Pressure–enthalpy (p–h) chart interpretation: The region between the saturated liquid line and the saturated vapour line represents the two-phase (wet) mixture, not the subcooled liquid region.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: False

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Technicians and students regularly read pressure–enthalpy (p–h) charts to analyze vapour-compression cycles. Correct identification of chart regions is essential for locating evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve states.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A p–h chart shows saturated liquid and saturated vapour curves enclosing the two-phase dome.
  • Left of the saturated liquid line is the subcooled (compressed) liquid region.
  • Right of the saturated vapour line is the superheated vapour region.


Concept / Approach:
Inside the saturated dome (between the two saturation lines) the refrigerant exists as a mixture of liquid and vapour at equilibrium. Quality (dryness fraction) defines the phase split. Subcooled liquid states occur at temperatures below saturation for the same pressure and therefore lie to the left of the saturated liquid line.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the saturation dome bounded by the saturated liquid and saturated vapour curves.Any state point between these curves is a wet mixture with 0 < x < 1.Subcooled liquid points must lie left of the saturated liquid curve (lower h at the same p).Therefore, the statement “the space between the saturated lines is subcooled liquid” is incorrect.


Verification / Alternative check:
Trace a condenser path: from superheated vapour, through desuperheating to saturated vapour, then across the dome to saturated liquid, and finally into subcooling outside the dome on the left—this path visually confirms the layout.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The claim is false universally (for both water–steam and refrigerants), independent of absolute pressure and not tied to throttling; throttling typically moves the state into the dome, not “subcooled” within it.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing subcooling with “more liquid present.” Subcooling is a single-phase liquid state at T below saturation, not a two-phase region.



Final Answer:
False

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