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)