Steam ejectors deliver precise control of the atmosphere and pressure in a system. These are highly useful in chemical processing, vacuum sealing, and food packaging, as well as various processes in power, oil, and gas. Steam ejectors can also be used to create vacuum conditions in large areas where a conventional vacuum pump is inadequate. The steam ejector injects high-temperature and pressure steam into a system at a high velocity. The steam expels other gases from the system, creating a low-pressure vacuum inside the system.
We will explore the applications of steam ejectors, providing an overview of their use cases in the chemical, food packaging, power, oil, and gas sectors. Read on to learn more about these incredibly useful devices and why so many industries rely on them.
Chemical Industry
Various applications in the chemical industry depend on steam ejectors to operate smoothly. The following applications heavily utilize steam ejectors:
- Reactor Vacuum. Steam jet ejectors are ideal for creating vacuums in chemical applications. Chemical plants can utilize these low-pressure areas to reduce energy consumption and reaction temperatures while improving the safety of workers at chemical plants. Vacuum pressure is critical in preventing polymerization, thermal degradation, and other undesirable reactions.
- Drying Solids in Batch/Continuous Processes. Chemical plants can use a vacuum to dry solids at lower temperatures. Vacuums are ideal for processing heat-sensitive materials, improving overall drying rates, and producing a product with a lower moisture concentration.
- Evaporator Vacuum. An evaporator vacuum concentrates materials to their liquid state in key chemical processes before boiling the solvent or water content. The condenser handles most of the work, but an evaporator vacuum can eliminate damage to heat-sensitive products and minimize energy consumption.
Food & Beverage Industry
Steam ejectors play a key role in the food and beverage industry. The industry depends on steam ejectors for the following:
- Sugar Vacuum Pans. Concentrating sugar juice through an evaporative process turns it into sugar by crystalizing it in sugar vacuum pans.
- Bleaching & Deodorizing. Bleaching and deodorization are used to refine edible oils, as well as various foods and beverages. Vacuums remove contaminants and colors from products during processing.
- Vacuum Seals & Packaging. Steam ejectors are ideal for creating a vacuum in packaging and sealing applications. Vacuum sealing and packaging techniques are prevalent in the food and beverage industry for packaging products like crackers and chips to extend their freshness and shelf life. Vacuum packaging machines can efficiently and rapidly seal bags for food items.
Power, Oil & Gas Industries
The power, oil, and gas industries rely on steam ejectors for various applications. Steam ejectors are suitable for the following:
Vacuum Distillation
A vacuum can separate several volatile components with distinct boiling points during the condensation process. Vacuum distillation improves the separation process by reducing product degradation, thus increasing yield, capacity, and purity.
Condenser Exhausting
Steam expansion can be optimized using a turbine condenser to maintain optimum vacuum levels. The vacuum requires regular maintenance and proactively addressing air leaks from the condenser. Condenser exhausting can also be vital to crude oil desalting, refining, and gas extraction processes.
Contact Baelz NA for Steam Ejectors
Steam ejectors create a vacuum in large spaces, providing a low-pressure environment for safe and efficient processing. Ejectors are used throughout the chemical, food processing, and power, oil, and gas sectors.
Baelz NA offers a range of superior-quality steam ejectors for use in various applications. We are the exclusive distributor of Baelz Automatic engineered systems and components in North America with over 125 years of experience delivering excellent and timely solutions.
Baelz NA offers the highest quality products with local representation for personalized service and minimal lead times. Contact us or request a quote to speak with a specialist about our solutions for your application.