Flash vessel

What is a flash vessel?

An expansion steam vessel is designed for all applications where, for example, expansion steam is generated from condensate, boiler blowdown, or hot water. The expansion steam vessel can, for example, capture the heat from the boiler blowdown.

Selection of a flash vessel

We help in selecting the expansion steam vessel that meets the application requirements. Ask our contacts for more information.

GESTRA VD flash vessel

The device consists of an expansion steam vessel, condensate inlet, expansion steam outlet, and condensate outlet connections, as well as several safety and control device connections. GESTRA VD expansion steam vessels are particularly suitable for heat recovery purposes from boiler blowdown. The device is designed and sized according to the operating parameters of the system.

Condensate flows into the vessel through the inlet connection on the side. Thanks to the installation position of the inlet connection, the expansion steam vessel functions like a cyclone separator, forcing the incoming condensate to flow in a spiral within the vessel. The centrifugal force separates expansion steam from the condensate, with a residual moisture content of less than 1 %. Additionally, the rotational effect reduces erosive impacts from the flow, which otherwise would wear out the system components.

The lower part of the vessel is designed so that the condensate being directed to the condensate drain is free of vapor bubbles. VD expansion steam vessels are sized for an operating pressure of 12 bar and maximum temperatures of 200 °C.

The condensate level in the vessel can be visually monitored using an optional magnetic liquid level gauge. If necessary, an optional bypass for the condensate drain can also be installed. The vessel has a separate inspection opening for examining the interior of the vessel.

Pump-driven or electric/electropneumatic condensate drainage systems are available on separate request.

GESTRA VD23/26 flash vessel

VD23 and VD26 expansion steam vessels, together with UNA turbine condensate drains, form a compact expansion steam system. The vessels feature connections for condensate inlet as well as outlets for expansion steam and condensate. The purpose is the separation of expansion steam from the condensate. The vessels are available in both vertical and horizontal models. All expansion steam vessels are sized according to process values.

Condensate is directed into the vessel through a protective plate, whose function is to reduce erosive impacts on the equipment caused by the condensate. The structure of the lower part of the condensate vessel ensures that the condensate is free of vapor bubbles when reaching the condensate drain.