A. It is the saturated steam separated from the water from which it is
generated with more heat added, increasing its temperature from 100
degrees to 250 degrees Fahrenheit above the saturated steam temperature.
85. Q. What is the advantage of superheating or increasing the
temperature of the steam?
A. By increasing the temperature of the steam the volume of a given
weight of steam is increased and all losses due to cylinder condensation
are eliminated, which result in a reduced steam consumption, a saving in
coal and water and increased boiler capacity.
86. Q. How is the increased temperature obtained by the use of the
superheater?
A. By admitting the saturated steam into a partitioned receiver which
has a number of 1-1/2-inch pipes attached to it. These are located in
and extend nearly the full length of the large flues, the steam having
to pass through these 1-1/2-inch pipes on its way back to the receiver,
absorbs the heat from the gases passing through the large tubes, causing
its temperature to rise, or in other words, become superheated.