What is involved in the action of changing the direction of flow in a steam separator?

In a steam separator, the primary function is to remove moisture from the steam in order to produce dry steam for use in turbines or other equipment. The action of changing the direction of flow is crucial in this process, as it aids in separating the water droplets from the steam. When steam flows through a separator, the change in flow direction causes the heavier moisture particles to move toward the outer walls of the separator due to centrifugal force and gravity, allowing the dry steam to exit through the top of the separator.

By effectively separating the moisture, the steam separator ensures that only the vapor phase is sent downstream, which is essential in various applications where the presence of water can cause inefficiencies or damage to equipment. This is why moisture separation is the correct answer, as it directly relates to the fundamental operation of a steam separator in manipulating flow direction to achieve the desired quality of steam.