Get in touch!
Advantages and disadvantages of steam systems
Advantages and disadvantages of steam systems compared to hot water systems
Benefits
- Smaller mass flow rate for same quantity of heat transferred (by factor 10 – 50)
- No circulating pumps required
- Smaller pipe cross-sections
- Possibility of very fast uniform heating-up at heat consumers
- Fast and precise temperature control possible by adjusting steam pressure
- Large amounts of energy can be released at a constant temperature
- Very high heat transfer coefficient during condensation. This leads to smaller heat exchanger surfaces and reduced system costs for generation of process heat
- Suitable for heating up products directly (e.g. food, autoclaves)
- System can easily be extended in a modular fashion
- Uncritical response in the event of leaks at gaskets or valves
Disadvantages
- Qualified personnel required for operation (Requirements for heating systems ≤110°C are less exacting)
- Continuous water treatment required
Advantages and disadvantages of steam systems compared to thermal oil systems
Benefits
- Smaller mass flow rate for same quantity of heat transferred (by factor 20 – 80)
- No circulating pumps required
- Significantly better thermal transfer characteristics of steam
- The heat transfer oils of thermal oil systems are harmful to the environment and therefore:
- Use of safety heat exchangers is required
- Spill troughs equipped with leak detection systems are required at all joints
- Special shaft seals are required at pumps and valves
- Heat transfer oils are a fire hazard
- Lower operating costs for the process heat, especially because a high efficiency and degree of utilisation can be achieved
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for cooling
- Heating temperatures ≤230°C (saturated steam systems) or ≤300°C (superheated steam systems)