What is the Difference Between Wet Dry and Superheated Steam?

The main differences between wet, dry, and superheated steam are their temperatures, the presence of water droplets, and their uses. Here is a summary of their characteristics:

• Wet Steam:
• Contains water vapor and water droplets.
• At the boiling point of water.
• Can be produced by heating water in a closed chamber.
• Commonly generated by boilers and steam generators.
• Dry Steam (also known as Saturated Steam):
• Contains no liquid water droplets and is in a gaseous state.
• At the boiling point of water.
• Can be produced by heating water to the boiling point and then vaporizing it with additional heat.
• An excellent source for heating applications.
• Superheated Steam:
• Contains no liquid water droplets and is in a gaseous state.
• Heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of water at a given pressure.
• Can be produced by further heating wet or saturated steam beyond the saturated steam point.
• Mainly used in propulsion/drive applications such as turbines.

In summary, wet steam contains water droplets and is at the boiling point of water, while dry steam has no water droplets and is also at the boiling point. Superheated steam, on the other hand, is at a higher temperature than the boiling point and does not contain any water droplets. It is primarily used for power generation or propulsion applications.

Comparative Table: Wet Dry vs Superheated Steam

Here is a table comparing the differences between wet, dry, and superheated steam:

Wet steam is at the boiling point of water and contains water droplets, which can cause corrosion or reduce heating quality. Dry steam, also known as saturated steam, is at the boiling point of water but has no water droplets, making it an excellent source for heating applications. Superheated steam is heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of water and does not contain water droplets. It is mainly used in propulsion/drive applications such as turbines.