The purpose of a steam separator is to remove what from the steam?

The purpose of a steam separator is to remove moisture from the steam. In steam systems, particularly in heating applications and in certain industrial processes, steam needs to be as dry as possible for efficient and effective heat transfer. Moisture in steam can lead to problems such as water hammer, decreased efficiency, and potential damage to equipment.

A steam separator achieves this by using centrifugal force or gravity to separate the liquid water from the steam. By removing the moisture, the steam that exits the separator is much closer to being "dry steam," which contains less water and more thermal energy in the form of heat. This ensures that the steam can carry this energy to its intended destination without introducing excess water that could disrupt processes or machinery.

While non-condensable gases, impurities, and oil may also be present in a steam system, the primary role of a steam separator focuses on the removal of moisture to maintain the quality and efficiency of the steam produced.