Operating Pressure

Matches steam generation pressure typically 150-600 psig for industrial applications. Design accommodates pressure variations during load changes. Materials handle saturated steam conditions at operating pressure.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction per ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes. Internal components resist erosion from high-velocity steam and water. Design handles thermal cycling during startup and load variations.

Applications

Waste heat recovery steam generators, flash steam systems, geothermal steam separation, desalination plant steam production, and any steam-making system requiring moisture removal before distribution.

Water Recovery

Separated water contains dissolved solids concentrated during evaporation. Returns to feedwater system for boiler makeup or blowdown depending on quality. Proper water management maintains boiler chemistry and prevents scaling.

Steam Quality

Delivers dry steam meeting distribution requirements. Critical for turbines, process heating, and industrial applications. Consistent quality regardless of load variations or upstream generation conditions.

Level Control

Manages separated water inventory preventing accumulation. Level instruments control drainage to feedwater system. High-level protection prevents water carryover to steam outlet. Integration with steam generation controls coordinates operation.

Performance Benefits

Protects downstream equipment from water damage. Maintains consistent steam quality for process control. Recovers clean water reducing feedwater treatment costs. Simple proven technology with reliable operation.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section I for power boilers or Section VIII for process applications. Materials suitable for steam and water service. Relief protection per boiler codes. Complete documentation with separation efficiency calculations.

ERGIL SMS steam separators provide reliable moisture removal delivering dry steam quality in waste heat recovery and steam generation systems.