Pressure And Boiling Point

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The boiling point given in tables for a liquid is always referenced to an atmospheric pressure of 1 bar (14.5 psi). If the pressure acting on a fluid changes, its boiling point also changes.

For example, water boils at a lower temperature the lower the pressure.

The vapor pressure curves for water and refrigerant R134a show that, at constant pressure, reducing the temperature changes vapor to liquid (in the condenser) or that reducing the pressure causes the refrigerant to change from liquid to vapor (evaporator).

Vapor pressure curve of water

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

A - Fluid

B - Gaseous

C - Vapor pressure curve of water

1 - Pressure acting on liquid in bar

2 - Temperature in °C

Vapor pressure curve of refrigerant R134a

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

A - Fluid

B - Gaseous

D - Vapor pressure curve of refrigerant R134a

1 - Pressure acting on liquid in bar

2 - Temperature in °C