Low Pressure Steam Vs High Pressure Steam

Steam boilers can be broadly divided into high-pressure and low-pressure.

This article explains the key differences between high-pressure and low-pressure boilers. We’ll also consider when you might prefer a low-pressure steam boiler and when high-pressure steam boilers are required.

Finally, we’ll review some of the cutting-edge design features that make the most advanced modern boilers safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly than ever before.

Low-Pressure Steam

Low-pressure boilers operate at a lower pressure and reach lower temperatures than high-pressure steam boilers. Water in low-pressure boilers is not heated beyond 250ºF, and the steam pressure does not exceed 15 psi (pounds per square inch).

Low-pressure steam can be more economical to produce than high-pressure steam, as it requires less energy to create and does not lead to as much wear and tear on components.

Low-pressure steam boilers heat and provide hot water to hospitals, university campuses, office buildings, and multi-family dwellings. Low-pressure boilers can also provide steam used directly in a limited number of small-scale industrial processes.

Some state regulations offer reduced boiler operator requirements for boilers operating under the 15 psi, which is beneficial to some companies.

High-Pressure Steam

High-pressure steam boilers create steam at above 15 psi. In practice, industrial high-pressure boilers often operate at hundreds of psi. They also operate at considerably higher temperatures than low-pressure boilers.

High-pressure steam boilers are essential for providing higher energy transfer to down-stream point-of-use equipment. High-pressure steam is also used directly in industrial processes such as vulcanizing rubber, food processing, and manufacturing other goods.

High-pressure boilers may be used to produce constant steam or batch loads of steam, as required.

Miura’s Low-Pressure and High-Pressure Boilers

Miura offers both low- and high-pressure steam boilers. Let’s take a look at our two boiler series — the EX and the LX.

EX Boiler Series

The Miura EX Dual Fuel Steam Boiler is a remarkably fuel-efficient and versatile industrial steam boiler that comes in gas and oil fuel options.

Miura designed these high-pressure boilers with fuel efficiency in mind. EX boilers are capable of going from cold start to full steam output in under five minutes. The quick-start capability ensures that less water and fuel are used, which translates into more economical operation.

Rapid steam generation means less fuel waste and fewer emissions, which is why the EX is also more environmentally friendly than conventional firetube boilers.

Its low water volume design enhances the efficiency of the EX Series. Low water volume boilers reduce space required, reduces the amount of stored energy, and reduces water wasted during startup and shutdown. It is more cost-effective and better for the environment.

LX Boiler Series

The LX Series is the high-performance, low NOx gas-fired industrial boiler that ticks all the boxes.

Miura LX Series boilers are available in low-pressure and high-pressure models, ensuring you can select a boiler built to meet your specific requirements. The LX is available in 15, 170, or 300 MAWP. MAWP, short for “Maximum Allowable Working Pressure,” refers to a boiler’s “safe” working pressure. Miura boilers contain a safety valve that opens and releases steam when the pressure reaches 90%. For boilers rated for 15, 170, 300 MAWP, that means that the valve would open when it hits psi of 13, 153, and 270.

The LX series combines a compact design with high performance. The LX series features a low water content design that enables it to go from cold start to producing steam in less than five minutes. That translates into a boiler that uses less fuel, is more efficient to run, and emits less NOx.

The highly efficient design means that LX Series boilers will ensure your company meets or exceeds local environmental regulations.

LX Series boilers are designed for maximum safety. Incorporating a ‘floating header’ design reduces stress and eliminates the likelihood of catastrophic thermal shock.

The combination of high efficiency, sustainability, safety, and reliability explains why companies seeking performance and cost-effectiveness prefer Miura LX Series boilers.

Learn More About Miura Steam Boilers

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