LP or HP steam?

[jipjanneke]

Would like to ask all of you who operate steam-jacketed brewhouses (i.e. MLT and/or brewkettle and/or HLT) whether you use LP or HP steam boilers.

Note: A LP boiler generates steam at or very near atmospheric pressure and 215°F; a HP boiler generates steam at an elevated pressure (say, 90 psi) and then drops it down to lower pressure conditions for operation in the equipment jackets. (One benefit of using a HP steam boiler is the relatively higher stored steam capacity, allowing better steam supply control during periods of varying demand.)

Thanks for casting your vote.

[gitchegumee]

I'm not positive about this, but am relatively sure that you need a certified boiler operator and routine state boiler inspections as well as periodic maintenance logs for HP steam in the States. I would rather have a LP boiler with sufficient capacity (steam drum). Never had any problems with my LP systems, although I have used HP in England with no problems either. Curious whether anyone else has seen an advantage of HP systems?

[arfbrau]

HP steam in PA requires explosion proof room, certified operators, a ton of red tape, etc. I heard once that it is at least four times the cost. Low pressure steam (840,000 btu boiler) works for me in our 10 bbl brewpub.