What is the key difference in steam pressure between a superheater and a reheater?

The key distinction in steam pressure between a superheater and a reheater stems from their operational functions and the stages of steam generation they represent in a thermal power cycle. A reheater is utilized after the steam has already done work in the turbine, typically operating at a pressure that is lower than that of the steam entering a superheater.

When steam exits a high-pressure turbine, it remains at a specific temperature and pressure which is less than its initial high-pressure state. The purpose of the reheater is to reheat this already expanded steam before it enters the low-pressure turbine, enhancing its thermal energy and efficiency of the overall cycle. Therefore, the steam entering a reheater generally comes from a lower pressure condition compared to the steam that is superheated, which is primarily generated directly from the boiler at a high pressure to maximize energy output.

This fundamental difference is crucial for understanding the roles of superheaters and reheaters in steam generation systems. The superheater adds heat to the steam, increasing its energy content at high pressures, while the reheater brings additional heat to steam that has already been expanded, but at a lower pressure after performing work in the turbine.