Steam General Information Steam cleaning is frequently done manually. Steam generation equipment can be portable, allowing cleaning at various locations, inside or outside a plant. Steam cleaning is a good process for infrequent cleaning of large objects. If production rates do not justify purchasing a spray system, a steam system may be a good alternative. Alkaline cleaners can be added to the steam to increase its effectiveness. Chemical concentrations may be lower than those required for immersion equipment. High silicate cleaners may cause scale buildup in the cleaning equipment. Steam cleaning is good for removal of heavy soil. It may be a good preliminary process for reducing soil loading in a wash tank. Steam cleaning works well for both fluid and particle removal. It is good for removing heavy oil and grease loads. One major aerospace company uses steam cleaning in its electric motor rebuilding shop. [from Allied Signal] State Information | Glossary | Conversion Checklist | Comments Home | Process Advisor | Alternatives | Links | Search All SAGE material, Copyright© 1992, Research Triangle Institute Last Update: 29 May 2001 sage@rti.org http://clean.rti.org/alt.cfm?id=st&cat=gi