The Industrial Revolution began with the advent of steam engines in the 1760s. For hundreds of years, steam remained a go-to source of power. It wasn’t until the 19th century that gas, diesel and electricity became popular. However, while it’s not so obvious, steam still plays a significant role in modern manufacturing. Today, it helps power industries like chemicals, food, textiles, transport, medicine and more.

Steam is a valuable commodity because it offers the potential for heat, energy and pressure transfer applications. Moreover, its broad usage means it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Steam — Why It’s Useful to This Day

Steam is nothing more than water as a gas or in gaseous form — vapor.

To create steam, a generator or boiler rapidly heats water. Since water is inexpensive and accessible, depending on location, so is steam. It’s also environmentally safe to use and poses no hazards to humans beyond the extreme heat. Steam is also sterile, so it’s excellent for use in medical and food applications.

A boiler rapidly heats water to produce steam. As it does, the vapors build up energy and pressure within. Once it reaches a certain temperature threshold, the water evaporates — creating steam, which has lots of stored energy. Moreover, the pressure building inside the boiler raises the temperature of its contents, leading to reliable heat transfer and a higher potential for energy delivery.

At this point, a system can redistribute the steam to transfer its energy in varying forms. Controlling the steam is what powers operations. Thermal power stations produce energy by moving components like turbines. In medicine, steam systems sterilize equipment through direct exposure.

Steam Is Everywhere

You'll be amazed at what requires steam today. Food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, textiles and modern power are a few examples. Steam is so formative that it’s estimated the New York steam systems affect 2.5 to 3 million people. That’s one major metropolitan area. Imagine how it’s applied on a grand scale across the country or the entire world.

The benefits of steam make it an ideal option for various solutions. It moves naturally within a system as the pressure rises or lowers, so no extra pumps or equipment are necessary. The relationship between pressure and temperature makes it simple and effective to control. For instance, a system only needs to regulate the pressure to raise or lower temps. Steam is efficient and economical, making it easy to apply to new situations.

There Are Different Types of Steam in Use Today

Not all steam is created equal. Several types of steam are used in modern applications, including wet, dry and superheated. They have varying properties. Wet steam contains water molecules that don’t vaporize and is formed as droplets or mist, while dry steam remains in a gaseous form and has no liquids present. Superheated steam is maintained at higher temperatures than the boiling point of its liquid.

They also have separate functions. For example, superheated steam is used in culinary and food processes. The high temperatures can sterilize surfaces or offer an indirect form of heating.

Above all, steam is recyclable. Steam operators can reuse solutions or apply them to numerous applications. Consider using steam's natural flow to power turbines while also heating components at high temperatures. It’s cheap and versatile.

Steam Will Likely Never Be Obsolete

Compared to most technologies, steam-powered solutions stand the test of time. Although the technology has advanced and is seeing wider applications, many systems borrow the same designs used for hundreds of years. Piping, valves and pressure systems are the primary drivers of steam, which is relatively cheap to produce. Moreover, water is the main source and is openly available.

These factors make steam favorable for many operations. That will remain true for years to come.