Steam clouds are not just an aesthetic issue – they are a sign you’re losing money.
In many industrial plants, especially where steam is used in production processes, you can often see clouds of steam rising into the air. These are frequently treated as a natural part of the process – an unavoidable “side effect” of plant operation. In reality, they are a clear signal that the plant is losing valuable energy – and generating unnecessary costs.
What do steam clouds mean?
Visible steam is most often so-called flash steam, which forms when hot condensate (often above 100°C) enters a vessel at lower pressure or is discharged into the atmosphere. In practice, this means:
losing up to 30% of the energy originally contained in the steam,
worsening working conditions in the production hall (humidity, discomfort, slippery floors),
creating risks of icing or algae growth near drains – an occupational health and safety hazard,
increasing fuel consumption and production costs.
How to prevent this? ZETKAMA solutions for energy recovery and safety
As one of the leading manufacturers of industrial valves, ZETKAMA offers solutions that enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective control of steam and condensate flow, while also recovering valuable heat.
Check valves and safety valves – safe energy circulation
High-quality ZETKAMA safety and check valves ensure controlled discharge of excess steam while protecting installations against overpressure. Their thoughtful design helps minimize uncontrolled steam emissions.
➡ For the customer, this means greater safety and reduced energy losses.
Condensate recovery systems – heat that returns to the cycle
By using ZETKAMA valves and devices, you can build an efficient condensate recovery system in which hot condensate is returned to the boiler or reused for heating process water.
➡ For the customer, this means real fuel savings and a higher return on investment.
Benefits for your plant
✅ Lower fuel and energy costs
✅ Improved working conditions (less humidity and fogging)
✅ Increased safety – fewer slips, lower risk of failures
✅ Environmentally responsible resource management
✅ Extended lifetime of the installation
ZETKAMA supports the sustainable growth of your plant
Our valves, butterfly valves, and fittings are more than just pipeline components – they are tools for conscious energy management. With the right design solutions and technical consultancy, we help our customers regain control over energy losses and reduce operating costs.
Want to know how heat recovery can work in your plant?
Contact our technical advisor – we’ll help you choose the best solutions for your installation:
Service Manager
📞 +48 606 846 919
📧 p.mazur@zetkama.com