Aerospace Industry
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Clayton Industries Supports the Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is one that is highly diversified, and the uses for steam for aircraft and spacecraft are as varied the industry itself.
A common use of steam in the aircraft industry is the fabrication 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 testing and are utilized for both civilian and military applications.
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.
Key Benefits
Precision Control
Clayton Industries offers an unparalleled level of control over its production of steam, guaranteeing the ideal levels of temperature, pressure, and moisture every time.
Quick Start
Clayton Generators can go from a cold start to full steam output in five to ten minutes, eliminating the costs associated with leaving a boiler on standby.
High Pressure Steam
Our steam boilers are capable of delivering pressures up to 3,000 PSI, no matter what your application is, Clayton has a solution tailored to the aerospace industry.
Featured Case Study
Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Clayton Steam Generator
1. FUEL EFFICIENT:
The Clayton design produces higher fuel-to-steam efficiency, even when operated lower than the full firing rate.
2. COMPACT SIZE:
Clayton Steam Generators require only 1/3 the floor space of traditional boilers.
3. FAST START-UP:
The Clayton Steam Generator can go from cold to full steam in less than 10 minutes.
4. QUALITY STEAM:
The fixed-vane steam separator yields the driest saturated steam available in the industry today — typically less then
0.5% at all loads.
Frequently Asked Question's
Industrial steam boilers supply steam for aircraft panel manufacturing, turbine testing, paint adhesion processes, and rocket engine test facilities. Each application requires steam conditions suited to its manufacturing or testing process.
Start by defining the required steam pressure, temperature, flow rate, and operating schedule. Also consider available floor space, utilities, and water treatment needs. Share these requirements with Clayton’s team so the proposed system can be matched to your equipment and production demands.
Clayton’s steam generators use a forced-flow water-tube coil design, with controlled water flow and a mechanical steam separator. This provides a compact alternative to traditional firetube boilers. For aerospace facilities, the choice should reflect available space, steam requirements, and the production or testing schedule.
Steam quality affects how consistently a system delivers heat. Excess moisture can reduce useful heat delivery and interfere with process performance. Specifying the required steam dryness, pressure, and purity helps ensure the steam supply meets the needs of the equipment and application.
Match steam production to operating schedules and avoid unnecessary standby operation where the process allows. Boiler selection, heat-transfer efficiency, preventive maintenance, and feedwater treatment also deserve attention. Review these factors against the facility’s actual steam demand when comparing operating costs.
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