4 Uses of Dry Steam in Industrial Applications

When it comes to boilers, dry steam is used for many applications. This is due to the natural benefits of dry steam, which will be detailed in this article. First, you might be wondering what is meant by the term, dry steam. This term is used to describe steam that does not contain water particles, meaning that the moisture content of the steam is very low. This is where dry steam gets its name. The dryness of steam directly affects the amount of transferable energy that is in the steam. This in turn affects the quality of heating produced by a steam boiler. The use of dry steam is preferable for many applications and uses, including in improving steam boiler lifespan, and in the food processing industry. Keep reading to find out all about the benefits and uses of dry steam, and then to find out where to go for professional boiler services in Melbourne.

Dry Steam in Food Processing and Production

Dry steam is used in the food processing and production industry because of its many benefits. As we have explored, dry steam is able to transmit heat energy very efficiently, and the vapour is also able to flow/travel through cracks and crevices without trouble. There are therefore many benefits to using dry steam for sanitation and sterilisation in the food processing industry, including that it is highly efficient in killing bacteria, and that it leaves surfaces dry and ready for use.  Other advantages of dry steam include:

• Environmental benefits: The use of dry steam means that water is not used to wipe down and clean surfaces, machinery, and equipment, which is a better cleaning process for our environment
• Cleaning and sterilisation benefits: not only does dry steam disinfect and kill bacteria and other microorganisms, but it also has the ability to dissolve food and beverage residue, such as oils

Another important benefit of using dry steam in food processing and food production is that this steam has the potential to improve the quality of the finished product and ensure that it is safe for consumption. For instance, in fresh products that need to be dried, dry steam is used to ensure that harmful organisms are killed and that the product retains freshness, flavour, and colour.

Steam Purity and Dry Steam in Sterilisation Processes

Sterilisation is a critical feature of many important organisations such as hospitals and laboratories, which rely on these practices to safely function. Once again, dry steam is used in many cases for this because of its ability to completely sterilise surfaces and equipment safely and efficiently. In contrast, if wet steam is used in sterilisation processes, surplus water or moisture can settle on surfaces, can cause corrosion, and can prevent proper sterilisation. Hence, dry steam is not only preferable for sterilisation, but can be critically important in many instances.

Dry Steam and Boiler Lifespan

Dry steam is preferable for use in steam boilers because it can actually help to extend the lifespan of the boiler. When there is moisture present in steam, over time, this moisture can cause corrosion of valves and fittings. Because the moisture is transferred through wet steam at high velocities, this can increase erosion of boiler parts. It is also notable that moisture in steam is capable of transmitting impurities, and this is what can cause scaling within boiler pipes. This is why the use of dry steam is preferable over wet steam, as it has the capacity to extend the lifespan of boilers.

Dry Steam and Paper Production

Paper production is still such an important process even in the 21^st century. The process of manufacturing paper is a complex one that involves water, chemicals, energy, and cellulose that is extracted from the wood chips that paper is made of. Steam actually plays a large role in the production of paper, and dry steam is once again, preferable in this process over wet steam. In the process of making paper, one of the steps is drying the paper, which is done by pressing it through rollers steam-heated rollers. The rollers should be heated by dry steam in order to ensure that the moisture content of the finished paper does not go above the required levels. Paper that has a higher moisture content than allowable will be of a lesser quality than is desirable.

Do You Need Steam Boiler Experts?

Look no further than Tomlinson Energy Service. We maintain, repair, and install boilers whilst providing specialised and professional customer service. We are proud to offer you over 100 years of engineering and service expertise. In addition, as a member of the Environmental Group Limited (EGL), we are proudly committed to the preservation and protection of the environment.

When you need boiler expertise, call us at your state-specific telephone number or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you.