The amount of tobacco this will case or order is dependent upon the surrounding air temperature, the humidity, the starting point moisture content of the tobacco and the air movement around the tobacco. The steam generating units are either propane gas or oil fired. Diesel fuel is the primary fuel for the oil fired. The larger burners generate over 800,000 to 1 million BTUs per hour consuming 4-5 gallons of diesel fuel per hour. A high pressure piston type pump is used to provide 100 to over 1000-2000 psi for the water flow.
Clean water is needed for long term dependable operation.
Controls and safety pressure protection are featured on the equipment and vary by model and manufacturer. The tight barn is more suitable for containing the steam in the barn until the tobacco gains the desired moisture content. The steam can be released through the hand wand and hose attached or through pipes laid out on the barn floor with holes spaced to release the steam provided through a hose from the steam generator. Some units can let enough hot water drip from the pipes or wand to cause muddy spots on a dirt floor. One manufacturer representative states that he does not recommend the equipment for a more open burley or air cured type barn unless the barn is wrapped with plastic, i.e. sealed well enough to contain the moisture inside the barn.