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Engineering ToolBox > Water Steam - Critical Point

The level where vapor and liquid are indistinguishable

When water and steam reach the level of absolute pressure 3206.2 psia (221.2 bar) and a corresponding saturation temperature 705.40^oF (374.15^oC), the vapor and liquid are indistinguishable.

This level is called the Critical Point.

At the critical point there is no change of state when pressure is increased or if heat is added. At the critical point the water and steam can't be distinguished, and there is no point referring to water or steam.

For states above the critical point the steam is supercritical. Supercritical is not the same as superheated - which is saturated steam at lower pressures and temperatures heated above the saturation temperature.