OXYSTEAM is a Centec system for monitoring and controlling thermal deaeration of boiler feed water in steam boilers. It uses the OXYTRANS TR optical O₂ sensor to measure oxygen content in the steam/gas phase above the boiler after deaeration, and uses the measurement result to precisely control the blowdown steam discharge valve — minimising steam losses while ensuring complete deaeration. Typical steam losses without optimisation are 0.2–0.5% of boiler output; OXYSTEAM reduces these losses by up to 95%, with payback periods under 6 months at standard operating conditions.
OXYSTEAM is a Centec system for monitoring and optimising thermal deaeration in steam boiler plants. During steam generation, dissolved oxygen in boiler feed water causes corrosion of steel components — thermal deaeration drives oxygen out of solution into the gas phase, which is then vented through a blowdown steam discharge valve. Without measurement-based control, this valve is typically set to a fixed position, resulting in continuous and unnecessary steam losses of 0.2–0.5% of boiler output. OXYSTEAM addresses this by measuring the actual O₂ content in the steam/gas phase above the boiler after deaeration using the OXYTRANS TR optical oxygen sensor, and using the measurement result to control the blowdown valve precisely — opening it only as much as is required to maintain complete deaeration. This eliminates excess steam losses and delivers measurable reductions in operating costs with very short payback periods.
Key Features OXYSTEAM
- OXYTRANS TR optical O₂ sensor measures oxygen content in the steam/gas phase post-deaeration — direct, continuous measurement at the point of deaeration control.
- Measurement-based valve control: the blowdown steam discharge valve is regulated precisely according to the measured O₂ value — no fixed-position waste.
- Steam loss reduction up to 95% relative to uncontrolled blowdown operation.
- Fast ROI: example calculation for a 10 t/h boiler at 0.3% losses and 40 EUR/t steam cost yields ~10,000 EUR/year savings and payback under 6 months.
- Transparent, measurement-driven valve operation — full visibility of deaeration performance and steam consumption.
- Modular system: OXYTRANS TR sensor + control valve; site-specific engineering and integration service available.
Applications
OXYSTEAM is suited to any industrial or food/beverage facility operating steam boilers with thermal deaeration, where continuous O₂-based control of the blowdown steam valve can reduce steam losses and operating costs — including breweries, food and beverage plants, pharmaceutical facilities, chemical plants, and general industrial boiler houses.
Installation and Safety Notes
OXYSTEAM requires site-specific technical assessment for design and integration into the boiler system. The OXYTRANS TR sensor is installed in the upper vapour space of the boiler; the control valve is installed on the blowdown steam discharge line. Full system engineering, integration support, and commissioning service is available from Centec.
Technical Specifications
| System type | Boiler water deaeration control system |
| Measurement component | OXYTRANS TR (optical O₂ sensor) |
| Measured parameter | O₂ content in steam/gas phase after deaeration |
| Measurement location | Upper vapour space of steam boiler (post-deaeration) |
| Control component | Blowdown steam discharge control valve |
| Control principle | Valve position controlled by measured O₂ value |
| Typical steam losses (unoptimised) | 0.2–0.5% of boiler steam output |
| Steam loss reduction | Up to 95% relative to uncontrolled operation |
| Example ROI calculation | 10 t/h boiler; 0.3% losses; 8,760 h/year → 250 t/year steam saved; at 40 EUR/t → ~10,000 EUR/year savings; payback <6 months |
| Integration | Site-specific technical design and integration required |
| Manufacturer | Centec GmbH |
| Brand | Centec |
