Where does the majority of steam that leaves the superheater go?

The majority of steam that leaves the superheater is directed to the main engines. In marine propulsion systems, the primary role of steam produced in the superheater is to drive the main propulsion machinery. The superheater increases the temperature of the steam beyond the boiling point, enhancing its energy and efficiency when it reaches the turbines that drive the main engines.

In a typical steam propulsion system, after passing through the superheater, the steam transfers that high thermal energy to the engine components to perform work, contributing to the vessel's movement. This flow of superheated steam is essential for maximizing performance since the engines require a significant amount of steam to generate the necessary power to propel the ship.

Other options, like auxiliary systems, boiler feed pumps, and steam turbines, represent alternative uses or stages in the steam cycle but do not account for the majority flow directed toward the main engines. Auxiliary systems might utilize steam, but typically not in the same volume or at the same rate as the main propulsion system. Boiler feed pumps are concerned with returning water to the boiler and are not the endpoint for steam. Steam turbines might also be a consideration, but they usually serve a different function in the overall system, such as in auxiliary propulsion or power generation rather than being the primary destination