A true steam cleaner is the right tool for oilfield cleaning and thawing when hot water alone won't cut it. It turns water into high-temperature, low-pressure steam that melts ice off valves and wellhead equipment and dissolves paraffin, crude and grease without blasting water across the site. Hot And Mighty's TS-4255 true steamer delivers up to 375–400°F steam at 5 GPM with a 325° temperature rise, and it's available as a skid or fully trailer-mounted.
What is a true steam cleaner, and how is it different from a hot water pressure washer?
A hot water pressure washer heats water to around 200°F and relies on pressure to clean. A true steamer runs at low pressure but much higher temperatures, producing wet or dry steam above the boiling point. That heat is what does the work in oilfield conditions:
| Hot water pressure washer | True steam cleaner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical output temperature | Up to ~200°F | Up to 375–400°F |
| Pressure | High (3,000+ PSI) | Low (around 250 PSI) |
| Best for | Mud, dirt, general degreasing | Thawing, paraffin, heavy crude, frozen equipment |
| Overspray and runoff | More water, more runoff | Less water on the ground |
| Safe near valves and gauges | High pressure can damage components | Low pressure is gentler on components |
What is a steam cleaner used for in the oilfield?
- Thawing frozen valves, lines and wellheads in winter without open flame
- Removing paraffin and crude buildup from pumping units, tanks and piping
- Degreasing rigs, trucks and equipment before inspection or repair
- Cleaning pipeline valves and fittings where high pressure could cause damage
TS-4255 true steamer specifications
| Specification | TS-4255 |
|---|---|
| Flow and pressure | 5 GPM @ 250 PSI |
| Temperature rise | 325° |
| Max operating temperature | 375–400°F |
| Engine | 9.8 HP Kohler diesel, electric start |
| Burner | 760,000 BTU with adjustable thermostat |
| Fuel tank | 50 gallon |
| Generator | 2,900 watt |
| Included | (2) heavy-duty steam wands with shut-off, 25' true steam hose (50–75' available) |
The diesel engine and diesel burner run off one fuel supply, so there's no gasoline to haul to remote sites.
Skid or trailer-mounted?
You can buy the TS-4255 true steamer on its own to mount on your truck or skid. You can also get it as a complete General TA3 trailer-mounted true steamer. That package is a 7' x 14' enclosed trailer with tandem 5,200 lb axles, a 335-gallon water tank with auto shut-off, a 75' plumbed fill line on a reel and a sprayed-in slip-resistant floor. For cold climates, the enclosed trailer keeps the water supply and equipment protected between jobs.
Watch the true steam cleaner in action
Frequently asked questions
How hot does an oilfield steam cleaner get?
The TS-4255 produces steam up to 375–400°F with a 325° temperature rise over incoming water.
Can a steam cleaner thaw frozen equipment safely?
Yes. Steam thawing is a common way to free frozen valves, lines and wellheads without open flame. The low pressure is also gentler on fittings and gauges than a pressure washer.
Why is steam better than hot water for paraffin and crude?
Paraffin and heavy crude soften and release at temperatures above what a hot water pressure washer reaches. Steam gets them hot enough to lift off, usually with less chemical and less water.
Can the steamer be customized?
Yes. Hot And Mighty is a custom build shop. We can change hose lengths, tank size and trailer layout, and pair the steamer with a hot water pressure washer on the same rig.
Get a quote on oilfield steam cleaning equipment
Hot And Mighty builds steam cleaners and mobile wash systems at our shop in South Bend, Indiana, and ships nationwide and to Canada. Call 800-897-7515 or text us through the chat on this site to spec a steamer for your operation.
