Höyrykompressorijärjestelmät

Höyrykompressori, often translated as steam compressor, is a device used to increase the pressure of steam. It essentially works by using a high-pressure fluid, typically steam itself, to entrain and compress a lower-pressure steam flow. This is achieved through a venturi-like nozzle where the high-pressure motive fluid expands and accelerates, creating a low-pressure zone that draws in the steam to be compressed. As the mixture then passes through a diffuser section, the velocity decreases and the pressure increases.

The primary application of a höyrykompressori is in processes where a medium-pressure steam stream needs to be raised to a higher pressure for reuse or further processing. This can be particularly useful in industrial settings such as chemical plants, refineries, and power generation facilities. By recycling and recompressing steam, significant energy savings can be realized, as it avoids the need to generate entirely new high-pressure steam from boilers.

Compared to mechanical compressors, steam compressors offer a simpler design with fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance requirements and higher reliability. They are also inherently safe in environments where explosive or flammable materials are present, as they do not rely on electrical power for their motive force. However, their efficiency can be lower than that of mechanical compressors, and their performance is dependent on the available pressure and temperature differentials of the steam. Despite this, their robustness and operational simplicity make them a valuable tool in many industrial steam systems.