What is superheated steam?

• A. It is heated by the super heater
• B. It is cooled by the condenser
• C. It is mixed with feedwater
• D. It has the same temperature as saturated steam

Answer: (A)

Superheated steam is steam that has been heated beyond its saturation temperature for the given pressure. This extra heat is supplied by the superheater, which follows the boiler in the steam path, raising the steam’s temperature above the point where it would start to condense. Keeping the steam hotter and drier improves turbine efficiency and reduces moisture-related erosion and wear.

Condenser cooling would turn steam back into water, mixing with feedwater is part of the boiler feed system, and staying at the same temperature as saturated steam means it hasn’t been heated beyond the saturation point.