Work out steam consumption instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Steam gives up its latent heat when it condenses, so consumption is the process load divided by latent heat, uplifted for heat transfer losses. Every pound of steam returns a pound of condensate, and one boiler horsepower is defined as 34.5 lb/h of steam from and at 212 °F.
Steam demand
lb/h = load BTU/h / (latent heat x efficiency)
Boiler horsepower
BHP = lb/h / 34.5
lb/h = load BTU/h / (latent heat x efficiency). Steam gives up its latent heat when it condenses, so consumption is the process load divided by latent heat, uplifted for heat transfer losses.
At higher pressure more of the total enthalpy is sensible heat in the liquid, so less latent heat is available per pound and steam consumption for a given duty rises.
This calculator takes 3 inputs: Process heat load, Latent heat of steam, Heat transfer efficiency. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.