The Valfonta Model 260 Steam Injector is a high-performance cylindrical device designed to increase the temperature of liquids in open tanks by means of direct steam injection. Its tubular design incorporates a series of strategically placed lateral orifices that allow the surrounding fluid to be drawn in, intimately mixed with steam, and returned to the tank at a higher temperature.
This system not only heats the fluid but also generates a constant and vigorous recirculation inside the tank, ensuring homogeneous mixing and promoting uniform temperature throughout the volume, preventing cold spots or thermal stratification. Made entirely of stainless steel and lacking moving parts, it offers silent operation, free of vibrations and maintenance, making it a durable and hygienic solution.
- Materials: Integral construction in AISI 316 Stainless Steel, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance and suitability for sanitary or chemical applications.
- Design Conditions:
- Body designed for nominal pressure PN25.
- Maximum admitted steam pressure: 16 bar g at 200°C.
- Temperature Limits: Specifically designed to heat liquids up to a maximum temperature of 90°C.
- Size Range and Connections: Available in 3 sizes with male threaded connection (Gas/BSP):
- Size No. 1: Connection R-1/2" (Length: 202 mm).
- Size No. 2: Connection R-1" (Length: 420 mm).
- Size No. 3: Connection R-1 1/2" (Length: 530 mm).
- Flow Capacity (Kv):
- No. 1: Kv 1.5.
- No. 2: Kv 8.5.
- No. 3: Kv 13.
- Steam Performance: Able to inject variable steam flows depending on inlet pressure (examples):
- At 2 bar: From 45 kg/h (no.1) up to 530 kg/h (no.3).
- At 8 bar: From 150 kg/h (no.1) up to 1620 kg/h (no.3).
- At 16 bar: From 290 kg/h (no.1) up to 3000 kg/h (no.3).
The injector works based on momentum and heat transfer via the Venturi Effect:
- Injection: Steam is introduced under pressure through the rear connection of the injector.
- Suction: Exiting at high speed through the inner nozzle, the steam creates a vacuum that draws liquid from the tank through the side orifices of the body.
- Mixing and Heating: Inside the mixing tube, steam transfers its latent heat to the liquid and condenses.
- Discharge: The hot mixture is expelled at high speed through the front end, generating convection currents that stir the entire tank content to equalize temperature.
To ensure optimal, quiet, and vibration-free performance, it is critical to follow these installation guidelines:
- Location: It must be installed strictly in a horizontal position, immersed near the bottom of the tank and preferably along its length.
- Fixing: Directly connect to the steam downpipe. Size No. 1 offers the versatility of also being installed through the tank wall using its external thread.
- Critical Distances:
- Installation must be centered in the tank for effective distribution.
- It is vital to respect the free discharge distance (Dimension L) and the height from the bottom (Dimension H), both of which should increase as steam pressure rises to avoid excessive turbulence (see installation table in the manual).
- No obstacles should be installed in the discharge area of the injector.
- Increased Capacity: For greater heating capacity, 2 or more injectors can be installed in parallel. In this case, maintain a minimum separation of 300 mm between injectors and 150 mm from the wall.
- Maintenance: If excessive noise is noticed, check that the suction and discharge orifices are clean and free of obstructions.
