Developed by sister company Opcon Energy Systems around a twin screw Lysholm turbine, the Opcon Powerbox wet steam trubine can produce 200—800kW of electricity from saturated or superheated steam that cannot be used in a traditional steam turbine.
Matt Drew, managing director of Saxlund International, says the Powerbox WST replaces steam pressure reduction valves in existing process steam applications.
He also explains that it can also harness low grade steam from industrial processes, instead of releasing it to the environment, to generate energy.
"There is a significant opportunity to help process industries and medium size power generators to capitalise on waste heat to drive efficiencies and savings," states Drew.
"Waste and residual heat from industrial processes are significant energy resources but are frequently neglected," he continues.
"In many instances costly cooling solutions are required when waste heat could be generating electricity."
Drew observes that small-scale production of electricity from waste will particularly benefit plants where energy costs are becoming prohibitive.
The Opcon Powerbox WST is available as standalone skip-mounted equipment, designed to run side-by-side with existing energy or process facilities.
Return of investment is claimed to be between two and four years for a waste to energy plant generating 6,000MWh of emission-free electricity per year.