Types of Steam Condensers
As shown in the chart, condensers are primarily classified by whether the cooling water and steam mix.
1. Surface Condenser (Indirect Contact)
- Principle: Exhaust steam flows over a bundle of tubes through which cold cooling water is circulated. The steam and water do not mix.
- Characteristics:
- Condensate is recovered for reuse.
- High thermal efficiency.
- High initial cost and bulky.
- Application: Almost universally used in large thermal and nuclear power plants.
2. Jet Condenser (Direct Contact)
- Principle: Cold cooling water is sprayed directly into the exhaust steam, causing condensation through direct mixing.
- Characteristics:
- Cooling water and condensate mix together.
- The mixture is either discarded or cooled in a cooling tower and reused for cooling.
- Lower efficiency but simpler and cheaper.
- Application: Small engines, low-capacity plants where water is plentiful and condensate recovery is not critical.