Enthalpy of steam

The enthalpy of steam refers to the total energy content of steam per unit mass. It includes both the internal energy and the energy required to overcome the pressure-volume work done during expansion. The enthalpy of steam varies with its pressure and temperature. At a given pressure, the enthalpy of steam increases with its temperature.

The enthalpy of steam is typically expressed in units of energy per unit mass, such as kilojoules per kilogram (kJ/kg) or British thermal units per pound (BTU/lb).

Here are approximate values for the enthalpy of saturated steam at different pressures:

1. At atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa or 1 atm):

   • Enthalpy of saturated steam: Around 2,260 kJ/kg or 970.4 BTU/lb

2. At higher pressures, such as those found in industrial steam systems:

   • Enthalpy increases with pressure and temperature. For example, at 10 bar (1 MPa) pressure, the enthalpy of saturated steam might be around 2,700 kJ/kg or 1,160 BTU/lb.

These values can vary slightly depending on factors such as the steam quality (whether it's dry or contains some moisture), but they provide a general idea of the enthalpy of steam under typical conditions.

In practical applications, the enthalpy of steam is crucial for determining its energy content and for designing steam-based systems for various purposes, including power generation, heating, and industrial processes. Engineers use steam tables or steam property calculators to find the specific enthalpy values relevant to their operating conditions.