The whole point of steam being superheated is to prevent condensation in the headers. Also, temperature of the steam affects the volumetric flow rate and hence the partial pressure inside the column, thus affecting the stripping.
If the steam to the column is suspected to be of near saturation, then a knock out pot can be considered just upstream of the inlet into the column to take out any condensed droplets. As mentioned earlier, if the effect is not considered properly, serious damage can occur to the column internals. There have seen such cases (though rare) which have operated without major problems.
LP Steam saturation temperature might be around 150°C whereas the temperature inside the column will be higher so that the small distance from the knockout pot into the column wouldn't present a significant problem.
These instances are considered when a new energy recovery project proposes a LP Steam generator which uses heat from the product streams and can be located near to the column.
Pavanayi
Edited by pavanayi, 27 November 2014 - 06:47 AM.