Abstract: A nozzle design for diffusing high pressure steam into by flowing process fluid of substantially lower pressure while reducing the noise intensity generated. The injection nozzles include an opening having a first diameter to receive steam and a second diameter to inject the steam into a flow of liquid. The diameters of the first and second openings can vary relative to each other to enhance the flow characteristics of the steam or other gas being injected into a flow of liquid. The outer surface of a diffuser tube is coated with an insulating material, such as plastic. In alternate embodiments, the orientation of the injection holes can be angled either upstream or downstream to further enhance mixing characteristics of the steam.

Abstract: A radial flow steam injection heater that injects a selected amount of steam into a product flow to heat the product flow. The steam injection heater includes a mixing tube that receives the product flow to be heated. The mixing tube includes a series of steam injection holes that are positioned within a steam chamber defined by the heater body. Pressurized steam within the steam chamber flows into the mixing tube in a direction transverse to the flow axis through the steam injection holes. A regulating member is selectively movable relative to the mixing tube to expose the steam injection holes to the steam chamber to control the amount of steam utilized to heat the product flow.

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater that includes a steam diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes that are selectively exposed by a regulating member to control the amount of steam used to heat a liquid. The regulating member is movable within the steam diffuser and the steam diffuser includes a seating member to prevent the flow of steam from the diffuser when the regulating member is in a completely closed, seated position. At least one sealing members selectively exposes the steam diffusion holes in the discharge region of the steam diffuser when the regulating member moves between the open and closed positions. The spacing of the steam diffusion holes along the steam diffuser can be varied depending upon the desired resolution of the steam released as the regulating member moves between its fully closed and fully open position.

Abstract: A radial flow steam injection heater that injects a selected amount of steam into a product flow to heat the product flow. The steam injection heater includes a mixing tube that receives the product flow to be heated. The mixing tube includes a series of steam injection holes that are positioned within a steam chamber defined by the heater body. Pressurized steam within the steam chamber flows into the mixing tube in a direction transverse to the flow axis through the steam injection holes. A regulating member is selectively movable relative to the mixing tube to expose the steam injection holes to the steam chamber to control the amount of steam utilized to heat the product flow.

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater that includes a steam diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes that are selectively exposed by a regulating member to control the amount of steam used to heat a liquid. The regulating member is movable within the steam diffuser and the steam diffuser includes a seating member to prevent the flow of steam from the diffuser when the regulating member is in a completely closed, seated position. At least one sealing members selectively exposes the steam diffusion holes in the discharge region of the steam diffuser when the regulating member moves between the open and closed positions. The spacing of the steam diffusion holes along the steam diffuser can be varied depending upon the desired resolution of the steam released as the regulating member moves between its fully closed and fully open position.