TYPES OF STEAM CONDENSERS

Steam condensers may be broadly classified into two categories.

1. Jet condensers: They are contact-type condensers in which the steam to be condensed mixes with the cooling water and the temperature of the condensate and the cooling water is the same when leaving the condenser. The condensate cannot be recovered for use as feed water to the boiler. Heat transfer is by direct conduction between steam and water.These condensers may be further classified as follows:
   1. Low-level, counter flow type condenser
   2. Low-level, parallel flow type condenser
   3. High-level jet condenser
   4. Ejector condenser
2. Surface condensers: There is no direct contact between steam to be condensed and the circulating cooling water in surface condensers. Heat is transferred through a wall interposed between steam and cooling water. The temperature of condensate may be higher than the cooling water. The condensate can be used as feed water to the boiler.These condensers may be further classified as follows:
   1. Cooling water in tubes and steam surrounding it
   2. Central flow or regenerative condenser
   3. Evaporative condenser