STEAM COILS
At HeatEX Technologies, we craft high-quality steam coils, recognized for their robustness, design versatility, and exceptional heat transfer capabilities. Our steam coils deliver dependable and effective solutions across a myriad of applications.
What are Steam Coils?
Steam coils are heat‑exchange coils that use steam instead of water to heat air in HVAC systems. They look similar to hot‑water coils but behave very differently because steam carries far more energy and changes phase (condenses) inside the coil.
They’re used anywhere you need fast, powerful, and controllable heat.
Process of a Steam coil
A steam coil is a fin‑and‑tube heat exchanger designed to receive steam, transfer its heat to air, and return condensate back to the steam system.
Inside the coil:
- Steam enters the tubes
- It condenses into water
- The phase change releases a large amount of heat
- Air blowing across the fins picks up that heat
This makes steam coils extremely effective heaters.
Types of Steam COils
There are multiple styles of steam coils.
Standard Steam Coils: which are one-pass, used to moderate temps, and are often simple and inexpensive.
Steam Distribution Coils (non-freeze coils): which are tube-within-tube design, steam flows through inner tube and outer tube, which prevents freezing in cold climates
High-pressure Steam Coils: which are used in industrial applications & heavy duty construction
Applications of Steam Coils
- Air Handling Units (AHUs): Steam coils are typically found in older or industrial buildings' AHUs, where they are used as a primary heating source, or as a preheat source warming cold outdoor air before it hits cooling coils.
- Makeup Air Units (MAUs): These units bring in only outdoor air, and the steam coil is used to prevent freezing, and heat large volumes of cold air.
- Industrial facilities: Factories, refineries, processing plants, and other facilities use steam coils to heat process air, drying ovens, ventilation air, and dehumidification systems.
- Hospitals, universities, and campuses: These places often have central steam plants, and the steam is distributed to the AHUs, reheat coils, and terminal units because steam distribution is efficient over long distances.
- Food & Pharmaceuticals & Launders: Steam coils provide clean, controllable heat for these industries that require sanitation, sterilization, and high airflow rates.
Steam Coils are known for their extremely high heat output (energy) because of latent heat of vaporization. They deliver heat instantaneously and are simple to control via valves. Their freeze resistant nature, and seamless integration into existing infrastructure make them a very useful product.
We manufacture steam coils to your specific size or performance. If you are looking for a steam coil, be sure to reach out!