Flashånga

Flashånga refers to a rapid generation of steam from a liquid when it is suddenly exposed to a pressure below its boiling point at that temperature. This phenomenon occurs when a liquid, often water, is heated under pressure and then released into a lower pressure environment. The sudden drop in pressure causes the liquid to exceed its boiling point at the new pressure, leading to instantaneous vaporization.

The key to flash steaming is the stored thermal energy within the liquid. When the pressure is released, this energy is used to convert a portion of the liquid into steam. The amount of steam produced depends on the initial temperature and pressure of the liquid, as well as the extent of the pressure drop. This process is often observed in industrial settings, such as in power plants or chemical processing facilities, where it can be harnessed for energy production or used in various steam-related applications. It is also a principle behind certain types of safety valves and emergency relief systems. The term "flash" highlights the instantaneous and rapid nature of the steam generation.