Where is the deaerator typically located in a steam system?

The deaerator is typically located above the feedwater pumps in a steam system for several important reasons related to both functionality and efficiency. By placing the deaerator above the feedwater pumps, gravity assists in forwarding the deaerated water to the pumps and ultimately into the boiler. This positioning ensures that the feedwater remains under sufficient pressure to prevent the formation of steam bubbles, which can lead to issues such as cavitation in the pumps.

Moreover, locating the deaerator above the feedwater pumps allows it to utilize the pressure generated from the boiler system while promoting effective oxygen removal from the water before it enters the boiler. This setup plays a crucial role in mitigating corrosion within the boiler system, as dissolved oxygen can lead to significant damage over time.

In contrast to other potential locations, such as next to the boiler or in the combustion chamber, these positions would either complicate the water flow dynamics or expose the deaerator to high temperatures and combustion gases that could impact its operational efficiency and effectiveness. Thus, positioning the deaerator above the feedwater pumps is an optimal design choice in steam systems.