System for condensing steam in a low pressure system

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on developing an efficient system for condensing steam in a low-pressure environment to maximize air dryness and protect downstream activated charcoal filters from humidity damage. The system involves an exhaust fan drawing in steam at 212°F, with a steam production rate of 337.7 cubic feet per hour, generating 14,495 BTU and 4.24 KWh. Key challenges include optimizing airflow and cooling efficiency while addressing the limitations of activated charcoal filters in humid conditions. Participants explore various concepts, including the integration of air dryers and filtration systems to mitigate odor from organic compounds aerosolized with steam.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of steam condensation principles
  • Familiarity with airflow dynamics and fan selection
  • Knowledge of activated charcoal filtration mechanisms
  • Basic thermodynamics related to heat transfer and humidity control
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for optimizing airflow in low-pressure systems
  • Explore advanced cooling techniques for steam condensation
  • Investigate the effectiveness of various air dryers in humid environments
  • Study the chemical interactions of organic compounds with activated charcoal
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, HVAC specialists, and anyone involved in designing systems for steam condensation and air quality management in residential or industrial settings.

ChexMix21
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Hello,I'm attempting to come up with the best method to achieve maximum condensation (air dryness).

In the system an exhaust fan will draw in steam (212F) and pass it through a 90 degree pipe (~12-14 inches) before it enters an area where it needs to be cooled for the purpose of removing the maximum amount of humidity.

The steam produced in an hour equals:
337.7 cubic feet
14,495 BTU,
4.24 KWh

The purpose of condensing the vapor back into liquid is to protect the down-stream activated charcoal filter from degradation due to high humidity.The questions I'm having difficulty answering are as follows:

1) How to match the cooling/dehumidifying efficiency of a system with the optimum amount of air flow (ie choosing the right fan for the right amount of airflow for the system to be the most efficient)

Example: If I am passing 500 cubit feet of air through the system per hour and I want to achieve a certain % humidity where do I go from here?I've attached the concept drawingThanks in advance for your replies
 

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I'm not clear on how you are removing the heat - and what are the inlet air conditions for mixing with the steam?
 
Need some help generating ideas to accomplish an intended outcome

Hello,

I posted before and didn't get much response. I realized the post was not well composed and presented a problem that was not well defined. I've dumbed down some of the details here so while this may sound rediculous the application will be somewhat different. It's a thought problem.

Concept: Build a device that effectively eliminates a nasty smell due to organic compounds aerosolized with steam from an open pot of boiling water.

Assumptions: Boiling takes place inside on the kitchen stove. Due to the desired chemical reactions you cannot place a lid on the boiling containter of liquid or otherwise put it under abnormal pressure.

Idea 1: My first thought was to take a fan and mount it several inches above the vessel of boiling liquid. In-line with the fan would be an activated charcoal filter which would work in capturing the organic compounds that create the smell
Problem 1: Activated carbon is a dessicant and will absorb the water thereby reducing its effective life​
Solution 1: Dry the air before passing it through the charcoal filter​
Problem 2: In a low pressure environment many air dryers are not effective. Based on previous feedback this approach is rife with additional problems​

It would seem like an easy problem to solve but I'm at a standstill. Retrofitting the range hood exhaust system would be an option, however the idea is to make something portable that I could use in a kitchen or in a garage, for example.

The system would be used in intervals of around 1 hour.
The steam produced in an hour equals:
337.7 cubic feet
14,495 BTU,
4.24 KWh


Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
 
It's probably not a good idea to be making chemical reactions on your kitchen stove in the first place.
 
SteamKing said:
It's probably not a good idea to be making chemical reactions on your kitchen stove in the first place.

Haha. Well thanks for that nugget of wisdom SteamKing. Chemical reactions take place in kitchens all the time. It's called "cooking".

As I stated before, the application of this is different than it probably appears. This is a thought problem.

I've looked at as many different types of filtration systems as I can find and nothing I've found would seem to work.
 
I've done my share of cooking, Chex, and I recognize that the food is altered by the process. But I've never needed a gizmo like you describe over my stove. I think you are trying to react something on your stove which is nastier than cooking onions and peppers with tender cuts of beef.
 
So you're concerned about the application or do you just not have anything helpful to add and therefore choose ad hominem style attacks?
 

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