Rev Up Your Skills for Minnesota's 2026 Boiler License – Steam Ahead with Success!

Saturated steam refers to steam that exists at the boiling point of water, where the temperature is in direct equilibrium with the liquid phase—meaning water is present alongside the steam. In this state, the steam contains the maximum possible amount of energy without any additional heating.

When water reaches its boiling point at a specific pressure, it begins to convert to steam while maintaining that temperature—this is defined as saturated steam. Any additional heat added to this saturated steam will turn it into superheated steam, which is not saturated steam because it no longer has water present.

The other options refer to conditions or types of steam that do not fit the definition of saturated steam. For instance, steam that has been heated to a higher temperature (superheated) or steam mixed with other gases does not meet the criteria of being saturated. Superheated steam operates at a higher temperature than the boiling point and does not contain any liquid water, which is essential for saturated steam. Therefore, the characterization of saturated steam specifically aligns with the presence of water and being at the boiling point, distinguishing it from other forms of steam.