Thermodynamics

2
ME22S6
Module 2: Processes of
Vapors
Processes of Vapors
Introduction
Although vapors and ideal gases have similarity in forms and in their processes, all of the
equations that are based on the characteristic equation of a perfect gas or on Joule's Law, for
instance, are not generally applicable to vapors.
But the general energy equation,
And the simple energy equation,

are not based on any limitations concerning the substance. They are applicable, therefore, to
processes of vapors as well as of gases. Therefore in this chapter, compare the equations obtained
with analogous one for a gas. This way we can avoid the improper application of a perfect gas
equation to a vapor.
Constant Pressure Process (Isobaric)
a. The process on the pv and Ts planes
Defining the condition of the substance
Point 1 is in the liquid region and the condition of the substance is "subcooled" or "compressed"
liquid. It is generally defined by giving its pressure and temperature.
Point f lies on the saturation curve and is therefore saturated liquid at a given pressure or
temperature.
Point m is in the wet region, is a mixture of liquid and vapor. A quality x and a pressure or
temperature generally defines the condition of the substance. Thus, for the enthalpy at point m,
Point g is on the saturation vapor curve. A pressure or temperature defines the state or condition
of the substance.
Point 2 in the superheat region is generally, but not necessarily, defined by giving its temperature
and pressure.
b. The work of a reversible nonflow constant pressure process.
c. Transferred heat, Q
Problem
Steam with a specific volume of 0.09596 cu.m./kg undergoes a constant pressure process at
1.70 MPa until the specific volume becomes 0.13796 cu.m./kg.
What are the
a) final temperature
b) change in specific internal energy
c) W
d) change in specific entropy
e) Q
Constant Volume Process (Isometric)
a. The process on the pv and Ts planes.
Point 1 is in the superheat region and point 2 in the wet region so that,
b. Work of the nonflow process,
c. Transferred heat, Q.
Problem
1kg of steam at 260 and with an enthalpy of 1861 kJ/kg is confined in a rigid container. Heat is
applied until the steam becomes saturated. Determine:
a) Q
b) change in specific enthalpy
c) change in specific entropy
d) final temperature
Constant Temperature Process
(Isothermal)
a. The process on the pv and Ts planes
b. Work of a nonflow process,
c. Transferred heat Q from the Ts plane
d. Work of steady flow process,
Problem
There are 2.27 kg/min of steam undergoing an isothermal process from 27.5 bar, 316 to 6.8 bar.
Determine:
a) S
b) Q
c) W for nonflow
d) W for steady flow

with PE = 0, KE = 42 kJ/min. (1 bar = 100 kPa)

Reversible Adiabatic Process (Isentropic
Process)
The reversible process on the pv and Ts planes
A reversible adiabatic process is a constant entropy process and also known as an isentropic
process.
In an isentropic process, no heat is transferred (Q = 0) and the change in entropy of the
substance is also zero (S = 0)
For a nonflow process,
and for steady flow process, with PE = 0
With Q = 0,
With KE = 0,
Problem
1kg of steam expands isentropically from 2.1 MPa and 374 to 93 . Find the final quality and the
work for non-flow and steady flow processes.