Abstract: A method and system of depressurizing a molecular sieve used in ethanol production is shown and described. The method and system utilizes a vapor mixing condenser that receives a vapor sieve feed from the molecular sieve during the depressurization cycle. The vapor from the molecular sieve during the pressurization cycle is used to heat the 190-proof product flow. The heated product flow is diverted directly to the 190-proof product vaporizer, which increases the input product flow temperature to the vaporizer, thereby reducing the amount of heat needed to vaporize the 190-proof product flow. The reduction in heat needed reduces energy costs and increases equipment life.

Abstract: A method and system of depressurizing a molecular sieve used in ethanol production is shown and described. The method and system utilizes a vapor mixing condenser that receives a vapor sieve feed from the molecular sieve during the depressurization cycle. The vapor from the molecular sieve during the pressurization cycle is used to heat the 190-proof product flow. The heated product flow is diverted directly to the 190-proof product vaporizer, which increases the input product flow temperature to the vaporizer, thereby reducing the amount of heat needed to vaporize the 190-proof product flow. The reduction in heat needed reduces energy costs and increases equipment life.

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 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.