C.

Introduction to Steam Tables

1.

When a teapot of water is placed on a hot burner,

sensible heat begins to heat the water. The energy added
to the water raises its internal energy and its
temperature. When the water reaches 212F, the
temperature no longer rises as latent heat begins to
change the water from a liquid to a vapor. The mass
inside the teapot is slowly changing from a 100% water /
0% steam mixture into a 0% water / 100% steam
mixture. If we add only half the necessary latent heat,
then only half the water will boil into steam. The result
would be a 50% water / 50% steam mixture at 212F. If
we add all the latent heat necessary, then the water at
212F
changes
completely
into
steam
at
212F. Continuing to add heat to the 212F steam results
in a temperature increase (superheating), and we are
again raising the temperature by adding sensible
heat. Refer to figure 3.2-1 (sensible/latent heat and
enthalpy).

2.

While the properties of water at atmospheric pressure

are commonly known, water under different pressures will
exhibit different properties. When water is boiled at
pressures higher than atmospheric, the same events occur
as described above with two exceptions. First, the boiling
temperature will be higher than 212F. Second, less latent
heat is required to be added to change the water
completely into steam. If water were to be boiled at a
pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, then we would
find that the boiling temperature would be less than 212F
and a larger amount of latent heat would be required to
change the water completely into steam. Refer to figure
3.2-2 (temperature vs. latent heat).

a.

When water is below the boiling point, the addition of

heat is seen as sensible heat. This water is said to be
a subcooled liquid. When enough sensible heat is added

so that the temperature of the water approaches

saturation temperature but no steam has yet been
formed, the water is said to be a saturated liquid.
b.

As the water is transformed from a saturated liquid to

saturated steam, boiling is occurring. As latent heat is
added, the temperature of the water remains the same
but the saturated liquid is being changed into a saturated
vapor. During this period the water is referred to as
a liquid/vapor mixture. When enough latent heat is added
so that all of the liquid is converted into vapor, the water
becomes a saturated vapor. Note that the saturated
vapor is 100% vapor and exists at the same temperature
as the saturated liquid. Above the saturated steam point,
vapor exists at a temperature higher than saturation
temperature. This is the superheated vapor region.

c.

Steam tables are a useful tool for determining the

properties of steam and water at various temperatures
and pressures. The steam tables are broken into three
tables.