What Happens to Water in a Sealed, Heat-Resistant Container?

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In summary: One example is the manufacture of high-purity chemicals. In summary, distilled water does not visibly boil making it possible for it to become superheated. If distilled water is allowed to become super heated and then some impurity such as sugar of coffee is added things get nasty.
  • #1
Zenparticle
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My family and I were having a discussion about what would happen to water if it was inside a closed environment, such as an explosive proof container and had increasing heat applied to it what would the water do? If the container was one that could stand the heated up molecules inside it without ever bursting would the water and or water vapor reach higher and higher temperatures? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Do not attempt this experiment! - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN EXPLOSIVE PROOF CONTAINER! Water, when heated in a closed container (ie, a boiler) will act according to its' phase diagram: http://www.cbu.edu/~mcondren/water-phase-diagram.jpg

As it heats, the pressure increases and once it passes the critical point, there is no distinction between liquid and gas.
 
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  • #3
Russ: Holy wow! That's neat.
 
  • #4
russ_watters said:
Do not attempt this experiment! - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN EXPLOSIVE PROOF CONTAINER! Water, when heated in a closed container (ie, a boiler) will act according to its' phase diagram: http://www.cbu.edu/~mcondren/water-phase-diagram.jpg

As it heats, the pressure increases and once it passes the critical point, there is no distinction between liquid and gas.

Goodness no, I was in no way going to try this! No one in my family is that balls out, but thank you for the warning. I was thinking in theoretical terms, like how hot you could get water in a contained space before it just turns to something else or something along those lines...
 
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  • #5
NEVER HEAT DISTILLED WATER IN A MICROWAVE

Tap water boils because it has impurities.

Distilled water does not visibly boil making it possible for it to become superheated.

If distilled water is allowed to become super heated and then some impurity such as sugar of coffee is added things get nasty.

 
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  • #6
Brilliant! said:
Russ: Holy wow! That's neat.
Note that this situation exists in the planet Jupiter. At the top of the atmosphere, it is a gaseous planet. As you go further down, it behaves more like a liquid, but there is no specific transition.
 
  • #7
Another Mythbusters reason not to try this experiment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JmJoyuUJj2Q&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JmJoyuUJj2Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
 
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  • #8
OmCheeto said:
Another Mythbusters reason not to try this experiment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JmJoyuUJj2Q&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JmJoyuUJj2Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

That's sooooo awesome! WOW!
 
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  • #9
lisab said:
That's sooooo awesome! WOW!

Science can be deadly.

...

Btw, that's a clue. :wink:
 
  • #10
And failure at only 330 psi, too - Navy boilers operate at 1200 psi!
 

FAQ: What Happens to Water in a Sealed, Heat-Resistant Container?

What is "heated water contained"?

"Heated water contained" refers to water that has been heated and is being held or stored in a container.

How is water typically heated and contained?

Water can be heated and contained in a variety of ways, including using a stove, microwave, kettle, or heated storage tank.

What are the benefits of heating and containing water?

Heating and containing water can provide several benefits, such as making it safe for consumption by killing harmful bacteria and viruses, making it easier to use for various purposes like cooking or cleaning, and increasing its temperature for specific needs such as a warm bath or shower.

Are there any potential dangers associated with heated water contained?

Yes, there are potential dangers associated with heated water contained, such as the risk of burns if the water is too hot, and the risk of scalding or steam burns if the container is not handled carefully.

How can I ensure the safety of heated water contained?

To ensure the safety of heated water contained, it is essential to follow proper heating instructions and handle the container carefully to avoid burns. It is also important to regularly clean and maintain the container to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

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