Integrated pressure reduction and temperature control for demanding industrial steam systems
Giffard Controls designs and manufactures high-performance steam conditioning equipment for demanding power generation and process applications. Every Giffard Controls product - whether forged, cast or fabricated - is produced using advanced manufacturing facilities equipped with high-precision CNC, vertical machining Centre (VMC) and horizontal machining centre (HMC) technology. This integrated capability enables Giffard Controls to achieve close dimensional accuracy, consistent workmanship and dependable project delivery.
Giffard Controls steam conditioning valves provide an integrated solution for reducing steam pressure and controlling steam temperature through precise water injection. Designed for power plants, refineries, chemical facilities and other process industries, a Giffard Controls steam conditioning valve delivers steam at the required outlet pressure and temperature for turbine bypass systems, process heating duties and steam distribution networks.
With a compact, high-performance design, Giffard Controls steam conditioning valves help protect downstream equipment, improve plant efficiency and reduce thermal stress, noise and maintenance requirements. Where a plant requires dependable steam pressure reduction combined with accurate desuperheating, Giffard Controls offers a robust and practical engineering solution.
Giffard Controls steam conditioning valves equipped with an integrated orifice tube are engineered to deliver high process stability and precise temperature regulation. Suitable for medium-pressure and high-pressure applications with steam temperatures of up to 550°C, each Giffard Controls valve is carefully designed to meet demanding operating requirements.
Cooling water is injected proportionally immediately after the initial pressure reduction stage, at the point of maximum steam velocity and turbulence. This arrangement promotes the formation of ultra-fine droplets, ensuring rapid evaporation, efficient cooling and stable outlet temperature control. The Giffard Controls injection system is adjusted to the specific process parameters of each application to achieve optimum steam conditioning performance at all times.
Giffard Controls steam conditioning valves were originally developed for the harsh operating environment of modern fossil-fuelled power plants, where they are widely used as high-pressure and low-pressure turbine bypass valves, with or without integrated cooling. Today, Giffard Controls also supplies steam conditioning valves for process applications where accurate steam pressure and temperature control are critical to plant reliability and heat balance.
Each Giffard Controls steam conditioning valve is customised for the specific application. Valve sizing, including the Kv/Cv value, is determined using the Giffard Controls sizing programme so that all throttling points within the valve are properly considered. Certified dimensional drawings can be supplied by Giffard Controls as part of the project documentation.
A Giffard Controls steam conditioning valve converts steam from an incoming pressure and temperature condition to a predetermined required outlet state. Pressure reduction is carried out within the valve body by means of a pressure-reducing trim, typically using multi-stage pressure reduction to provide controlled throttling, noise reduction and reliable operation under severe service conditions.
Pressure is controlled by an upstream or downstream pressure controller, which signals the Giffard Controls valve to modulate and maintain the required set point. Temperature is controlled by introducing cooling water into the steam in such a way that the water is fully evaporated within the steam flow. A downstream temperature transmitter and controller determine the precise quantity of water required, allowing the Giffard Controls steam conditioning valve to achieve accurate desuperheating and dependable outlet temperature control.
Within the valve, water enters the steam conditioning assembly and is preheated within a circulatory chamber around the water diffuser tube. It is then introduced as multiple fine jets to support final atomisation by the steam flow through the throat. After leaving the throat, the mixture of steam and water enters the main steam flow in a fog-like condition, where final heat transfer is achieved without contact with the pipe wall. This improves desuperheating efficiency while helping to minimise pipe wear.
High-pressure system applications
Low-pressure system applications
Process industry applications
Giffard Controls steam conditioning valves are particularly well suited to relatively steady load conditions where pressure losses must be kept to a minimum. While they offer a cost-effective solution with negligible pressure drop, actual turndown capability depends on installation details, residual downstream superheat, piping configuration and other project-specific factors. As a general guide, normal flow variation may range from approximately 75% to 15% of design flow, depending on the final arrangement.
For optimum performance, each Giffard Controls steam conditioning valve should be selected and sized with full consideration of steam pressure, temperature, flow range, cooling water condition, downstream absorption length and control philosophy. Where required, Giffard Controls can also provide equipment in accordance with relevant ASME or ANSI codes, together with special non-destructive testing to suit project requirements.
Giffard Controls combines practical steam-conditioning expertise, robust engineering capability and project-specific design to deliver steam conditioning valves that perform reliably under demanding operating conditions. Whether the requirement is for a turbine bypass valve, a process steam control valve or a complete steam conditioning solution, Giffard Controls provides dependable, low-maintenance equipment engineered for long-term industrial service.
Our principal manufacturing facility in India is supported by advanced design, engineering and testing capabilities, enabling high-quality fabrication, seamless system integration and dependable project delivery. Backed by a highly skilled team of engineers and professionals with more than 200 years of combined experience, Giffard Controls delivers practical, innovative and reliable solutions tailored to complex industrial applications. For projects requiring German-origin manufacture, Giffard Controls also offers manufacturing capability in Germany.
