What is the expansion ratio of water to steam?

The expansion ratio of water to steam is approximately 1700 to 1. This means that when one unit volume of water is converted into steam at atmospheric pressure, it expands to about 1700 times its original volume. This significant expansion is crucial for firefighting and is why steam can effectively displace oxygen in a fire environment, helping to extinguish flames.

The understanding of this expansion ratio is vital for firefighters, as it informs them about the volume of steam that can be generated from water during firefighting operations. Utilizing the properties of steam enhances their ability to control and extinguish fires efficiently, as it can help cool and smother flames.

Awareness of this expansive nature of steam is essential for safety as well; it underscores the need for proper equipment and technique when deploying water as an extinguishing agent to prevent steam burns or other hazards.