Steam Services

Plant Supervisor:  Gary F. Horton, gfh105@nw.opp.psu.edu

Distribution Supervisor:  John F. Molnar, jfm12@nw.opp.psu.edu

The main function of the plant is to furnish steam to the campus for heating, cooling, and processing. Steam supply to the campus is at 13.0 and 150 to 190 psi. (Processing includes such uses as energy for cooking, experimental work, and laundry.)

Generation of electricity is a cogeneration feature of the plant. The amount of generated electricity is proportional to the demand for the 13.0 psig low-pressure steam, or approximately 6% of the campus electrical demand in one year.

Compressed air is produced at both steam plants for use in buildings with pneumatic controls for heating and cooling systems. All compressed air furnished to campus is filtered and dried to -40 degree fahrenheit dew point. This is considered to be Lab quality air.

Condensate is returned to the West Campus Plant at an average rate of 75% returned. The condensate is put through polishing softeners before returning to the boiler Feedwater System. Twenty-five percent of the boiler feedwater is made up by campus water or borough water going through ion exchange make up softeners then through the EDR System.

Plant operators oversee the plant operations on a daily basis, 7 days a week, 365 days year 24 hours a day.

Fact Sheet