Thermocompressor Refurbishment

Paper mills customarily have at least one thermocompressor.  The thermocompressor is the main component in a dryer drainage system and is often neglected in this very critical process.  Proper evaluation of minimum/maximum conditions can improve a thermocompressor’s operating efficiency and greatly impact the bottom line by saving high pressure steam.

Thermocompressors use high-pressure steam to entrain a low-pressure steam and discharge the mixture to an intermediate pressure.  The high-pressure steam is converted to velocity energy across a nozzle.  The high-velocity steam entrains a relatively low-velocity steam and accelerates it.  The combined mixture of steam then enters the diffusers which converts the velocity head back to pressure head.

By retrofitting the thermocompressor to reflect current operating conditions, high pressure steam consumption required to recompress or recycle blow-through steam can be effectively optimized.

Any of the following changes to the paper machine will dramatically affect the efficiency of the Thermocompressor:

• Increased speed.
• Syphon design change.
• Paper grade change.
• Steam supply condition change.

Typical Thermocompressor refurbishment may include:

• Internal and external inspection of all parts for wear.
• Critical parts such as nozzles, spindle and tail are dimensionally inspected to original design specifications.
• Actuator is inspected and tested for proper operation.
• Unit is restored to original/or new operating conditions.

Recommended Replacement Parts:

• Nozzle
• Spindle
• Stuffing Box
• Packing
• Gaskets
• Diffuser

Units can be returned to factory for required refurbishment or parts can be supplied for on-site installation during shutdowns.