Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 100°C
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Boiler performance is compared using a common reference called “equivalent evaporation from and at 100°C.” This normalizes different steam conditions and feedwater temperatures to a standard basis so that efficiencies and steaming capacities can be compared meaningfully across plants and fuels.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
“From and at 100°C” literally means the water begins at 100°C and is evaporated to dry saturated steam at 100°C. On this basis, the latent heat of vaporization used for comparison is the standard value at 100°C. Real boilers seldom operate exactly at these conditions; the definition provides a calculation method to convert the actual heat absorbed by feedwater into an equivalent mass that would have been evaporated under the standard reference condition.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Define the reference latent heat: h_fg at 100°C.Compute actual heat added to water/steam in the boiler per kilogram under operating conditions.Divide actual heat added by h_fg at 100°C to obtain equivalent kilograms evaporated “from and at” 100°C.Hence, the feedwater reference temperature in the definition is 100°C.
Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook boiler trials convert the measured enthalpy rise of feedwater to this standard using the factor of evaporation, which is based on the same 100°C reference.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “equivalent evaporation” with actual mass flow; it is a normalized reference for comparison, not necessarily the real evaporated mass at operating conditions.
Final Answer:
100°C
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