Condenser Systems Flashcards

What is the primary effect of non-condensable gases on condenser performance?

Answer: They raise condensing pressure and reduce capacity

Non-condensable gases occupy space in the condenser, raising condensing pressure and reducing the effective heat transfer surface.

In an evaporative condenser, what is the purpose of the water distribution system?

Answer: To wet the coil surface for evaporative cooling

The water distribution system keeps the condenser coil surface wet so that evaporation of water removes heat from the refrigerant.

Which factor most directly determines the condensing temperature in an air-cooled condenser?

Answer: Ambient dry-bulb temperature

Air-cooled condensers reject heat to ambient air, so the ambient dry-bulb temperature sets the minimum achievable condensing temperature.

A condenser coil with fouled fins will most likely result in which condition?

Answer: Higher condensing pressure and temperature

Fouled fins restrict airflow and reduce heat transfer, causing the condensing pressure and temperature to rise.

What does 'condenser split' refer to in field diagnostics?

Answer: The difference between condensing temperature and leaving air temperature

Condenser split is the difference between the refrigerant condensing temperature and the temperature of air leaving the condenser.

In a shell-and-tube water-cooled condenser, refrigerant typically flows:

Answer: Through the shell side around the tubes

In most shell-and-tube condensers, refrigerant flows through the shell while cooling water flows inside the tubes.

Which refrigerant property most influences the required condenser surface area for a given load?

Answer: Latent heat of vaporization at condensing pressure

A refrigerant with higher latent heat at condensing conditions can reject more heat per unit mass, requiring less surface area for the same load.