The condensate temperature leaving the hotwell should be within how many degrees of the condenser's condensing temperature?

The condensate temperature leaving the hotwell should be within how many degrees of the condenser's condensing temperature?

• A. 1°F
• B. 2°F
• C. 3°F
• D. 4°F

Answer: (B)

The key idea is condenser performance and how close the returned condensate is to the steam’s saturation temperature. In a surface condenser, you want the condensate leaving the hotwell to be nearly at the same temperature as the condenser’s condensing temperature, meaning only a tiny difference. Keeping this within about 2°F indicates the condenser is effectively removing heat and maintaining the desired low condenser pressure, which maximizes turbine efficiency and minimizes the energy needed to reheat the condensate for feedwater heating. A larger gap would point to less efficient condensation or extra heat input after condensation, hurting overall performance.

The key idea is condenser performance and how close the returned condensate is to the steam’s saturation temperature. In a surface condenser, you want the condensate leaving the hotwell to be nearly at the same temperature as the condenser’s condensing temperature, meaning only a tiny difference. Keeping this within about 2°F indicates the condenser is effectively removing heat and maintaining the desired low condenser pressure, which maximizes turbine efficiency and minimizes the energy needed to reheat the condensate for feedwater heating. A larger gap would point to less efficient condensation or extra heat input after condensation, hurting overall performance.