Steam is something that we’re all familiar with. However, you may think of it only as occurring after a hot bath or while you’re cooking. The truth is that steam is a valuable resource that can be utilized to power various technologies that are used each day. Here are just 4 technologies that use steam as a major component.
Steam Turbine
When it comes to generating power for cities throughout the globe, steam turbine technology is one of the most popular generation techniques. In fact, it makes up about 88 percent of the total electricity generation within the United States. Nuclear power plants even rely solely on the use of steam turbines to generate their power. This power generation technology is more efficient and environmentally-friendly than other methods.
Steam Engines
We’ve all seen the wild west movies of the past where there have been steam engines skyrocketing down the track with their whistle blowing. The steam engine is popularly used in trains, steamboats, and factories. They’re very distinctive with various steam pressure vessels that enhance boiler efficiency. Steam engines are what drove the industrial revolution and continue to drive the industrial manufacturing sector today.
Steam-Driven Pumps
Steam is a great source of technology that can be utilized to drive a number of pumps. These are used in sectors like the mining business, where pumps are constantly needed to remove water from the deep mines throughout the day. By running the pumps on steam, workers don’t have to worry about bringing other types of fuels on-site, such as gasoline or kerosene.
Steam Radiators
Radiators have been around since the mid-19th century. Originally installed in upper-class homes and industrial settings, they soon became a must-have for homeowners. While there are many different fuels a radiator can utilize, steam has become one of the most popular. Steam systems use the natural heat from the water to emit heat throughout various rooms in a house.
Steam technology is nothing new. It’s been around for a couple of centuries and incorporated into many different technologies. Some of the most popular, like the steam engine, are even the backbone that pushed forth the industrial revolution and turned America into what it currently is today. Due to its high efficiency and low CO2 emission, steam is one of those energy technologies that will be sticking around for a long time.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends looking into steam pressure vessels. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
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