[TheForge] Re: invisible gas expands suddenly, no film cuz' its invisible

[Thomas A. Troszak]

> From: Andy Vida <osan@netlabs.net>
> Anyone recall if saturated or super saturated steam is
> compressible?

Dear Andy,

I think you mean saturated or superheated, but:

Both are gases, just like any other gas, they follow the same laws down to
the condensation point, then they become liquids again.

In the boiler rooms of my childhood, I was taught to check for steam leaks
with a stick, as steam, being a gas, is invisible, and waving ones tender
extremities around a high-pressure, high-temperature invisible leak is a
fantastic way to get injured.

These boiler rooms of my youth were comparatively soothing, quiet places,
reciprocating engines, reciprocating feed pumps, etc. so a leak of any
significance was usually audible.  In a modern boiler room with huge fans
and screeching high-rpm pumps, etc, you are generally wearing ear muffs, the
stick trick is invaluable. You can tie a rag on the end of the stick for
further visual stimulus.


Tom Troszak