What is the name of the device that controls superheated steam?

• A. Attemperator
• B. Regulator
• C. Dampener
• D. Governor

Answer: (A)

Controlling the temperature of superheated steam is done by tempering it—reducing its temperature after it leaves the boiler. An attemperator does this by injecting a fine spray of water into the steam, cooling it to a set, desired temperature. This keeps the steam at the right thermal level for turbines or other equipment and helps prevent excessive thermal stress.

The other devices handle different goals: regulators manage pressure or flow, dampers adjust flow or throttling, and governors control speed or load. None of them directly set the steam’s temperature the way an attemperator does, which is why this device is used to control superheated steam.