EXAMPLE 3.
Single effect evaporator: steam usage and heat transfer surface
A single effect evaporator is required to concentrate a solution from 10% solids to 30% solids at
the rate of 250 kg of feed per hour. If the pressure in the evaporator is 77 kPa absolute, and if dry
saturated steam is available at 200 kPa gauge and leaves at 91℃ . Calculate the quantity of steam
required per hour and the area of heat transfer surface if the overall heat transfer coefficient is
1700 J m-2 s-1 °C-1.
Assume that the temperature of the feed is 18°C and that the boiling point of the solution under
the pressure of 77 kPa absolute is 91°C. Assume, also, that the specific heat of the solution is the
same as for water, that is 4.186 x 103 J kg-1°C-1, and the latent heat of vaporization of the solution
is the same as that for water under the same conditions.
From steam tables, the condensing temperature of steam at 200 kPa (gauge)[300 kPa absolute] is
134°C and latent heat 2164 kJ kg-1; the condensing temperature at 77 kPa (abs.) is 91°C and
latent heat is 2281 kJ kg-1.