What Is an OTSG (Once-Through Steam Generator)? Applications, Benefits, and Design Considerations
In industries where reliable steam generation is needed, the Once-Through Steam Generator (OTSG) is the preferred solution for efficiency, flexibility, and safety. Unlike traditional boilers, OTSGs produce steam in a single pass, without requiring a steam drum. This design enables faster response times, improved heat transfer, and a compact footprint—making them ideal for various industrial applications.
What is an OTSG?
A Once-Through Steam Generator is a type of boiler that converts water directly into steam as it flows through the unit. The absence of a steam drum is one of the main distinctions from conventional drum-type boilers. In an OTSG, feedwater passes through tubes and is progressively heated until it becomes steam, eliminating the need for water storage within the system.
This streamlined design improves thermal efficiency and allows the system to adapt quickly to changes in demand. Essential components of a typical OTSG include high-efficiency burners, heat transfer tubing, feedwater pumps, and advanced control systems that monitor pressure, temperature, and flow.
Key Benefits of Implementing OTSG Systems
One of the primary benefits of OTSG systems is their operational flexibility. They can start up or shut down rapidly, responding quickly to load variations without long warm-up times. This agility makes them highly effective in operations where demand fluctuates throughout the day.
Their compact size is another key advantage. Because they are smaller and lighter than many conventional boilers, OTSGs can be installed in locations with limited space while still delivering exceptional performance. The direct water-to-steam conversion also minimizes blowdown requirements, reducing water loss and improving safety. Fewer stored volumes of water mean a lower risk of pressure-related hazards, making OTSGs a dependable choice for continuous operation.
Common Applications of OTSGs
OTSGs are versatile and are used in multiple industrial sectors. In Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), they generate the steam necessary for injecting into oil reservoirs to reduce viscosity and boost extraction efficiency.
In waste heat recovery, OTSGs utilize exhaust gases from industrial processes to produce steam, which can be redirected for power generation or other process heating needs, maximizing energy utilization and reducing fuel costs.
In the renewable energy sector, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants employ OTSGs to convert captured solar heat into high-quality steam for electricity generation, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Contact Altex Industries for OTSG Solutions
Looking for a steam solution that delivers power, precision, and reliability? Altex Industries crafts high-performance OTSGs built to your exact needs, excelling even in the toughest environments. From rapid start-ups to space-saving designs, we engineer efficiency, safety, and cost savings into every unit. Contact Altex Industries and transform your steam generation performance today.
