Enercon Steam Solutions

When thinking about steam and its use in today’s world, it is helpful to consider the different forms in which energy can take shape. It is truly a unique energy source. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, steam generated at a facility often takes several of these forms and is used in a variety of applications.

THREE MAIN FORMS OF STEAM

1.WET STEAM: Wet steam has particles of condensed water droplets (condensate) within the water vapor.

2.SATURATED STEAM: Steam at the temperature and pressure at which all water becomes vapor.

3.SUPERHEATED STEAM: Also referred to as “dry steam.” It is steam that has been either heated above the point of evaporation with the pressure remaining the same, or steam at the temperature of evaporation with reduced pressure, the result being “dry steam.”

Application Examples:

•Thermal Energy (Process Heat, Hot Water)

•Mechanical Energy (Steam Driven Equipment)

•Electrical Energy (Steam Driven Turbines, Cogeneration)

Besides this versatility in both form and function, steam has a number of performance advantages, as described by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

1.Ease of Transportation

2.High Heat Capacity

3.High Efficiency

4.Low Cost In Comparison With Alternatives

5.Low Toxicity

THE PROPERTIES OF STEAM

Steam is a medium used to carry energy in the form of heat and pressure. In today’s industry, steam possesses many outstanding qualities. For example:

•It has a very high heat content

•It gives up heat at a constant temperature

•It is produced from water

•It is clean, odorless and tasteless

•Its heat can be used over and over again

•It can generate power and then be used for heat

•It can be readily distributed and easily controlled