Saturated Steam and Superheated Steam

   Steam that has not been subjected to heat treatment is called saturated steam. Saturated steam is steam that is saturated at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius at an atmospheric pressure, and the temperature cannot be raised any higher. Saturated steam is caused by the phenomenon of thermal movement between gas molecules. A liquid in a saturated state is called a saturated liquid and its vapor is called dry saturated vapor (also called saturated steam). It is a colorless, odorless, non-combustible and non-corrosive gas. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the temperature and pressure of saturated vapor, with only one independent variable between the two. The general relationship between pressure and saturated steam temperature is as follows

Superheated steam is steam that is dry and saturated and then continues to be heated to a higher temperature. Its temperature does not have a one-to-one correspondence with its pressure, but is related to the density of the steam. Under the same pressure, the higher the temperature, the lower the density. Superheated steam is used for material drying, with the advantages of fast drying, good quality, safety, energy saving, environmental protection, sterilization and disinfection, etc. It can be used for drying a variety of materials such as wood, coal, pharmaceuticals, food and urban waste.

Common differences between superheated steam and saturated steam:

1. Different temperature: the temperature of superheated steam is higher than that of saturated steam.

2. Different thermal energy states: The thermal energy state of superheated steam is higher because its temperature is higher.

3. Differences in specific heat capacity: Superheated steam has a smaller specific heat capacity than saturated steam.

4. Different thermal conductivity: The thermal conductivity of superheated steam is poorer than that of saturated steam. These are some of the main differences between superheated steam and saturated steam. Understanding these differences is important for the proper use of steam and the maintenance of related equipment.