Steam Engine Classification by Exhaust When the exhaust steam from the cylinder is passed to a condenser (instead of being released to atmosphere), the engine is termed a:

Introduction / Context:Steam engines are commonly categorized according to how they handle exhaust steam. Understanding the distinction between condensing and non-condensing operation is fundamental to cycle efficiency and plant layout choices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Engine has a condenser available to recover exhaust steam as condensate.
• Condenser creates a vacuum (low back pressure), improving net work.
• Other geometric classifications (horizontal/vertical, speed) are irrelevant to exhaust handling.

Concept / Approach:If the exhaust is directed to a condenser, the engine works against a much lower back pressure than atmospheric, increasing the area of the indicator diagram and the cycle efficiency. Such an engine is called a condensing steam engine. If the exhaust is simply released to atmosphere, it is a non-condensing engine. The terms 'slow speed' or 'vertical' describe mechanical layout and do not specify exhaust treatment.

Step-by-Step Solution:Identify exhaust destination: condenser present → condensing engine.Assess back pressure: condenser creates sub-atmospheric pressure, enlarging the expansion portion on the diagram.Conclude classification: condensing steam engine.

Verification / Alternative check:Power plants use surface condensers to reclaim condensate and improve Rankine cycle efficiency; terminology matches this practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:slow speed engine / vertical steam engine: mechanical descriptors, not exhaust-path descriptors.non-condensing steam engine: exhausts to atmosphere; opposite case.

Common Pitfalls:Assuming 'condensing' implies a particular cylinder arrangement; it refers only to exhaust treatment.

Final Answer:condensing steam engine