Condensing plant: condensate temperature relative to cooling-water inlet In a surface condenser, compare the temperature of condensate leaving the condenser to that of the circulating water at inlet. Choose the correct relation.
Mechanical Engineering
Steam Boilers and Engines
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AHigher than the cooling-water inlet temperature
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BLower than the cooling-water inlet temperature
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CEqual to the cooling-water inlet temperature
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DUnpredictable; depends only on vacuum pump speed
Answer
Correct Answer: Higher than the cooling-water inlet temperature
Explanation
ConceptCondensate in a surface condenser is approximately at the saturation temperature corresponding to condenser pressure (often ~30–45 °C under vacuum). The cooling water enters at a lower temperature and exits warmer after absorbing latent and sensible heat.
ThereforeAt the outlet of the condenser, the condensate is hotter than the cooling-water inlet temperature.
Final AnswerHigher than the cooling-water inlet temperature