Emilio Aguinaldo College

School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology

Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

TMPD 641 – MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LAB 2

Midterm Lab Report #4

Midterm Lab Experiment #4

Vacuum Generation and Suction Power in a Rotary Blower

Submitted by:

Anino, John Jerome B.

TMEC 4-2
October 30 2024

Submitted to:

Engr. Exequiel G. Aburquez

Instructor
 Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

TITLE
Combined Throttling and Separating Calorimeter Experiment to Measure Steam
Quality

ABSTRACT

The goal of this experiment was to more precisely determine steam quality
using a combination throttling and separating calorimeter configuration. Steam
quality, defined as the vapor fraction in a steam-water combination, is an
important parameter in thermodynamic systems where energy transfer and
equipment efficiency are strongly dependent on steam properties. This
experiment began with a separating calorimeter to separate liquid droplets from
the steam sample, which was then superheated using a throttling calorimeter.
Steam quality was assessed by comparing the mass of liquid collected to the
superheat temperature. The findings showed a steam quality of 0.95 (or 95%),
which means 95% of the steam sample was vapor and 5% was liquid. This
experiments confirms the combined calorimeter method's ability to effectively
measure steam quality in systems with mixed-phase flow. The experiment
accomplished its goals, and the combined calorimeter method gave a precise
methodology for assessing steam quality, which is useful in energy and
thermodynamic studies.
 Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

INTRODUCTION

In thermodynamics, steam quality is an important factor that influences

energy transfer, efficiency, and safety in steam-powered systems. Steam quality
refers to the amount of vapor in a steam-water combination and is critical in
applications such as power generation and industrial processing. Low-quality
steam (containing more liquid) can cause equipment erosion and lower
efficiency, whereas high-quality steam is preferable for peak performance.
Traditional techniques of assessing steam quality include throttling and
separating calorimeters; however, combining these approaches improves
accuracy, particularly when the steam mixture comprises both vapor and large
liquid droplets.
The goal of this experiment was to measure steam quality by using a
throttling and separating calorimeter. This combination enhances measurement
accuracy by first separating water from steam and then superheating the residual
vapor, allowing for more exact steam quality estimates. The process includes
sending steam through a separating calorimeter to remove water droplets, then
throttling the dry vapor to create a superheated condition. We expected that the
combined calorimeter methodology would provide a more precise determination
of steam quality than either method alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials and Equipment
 Separating calorimeter
 Throttling calorimeter
 Pressure gauge
 Thermometer (accurate to ±0.1°C)
 Condensation vessel
 Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

 Digital scale (for measuring water mass)

 Steam generator or boiler
 Steam pipeline with valves and pressure controls
Procedure
1. Preparation of the Steam Sample:
o Connect the steam generator to the calorimeter setup, ensuring
that the pressure and flow rate are controlled.
o Allow steam to reach steady-state conditions in the pipeline.
2. Separating Calorimeter Step:
o Direct the steam sample into the separating calorimeter.
o The separating calorimeter will collect water droplets from the wet
steam.
o Collect the condensed water in a condensation vessel and measure
its mass using the digital scale. Record the mass for calculation.
3. Throttling Calorimeter Step:
o Pass the remaining dry steam through the throttling calorimeter.
o As the steam throttles, it undergoes a pressure drop and enters a
superheated state.
o Measure the pressure and temperature of the steam after throttling
using the thermometer and pressure gauge.
4. Calculation of Steam Quality:
o Using the initial pressure and temperature, calculate the enthalpy of
the steam before throttling.
o Based on the mass of water collected in the separating calorimeter
and the properties of the superheated steam from the throttling
 Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

calorimeter, calculate the steam quality using thermodynamic

principles and steam tables.

RESULTS

Parameter Measured Value

Initial Pressure (before throttling) 0.40 MPa

Mass of Water Collected (Separating

0.05 kg
Calorimeter)

Temperature After Throttling 120°C

0.1013 MPa
Final Pressure (after throttling)
(Atmospheric)

Calculated Steam Quality (x) 0.95 (95%)

COMPUTATION
Given:
 I nitial Pressure ( Before Throttling ) , P1=400 kpa
 Mass of Water Collected ∈the separating calorimeter , mf =0.05 kgm
 Temperature after throttling ,T 1=180 ℃
 Final Pressure (after throttling), P2=101.3 kpa

From Steam Table; @ P1

kj
 h f =604.74
kg
kj
 h g=2738.6
kg
 Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

kj
 h fg =2133.8
kg
 For superheated steam ; @T 2=120 ℃ , P2=101.3 kPa :h
kj
Since no heat exchange∧no work done , h1 =h2=2638.8
kg
Solve for quality,x
h1=hf + x ( hfg )

h 1−hf
therefore , x =
hfg
( 2638.8−604.74 ) kj/kg
x=
kj
2133.8
kg
x=0.95∨95 %

DISCUSSION

The testing findings produced a steam quality of 0.95, indicating that 95%
of the steam sample was vapor and 5% liquid. This finding supports the notion
that the combined calorimeter technique would offer an accurate evaluation of
steam quality. The separating calorimeter efficiently segregated the liquid phase,
but the throttling calorimeter allowed for superheating, allowing for precise quality
calculation utilizing enthalpy values from steam tables. A tiny disparity was
discovered owing to heat loss, which may have had a little impact on
measurement accuracy.

These findings are consistent with recent research, which suggests that
combined calorimetry methods are more accurate than singular approaches for
assessing steam quality. This method has important implications for improving
steam quality assessments, particularly in thermodynamic systems where exact
quality determination may increase efficiency and extend equipment lifespan.
 Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology
Congressional East Ave., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite
(+63) 046-4164324 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite

CONCLUSION

These findings are consistent with recent research, which suggests that
combined calorimetry methods are more accurate than singular approaches for
assessing steam quality. This method has important implications for improving
steam quality assessments, particularly in thermodynamic systems where exact
quality determination may increase efficiency and extend equipment lifespan.

REFERENCES

 Cengel, Y. A., & Boles, M. A. (2014). Thermodynamics: An Engineering

Approach (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
 Rogers, G. F. C., & Mayhew, Y. R. (1995). Engineering Thermodynamics:
Work and Heat Transfer (4th ed.). Pearson Education.
 ASME (2010). Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. American Society of
Mechanical Engineers.
 Rajan, K. S. (2012). "Calorimetry in Thermal Engineering: A Review."
 Holman, J. P. (2010). Experimental Methods for Engineers. 7th ed.
McGraw-Hill.