Traditionally, steam has been used as a source of thermal energy for cooking, sterilization or cleaning processes. However, technological advances in electrical steam generation and temperature control have revealed a new dimension: steam as an active chemical reagent, or process chemical.
In this new stage, steam not only transfers heat: it reacts with materials, modifies composites and participates directly in process chemistry, driving the transition to a low-carbon industry.
The relationship between steam and green hydrogen production
Green hydrogen is obtained by electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy, but steam also plays a key role in complementary sustainable production routes:
Steam Reforming
The CH₄ + 2H₂O ⇔ CO₂ + 4H₂ process remains the most widespread route for generating hydrogen, and can be adapted to biogas or renewable methane, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
In this process, superheated steam acts as the main reactant, breaking C-H bonds and releasing H₂.
Giconmes steam modules allow precise control of temperature and flow rate, optimizing the reaction in compact and decentralized catalytic reformers.
Steam-assisted gasification
In the gasification of biomass, plastics or industrial waste, steam replaces air as the gasifying agent, which allows:
- Increase the hydrogen fraction in the synthesis gas.
- Avoid dilution with nitrogen.
- Reduce pollutant emissions.
The reaction C + H₂O → CO + H₂ demonstrates how steam behaves as a chemical conversion agent, key to obtaining carbon-neutral synthetic fuels.
The role of steam in CO₂ capture and regeneration processes.
Steam also plays an essential role in carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and conversion processes.
In Giconmes CO₂ capture modules, steam is used in the regeneration stage of the absorbent chemical:
- After CO₂ capture , steam is introduced in a controlled manner to release the trapped gas and reactivate the absorbent material.
- During this stage, the steam breaks the bonds between the CO₂ and the absorbent, ensuring a complete, homogeneous and efficient discharge.
- The CO₂ released can be used for compression, storage or valorization (e.g., to obtain carbonates).
Control of steam pressure, temperature and purity – usually between 120 °C and 160 °C – is critical to maximize chemical efficiency and minimize degradation of the capture medium.
Thanks to this integration, steam acts as a reversible reactant, enabling sustainable CO₂ capture and regeneration cycles.
Steam-assisted magnesium hydroxide extraction
High purity steam is also used in precipitation and purification processes of metal compounds, such as magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) or ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH).
In the systems designed by Giconmes:
- The steam acts as a displacement reagent, generating controlled temperature and pH conditions to favor selective crystallization.
- It allows to operate without adding aggressive reagents, reducing residues and improving the purity of the final product.
- Increases the overall energy efficiency of the process.
This type of application demonstrates how steam can replace traditional chemical reagents, providing a clean and sustainable alternative in circular mining and the valorization of industrial effluents.
Intelligent steam technology: precision and total control
In order for steam to act effectively as a process chemical, Giconmes has developed modular and intelligent solutions that guarantee the stability and purity required in advanced processes:
- Electric steam generators with continuous power regulation.
- Modular superheaters (Overheaters) capable of reaching up to 250 °C.
- 5 µm clean steam filters to ensure chemically controlled conditions.
- Digital instrumentation and PLC control to monitor pressure, flow and temperature in real time.
This integration allows steam to become a reactive tool capable of transforming materials, regenerating absorbents or producing high purity gases.
In short, steam is a key molecule for decarbonized industry.
The boundary between energy and chemistry is blurring. Steam, generated electrically from renewable sources, represents the bridge between clean energy and sustainable chemistry.
From green hydrogen production to CO₂ capture or mineral extraction, steam is positioned as one of the most versatile and decisive molecules of the industrial transition.
In Giconmes we accompany the companies in this process, offering solutions adapted to their current needs and prepared for the energy challenges of the future. Contact us and we will help you to design the optimal solution for your installation.