What type of steam do steam turbines require?

Steam turbines are specifically designed to operate efficiently with superheated steam. Superheated steam is steam that has been heated beyond its boiling point at a given pressure, meaning that it is in a gaseous state and contains no liquid water droplets. This condition is crucial for the turbine's performance because superheated steam allows for higher thermal efficiency, better energy conversion, and reduced risk of erosion and damage that could occur if water droplets were present in the steam.

Wet steam, on the other hand, contains a mixture of steam and water droplets, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential mechanical damage to the turbine blades. Live steam generally refers to steam that is produced immediately, often without being superheated, making it not ideal for turbine applications. Saturated steam is at equilibrium with water and can also contain moisture, which is undesirable in turbines that require the clean and dry condition provided by superheated steam. Thus, superheated steam is the optimal choice for maximizing the efficiency and longevity of steam turbines.