Have you ever wondered what the requirements of different steam applications are? Did you know that a determining factor with respect to steam quality is the purity of the steam?
Steam used in hospitals is not the same as steam used in the energy sector or in specific applications such as the cleaning and disinfection of wine barrels, for example.
Therefore, when talking about steam quality, it is necessary to take into account a key factor in this technology: its purity. It is not the only factor to consider, but it is one of the most important when talking about electric steam generators.
In this article we are going to talk about how the purity of the steam determines its use in different sectors. So you will know what to look out for when using this solution.
Why the purity factor is so important in steam quality
Let’s start by talking about the concept of steam quality.
In reality, the quality of the steam is determined by, in addition to the purity, different factors such as its temperature, pressure or humidity.
Purity is one of the most important, since it determines whether or not there may be contaminants that affect the process or final product.
We are not only talking about a safety issue (something that is critical in sectors such as health), but also about other additional issues such as taste, which could be affected by a poor choice of vapor in the installation.
For example, in the food and beverage industry, pure steam is essential to avoid contamination and ensure product safety. This steam must be free of oils, minerals and other compounds that could alter the taste, quality or even the safety of food and beverages. Culinary steam is also used here.
In the pharmaceutical sector, where purity standards are even stricter, ultrapure steam is required, which must comply with very specific regulations to guarantee sterility in the processes.
The focus changes if we talk for example about the industrial sector, where the priority is to ensure energy efficiency and durability of equipment, since their processes are not usually strictly related to human consumption.
What type of steam is needed for each industry
Now that you know the importance of steam purity in this technology, we can summarize below the different types of steam you should use for each type of use:
Industrial steam or process steam
Also known as process steam, industrial steam is used for use cases such as process heating, power generation or industrial cleaning.
Some examples of applications of this type of steam include:
- Power generation in steam turbines to produce electricity.
- Process heating in paper drying in paper mills.
- Industrial cleaning for the removal of grease and dirt from mechanical equipment.
Since these are processes that do not require high purity levels, a more industrial type of steam is tolerated. In any case, the installation must be verified to avoid equipment damage and cross-contamination.
Culinary steam
Culinary steam is used in the food industry for processes related to food preparation, preservation and cleaning.
To generate this steam it is necessary to use generators made of stainless steel, osmosis water to guarantee the absence of minerals and a steam filter of at least 5 microns to eliminate particles. This ensures a steam suitable for direct contact with food.
It can be used in specific use cases such as:
- Baking to achieve the necessary humidity during baking to achieve optimal textures and crusts.
- Elimination of microorganisms in products such as milk, juices or canned food.
- Prolongation of shelf life without the use of chemical preservatives.
Pure Steam
Here we are talking about a type of pure steam that guarantees the elimination of any impurities, ideal for sectors such as food and beverage processing, cleaning and disinfection or processes for chemical applications.
Examples of applications of this vapor include:
- Pasteurization and cooking in the production of canned or ready-to-eat foods.
- Sterilization of equipment in the cleaning of tanks and production lines in the dairy industry, as well as in the sterilization of hospital equipment.
- Disinfection of wine barrels, beer barrels or containers in the food industry.
Ultrapure steam
Finally, ultrapure steam is the one that guarantees extreme purity and ensures that there is no risk of contamination, thus complying with all the regulations in force for the processes that require it.
It is used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical manufacturing industries. Examples of applications include:
- Sterilization of surgical instruments and drug production equipment.
- Manufacture of vaccines, biological products and injectables.
- Cleaning and sterilization of catheters, prostheses and other critical medical equipment.
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