N
The Daily Insight

What is the function of Attemperator?

Author

Jessica Cortez

Updated on April 05, 2026

Attemperator is a spray of water to reduce the steam temperature that is limited as per the operational requirements. An Attemporator spray reduces the steam temperature in the superheater zones of a boiler so as to maintain around 535-540 degree centigrade temperature at the inlet of the steam turbine.

What is the function of Attemperator in boiler?

Boiler attemperators are used to fine tune / control steam temperature from a boiler, as well as the steam temperature between boiler stages.

How does desuperheater control the exit temperature from superheater?

When the desuperheater is operational, a measured amount of water is added to the superheated steam via a mixing arrangement within the desuperheater. As it enters the desuperheater, the cooling water evaporates by absorbing heat from the superheated steam. Consequently, the temperature of the steam is reduced.

Is a desuperheater and Attemperator the same?

An attemporator controls steam temperature while a desuperheater removes whatever superheat there is in steam and reduces the temperature to a point at or nearly at saturation temperature.

What is meant by Attemperator?

Definition of attemperator : a coil of pipe through which hot or cold water may be run for regulating temperature.

What is desuperheater valve?

A desuperheater injects a controlled, predetermined amount of water into a steam flow to lower the temperature of the steam. These valves address the need for better control of steam conditions brought on by increased energy costs and more rigorous plant operation.

What is the purpose of the desuperheater line which fluid runs through it and what’s its phase?

Desuperheating systems are used to reduce the temperature of process steam by spraying water into superheated steam, thereby reducing its enthalpy.

What is use of desuperheater in superheater?

The Basic use of a desuperheater is to minimize the temperature of superheated steam or other vapors. This temperature deduction is accomplished gives the process vapor being brought into direct contact with another liquid such as water.

Why are desuperheater used?

The primary function of a desuperheater is to lower the temperature of superheated steam or other vapors. This temperature reduction is accomplished as a result of the process vapor being brought into direct contact with another liquid such as water.

What is a spray Attemperator?

Located between the primary and secondary superheaters and reheaters, Attemperators are the final control element before the HP, IP, and LP turbines. They are responsible for controlling steam temperature in accordance with steam turbine design guidelines.

How does a desuperheater work?

A desuperheater injects a controlled, predetermined amount of water into a steam flow to lower the temperature of the steam. To achieve this efficiently, the desuperheater must be designed and selected correctly for the application.

How does spray water temperature affect desuperheater performance?

Spray water temperature can have a significant impact on desuperheater performance. Although it goes against logical convention, high–temperature water is better for cooling. As the spray water temperature increases, flow and thermal characteristics improve and impact the following:

What is the typical velocity of steam entering a desuperheater?

Typical velocities of steam entering a desuperheater should be around 40 to 60 m/s. Cooling water flowrate – The rate at which cooling water can be added to the superheated steam is affected by a number of factors, which are related by Equation 4.2.11:

How often does a desuperheater need to be serviced?

Under normal operating conditions, the desuperheater should not ordinarily require maintenance. At times, however, it may be necessary to remove scale that has been formed by the evaporation of water. For the valves and controls, check with the manufacturers for proper maintenance. 5.2 Recommended Inspection Every 12 months: