Steam and liquid injectors for a wide range of systems and installations

Main function of a steam jet injector

At Valfonta we have two different steam injector models, the 260 model and the 280 model. Their in-plant applications are explained in our article on industrial steam injectors.

We will start by showing the function and features of the 260; but first… what is the function of these components? 

Steam injectors are used to raise the temperature of any liquid. Essentially, steam injection draws the liquid to be heated in through the holes in the tube, allowing it to mix with the steam to achieve the required temperature rise.

This creates constant recirculation inside the tank, promoting a uniform temperature throughout.

Steam injector: the VALFONTA 260 model

Getting down to specifics, the 260 model is one of the most common and the one we usually recommend.

It is installed horizontally and directly on the pipe; depending on the size chosen, it can also be installed on the tank wall by means of an external thread.

If more capacity is required, 2 or more injectors can be installed in parallel. On the other hand, we always recommend installing the injector horizontally and at the bottom of the tank. 

It is important to note that no other component should be installed in the injector discharge zone. If you need the system and the injector to operate without noise or vibration, it is highly advisable to make dimension L as long as possible and to keep the injector suction holes clean. 

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the injector should always be centered along the length of the tank to achieve the most effective recirculation and distribution possible. 

And if you want or need to install 2 or more injectors, that is not a problem, but they must also be centered, with minimum distances between the wall and the first injector and between injectors.

Steam injector: the Valfonta 280 model

In this case, we are looking at an industrial jet heater that has a very similar function to the previous one, but with different technical characteristics. 

It is also designed to heat liquids, but the system of this model is slightly different: steam is injected through the upper flange and flows through small inclined holes in the nozzle, producing steam jets that propel the liquid toward a low-pressure zone, creating the turbulence needed for the liquid and the steam to mix, uniformly raising its temperature and also its pressure.

As with the previous model, this one has no moving parts either, which keeps maintenance low and prevents vibration and noise.

We usually install it in a wide variety of systems, and it can serve a great many applications in industry, such as heating water for washing barrels, tanks, or drums; they are also very common in piping installations where frost may occur; in breweries, sugar mills, and dye works, and in the chemical, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries…

260 or 280: comparison

Data from the datasheets. 280 test: saturated steam at 4 bar and liquid at 1 bar.

How to choose between the 260 injector and the 280 liquid heater

• Tank or pipe? That is the first question. If you are heating the contents of a tank, the 260; if the liquid flows through a pipe, the 280.
• Final temperature. The 260 is limited to a liquid temperature of 90 °C.
• Capacity. For the 260, capacity is measured in kg/h of steam according to size and pressure; for example, at 6 barg, 115 kg/h for No. 1, 475 kg/h for No. 2, and 1,250 kg/h for No. 3. If you need more, you can install two or more in parallel. For the 280, it is measured in l/h of liquid to be heated.
• Material and connection. The 260 is threaded and made of 316 stainless; the 280 is flanged and is available in several body and nozzle materials.

What data we need to size it

For the 260: the available steam pressure, the liquid and the tank volume, the initial and final temperature (90 °C maximum), and the tank dimensions, to position the injectors. For the 280: the steam pressure, the liquid and its flow rate, the liquid inlet pressure, and the initial and final temperature.

For the 260, the steam pressure also sets the free discharge dimension L: for example, at 2 to 4 barg, 200 mm for No. 1, 250 mm for No. 2, and 300 mm for No. 3. The complete tables are in each model’s datasheet and on the liquid and steam injectors page. If you are looking for general operation and maintenance, we explain it in industrial steam injectors.

We also offer steam ejectors and all types of valves

As a result of our many years in business, we have several lines of specialization and business, including pressure reducing valves, pressure relief valves, control valves, and industrial steam ejectors.

We often even build all these components to order for each installation. We have always stood out for our 100% commitment to each customer, offering personal, attentive, and tailored service, while placing at your disposal all the knowledge of our outstanding technical team of valve and industrial engineering professionals.

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