Condenser Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real RSES practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Condenser Systems flashcards as text
When a technician observes a high condenser approach temperature on a water-cooled unit, what is the most likely cause?
Answer: Fouled condenser tubes or inadequate water flow
Fouled tubes or restricted water flow reduce heat transfer, causing the condensing temperature to rise well above the leaving water temperature.
What is the correct sequence for purging non-condensable gases from a condenser?
Answer: Run system to high head pressure, then vent from highest point
Non-condensables migrate to the top of the condenser; with the system running, venting slowly from the highest point releases trapped gases while minimizing refrigerant loss.
A flooded condenser control valve modulates to:
Answer: Flood the condenser with liquid to raise head pressure in cold weather
In cold ambient conditions, a flooded condenser control valve backs liquid refrigerant into the condenser to reduce effective surface area and maintain adequate head pressure.
Which measurement best confirms adequate airflow through an air-cooled condenser?
Answer: Static pressure drop across the coil
Measuring static pressure drop across the condenser coil indicates whether airflow is within the design range for that coil.
In an evaporative condenser, Legionella risk is primarily controlled by:
Answer: Proper biocide treatment and water management program
Legionella thrives in warm stagnant water, so a proper biocide treatment and water management plan is the primary control measure in evaporative condensers.
What is the effect of increased condenser water flow rate beyond design on a water-cooled condenser?
Answer: Diminishing returns with potential erosion of tube walls
Beyond design flow, the benefit to condensing temperature diminishes while the increased velocity risks erosion-corrosion of tube walls.
Subcooling in a condenser is measured as:
Answer: Saturated condensing temperature minus liquid line temperature
Subcooling is the difference between the saturated condensing temperature (at head pressure) and the actual liquid refrigerant temperature leaving the condenser.