In the production system of the laundry factory, steam is one of the core energy sources. Whether they are ironers, dryers, tunnel washers, industrial washers, or the heating system of washing machine, a stable and clean steam system is essential. However, in daily operations, many operators and equipment managers usually focus more on problems like steam pressure, temperature, and gas consumption, thus easily ignore the filter process of steam pipes. In many plants, steam pipes which aren’t filtered for a long time result in regular equipment bugs, unstable linen quality, and high maintenance cost.
So, do laundry factories need to install filters for steam pipes? What are the practical benefits of using them? And how to choose and install correctly? In this article, all the above will be introduced in detail.
Necessity of installation
Firstly, it is clear that laundry factories have to install filters for steam pipes. The earlier you install and standardize, the less worry you will be in the future. In the process of production and transport, steam will carry various impurities, especially rust caused by boiler working, oxidized layer peeling off inside the pipes, welding slag from construction, scale formed by long-term operation, silt and condensate impurities. Although the impurities are small, they will directly affect the production safety, equipment life, and linen quality after going into the equipment with high temperature and pressure steam. So, the steam filter cannot be ignored. It is the basis for the stable operation of laundry factories.
Benefits of installation
There are two major benefits of installing filters for steam pipes.
● Protect the washing machine, extend its life, and lower its maintenance costs
Machines like ironers, dryers, and steam irons have delicate inner structure. Key components like valve cores, drain valves, heat exchangers, and solenoid valves have a high standard for steam cleanness. If steam is mixed with rust, welding slag, and scale, the internal pipeline and valve core will be damaged, causing a stuck valve, uneven steam flow rate, and weak heat exchange efficiency. Severely, it will cause blocked heat exchangers, broken drain valves, leaking air and even equipment repair. Steam filters can effectively prevent various solid impurities from entering the internal equipment, reduce breakdown, repair rate, and replacing cost at the source, making it more stable and lasting.
● Improve linen washing quality, avoid stains, and ensure product quality
Clean linen directly affected by the steam quality is the core product of a laundry. In the process of ironing and drying, impurities(rust, dust, and oil stains) carried by unfiltered steam adhere to the surface of linen. It causes problems like yellow spots, black dots, gray stains, and marks. This will affect linen appearance, reduce customer satisfaction, even affect the rework and compensation of linen, and company’s reputation. Through filtering, steam has a higher cleanness and no solid impurities. This ensures that the linen isn’t secondary polluted in the high-temperature ironing process and is whiter, flatter, and cleaner. It effectively improves the washing quality and pass rate, providing more stable and reliable services for hotels, hospitals, and restaurants.
Methods of installation
After knowing the importance of installation, laundry factories need to choose the correct filter types and installation methods to maximize the effect.
● Filter types
Choose the right filter types according to the parameters such as diameter, rated pressure, working temperature, and steam flow rate. Currently, the Y-filter and T-filter are mainly used in laundry factories. The Y-filter has a simple structure, small size, easy installation, low resistance, and convenient maintenance. It can meet the regular needs of many laundry factories and has high cost performance. It is the most popular choice in the industry. T-filter has a bigger filter area and higher precision, which can be suitable for sites with high steam cleanness. But for ordinary factories, the Y-filter is fully enough without extra investment. When choosing, factories should pay attention to the filter materials. Generally, they can choose stainless steel filters which are heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, not easy to clog and have a longer life.
● Installation location
Filters cannot be installed on pipelines randomly. Its location directly affects the filter effect and later maintenance. In principle, filters should be installed at the front end of the equipment, that is in front of the steam inlet of ironer, dryer, and ironing table, etc., as close as possible to it to ensure the steam is being filtered. Installation location should be convenient for operation, disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance, avoiding narrow, hidden, or hard-to-maintain places. When installing, it is necessary to strictly follow the flow direction of filter. Otherwise, it will fail to filter and cause an increase in pipeline resistance and poor steam flow.
In addition, factories should regularly check, drain, and clean filters in daily use to prevent the mesh from clogging. If not, it may lead to insufficient steam flow, declining pressure, and affect production efficiency. Only by probable choice, standardized installation, and regular maintenance can filters play their role, ensuring the stable production of laundry factories.
Conclusion
Steam filter is important in spite of its small size. It is a key component for protecting equipment, improving quality, and lowering cost. It also reflects the standardized management in the laundry. For any laundry companies that focus on long-term operation, equipment life, and linen quality, filters for steam pipelines are indispensable.
Q&A
Q1: Does Kingstar Automation have any other heating methods besides steam heating?
A1: Yes, there is gas heating. Kingstar Automation is the leading brand of (low) steam washing equipment.
Q2: Which equipment of Kingstar Automation can use gas heating now?
A2: There are Direct-Fired Tumble Dryers, Direct-Fired Chest Ironers, and Gas Heating Industrial Dryers.
Q3: Which one is more cost-effective, gas or steam?
A3: It depends on the unit prices of steam and gas in each place. If necessary, please provide the specific prices, and we will calculate for you.
Post time: May-01-2026