Optima Steamer - Powerful Steam Cleaner

Published:

3/1/2022

A powerful mobile steam cleaner designed with the power and mobility of a pressure washer combined with the sanitizing power and water-conserving benefits of steam. The Optima Steamer design is the industry leader in steam-generating technology.

What is a steam cleaner?

A steam cleaner, oftentimes called a vapor steam cleaner, is a cleaning appliance that uses steam. A vapor steam cleaner allows the user to quickly clean, sanitize, and dry surfaces simultaneously

How does optima steamer work?

The Optima Steamer was one of the first commercial-grade mobile steam cleaners to enter the market. It was introduced in 2004 by SJE Corporation for commercial and industrial applications. It serves as an alternative for applications where pressure washers would be too destructive. Before the Optima Steamer was released, mobile steamers used a coil system. This system created wet steam that was very similar to that of a pressure washer.

The engineers behind Optima Steamers created a more advanced system, the single potboiler system. This combines the coil system's ability to heat up rapidly with a pressured pot-boiler system to produce vapor. The boiler is constructed of three layers to endure high temperatures and maximize combustion efficiency. Heat in the form of exhaust gasses is transferred down and up in the combustion chamber and is eventually released through the exhaust resulting in a pure vapor jet of steam. This process, reverse burning, increases combustion efficiency by 30%.

The Optima Steamer advanced boiler system allows the user to clean and sanitize simultaneously while never having to worry about pressure drops or changes in temperature.

Types of Steam - Wet Steam vs. Dry Steam vs. Superheated

The Optima Steam Cleaner uses superheated steam and has a moisture control feature so the user can choose between wet or dry steam. Wet steam is water vapor that produces water droplets while dry steam is just water vapor.

Wet Steam

Wet steam (condensed or unsaturated steam) is both a liquid and gas. It is formed by heating water in a flow-through coil to 212˚F (boiling point) producing a mixture of steam and water. Wet steam consists of more than 5% water which creates water droplets and is commonly used in the removal of grease, oil, residues, and other unsanitary build-ups. Wet steam uses more water consumption to produce more volume at the outlet to move debris off surfaces and away from the area.

Tip: Water causes corrosion. When using wet steam avoid cleaning fragile equipment such as turbine blades, low-pressure steam piping, and heat exchanges.

Dry Steam

Dry steam (or saturated steam) is a gaseous phase that is formed by heating water in a closed chamber to 212˚F (boiling point). Dry steam doesn’t contain any water droplets and is commonly used for barrel cleaning, food prep cleaning and sanitizing, control panels and conveyor line cleaning and sanitizing, auto detailing, removing bacteria, mold, yeast, and fungi. If dry steam is heated past the boiling point it becomes superheated steam.

Superheated Steam

Superheated steam is a gaseous phase, heating water at a very high temperature (above boiling temperature) and does not contain water droplets. Superheated steam is commonly used for steam engines, pest control, drying, cleaning, steam oxidation, curing, energy systems, etc.

Optima Steamer XD: Diesel-Powered Steam Cleaner

The Optima XD model is a compact steam cleaner made from polypropylene and polyethylene panels/tanks and 400 stainless steel, enamel-coated frame. Features include an LCD display, large water, and fuel tank, and visible gauges.

Optima Steamer XD Specifications:

Diesel-Heater, Electric Operation
161,672 BTU/hr
196.32 lb/hr Steam Capacity
0.48 gal/min Flow Rate
9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
3.5 Min Preheat Time
275˚F Spray Temperature
304 Stainless Steel Boiler
3.86 Gal Boiler Capacity
352˚F Boiler Temperature
450W Max Required Wattage
9.5 Gal Water & Fuel Tank

Optima Steamer XD Applications:

Auto Detailing (Cars, Truck, Boat, RV, Aircraft, & Other Vehicles)
Exterior & Interior Vehicle Cleaning & Sanitization
Recreational Equipment
Farming Equipment
Municipal Cleaning
Mobile Cleaning Business
Sculpture & Monument Cleaning
Disaster Recovery
Wraps, Surface Decals, & Film Removal

Optima Steamer XE: All Electric Steam Cleaner

The Optima XE model is an all-electric industrial steamer. Offers zero-emission dry steam cleaning. Is a durable steamer made from polypropylene and polyethylene panels/tanks, 400 stainless steel, enamel-coated frame, 304 stainless steel boiler, and 304 stainless steel immersion electric heaters. The Optima XE is available in three models and features a smart LCD monitor control system, dry & wet steam.

Optima Steamer XE Model 12K Specifications:

Stationary Dry Steam (All-Electric, 3-Phase)
12,040W (12,200W Max)
208V~600V 3-Phase Required Voltage
15~35 Amps (Varies Based on Voltage)
43.2 lb/hr Steam Capacity
0.28 gal/min Flow Rate
41,082 Max BTUs/hr
9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
11~13 Min Preheat Time
248˚F Spray Temperature
345˚F Boiler Temperature
19 Gal Water Tank

Optima Steamer XE Model 18K Specifications:

Stationary Dry Steam (All-Electric, 3-Phase)
18,040W (18,200W Max)
208V~600V 3-Phase Required Voltage
20~60 Amps (Varies Based on Voltage)
52.9 lb/hr Steam Capacity
0.30 gal/min Flow Rate
61,555 Max BTUs/hr
9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
8~10 Min Preheat Time
248˚F Spray Temperature
345˚F Boiler Temperature
19 Gal Water Tank

Optima Steamer XE Model 27K Specifications:

Stationary Dry Steam (All-Electric, 3-Phase)
27,040W (12,200W Max)
380V~600V 3-Phase Required Voltage (390V Min)
30~50 Amps (Varies Based on Voltage)
87.3 lb/hr Steam Capacity
0.45 gal/min Flow Rate
92,264 Max BTUs/hr
9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
9~11 Min Preheat Time
248˚F Spray Temperature
345˚F Boiler Temperature
19 Gal Water Tank

Optima Steamer XE Applications:

Commercial Cleaning
Auto Repair & Body Shops
Animal Holding Facility Sanitization
Nursing Home Sanitization
Daycare Center Sanitization
Cleanroom Maintenance

Optima Steamer Maintenance

How Do I Drain My Optima Steamer?

Drain Boiler

Reduce pressure below 2 kg/ cm2 (28.4 PSI)
Open the drain valve
Leave drain valve open until next use

The boiler should be drained daily.*

Drain Water / Fuel Tank

Optima XD Model: Open drain plug under the tank
Optima XE Model: Disconnect the tank connection hose by pushing the fighting and pulling out the hose

The water tank and fuel tank should be drained monthly.

How Do I Replace Water Filter For My Optima Steamer?

Drain all water from the water tank
Push the fitting and pull the hose
Replace new filter
Insert hose to filter and push it until connected

How Do I Replace Fuel Filter For My Optima Steamer?

Open drain plug under the tank
Drain all fuel from the fuel tank
Pull the fuel hose to disconnect from the fuel filter
Replace new fuel filter
Push the fuel filter outlet into the fuel hose to connect them

Filters should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary. The water filter and fuel filter should be replaced monthly.*

How Do I Clean Probes On My Optima Steamer?

The most common issue is dirty sensors. Cleaning the High, Low, and Common Water Probe Sensors will do the trick.

Let the unit cool down
Open the steam valve
Open the drain valve
Remove the top cover and the front cover from the unit
Disconnect wire(s) from water prob sensors
Remove foam insulation from the probe
Use a deep-socket wrench (14mm) to unscrew the water probe sensors
Clean the probe tips with sandpaper or steel wool
Clean the threads of each probe
Re-wrap Wind Teflon tape 6 - 7 times on the thread
Screw the probes back into the boiler vessel (Do Not over tighten)
Reattach the probe sensor wires. Blue wire on the top high water probe sensor. The brown wire on the bottom low water probe sensor. The green wire on the middle common sensor.
Replace cover and follow startup instructions

If the above steps didn’t fix the problem the water probe sensor(s) may be damaged and need to be replaced. The wiring is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Probes should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary. Probes should be checked and cleaned monthly.*

How Do I Clean Electrodes And Fuel Nozzles On My Optima Steamer?

It is recommended that you contact your dealer. Checking electrodes and fuel nozzles should be done every three months.

How Do I Descale My Optima Steamer?

It is recommended that you contact your dealer. Descaling should be done every six months.

How Do I Clean Cylinders Inside My Optima Steamer?

It is recommended that you contact your dealer. Cleaning the cylinder inside and removing soot should be done every six months.

Optima Steamer Troubleshooting

Common troubleshooting problems you can fix on the job. Can’t troubleshoot the problems, no worries! Bring your machine to our shop or contact us to schedule a service call and well get your machine working in no time.

No Lights & Alarm Sound But Power & Steam Switches Are On

This could be due to the power plug not being connected properly or a blown fuse. Check your electrical power source and power plug to make sure it’s not disconnected. Check to make sure the emergency stop switch isn’t pressed. If the machine lights are still off and there is no alarm sound, check the fuse to see if it needs to be replaced.

Refill Water Tank Icon is Red and Flashing

If the float switch is not detecting water in the water tank, this could be a result of water shortage or the float switch in the tank is defective. Check the water level of the tank and add water. If the problem persists, disconnect the wire from the float switch to see if the signal clears. If the error disappears replace connect wires and replace the float switch.

Refill Fuel Tank Icon is Red and Flashing

The fuel tank is low and needs to be filled or there is a malfunction with the float switch in the water tank. Disconnect the wire from the float switch to see if the signal clears. If the error disappears replace connect wires and replace the float switch.

Boiler Level Error Icon is Red and Flashing

This means the boiler water level is low. Check the water filter and replace it if dirty. Check the water pump and water probe sensors, clean, and replace if necessary.

Pressure Switch Error Icon is Red and Flashing

Defrost the machine and/or replace the 8.5 bar pressure switch. If the water probe sensors are the cause, clean or replace all the water probe sensors of the boiler.

Water Pump Overrun Error Icon is Red and Flashing

Experiencing the water pump running over time due to water filter blockage, malfunction of the water pump, or the water probe sensors. At initial operation, the water pump has a run time limit of three minutes for the XD model and five minutes for the XE Model. The water pump is programmed to run up to 60 seconds once the low water probe sensor detects water.

Check the water filter, if it is dirty replace it. Check the water pump and water probe sensors, clean or replace if needed.

Thermistor Error Icon is Red and Flashing

The thermistor detects the low temperature (under 32˚F). Cold weather can trigger low-temperature detection. Defrost the machine and try again, if the problem persists, replace the thermistor.

Display Error Code

DT32 or ET32

This means the thermistor has been shorted and needs to be replaced.

DT33 or ET33

This means the thermistor has detected high temperatures, over 392˚F. This could be a result of the pressure switch or thermistor malfunctioning and needs replaced. Replace the 8.5 bar pressure switch.

Flame Detecting Error Icon is Red and Flashing

Flame Detection Fault

Check and clean components of the combustion chamber and check the blower fan. Check the fuel filter or fuel pump for any signs of malfunction and replace if needed. The flame detector and pressure switch (8.5 bar pressure switch) could be malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.

Abnormal Detection of Flame Detector

The flame sensor has been exposed to light from outside. Check the rubber packing on the flame detector and replace it if needed.

Boiler Pressure Above 9 bar (130 PSI)

Malfunction of the pressure switch or water probe sensors can cause this. Replace the pressure switches, clean or replace the water probe sensors of the boiler if needed.

Using distilled water can also cause this. Use normal tap water (above 15 ppm).

Machine Is Leaking Water or Steam

During the cold months, it's likely due to the Y-strainer cracking or the piping line. Thaw the machine, inspect it for any other damage and replace the Y-strainer and other parts if necessary.

In other cases, the safety valve broke due to overpressure. If the safety valve opened below 8 bar, replace the valve. If the safety valve opened over 8 bar, then contact your distributor.

Water Supplying Tube of Water Pump is Hot

Replace the non-return valves and damaged parts.

Water Tank is Abnormally Hot

Clean or replace the air purge valve. If the problem persists, replace the thermistor.

Static Electricity on the Spray Gun or Machine

This results from the machine not being grounded properly. Use the grounding chain located at the rear bottom of the machine.

NorTex Sales and Service

NorTex Sales and Service (Hotsy Certified Dealer) is an industry leader in commercial cleaning equipment. NorTex technicians are industry experts, knowledgeable of all equipment, and able to fix any problem.

If you run into any problems with your machine, give us a call or put in a service/repair request. You can also bring your machine to our shop to have a service technician take a look at it. We are located in Kilgore, Dallas, and Odessa.

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