What is a Desuperheater and How does it differ from an Attemporator?

  • A desuperheater is a device that is used to control the addition of water to superheated steam to reduce the temperature to within 10°C of saturation.
  • An attemporator also adds water to steam to control its temperature but the set point temperature is higher and the downstream steam is still superheated.
  • Generally desuperheaters are used in process plants where the steam is used for heating. Attemporators are used more in power stations for interstage temperature control.