What occurs during condensation in steam systems?

During condensation in steam systems, steam loses heat and transitions into liquid water. This process involves a phase change where the steam, which is a vapor phase of water, releases thermal energy to the surroundings. As the steam cools down, it reaches a point where it can no longer remain in a gaseous state and starts to condense. This typically occurs in areas such as condensate return lines or heat exchangers, where the temperature is lower than the saturation temperature of steam at a given pressure.

This phenomenon is crucial for various reasons. It enables the recovery and reuse of water in steam systems, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing water consumption. Furthermore, understanding this process is essential for maintaining the balance in steam systems, as failure to effectively manage condensation can lead to water hammer, reduced efficiency, and equipment damage.

In contrast to the other choices, which describe different processes or characteristics: steam being heated to a gas refers to evaporation, liquid water converting to steam describes boiling, and pressure being released from the boiler pertains to operational safety and regulatory mechanisms rather than the direct phase change occurring during condensation.