Steam is the technical term for water vapor, the gaseous phase of water, which is formed when water boils. Technically speaking, in terms of the chemistry and physics, steam is invisible and cannot be seen; however, in common language it is often used to refer to the visible mist of water droplets formed as this water vapor condenses in the presence of (cooler) air.
In the industrial and industry context, "steam" refers to the gaseous phase of water that is produced by boiling water. It is commonly used as a source of thermal energy for power generation, heating, and various industrial processes.
Examples of steam applications in industry include:
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Power generation: Steam turbines are used to generate electricity in power plants.
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Heating: Steam is used for heating buildings, greenhouses, and for various industrial processes such as paper production.
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Refining: Steam is used to refine petroleum and other products in the chemical industry.
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Sterilization: Steam is used for sterilizing medical equipment, food and pharmaceutical products.
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Cooking: Steam is used in cooking, particularly in the food industry where it is used to cook food items such as rice and vegetables.
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Cleaning: High-pressure steam is used for cleaning and removing grease and grime in industrial settings.
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Distillation: Steam is used in distillation processes, particularly in the alcohol and perfumes industries.
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Processing: Steam is used in many industrial processes such as in the production of textiles, rubber, and paper.