The Pharmaceutical sector includes the manufacturing of chemical synthesis products such as pharmaceutical products (medication), oleo-chemical products (food, cosmetic) and products related to the manufacturing of polymers (rubber, glue, paint etc.) In this sector both continuous and batch operations are common. Batch operations in particular can involve large variations in heat load, from initial large surge demand to end of batch temperature maintenance. When using steam, this gives wide variations in steam demand which can be served by responsive and flexible steam generators such as those manufactured by Clayton.

Steam is also used for cleaning, sterilising and dehydrogenation of glass containers, as well as for humidifying air conditioning systems.