The aerospace industry is one that is highly diversified, and the uses for steam in components for aircraft and spacecraft as varied as the industry itself
A common use of steam in the aircraft includes fabrication of the panels that line the interiors of passenger airplanes. These panels need to be lightweight, but without sacrificing strength, which has led to the industry standard of a “honeycomb” design, the fabrication of which utilizes steam to heat the materials in order to mold them to this design.
High pressure steam is also used to test the turbines of aircraft engines. This is done by diverting steam into the turbine blades, rotating the blades and simulating in flight motion, allowing for testing of construction and balance, prior to installation. Steam is also used to ensure proper paint adhesion on aircraft components, especially exterior facing parts. Steam provides proper temperature and humidity during the process, which ensures a proper coating.
Perhaps the most interesting, and unique use for steam in the aerospace industry is for the testing of rockets and their engines. Steam run through an ejector will cause a vacuum, and this vacuum can be made to simulate the conditions of space. Once the low, or zero atmospheric conditions are created, rocket engines can be test fired to study its performance in low atmosphere and outer space itself. These simulations are extremely useful for industry and are carried out on both civilian and military vehicles.
Clayton Steam Generators are available in low, medium and high pressure designs, up to 3,000 psi. With its fast start and high quality steam, Clayton’s boilers bring all of the benefits and performance that the aerospace industry has come to pride itself on.