What Are the Factors Affecting Condenser Capacity?

Read: What is condenser? Classification of condensers

Condenser capacity defined as the ability of heat transfer from hot gas (vapour) to the surrounding condensing medium. Anything that is potential for heat transfer has an effect on condenser capacity. Heat transfer capacity of a condenser depending on the following factors.

Material of condenser and its thickness: Condenser capacity varies with the ability of heat transfer of material used. For a given condenser capacity, it is noted that the size of condenser decreases as the increase in ability of material to heat transfer. Ie if the material of condenser possesses high heat transfer ability then the size of condenser usually small. The thickness of condenser wall also affects the heat transfer capacity, but it is not important because the material used always highly conductive.

Condensing medium: Types of condensing medium has a major role in condenser capacity. Liquid condensing medium (water) is more effective than the gaseous condensing medium (air).

🔗Comparison between Air cooled and Water cooled condenser

 

Temperature difference: The temperature difference between vapour and the condensing medium greatly affects heat transfer capacity. The heat transfer rate increases with increase in temperature difference. Heat transfer and hence condensing of vapour stops when temperature difference becomes zero.

Amount of contact: The amount of contact between condenser surface and condensing medium has a significant effect on condensing capacity. The condensing capacity increases with the increase in area of contact between condenser wall surface and condensing medium.  As area of contact increases more heat transfer occurs.