How is pure steam characterized?

Pure steam is characterized as steam that is produced from distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water and has been tested to be pyrogen-free. This definition is critical in various industrial and medical applications where the purity of steam is paramount. The use of distilled or RO water ensures that impurities, including minerals and contaminants, are removed prior to steam generation.

Additionally, the requirement for the steam to be pyrogen-free is particularly significant in medical and pharmaceutical contexts, as pyrogens can cause fever or other adverse reactions when introduced into the human body. Testing for pyrogens is a standard procedure to ensure that the steam meets safety and quality standards.

This level of purity is essential for processes such as sterilization and equipment cleaning, where any form of contamination could compromise results or lead to health risks. In contrast, steam produced from well water, municipal supplies, or that contains minimal impurities may not meet the stringent requirements for purity needed in many applications, thus making these alternatives unsuitable for characterizing pure steam.