How to Calculate Steam Heating
- 1). Measure the mass of the water you intend to use in the steam system with a weighing scale. Measure in kilograms for easier calculation. Alternatively, calculate the mass of the water by multiplying its volume by its density. The density of water is given as 1000 kilograms per cubic meter.
- 2). Pour the water into the steam system and turn it on so that it may start boiling the water and consequently converting it to steam. The steam system comprises a boiler, a burner, a radiator and a system of pipes and valves to transfer the steam. The time taken to convert the water to steam varies from one steam system to another depending on their power ratings.
- 3). Dip the thermometer into the container with water and take its reading when the water begins to boil. This reading should be 100 degrees Celsius if the water were pure. Dip the thermometer into the radiator and wait until all the water turns to steam, the reading remains constant and is not increasing before noting it down. Subtract the water boiling temperature from the steam temperature and the value obtained is the change in temperature.
- 4). Calculate the energy possessed by the steam by multiplying all the three values: mass, specific heat capacity and change in temperature of the water that you measured earlier. The value obtained is the heat energy possessed by the steam. You can use the steam in homes to heat up the rooms, laundry water and also for cooking.
