Product Manager CSV
Today, reducing carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency are two of the most critical investment priorities for industries worldwide. On one hand, legislative policies and growing consumer demand are accelerating the shift towards more sustainable production models. Following the Paris Agreement, there is a global commitment to halve carbon emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), with the long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality through net-zero solutions.
On the other hand, energy prices – one of the most significant cost drivers for many industrial sectors – are highly sensitive to geopolitical dynamics and are currently experiencing extreme volatility. This not only erodes profit margins across industries but also introduces uncertainty when making investment decisions related to energy efficiency.
In this context, Kurita’s Dropwise Technology stands out as a powerful solution in the energy efficiency space. It offers versality, low capital expenditure (CAPEX), and a short payback period. Developed by Kurita Water Industries in 2017, this award-winning technology is already helping over 400 customers worldwide reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions. As a result, it is frequently featured in customer sustainability reports.
How does Kurita Dropwise Technology work?
Under natural conditions, condensation typically occurs as filmwise condensation, where a thin water layer forms on heat exchange surfaces. This layer acts as a thermal barrier, significantly reducing heat transfer efficiency. Research and Kurita’s own experience show tat a mere 0.2 mm water film can reduce the condensation heat transfer coefficient to just 20% of its optimal value – dramatically impacting overall heat transfer coefficient and system heat exchanging power.
Kurita’s Dropwise technology, part of the Kurita CSV portfolio, involves continuous steam treatment using advanced formulations from the Kurita Dropwise range. This treatment imparts hydrophobic properties to metallic surfaces, shifting the condensation mechanism from filmwise to dropwise condensation. In this mode, water droplets form and roll off the surface, keeping it dry and maintaining optimal heat transfer conditions.
Compared to filmwise condensation, dropwise condensation can increase the heat transfer coefficient by up to 30%, enhancing both production capacity and energy efficiency. Additionally, the technology helps keep surfaces clean, smooth, and evenly heated – further improving system performance.
Tangible Benefits for Industry
Kurita Dropwise technology delivers measurable value:
- Energy savings that translate directly into cost reductions.
- Lower carbon emissions, supporting sustainability goals.
- Increased productivity, especially in systems constrained by heat transfer limitations.
It is also compatible with most traditional boiler treatment programmes and has no adverse effects on condensate water quality.
Proven Applications Across Industries
- Paper Industry: Applied to drying cylinders, it helps reduce specific steam consumption by 3-10% and can boost production by up to 15% when heat transfer is a bottleneck.
- Tyre Industry: In vulcanisation processes, it reduces curing steam usage by an average of 6%. Kurita is currently collaborating with several major tyre manufacturers.
- Petrochemical Industry: Used in distillation column reboilers and steam condensers for centrifugal compressors, it has increased productivity by up to 16%.
- Other Applications: Textile dryers, plywood presses, ammonia recovery reboilers, power plant condensers, and food and beverage evaporators.
Conclusion
Kurita Dropwise technology is a compelling solution for any industrial condensation system where enhanced heat transfer can improve production efficiency. Its proven performance, ease of integration, and sustainability benefits make it a valuable asset across a wide range of industries.
Kurita Dropwise Technology
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