Indirect Clean Steam Generators in Biopharma and Pharma

Like all electric steam generators, Indirect Steam Generators effectively sterilize components by injecting clean steam into piping, autoclaves, or other laboratory and production equipment so pharmaceutical professionals can easily control conditions of their processes.   Learn more about the advantages of indirect clean steam generators, the applications of clean steam, and what to look for in a high-performance generator.

Benefits and Applications of Steam Cleaning in the Biopharma and Pharma Industries

Clean steam simplifies the process of maintaining a sterile facility by providing a no-contact yet reliable clean, even for tools with complex profiles, edging, or small interiors. The following are the top advantages of steam cleaning in the biopharma and pharma industries:

• Prevention of contaminant entry. Unlike traditional steam, clean steam is sterile at the point of vaporization and clean steam generators do not have vulnerable entry points for biological or chemical contaminants to enter. This successfully maintains steam’s purity during the full sterilization procedure.
• Protection against pathogen growth. The extremely high temperatures of clean steam can kill all types of microorganisms that are contamination concerns in pharmaceutical processes, and also help prevent their initial growth by handling condensate buildup.
• Corrosion resistance. Metal parts are prone to corrosion when in the presence of traditional utility steam. Clean steam, however, has corrosion-inhibiting properties that counteract this risk. As a result, clean steam increases the life span of equipment.

Steam sterilization has many beneficial applications within the biopharma and pharma industries, particularly in  biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The goal is to keep the bacteria, yeast, or animal cells present in manufacturing environments from contaminating healthcare materials, products, and equipment. Steam sterilization, SIP and CIP can assist professionals in these industries by controlling and maintaining sterile environmental conditions, allowing safe manufacturing of things such as ophthalmic products, parenteral, injectable solutions, and more. 

Pharmaceutical companies commonly use clean steam generators for sterilize-in-place (SIP) procedures, which utilize steam to sterilize and clean pharmaceutical instruments, equipment, and surfaces between production cycles. Pharma professionals also use clean steam generators to support humidification processes for clean rooms, lyophilizers, and sterilizers.

Electro-Steam’s Steam-to-Clean Steam Generators’ Operational Characteristics

Steam-to-clean steam generators, or indirect clean steam generators, from Electro-Steam Generator Corp. capitalize on the functionality, steam output, ease of use, and footprint that standard electric steam generator varieties provide but improve upon their operation by using “house steam” energy that converts deionization (DI) or reverse osmosis (RO) water into clean steam. In contrast to the all-electric generators that use submerged electrical elements, the indirect clean steam units save on energy consumption as they use steam that your facility is already producing and then repurposes it.

Electro-Steam’s indirect generators function at pressures ranging from 9 to 90 psi.  They use an electric control circuit of 120VAC to regulate steam input, output, water level, and operating pressure within the generator automatically. Requiring only a total amperage of only 15 amps—with an 8-amp Full-Load Amperage (FLA) rating—eliminates the need for 3ph power.

Partner With Electro-Steam

As an OEM manufacturer, Electro-Steam Generator Corp. has been a leader in providing standard or customized clean steam generators for 70 years both domestically and internationally. All of our USA-made generators have all the required features such as safety valves, automatic low water cut-offs, and adjustable pressure control, with custom control and instrument packages available on request.

We currently offer our indirect steam-to-clean and all electric clean steam generator models with 138-828 lb/hr gross steam output ratings for pressures as high as 150 psig (MAWP). Our team skid-mounts all of our components as a unit, and at installation, the generators only need utility service connections. For most generators, we provide two-four week production times to best serve you, and offer same-day shipping available on most orders for parts. We also offer extended warranties as part of our commitment to excellence and superior customer service.

For additional information about our capabilities and how our safe, economical indirect clean steam generators can help support efficiency, reliability, and cleanliness in your pharmaceutical application, contact us today.

Why Food Processing Manufacturers Prefer Dry Steam for Cleaning and Sanitizing

While washdowns are a popular choice for cleaning debris from surfaces, this process leaves surfaces wet which can cause bacterial growth, is time consuming, and causes significant downtime. Dry steam, which is created in an industrial dry steam cleaner by heating water in a closed chamber instead of a flow-through coil, uses less water, evaporates quickly, and gets into cracks and crevices where water can’t reach. Sanitation in the food industry is commonly achieved with dry steam cleaning because it’s quick, cost-effective, and reliable. 

Dry Steam for Cleaning & Sanitizing in Food Processing

Food processing facilities are often water-sensitive, so traditional wet cleaning methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive—if they’re possible at all. More and more facilities are using dry steam sanitation, taking advantage of the power of high-temperature, low-moisture steam to clean and sanitize conveyor belts and other industrial machinery.

With temperatures above 240°F, the dry steam kills mold, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms while removing grease, dirt, and residue. It evaporates quickly, so you’re left with a surface that is clean, dry, and sanitized. 

Why Food Processing Manufacturers Prefer Dry Steam for Cleaning

Food processors are held to strict standards for cleanliness and sanitation as a matter of safety and product quality. Dry processing facilities in particular face additional challenges, because the slightest bit of moisture can ruin baked goods, dry ingredients, powdered drink mixes, seasonings, coffee, and more. Wash-down cleaning methods are simply not feasible in these facilities.

Because dry steam has an extremely low moisture content, it eliminates the risk of moisture exposure in dry processing facilities and can easily remove oily substances often found in food processing facilities. All types of food and beverage processing facilities trust dry steam for cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, hoods, vents, floor drains, walls and ceilings, conveyor belts, and more. 

Dry steam can also be used to clean switches, sensors, small components, and moving parts that are impossible to reach with other cleaning methods. Common cleaning methods require equipment to be disassembled creating downtime which can be costly. With dry steam cleaning, in most cases, you won’t need to take the equipment apart to clean it. Not only does this save time in the cleaning process, but it also reduces downtime for the facility and helps the manufacturer maintain production and meet deadlines. 

Benefits of Dry Steam Cleaning for Food Processing Facilities

Food processing facilities that use dry steam cleaning enjoy many benefits, including:

• Time Savings: Because equipment doesn’t have to be dismantled, the cleaning process is faster than other methods and reduces downtime and labor costs. 
• Environmental Friendliness: Dry steam requires less water than traditional cleaning methods reducing water consumption and waste water creation.
• Chemical-Free: Limiting exposure to chemical fumes and residue creates a safer environment for your employees and prevents product contamination. Reducing or eliminating your use of chemical cleaners is environmentally friendly, as well, as you’ll produce less plastic-container waste.
• Efficient: High-temperature dry steam dissolves oils and residue and kills bacteria and other microorganisms on contact. High heat and low moisture properties reduce downtime by leaving cleaned surfaces dry and ready for immediate use. It’s a fast, efficient process that reduces labor and downtime. 

If your facility is water-sensitive, or if you simply want to save time and money while reducing your environmental impact, dry steam cleaning is the solution you’ve been looking for. At Electro-Steam, we’ve surpassed clients’ expectations since 1952. Our industrial dry steam cleaners are trusted in food processing facilities, manufacturing plants, car washes, bottling facilities, HVAC systems, and more. We have several systems designed to meet your specific application. Contact us to learn more about the advantages of dry steam cleaning, or request your free demo today. 

How Does Steam Kill Viruses?

Steam cleaning is used in a variety of industries, from medical to food and beverage, because it’s an efficient, eco-friendly way to kill viruses and bacteria. Because there are no chemicals required, it’s also a safer cleaning method for those applying the steam and those who will use the clean surfaces. Let’s take a closer look at why steam is so effective at killing microorganisms and where it’s used as the primary means of sanitation.

How Does Steam Kill Viruses?

Steam cleaning relies on high heat to eliminate viruses. The steam must be at least 175 degrees Fahrenheit to sanitize surfaces, and because hotter is better, it often goes to 212 degrees and above. The heat damages the structure of the organism to kill 99.9 percent of molds, viruses, and bacteria like E. coli, staph, and salmonella.

Steam is safe to use on any surface that can withstand heat. Not only does it sanitize and disinfect, it also helps remove dirt and grime. 

Applications Where Steam Sterilization Can Prevent the Spread of Viruses

Steam cleaning has applications in many industries as a sustainable, cost-effective way to ensure rooms and equipment are clean and sterilized. For many of these facilities, failure to sanitize completely can ruin entire batches of product, or it can put people’s lives at risk. There’s no room for error. These applications include:

• Commercial kitchens, especially countertops
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including tools, equipment, and production areas
• Cleanrooms
• Food and beverage manufacturing facilities
• Bakeries
• Garment care centers
• Breweries and wineries
• Hospitals and other medical facilities, for use on countertops, equipment and tools, beds, and hospital rooms

From floors to countertops, walls to specialty equipment, steam is an effective way to kill viruses and other microorganisms while removing dirt. 

A More Sustainable and Healthier Way to Kill Viruses

By using steam cleaning in your facility, you eliminate or greatly reduce the need for toxic chemical cleaners. Those harsh cleaners can be dangerous for the people who handle them, particularly if they are not diluted correctly or if they get mixed inappropriately, and they can leave vapors and residue that can affect anyone who uses the space after it has been cleaned. Traditional cleaning methods also leave floors wet and slippery, which can cause accidents. 

As an alternative, steam cleaning is every bit as effective as chemical cleaning, if not more so, and the only thing you need is water. It’s more cost-effective and safer for your employees and visitors. It dries almost immediately, so surfaces won’t be left dangerously wet.

It’s also better for the environment. With steam cleaning, there’s no groundwater contamination to worry about, and you’ll improve the air quality in your facility. Avoiding chemicals also means avoiding chemical packaging, so you’ll send fewer toxic containers to the landfill. Steam cleaning is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint while maintaining high standards for cleanliness in your facility. 

As a cost-effective solution, you’ll save money not only because you don’t have to buy expensive chemical cleaners, but also because steam cleaning requires less time and labor than traditional chemical cleaning. The steam finds its way into the cracks and crevices that may be hard to reach manually or that may be missed altogether during the manual cleaning process. Imagine how dirt and bacteria can build up in those small spaces over time if left unchecked.

Steam sanitation has long been relied upon by food producers, hospitals, garment care facilities, and more, as a way of ensuring cleanliness while saving money and reducing waste. At Electro-Steam, we specialize in industrial process steam generators and food safety sanitation systems. We have a wide range of standard solutions, and we can further customize them to meet your unique specifications. 

Since 1952, we’ve worked with a number of clients in diverse industries, and we’ve established ourselves as a leading provider of steam cleaning equipment. Contact us to learn more.

A Guide to the Different Types of Steam

Steam is water that has passed from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase. This process occurs when enough heat is applied to bring the water to its boiling point (i.e., enthalpy of vaporization). At this point, the hydrogen bonds keeping the H2O molecules joined together break down, allowing them to move more freely. These free molecules form steam.

Steam can be classified into two main types: dry steam and wet steam. These can be further divided into subtypes based on a variety of characteristics, such as quality (e.g., clean steam) and temperature (e.g., superheated steam). Since there are many types of steam and each type has distinct properties that make it suitable for different applications, some people may find it challenging to choose the one that best suits their needs. That’s why the experts at Electro-Steam have put together the following guide on the different types of steam. It outlines what they are, what benefits they offer, and what applications they are used in to help readers with the steam selection process. 

Dry Steam

Dry steam—also referred to as saturated steam—does not contain any water molecules in suspension. As a result, it holds almost no moisture (less than 0.5% commercially) and maintains a highly transparent appearance. It is produced by heating water in a pressure vessel or other closed chamber until it reaches vapor-liquid equilibrium. 

Benefits of Dry Steam

There are many benefits to using this type of steam. For example: 

• It is eco-friendly. Dry steam vapor is often used as a green cleaning alternative. It can be utilized to clean and sanitize surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals.

• It is less likely to cause corrosion. Due to its low moisture content, dry steam carries a smaller potential for corrosion.   

• It is sanitary. Dry steam can easily penetrate beneath surfaces and spread to hard-to-reach places, making it highly effective for cleaning and sanitation operations.
• It is safe. The pressure of dry steam is very low, which makes it much safer to use than pressurized hot water. 

Applications of Dry Steam

Dry steam finds use in a number of industrial and commercial applications. Typical facilities and locations where it is used for cleaning and sanitation operations include: 

• Car washes
• Commercial cleaning sites
• Food processing plants
• HVAC systems
• Kitchens
• Medical and pharmaceutical facilities
• Wineries and breweries

Clean Steam

Clean steam is a broad term used to refer to steam that is suitable for use in applications with high sanitation requirements (e.g., medical and pharmaceutical processes). The steam is processed and produced such that it does not contain any additives or unwanted materials that can contaminate the surfaces it touches. It must be able to generate condensate the meets the US Pharmacopoeia specifications for purified water. 

Benefits of Clean Steam

This type of steam offers the following benefits:

• It is suitable for sanitary environments. Due to its high purity level, clean steam is suitable for use in operations where it may come into contact with food, beverages, and other products that must remain uncontaminated. 

• It prevents the growth of microbes. Clean steam can be used to destroy microbes on surfaces without leaving behind any contaminants. 

Applications of Clean Steam

The high purity level of clean steam makes it suitable for use in the following facilities:

• Biopharma facilities
• Patient care and treatment centers
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing plants

Superheated Steam

Superheated steam refers to steam that has been heated to a temperature greater than its vaporization point for the given pressure. As a result, it can cool slightly without condensing back into a liquid. 

Benefits of Superheated Steam

Superheated steam has many beneficial properties that make it suitable for different applications. For example: 

• It is used in power generation operations due to its ability to carry large amounts of energy. 
• It is used for food processing operations due to its high heat transfer efficiency.
• It is used in biofilm disinfection operations due to its effectiveness at destroying microbes.

Applications of Superheated Steam

As indicated above, superheated steam is commonly used for the following applications: 

• Food processing
• Surface cleaning and sanitization

Learn More About Steam From the Experts at Electro-Steam

Want to learn more about the different types of steam and find the right steam source for your application? Ask the experts at Electro-Steam!  Equipped with over 60 years of steam equipment manufacturing experience, our team can answer and address any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, if you need steam equipment, we’ve got you covered! We offer a range of high-performance steam generators and steam cleaning equipment suitable for use in a wide range of industries and applications. If none of those suit your needs, we can build a custom solution tailored to your exact requirements and restrictions. 

Contact us today for more information about our equipment catalog and customization capabilities.