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Tag Archive: electric steam generators

  1. Use of Steam Generators in Bakeries

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    Applications of Steam Generators in Bakeries

    Kitchen steam generators are a beneficial tool in a variety of establishments as a method of sanitizing equipment or efficiently preparing food. In particular, steam generators are popular, cost effective tools utilized by a significant number of OEM and bakery equipment suppliers. Bakers will commonly use steam injection on bread and rolls as they are baking, a technique that helps prevent the crust from cracking, and creates an attractive, glossy crust.

    To create the ideal final product, bakers must ensure they are utilizing high quality steam injection generators during the baking process. The quality of steam is determined by the volume of water droplets it contains. The lower the volume of water droplets, the higher the quality of the steam. Dry steam—that is, steam with no water droplets whatsoever—is considered the highest quality.

    When choosing a steam generator for baking, electric steam generators are often the ideal choice. There are several factors that make electric steam generators appealing for a bakery setting:

    • Size
    • Convenience
    • Control
    • Versatility

    As electric steam generators are quite small, they are easy to adapt to any sort of workspace and can fit into a variety of equipment. They do not require venting. Additionally, bakery equipment suppliers can plumb an electric steam generator directly to the oven, making it easier to provide high quality steam during the bake.

    You May Also Like: Food Service Steam for Bakery / Kettles / Industrial Kitchens

    Why Use Steam Generators in Bakeries?

    Kitchen steam generators have a number of benefits in a bakery setting. Unlike some other methods of cooking, steam is a consistent, reliable, and efficient way to operate the following equipment:

    Steam Generator for Bakery

    • Ovens
    • Proofers
    • Steamers
    • Kettles
    • Warmers
    • Steam Tables / Bain-Maries

    This amount of reliability is excellent in bakeries, where the final result depends so much on creating the correct cooking environment.

    Additionally, steam generators are immensely versatile. Depending on the type of steamer, it can be either modular or freestanding, and can vary in size. This makes it possible to seamlessly incorporate a steamer into an existing bakery setup, and limits the amount of extra energy necessary. In fact, steam injection generators can be specifically installed in a way that limits the amount of ambient heat that enters the kitchen. This saves yet more energy, and is an excellent, cost-effective option for any bakery wishing to utilize steam.

    At Electro-Steam, we provide high quality steam generators for commercial and industrial baking ovens. Our generators are highly efficient, producing 100% steam to ensure the best possible final product. They are suitable for any type of proof box, deck, or baking-type oven. Additionally, each of our units comes with an array of standard automatic features, such as safety valves and pressure and liquid level controllers.

    Many industry leading OEMs of bakery equipment and ovens trust us to provide them with dependable steam generators. We supply the highest quality steam systems, each unique to the oven and proof box specifications of our clients.

    High Quality Kitchen Steam Generators from Electro-Steam

    Since 1952, we have been one of the leading suppliers of food-grade steam generators for bakery and industrial kitchen use. With adjustable pressure controls from 0-100 PSI, our equipment is designed to be compatible with any type of OEM equipment that necessitates a steam generator. Learn more about our steam systems, or contact us today to work with us on your next project.

  2. Why Steam Generators Are Better Than Steam Boilers

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    When searching for a steam source solution for your business, you probably have come across two common systems that sound similar: electric steam generators and steam boilers. Although they both produce steam for a variety of uses, there are many differences between the two systems, especially with the way they operate. Understanding these differences and the design of both systems will help you determine the right one for your process needs.

    The Difference Between a Steam Generator and a Steam Boiler

    To better understand the differences between a steam generator and a steam boiler, take a closer look at each system and its operation specifics.

    What Is an Electric Steam Generator? How Does It Work?

    Electric Steam Generator

    Electric steam generators heat water to produce steam in a single vessel under forced pressure. A pump sends feedwater to the chamber containing submerged heating elements. Using this single pressurized chamber, incoming water is converted into steam when heated to boil under pressure.

    Steam generators are ideal for on-demand situations. They are smaller and easier to start up compared to steam boilers and, thus, may be used as auxiliary boilers. Generators usually do not have the same maximum capacity as fuel fired boilers, so they are best for applications that require point of use dry steam.

    What Is a Steam Boiler? How Does It Work?

    Steam boilers are large pressure vessels where water is heated to its boiling point via complex fuel systems. Two main types of steam boilers are fire-tube and water-tube boilers. In general, water is heated to its boiling point via the combustion of fuel blown through multiple tubes submerged in water. The heat produced during this process is then injected into the system as steam. Steam will then flow through pipes to the equipment being heated.

    Steam boilers are often used in comfort heating and maintaining industrial process temperatures.

    As we discussed above, the most notable differences between a steam generator and steam boiler include

    • Size
    • Operation
    • Application
    Why Steam Generators Are Better Than Steam Boilers
    Click to expand

    Why Use a Steam Generator Over a Steam Boiler?

    Many smaller processes that use steam do not need a large boiler. For those smaller processes, an easily portable steam generator would be the best tool for the job. A few of the top reasons to use an electric steam generator instead of a fuel fired steam boiler include:

    • Safety: Electric steam generators use no combustible fuel, therefore are not subject to major failures as fuel fired boilers are. Fossil fuel fired boilers can suffer failures from low conditions, poor water treatment, improper warm-up, pulling a vacuum, flame impingement, severe over-firing and even outright explosions.
    • Portability: Steam generators have a smaller design that allows them to be used when facilities have limited space. Electro-Steam’s small-scale generators are portable and do not require extensive installation, such as boiler rooms and long steam lines
    • Energy efficiency: Electric steam generators consume no energy while idle. When operational they only cycle when steam is needed. This is especially helpful in warmer months when full power may not be necessary. Fuel fired boilers require much more energy to run at full strength and, due to its larger design and extensive piping system, cannot easily be turned off and on and constantly burn fuel even when steam is not in demand
    • Quick start: A steam generator’s compact design, single chamber, and relatively lower water demand allow these systems to achieve rated output in only minutes from a cold start, as opposed to boilers that can take hours. This quick-start capability makes a steam generator ideal for emergencies and instances where steam may not be needed for lengthy periods of time, such as pilot plants, labs and process testing.
    • Cost: Installing a steam boiler system at your facility can be time-consuming and costly. Steam generators cost much less than a full-scale fuel fired boiler system, so they may work better for applications that do not require high levels of steam like those produced by boilers

    Contact Electro-Steam Today

    The winner of the steam generator vs. steam boiler debate will depend on the application and your facility’s energy production needs. We hope this short post will be helpful when deciding which system is right for you. Electro-Steam’s units are suited for both smaller steam required applications and large ones, in which boilers are used. If you have questions about or need information about our steam generators and steam boilers, contact Electro-Steam today. The Electro-Steam team will work with you to determine the system that will best fit your needs.

  3. The Importance of Steam Generator Systems in Commercial Humidification Applications

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    In the commercial sector, humidity has a profound effect on daily operations. For example, low relative humidity (RH) may cause illness or discomfort in employees, while fluctuating humidity may affect product or process quality in manufacturing operations. For these reasons, humidifier manufacturers have developed commercial humidification systems to help companies maintain proper humidity levels in their facilities.

    Below we provide an overview of commercial steam humidifiers, including some of the advantages of using them and examples of typical applications.

    Why Use Steam for Commercial Humidification?

    By using steam humidification systems in their commercial facilities, industry professionals experience the following benefits:

    Better Indoor Air Quality

    Indoor air quality is significantly improved when the RH is between 40–60%. At these levels, both the presence of airborne bacteria and viruses and the development of fungi, mites, and ozone are reduced. As a result, the occurrence of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms among employees is much lower.

    Greater Employee Comfort

    Humidification for Industrial Use

    Drier air forces the human body to give up moisture. As moisture transfers from areas of higher humidity (the human body) to areas of lower humidity (the surrounding environment), the object losing the moisture (the employee) feels colder. Adding moisture into the workspace, slows the rate of evaporation, making employees feel warmer without increasing the actual temperature.

    Higher Manufacturing Process Quality

    In manufacturing operations, humidity is critical to the performance of production equipment and systems. As any changes in humidity can significantly affect how certain materials react and interact, it is important to maintain consistent levels to ensure the finished parts demonstrate the same dimensions and quality from batch to batch. A humidification system helps achieve this goal.

    Commercial Applications of Humidification Systems

    Humidification systems find use in many commercial applications, including the following:

    Wood Shaping

    In wood shaping operations, steam generators are often used to soften and increase the pliability of materials. The wood can then be bent and shaped into musical instruments and other wood products.

    Material Curing

    Numerous compounds, including adhesives, coatings, concrete, and fabric, rely on humidity to cure properly. Additionally, some materials continue to absorb and release moisture even after they are cured. For the latter, low RH levels can cause shrinkage that results in gapping, loss of structural integrity, and other damage. The use of a humidification system ensures materials cure properly and retain their shape and strength.

    Crop Storage

    Once harvested, crops are temporarily stored before they are distributed to retailers and consumers. Storage operations often involve rapidly cooling the harvest to between 2–4° C to ensure it maintains its freshness. However, some products may experience damage during the cooling process. One solution industry professionals employ is introducing moisture during the chill down stage to prevent the crops from losing moisture while they are stored.

    Hospital Maintenance

    In hospitals, different rooms have different humidity requirements depending on their purpose. Steam humidification systems allow hospital personnel to ensure each location maintains the proper humidity levels for their given application.

    Electro-Steam Steam Generators for Humidification

    Steam generators are an ideal solution for a wide range of commercial humidification applications. For all your humidification needs, turn to the experts at Electro-Steam.

    At Electro-Steam, we offer an extensive selection of steam generator units suitable for supplying moisture to commercial facilities, including:

    For additional information about our steam generators and how they can benefit your commercial application, contact us today.

  4. Why Electric Steam Generators Are Better Than Dual-Fuel Generators

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    There are many advantages to electric steam generators. They offer substantial power combined with easy installation and simple use, making them appealing for a variety of different environments and applications. Electric steam generators are also quiet, clean, and relatively small in size compared to dual-fuel generators. Since they don’t require flammable fuel, there’s less mess, no exhaust, no need for flues or long piping runs from boiler rooms as these units, in most cases, can be installed close or next to the point of use.

    What Are Electric Steam Generators Used For?

    Electric steam generators are highly versatile and can be used in any application that requires a reliable source of process steam or even clean steam. Many different industries utilize electric steam generators for their cost-effectiveness, reliability and inherent safety. Electric boilers also use significantly less water than other systems and require zero treatment chemicals – without sacrificing power or performance.

    Low Pressure Electric Steam Generator

    Potential applications for electric steam generators may include:

    Electric Steam Generators vs. Dual-Fuel Generators

    When it comes to choosing a generator, not all options are created equal. Dual-fuel generators have quite a few disadvantages that often make them a less preferable choice when compared to electric steam generators.

    For example, dual-fuel generators require significantly more maintenance and have much shorter lifespans. This leads to negative financial impacts in the form of downtime, maintenance and replacement costs. Dual-fuel generators are also fairly large. This makes them less versatile, as they require installation in a boiler room and take up a great deal of floor space.

    Additionally, dual-fuel generators aren’t always reliable even when they’re functioning at their best. These machines run fossil fuel sources that may be reduced or disrupted due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances. Natural gas and other flammable fuels emit carbon dioxide and can be explosive, so regular fuel line inspection and maintenance is typically required. Electric steam generators emit no CO2 or other gasses except water vapor.

    Advantages of Electric Steam Generators

    In contrast to dual-fuel generators, electric steam generators have a great many advantages that make them an ideal choice for a number of different applications. Some of these benefits include:

    • Electric steam generators offer a relatively environmentally friendly option in comparison with dual-fuel generators. In fact, electric steam generators are 98% efficient and emit no pollutants at the reduction of use. The efficiency results in a conservation of water and energy, which makes electric steam generators both green and budget-friendly.
    • Electric steam generators provide either low (0-15 psi) or high pressure (0-100 psi or higher) dry steam in less than 15 minutes from cold startup. Since they do not use fuel and don’t require any type of fuel storage, electric steam generators are also smaller than dual-fuel generators.
    • Electric steam generators are ultimately safer than dual-fuel generators because they do not make use of potentially explosive fuel.

    Quality Solutions at Electro-Steam

    Every one of Electro-Steam’s pressure vessels is made in-house. These units are available in multiple configurations, giving users the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’ve selected the right tool for the job.

    No matter what type of industry you work in, Electro-Steam can provide safe, efficient, and high-quality electric steam generators. We have satisfied customers around the world with generators designed for a wide variety of custom applications, from cleaning on offshore oil rigs to offloading trucks and thawing railcars.

    We can provide a targeted solution for any unique need. If you feel that none of the equipment on our website will address your operational challenges, that doesn’t mean we can’t provide a solution. Contact us or request a quote at any time to speak with one of our application specialists and find out how we can meet your needs.

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