Steam plant components — identify the device A vessel into which exhaust steam from an engine or turbine is led and condensed to water for reuse is called a:

Introduction / Context:Accurate component naming in a steam plant is essential. The device that collects exhaust steam and turns it back into water under vacuum is not the boiler or preheater; it is the condenser. Correct identification helps in understanding the Rankine cycle and the roles of each item.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Exhaust steam leaves the prime mover at low pressure and enters a vessel.
• Inside, heat is removed, causing condensation.
• Condensate is recovered for boiler feed.

Concept / Approach:A steam condenser maintains sub-atmospheric pressure by condensing steam and extracting non-condensables. This lowers back pressure and increases net work output. The boiler, economiser, preheater, and deaerator have different locations and purposes in the cycle.

Step-by-Step Solution:Map function to component: condense steam → condenser.Other devices either generate steam (boiler) or preheat fluids (economiser for feedwater, preheater for air/steam) or remove dissolved gases (deaerator).Therefore, the correct choice is steam condenser.

Verification / Alternative check:Rankine cycle diagrams place the condenser between the turbine/engine exhaust and the feedwater pump, consistent with the description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Boiler: generates steam, not condense.
• Preheater/economiser: heat exchangers for steam/air or feedwater, but not for phase change of exhaust.
• Deaerator: strips dissolved gases; not the main condenser.

Common Pitfalls:Using “preheater” loosely for any heat exchanger; each device has a specific duty in the plant.

Final Answer:steam condenser