What type of steam is produced at a pressure of 100 psi?

When discussing steam produced at a pressure of 100 psi, it is essential to understand the relationship between pressure and the state of steam. At 100 psi, the steam that is typically produced is classified as "dry saturated steam."

Dry saturated steam exists when the steam is in equilibrium with its liquid phase at a specific pressure without any water droplets present. This means that all the liquid water has turned into steam, but the steam is at the boiling point corresponding to that pressure. For a pressure of 100 psi, the temperature at which water boils and steam is produced is approximately 338°F (170°C).

This concept is crucial in steam heating applications, as using saturated steam ensures that heat transfer is efficient without the risk of water slugs, which can cause damage to steam systems.

In contrast, superheated steam, which is not the correct answer, refers to steam that has been heated beyond its saturation point at a given pressure, resulting in a higher temperature and typically more energy content. Flash steam refers to steam generated when water at high pressure is released into a lower pressure area, allowing it to partially vaporize instantly. Saturated steam is a more general term that includes steam at any pressure but does not clarify the dry state,