How Boilers Are Used in Industry | Teems Electric

Boilers have been part of commercial operations for as long as people have understood the power of steam and were a major part of the industrial revolution. They pushed trains up mountains and drove the first John Deere tractor. But they didn’t stay in the past.

Boilers, which heat water to create steam or usable hot water, remain a major part of several industries, from manufacturing to foodservice. If you’re curious why we offer boiler rental and boiler sales, read on to find out about some of the jobs steam still does.

The Roles of Boilers in Business

With exceptions for a few uses, such as providing hot water or cooking, most steam systems fed by boilers are closed loops that operate under pressure. Steam’s heat and energy latency potential is limited at atmospheric conditions, but under pressure, it increases significantly.

Steam under 100 psig pressure carries 308.8 BTU of heat energy per pound, but that number instantly collapses to 180 BTU per pound if the same steam is released to atmospheric conditions.

What does that mean? Basically, it means steam under pressure carries more heat and energy than does the steam coming off a pot of boiling water.

Boilers create steam under significant pressure, and it’s kept under pressure throughout the system to boost its heating and energy potential throughout the facility.

Commercial Buildings: Steam for commercial building heating and hot water is typically provided by a utility system or a house boiler. Public or private utilities that provide steam through trunk systems to multiple facilities use massive boilers to create that water vapor. House systems also use large boilers and send the steam through the building in pipes that feed metal radiators to provide heat to spaces. Additionally, boilers are often used to provide hot water to large facilities.

Foodservice: Steam’s a key cooking method, particularly in commercial kitchens that cook in large quantities, such as those in institutions and banquet facilities. Cooking equipment fed by a boiler can either use the steam directly for cooking, if it’s from a system designed for direct food contact, or in jackets or boilers where it heats a cooking vessel or clean water used to steam food. These cooking methods are fast, efficient and even.

Manufacturing: Most industrial processes that require heat operate at much higher temperatures than even steam under pressure can achieve. So, the steam from boilers is used to power machinery and processes. From operating gigantic hammer presses to moving conveyor systems and from paper manufacturing to the fabrication of bulldozers, steam is used in countless ways in industrial settings.

If you need a commercial boiler, a lighting efficiency plan or a turnkey partner for any size job, you can trust Teems Electric!