Steam
The scalding breath of the asteroid that powers industry but burns the unwary.
Steam is the gaseous state of water that forms when liquid water reaches its boiling point. In the harsh environment of the Duplicant's asteroid, steam acts as both a vital resource and a significant hazard. It serves as the primary fuel for power generation through Steam Turbines, driving the colony's industrial engine, but it also poses a lethal threat to unshielded Duplicants due to its scalding temperature and ability to displace breathable air.
- state_of_matter
- Gas
- source_material
- Water (Liquid)
- primary_function
- Power Generation & Heat Transfer
- hazard_level
- High (Thermal Damage & Suffocation)
- generation_method
- Boiling Water
- interaction_with_air
- Displaces Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
Lore & Background
However, steam is a double-edged sword. Its temperature far exceeds the tolerance of biological life, causing instant burns upon contact. Furthermore, because it rises and expands rapidly, uncontrolled leaks can fill enclosed spaces with superheated vapor, suffocating Duplicants by pushing out breathable air before they even realize the danger. The history of early colony failures is written in steam burns and asphyxiation, teaching new arrivals that respect for thermal dynamics is a matter of life and death.
In Their Own Story
A hairline fracture had opened near the intake pipe. With a hiss that sounded like a waking beast, white plumes erupted into the corridor, instantly fogging the airlock. In seconds, the hallway became a cauldron of invisible death, the very air they needed to breathe replaced by the scalding ghost of water.
Reader's Guide
Steam is primarily found in deep crustal layers where geothermal vents naturally boil groundwater, or in shallow zones if Duplicants create artificial boilers. The greatest hazard is thermal damage; exposure causes rapid health loss and can melt low-temperature materials like ice or certain plastics. Additionally, steam displaces oxygen, creating suffocation risks in sealed rooms if not vented properly. To extract power, Duplicants must channel steam into Steam Turbines, which convert the gas's kinetic energy into electricity. This requires careful plumbing to ensure a steady flow without overheating the machinery or flooding the room with excess vapor. For safety, always insulate pipes carrying hot water and use heat exchangers to cool environments before introducing human activity. Venting steam directly into space is often necessary to maintain breathable air quality in living quarters.
Did You Know?
- Steam is generated by boiling liquid water; ice must first melt into water before it can become steam, even when placed next to a high-temperature object.
- In the vacuum of outer space, water does not instantly boil in Oxygen Not Included; it remains liquid unless heated to its boiling point or subjected to specific game mechanics.
- Steam Turbines are one of the few power sources that do not require fuel consumption, relying instead on the natural thermal energy of the asteroid.
- Because steam is less dense than air when cool but expands significantly when hot, it can create unpredictable pressure differentials in enclosed systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Steam in Oxygen Not Included?
Steam is water that has transitioned into a gas state due to boiling or sublimation under high heat. It flows freely through your base and must be managed carefully like any other fluid.
How do Duplicants use Steam for power?
You can connect Steam Turbines to hot steam pipes to generate electricity for your colony's machines. This thermal energy conversion is the cornerstone of industrial power generation on the asteroid.
Is Steam dangerous to my colony?
Yes, direct contact causes severe burns, and large clouds can displace breathable air leading to suffocation. Proper insulation and ventilation are required to keep living areas safe from these hazards.
How is Steam produced naturally or artificially?
It forms when liquid water reaches its boiling point or when ice sublimates near heat sources like magma. Duplicants often create it intentionally by heating water in specific chambers for energy production.
What is the best way to manage excess Steam?
Install Condensers to cool steam back into liquid water for recycling, or vent it outside the base to prevent buildup. Using Insulated Pipes ensures safe transport without damaging your Duplicants or structures.
More in Biomes & Resources
Elsewhere in the Oxygen Not Included universe
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