I know that steam put under pressure can be super heated to very high temperatures. Just wondering if it could actually set something on fire or if the water vapor would put out the flame leaving just a burn.
2007-01-25 04:32:37 · 5 answers · asked by Travis M 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
No, steam will not burn wood if it directly subjected to it, although it would cut it.
Is it hot enough, yes. Wood ignites at about 400F and steam is around 750F. Superheated steam generates more pressure and once you lose that pressure, you lose the extra heat. As you lose pressure spraying it on the wood, it would begin to condense. Even if you had "dry" steam that had been centrifuged to remove the water (yes this does exist), it would condense water in the atmosphere on the object.
However, if you layed the wood on, let's say a pipe, with super heated steam going through it, it would be possible for the wood to burn.
2007-01-25 04:55:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it would ignite because super heated steam is water, really hot. If you stuck your hand in it you would get scorched, but not burnt in the sense of true combustion, or combining with oxygen.
2007-01-25 04:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is actually a good question. *Stars*
i don't think it could. i don't think it would ignite and make fire. i think the wood would get super hot, yes, but not ignite.
2007-01-25 04:40:53 · answer #3 · answered by Scotty M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope - steam, however hot is still wet, and wet is not going to ignite wood.
2007-01-25 04:39:42 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In supercritical water experiments (+1000C) anything will burn when oxygen is injected... No oxygen...no burn...
2007-01-25 04:42:30 · answer #5 · answered by Gunny T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋