What is the Role of Steam Boilers in Australia’s Manufacturing Industries?

Steam boilers have helped to power the manufacturing industries not only in Australia, but across the world, for hundreds of years. Within manufacturing, steam boilers can play a varied, but vital role. From food processing to chemical production, steam boilers are responsible for many functions in the manufacturing sector, including the powering of machinery, for example. Keep reading to find out the role and significance of steam boilers in the manufacturing industry in Australia, and then find out where to go if you need professional steam boiler maintenance in Melbourne.

1: Energy for Mechanical and Thermal Processes

When it comes to manufacturing and energy, steam boilers provide two functions. First, they are capable of providing mechanical energy that can power machinery and drive turbines. Further, many industries within the manufacturing sector utilise steam for process heating. The controlled release of latent heat from steam actually allows for precise temperature control, which makes it essential for things like pasteurisation, drying and distillation. Steam boilers provide essential energy for many varied manufacturing processes, from powering conveyer belts to maintaining temperature within vessels or reactors.

2: The Food Processing and Beverage Industries

Steam boilers also play a critical role in the food and beverage sector of the manufacturing industry. Within this sector, steam boilers perform a number of essential functions. From blanching processes to sterilisation, steam is important for the production of food and beverage products. Steam is particularly important within the dairy sector, for example, in which pasteurisation is so critical. Another area is bakeries, which utilise steam boilers for the preparation of dough for baked goods. In addition, the food and beverage sectors require rigorous sterilisation and cleaning processes, for which dry steam is used in many cases. This makes steam boilers a critical part of the essential sanitation procedures that maintain the stringent food and beverage safety standards in Australia.

3: Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industries

This sector also relies on steam boilers which provide the required thermal energy to assist with not only sterilisation, but also with the production of drugs too. When it does come to sterilisation, steam boilers again play a hugely important role in ensuring that equipment like autoclaves and things like surgical tools can be cleaned hygienically and then stored afterward. The use of steam boilers is critical within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.

4: The Textile Industry

Steam boilers are also utilised during different elements of production within the textile industry. Steam plays an essential role in important textile processes such as dyeing and printing. Steam boilers are also used in finishing processes, which need precise and accurate pressure and temperature control. Textile manufacturing workshops also require a stable and reliable source of heating, humidification, and energy in order to function safely and efficiently, and steam boilers play a critical role in achieving this.

5: Chemical Manufacturing

Steam boilers are important within the chemical manufacturing sector, as they help to provide the necessary heat for distillation, chemical reactions, and various synthetic processes. In addition, another benefit that steam boilers provide for this industry is to facilitate the creation of a variety of chemical products through providing steam, as well as heat energy. The chemical manufacturing process is a complex one which demands precise conditions, such as accurately high or controlled temperatures, and steam boilers are also important for this.

6: The Paper Industry

This is a sector that the mind may not be drawn to very often, however, steam boilers and the paper and pulp sector are closely related. Steam boilers are used in this industry for a variety of tasks, one of which is the heating and drying of wood fibres. During the intricate process of making paper, steam is applied to large cylinders in order to heat them, so that wet paper sheets may be passed between them. This ensures that the moisture evaporates, and that dry and flat pieces of paper are left behind. What produces this essential steam? Steam boilers. Further, these boilers are also used to power turbines which generate electricity for workshops and factories, and to produce steam for heating processes.

Do You Need Professional Steam Boiler Maintenance?

When it comes to steam boiler expertise, you don’t have to look any further than Tomlinson Energy Service. Backed by over 100 years of engineering and service experience, we know and understand the critical importance of maintaining your steam boiler, regardless of your industry. We are proud to be able to provide you with unparalleled experience not only in maintenance, but also in steam boiler installation and repair. In addition, if you need to purchase a steam boiler, or related thermal energy equipment, then you are in the right place. Plus, as a member of the Environmental Group Limited (EGL), you can be assured that we are also committed to the protection of the environment.

If you need steam boiler maintenance, repair, or installation, call us at your state-specific telephone number, or fill out our online contact form and we will be happy to get back to you.