Which of the following best defines steam purity?

Steam purity is best defined as the amount of contamination in steam. This indicates the quality of the steam being produced and utilized in various applications, particularly in industrial processes and power generation. High steam purity is crucial because contaminants can lead to corrosion, equipment malfunction, and reduced efficiency.

When steam contains impurities—such as dissolved solids, oils, and other contaminants—it alters the steam’s properties and can negatively impact downstream processes. For instance, contaminated steam can cause scaling in heat exchangers and turbines, ultimately leading to increased maintenance costs and decreased operational efficiency.

Thus, understanding steam purity is essential for power engineers and related professionals to ensure effective steam generation and overall system performance.