The Solubility of Quartz and Some Other Substances in Superheated Steam at High Pressures

Abstract
An apparatus and method for determining the solubility of silica in superheated steam at high pressures are described. At 752 F (400 C), the solubility of quartz in steam increases from 1.0 ppm at 500 psi to 1548 ppm at 15,000 psi; at 932 F (500 C), the solubility increases from 4.3 ppm at 500 psi to 2596 ppm at 15,000 psi. The curves representing the solubility results at 752 F and 932 F cross at two pressures. Between these two pressures the solubility is greater at 752 F than at 932 F; below and above these pressures the solubility is greater at 932 F than at 752 F. This crossing is ascribed to the pressure-density relationships of water at the two pressures, which are affected by the proximity at 752 F of the critical point of water. When the solubility is plotted against the density of steam at each measured point, the curves do not cross, and the solubility at 932 F is greater than at 752 F. The solubilities of some other substances in superheated steam at high pressures are given also.