Thermodynamics of saturated and superheated steam
Saturated steam tables relate water and steam properties at the liquid-vapor equilibrium boundary.
Total heat content of steam comprises sensible liquid enthalpy (hf) plus latent heat of vaporization (hfg): hg = hf + hfg.
When steam is heated above saturation temperature at constant pressure, it becomes superheated, increasing thermal efficiency and preventing moisture droplet condensation in turbines and pipelines.
Worked example: 10 bar absolute industrial boiler
At 10.0 bar absolute pressure, steam boils at a saturation temperature of 179.9°C (355.8°F).
Each kilogram of dry saturated steam carries 762.8 kJ sensible heat and 2,015.3 kJ latent heat, totaling 2,778.1 kJ/kg total enthalpy.
Steam properties inputs
Pressure / Temperature
Enter absolute pressure in bar or saturation temperature in °C.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Saturated steam tables & thermodynamic calculator questions
What is the difference between gauge and absolute steam pressure?
Absolute pressure (bar a) includes atmospheric pressure (~1.013 bar), whereas gauge pressure (bar g) measures pressure above atmosphere (bar a = bar g + 1.013).
What is latent heat of vaporization?
Latent heat is the thermal energy required to transform water from boiling liquid into dry steam at constant temperature and pressure.