In a high-pressure steam plant, which type of condenser allows cooling water and steam to come into direct contact?

In a high-pressure steam plant, the open type condenser is designed to allow cooling water and steam to come into direct contact. This interaction is key because it promotes efficient heat exchange; the steam condenses into water by transferring its heat directly to the cooling water, which absorbs the heat. As the cooling water and steam mix, the steam cools and changes phase, resulting in liquid water that can be recirculated back into the system.

The open type condenser typically involves a system where cooling water flows through a channel or basin, and steam is introduced into that channel, leading to effective cooling. This configuration is particularly useful in applications where large volumes of cooling water are readily available, such as in coastal or riverine facilities. The direct contact nature of this type of condenser facilitates the condensation process, often leading to a more compact and efficient design.

In contrast, the closed type condenser does not permit direct contact between the steam and the cooling water; instead, it relies on heat exchange surfaces for thermal transfer. Shell and tube configurations also utilize external surfaces for heat exchange but do not involve direct mixing of fluids. Air-cooled systems, on the other hand, use ambient air to cool steam, which is a different mechanism altogether. Thus, the open type