Describe the term 'flash steam'.

Flash steam refers specifically to the phenomenon where hot water is suddenly brought into conditions of lower pressure. When this occurs, some of the hot water rapidly vaporizes or "flashes" into steam. This process is particularly relevant in various power generation and heating applications, where water at high temperatures and pressures can be subjected to a rapid pressure drop, resulting in the formation of steam without the need for additional heat input.

In practical terms, flash steam is often utilized in geothermal energy systems and in the recovery of condensate in steam systems, as it allows for efficient energy utilization from water that would otherwise remain in liquid form under higher pressure. Understanding this process is essential for effectively managing steam systems and optimizing energy recovery in engineering applications.