Flash Steam Recovery Vessel Sizing Calculator

Size industrial flash steam recovery vessels and blowdown flash tanks per ASME Section VIII with Souders-Brown vapor velocity and annual fuel savings.

Condensate Inflow & Pressures

Inlet Condensate Flow (lb/hr):

High Pressure Supply (psig):

Flash Tank Pressure (psig):

Separation Factor K-Factor:

Economic Valuation

Fuel / Steam Cost ($/1,000 lb):

Operating Hours per Year:

Flash Vessel Sizing & Energy Recovery

Recommended Vessel Internal Diameter

-- inches

-- standard pipe shell

Flash Steam Produced

-- lb/hr

--% flash recovery

Annual Energy Savings

-- / yr

Recovered LP steam

Souders-Brown Max Velocity: -- ft/s

Recommended Shell Height: -- inches

Residual Hot Water to Drain: -- lb/hr

Recovering flash steam for deaerators, building heating, or low-pressure reboilers rapidly pays back vessel installation costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Souders-Brown equation for flash tank sizing?

The Souders-Brown equation defines the maximum vapor velocity Vmax = K·√((ρL - ρV)/ρV) at which steam can disengage upward without entraining liquid droplets. Sizing the vessel cross-sectional area to keep vapor velocity below Vmax ensures dry flash steam output.

Where can recovered flash steam be used in an industrial facility?

Common low-pressure applications include boiler deaerator pegging steam, domestic building heating, absorption chillers, hot water preheating, and low-pressure reboilers.

What internal fittings are essential on a flash vessel?

An internal tangential cyclone inlet or wear plate directs incoming two-phase high-velocity mixture around the circumference to separate liquid from vapor. A stainless steel demister pad or chevron baffle at the vapor outlet eliminates residual fine mist.