Main Components of a Surface Condenser
Since surface condensers are the most important type for large-scale power generation, their key components are:
- Shell: The main airtight cylindrical body that withstands vacuum pressure.
- Tube Bundle: A series of tubes made of brass, stainless steel, or titanium through which cooling water flows.
- Tube Sheets: The plates at both ends into which the tubes are mounted.
- Water Boxes: Attached to the tube sheets, they distribute the cooling water to the tube bundles.
- Hot well: The bottom section of the shell where the condensed steam (condensate) collects.
Air Extraction Unit: A vacuum pump or steam ejector that removes non-condensable gases (like air that has leaked in) to maintain the vacuum.