Types of Condenser
Condensers are mainly of two types viz,
(a) Jet condensers (b) Surface condensers.
- In case of jet condensers the exhaust steam and the cooling water come in direct contact and as a result the steam is condensed. The temperature of condensate and the coolant is same while leaving the condenser. These are also called as direct contact condensers.
- These condensers are not usually employed since the condensate collected cannot be reused due to the impurities of the coolant in condensate. The impure condensate will corrode the plant tubes and will give rise to scale formation in the boiler tubes. Scale formation would reduce the efficiency of the boiler.
- If the condensate is to be used as feed water to boiler it is essential that the cooling water is treated before it is supplied to the condenser.
- Such condensers are normally used for small power units.
- In case of surface condensers the cooling water flows through a network of tubes and the exhaust steam is passed over these tubes. The steam gets condensed due to the heat transfer to coolant by conduction and convection.
- In these type condensers the condensate collected is fit for reuse as feed water to the boiler. These are widely employed.