New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

What device is primarily used to calculate the moisture in steam?

1. Hydrometer

2. Calorimeter

3. Barometer

4. Psychrometer

The correct answer is: Calorimeter

The primary device used to calculate the moisture in steam is a calorimeter. A calorimeter measures the heat transfer associated with phase changes, which is essential when determining the moisture content in steam. In the context of steam systems, calorimeters are particularly beneficial because they can help assess the quality of steam, which is defined as the ratio of the mass of vapor to the total mass of the mixture, including any water present. By using a calorimeter, one can analyze the enthalpy of the steam and water mixture, directly correlating temperature and pressure to the amount of moisture in the steam. This allows for accurate calculations of steam quality necessary for efficient operation in various applications, such as in heating systems or industrial processes. The other options, while they may be used to measure various physical properties, do not provide the same level of direct information concerning moisture content in steam. For example, hydrometers measure the specific gravity of liquids, barometers measure atmospheric pressure, and psychrometers assess humidity levels in the air, but none specifically quantify moisture in steam as effectively as a calorimeter does.