Pure Steam Generation System(PS/CS)

 Pure steam generator is one of the important equipment used in tank equipment, pipeline system and filter sterilization, and can also be used to drive the sterilizer. The quality of pure steam condensate prepared by Biocell pure steam generator meets the requirements for water for injection in the current USP, EP, JP and ChP, and also meets the relevant standards of EN285.

 

Pure Steam Generation System Working Principle

Pure steam generator is composed of evaporator, preheater, buffer tank, condenser, electrical appliances, instruments and pipelines.

 

Its working principle is: qualified raw water enters the branch condenser after being pressurized by the raw water pump, and then enters the separator and evaporator. The liquid level is controlled by the liquid level switch. The industrial steam enters the evaporator to heat the raw water to the evaporation temperature and form a strong thermal cycle in the evaporation chamber and separation chamber. After the raw water evaporates, the steam with water droplets will enter the separator, and the water droplets in the separator will be separated from the steam under the action of gravity and incorporated into the raw water. In addition, the unique steam water separation device on the upper part of the separator will generate ultra pure steam on the upper part of the separator.

 

Video of Pure Steam Generation System

Biocell's Pure Steam Generator stands out as a premier solution for industries demanding the highest standards of steam purity and reliability. Its advanced technology, robust construction, and compliance with stringent industry regulations ensure that it meets the critical needs of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and food and beverage sectors. With features designed for energy efficiency, safety, and ease of maintenance, this generator not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports sustainable practices. By choosing Biocell's Pure Steam Generator, facilities can achieve unparalleled performance and peace of mind, knowing they are equipped with a state-of-the-art system that delivers consistent, high-quality pure steam for their most vital processes.

 

Pure Steam Distribution

The key requirement of the pure steam distribution system is to deliver pollution-free, dry and saturated steam to the point of use without overheating.

 

Materials of Construction

Invariably piping and other contact materials are AISI 316L stainless steel, to resist corrosion. To enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel itneeds to be passivated by a procedure such as that described in ASTM380.

 

Removal of Condensate

In a pure steam system, condensate must be removed because it will cause water hammer and reduce the efficiency of pure steam. In addition, the condensate may cause microbial growth, which may lead to non-compliance with endotoxin specifications.

 

Removal of condensate relies on :

 

• Pipes sloped to direct the condensate to low points where steam traps

 

are used to remove the condensate from the system. Typically horizontal pipes are sloped with a minimum gradient of 1:100.

 

• Pipes must be properly supported to prevent sagging, steam traps should be placed at the bottom of vertical risers.

 

• The pure steam header is operated at low liquid level to allow condensate formed in the riser branch to drain back to the main header, which is itself a drain valve.

 

• Avoid dead corners where condensate may accumulate, for example, place the instrument branch pipe vertically upward.

 

• Good pipe insulation prevents excessive condensate formation.

 

Removal of Air

Avoid mixing air into the pure steam system, The mixing of air and pure steam will reduce the effective temperature under the given pressure, leading to sterilization failure. In a pure steam system, air is usually discharged through a steam trap. In order to exhaust a large amount of air when starting sterilization, an exhaust port can be installed at the highest point of the distribution system.

 

Prevention of Superheat

When the pressure decreases, the steam becomes overheated, and the energy released by the high-temperature steam when the pressure decreases makes the steam higher than the saturation temperature. The presence of condensate reduces the tendency to overheat, and when steam attempts to evaporate condensate, it will return to saturation. In addition, the heat loss of the pipeline causes the steam temperature to drop, making the steam return to the saturated state again.

 

In actual operation, the pressure should not drop below 50% of the absolute supply pressure to prevent overheating (for example, if the steam supply pressure is 65 psia (50 psig), the pressure reduction should not be less than 33 psia (18 psig).

 

Sanitary Design

Pure steam systems are usually fabricated from sanitary tubing, using orbitally welded joints.

 

Special components of sanitary design, such as pressure reducers, instruments and relief valves, are available for use in pure steam systems.

 

Instrumentation

There are normal operating/maintenance requirments for installing pressure and temperature instruments in pure steam systems, usually at or near the point of generation and at pressure reducing stations. Validation of the system may also demand that these are also placed at the end of long headers, or at other critical points.

 

Line Sizing

Normal economic pipe sizing criteria apply, and often a maximum velocity criterion of 120 ft/sec is suitable. Pressure drops should be checked on very long distribution headers to ensure that superheat is not generated, and that the rquired delivery pressure at the point of use is maintained.

 

For more information about pharmaceutical purified water systems, please feel free to contact us!