In thermodynamics, the saturation vapor curve is the curve separating the two-phase state and the superheated vapor state in the T–s diagram (temperature–entropy diagram). The saturated liquid curve is the curve separating the subcooled liquid state and the two-phase state in the T–s diagram. When used in a power cycle, the fluid expansion depends strongly on the nature of this saturation curve:
A "wet" fluid shows a negative saturation vapor curve. If overheating before the expansion is limited, a two-phase state is obtained at the end of the expansion.
An "isentropic" fluid shows a vertical saturation vapor curve. It remains very close to the saturated vapor state after an hypothetical isentropic expansion.
A "dry" fluid shows a positive saturation vapor curve. It is in dry vapor state at the end of the expansion, and strongly overheated.
See also Phase diagram Working fluid Working fluid selection
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