You see steam. We see...

Steam is familiar in nature and part of life every day.
Yet this extraordinary fluid is a high efficiency, mission-critical tool for diverse and important industries, and increasingly relevant as part of our sustainable future. Steam is too small a word for it. This is Natural Technology.

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WHY STEAM IS NATURAL TECHNOLOGY

ESSENTIAL
MANY IMPORTANT INDUSTRIES DEPEND ON IT

Every day Natural Technology helps keep us safe and the energy flowing.

Food

Beverage

Hospitals and Health

Oil and Gas

Chemicals

Pharmaceutical

Original Equipment Manufacturers

Power Generation

VERSATILE
WHY STEAM IS THE PREFERRED CHOICE

Every day Natural Technology helps with a variety of applications and uses.

  • Electrical power generation
  • Humidification
  • Sterilization
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Cooling/refrigeration

POWERFUL
CAPABILITIES NO OTHER FLUID CAN MATCH

energy

High energy density

Enabling effective transfer of large quantities of energy

easy control

Precise temperature control

Easy management of steam temperature through pressure control

Smaller Infrastructure

Smaller infrastructure

Minimize valuable process space

Flows Naturally

Flows naturally

Without the need for pumps

Efficient Heat transfer

Efficient Heat transfer

Can be applied onto heating surfaces or directly onto product

Natural Water Cycle

Natural Water Cycle

Leaves only water for recovery and reuse

LIFE DEPENDS ON IT

Steam lets us live on Earth.

The steam and condensate loop emulates the water cycle, which controls planetary temperature and provides hydration for all life.



Steam lets us leave Earth.

The Saturn V rocket used two of the biggest steam engines ever made.

NATURAL TECHNOLOGY,
INCREASINGLY SUSTAINABLE

STEAM - THE TRANSITION TO GREENER TECHNOLOGIES

More and more industries and organisations are recognizing steam as the Natural Technology that fits with their sustainability agendas. With new steam generation technologies, we're on a path towards carbon-free steam generation.

more likely to invest in greener steam technology following Covid-19.

% of survey respondents, Source: Aggreko Report (March 2021)

of all the UK's industrial heating is achieved by steam systems. Since 73% of the UK's total energy demand is for heat, raising the efficiency of steam generation will make a huge sustainability impact long-term.

% of survey respondents, Source: Aggreko Report (March 2021)

immediate energy savings through better maintenance and low-cost improvements of steam systems.

% of survey respondents, Source: Aggreko Report (March 2021)

FUTURE READY, NOW

NATURAL TECHNOLOGY FOR TODAY'S WORLD

Industrial scale solutions are already in operation to generate steam in cleaner, more sustainable ways.

RENEWABLE, ELECTRIC STEAM

Carbon-free, emission-free, and 100% renewable steam. Higher capacity users in commercial and industrial sectors are able to decarbonize their steam generation today, thanks to the power of electric systems. Such systems align well with the portfolio of solutions driving progressive companies towards a truly sustainable business.
When coupled with 100% renewable power sources, such as hydroelectric, PV solar and wind, electric steam generators and boilers are capable of 1 to 20 tonnes of steam production with no emission or carbon generation. They are capable of converting renewable electricity into steam at 97% energy conversion efficiency.

BIOMASS STEAM BOILERS

Steam can be generated from combustion of organic waste materials such as olive pulp, rice husks and palm kernel shells created from various manufacturing processes. Biomass can be used to generate electrical energy as well as heat, when used in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. The reduction of organic waste and the utilization of biomass, helps to improve environmental sustainability and lower energy bills.

...AND TOMORROW'S

Rapidly advancing technology will deliver on the promise of zero carbon steam generation.

THERMAL STORAGE

ZERO EMISSION STEAM

STEAM FROM HYDROGEN

HYDROGEN’S ROLE IN DECARBONISATION

STEAM GENERATING BOILERS

NET ZERO HYDROGEN POWER

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

STEAM'S ROLE IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

THERMAL STORAGE

ZERO EMISSION STEAM

THERMAL STORAGE

Thermal storage offer a sustainable steam generation alternative, harnessing renewable electricity which is stored as thermal energy, enabling release of steam on demand for an array of industrial applications. Each thermal battery has an expected thermal efficiency of above 90%, a lifespan of 20+ years with minimal maintenance and no loss of performance. An exciting pathway to zero emission steam.

STEAM FROM HYDROGEN

HYDROGEN’S ROLE IN DECARBONISATION

STEAM FROM HYDROGEN

With a 2030 target of 10m tonnes per year, green hydrogen plays a big part in the transition to a lower carbon economy as steam can be generated without producing carbon dioxide alongside it. Watch this video to learn more.

STEAM GENERATING BOILERS

NET ZERO HYDROGEN POWER

STEAM GENERATING BOILERS

While burning natural gas generates approximately 10% carbon, burning hydrogen generates no carbon emissions. Hydrogen-only energy centres are developed specifically to support the UK Government’s target of net zero by 2050.
This technology is well suited to boilers for steam generation. The hydrogen infrastructure requires further development, but there is no cost premium for a zero carbon hydrogen-ready burner for steam generation at scale. The technology has also demonstrated a 10% reduction in flue gas volumes, meaning significantly improved boiler efficiency.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

STEAM'S ROLE IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

With its outstanding thermophysical properties, the possibilities for steam continue to grow.
In this video discover why Professor Hussam Jouhara of Brunel University sees the exciting potential for steam to help create a better tomorrow.

GET IN TOUCH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NATURAL TECHNOLOGY

SHOWCASE: DIGITALIZATION

Remote monitoring and control of steam systems will play a key role in steam's sustainability journey.
In place of inefficient reactive responses to problems, digitalization brings early alerts, predictability and rapid problem-solving, with new levels of control for customers.

Greater efficiency

Problems are detected and acted on immediately, before more severe issues arise.

Extension of product life

Early problem detection means smarter maintenance and repairs.

Carbon savings

Optimized steam systems result in a saving as energy emissions are reduced.

Process gains

Sub-optimal system detection enables improved process productivity.

EXPLORE NATURAL
TECHNOLOGY WITH THE EXPERTS

COME AND WORK WITH NATURAL TECHNOLOGY

Spirax Sarco and Gestra are world leaders in advanced products for the precise control and efficient use of Natural Technology. Let's talk about the future today.

We're always looking for the brightest engineering minds to help us realise the full potential of Natural Technology.

FIND OUT MORE HERE