Tea is one of the most consumed beverages globally and has been consumed in India in its many types for centuries. The tea industry uses steam boilers since making tea requires steam to get the desired results. Asia leads the world in tea production with India, Sri Lanka, and China as the most productive countries. African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are notable producers.

Steps in Tea Processing

By ensuring that the leaves retain the correct moisture content and temperature the fungal growth on the leaves can be avoided. Two key processes requiring steam are withering and drying:

• Withering

Withering is a process of affair by removal of partial moisture in the tea leaves when brought from plantations. This is, perhaps, the most time and energy-consuming stage, which requires approximately 50% of steam boilers' thermal energy and 40% of the factory’s electrical energy.

• Drying:

Following withering, the drying process eliminates the remaining moisture. When tea leaves are fermented, the tea is subjected to a heat range of between 200°F to 220°F using approximately forty percent of the boiler heat and twenty percent of the factory’s electric power.

 

Role of Steam Boilers in Tea Manufacturing Industries

Steam boilers are crucial in withering and drying in tea factories where 90% of factory heat is used. Thus, one has to ensure that the boilers are efficient and durable. To reduce energy consumption, boiler manufacturer suggests

• Conserving the use of fans and warm air.
• Maintenance of fans, motors, and heat exchangers must be done regularly.
• Insulation of steam pipes in the right manner.
• Proper positioning of air dampeners and even distribution of tea leaves.
• Observing the steam usage rate and the equipment status with supervision from a specialist.