Cascade steam systems are used when the desired steam pressure and temperature gradually changes through the process. They are ideal for systems that require progressively less temperature.
Steam from the boiler enters the section of the process requiring the most heat. A portion of the steam condenses, releasing its latent heat. As the steam and condensate exit the process section, they are at a lower pressure. The condensate is separated from the blow-through steam and returned to the boiler. The blow-through steam feeds the next section of the process at a lower pressure and temperature.
