Steam boilers become a necessity of modern-day industry. Fulfilling its basic purpose of heat and power generation, they are used in a variety of ways in different industries. There are various types of steam boilers altered as per the requirements of the industry. However, almost all types fulfill the same purpose.
In this article, we will cover the primary uses of steam boilers. These uses are the same across all industries. So, let’s see what they are.
1. Generating Power
Steam boilers are generally used in many industries to generate power. Steam is generated that is turned into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy then drives the turbines which creates electricity. Mostly, this procedure is being operated on a massive scale and thus requires high efficiency steam boilers.
2. Insulating Property
Apart from power generation, the basic use of steam boilers is to create heat. Steam boilers are a great source of warmth for commercial plazas and domestic units alike. These boilers can be used in the insulating the houses on a smaller scale.
3. Cooking Food
In commercial kitchens or the food manufacturing industry, these boilers are extremely helpful. Their ability to manage a considerable amount of products makes them a well-liked option. These boilers distribute the heat evenly while cooking cutting down the cooking time. Moreover, temperature regulation is easy with them that guarantee the perfect cooking of food.
4. Sterilizing Medical Equipment
Steam is the best disinfecting agent you can find. Most species of microorganisms are sensitive to high temperatures. As steam carries a great deal of latent heat and has extremely high temperatures, it acts best against them. Thus, a steam boiler is greatly used in the medical industry for the sterilization of surgery equipment.
Working on the same principle these boilers make sure food is safe for human consumption. They pasteurize and sterilize food products to get rid of all harmful bacteria.
5. Drying Procedures
In the hotel industry and medical industry, these boilers are mostly used for drying clothes. Their high temperatures quickly evaporate the moisture allowing them to dry. Moreover, it eliminates all the germs from clothes making them safe to use. This is particularly important for surgical gowns in the medical sector.
Apart from clothes drying, these boilers are also used in the drying of various herbs, spices, fruits, etc in the food sector.
Another insulation option
Apart from steam boilers, there is also a gadget that can be used as a source of heat. A commercial heat pump uses refrigeration technology and used to heat or cool the place. These heat pumps are of two types based on their heat source. They either take their heat from the air or the ground.
In cold environments, air-based heat pumps are not efficient, but ground-based heat pumps are a little expensive to install. Anyways, depending on industry requirements and location, they can be a great alternative to steam boilers. But mind that, their use is limited to insulation only. So, in comparison, a steam boiler is an all-rounder for efficient industrial operations.