prosessihöyryn

Prosessihöyry, also known as process steam, is a type of steam specifically generated and utilized within industrial processes. It differs from regular steam in that its primary purpose is not direct heating or power generation, but rather to act as a reactant, a carrier medium, or to provide necessary physical conditions for manufacturing. Industries such as chemical production, food processing, and pharmaceuticals frequently employ process steam.

The generation of process steam typically occurs in a boiler designed to meet the specific pressure and temperature requirements of the intended application. Unlike steam used for electricity generation, process steam may be extracted at various stages of expansion from a turbine, meaning it might not be at the highest pressure or temperature. Its quality, such as dryness or purity, is also a critical factor, as contaminants can negatively impact sensitive industrial operations or finished products.

Common applications for process steam include driving chemical reactions, sterilizing equipment and products, humidifying air in controlled environments, and as a heat transfer fluid in specific heat exchangers where its latent heat of vaporization is beneficial. In some cases, it can also be used for cleaning or as a motive force in mechanical operations. The efficient use and recovery of process steam are important for optimizing energy consumption in industrial settings.