The practice to use steam on the shell side and cooling water on the t...
Specific volume of steam is large. More volume is required for steam. Hence shell side is used for steam and water is circulated through the tube in condenser
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The practice to use steam on the shell side and cooling water on the t...
Explanation:
Overview of Condensers in Steam Power Plants:
Condensers are an essential component in steam power plants. They are used to convert the exhaust steam from the turbine into liquid form, known as condensate, by transferring heat to a cooling medium. This process helps in maintaining the pressure difference between the turbine outlet and the condenser, thus enhancing the efficiency of the power plant.
Advantages of Using Steam on the Shell Side and Cooling Water on the Tube Side:
1. Enhanced Heat Transfer: The primary reason for using steam on the shell side and cooling water on the tube side is to increase the overall heat transfer coefficient. The water side velocity can be easily increased when water is on the tube side, allowing for better heat transfer.
2. Higher Water Side Velocity: By having water on the tube side, it is possible to achieve higher velocities, which increases the heat transfer coefficient. This is because the water has a much higher density compared to steam, allowing for a higher flow rate and increased turbulence, which enhances the heat transfer process.
3. Condenser as a Storage Unit: While condensers do act as storage units for the condensed steam, this is not the primary reason for using steam on the shell side and cooling water on the tube side. The storage capacity of the condenser is more related to its design and size rather than the arrangement of steam and cooling water flow.
4. Mass Flow Rate of Cooling Water: The rate of condensation of steam is generally smaller than the mass flow rate of cooling water. This means that the amount of steam being condensed is typically lower than the amount of cooling water being used. Therefore, it is more efficient to have the cooling water on the tube side where the flow rate is higher, increasing the heat transfer rate.
5. Maintaining Vacuum: The ease of maintaining vacuum is not a significant factor in deciding the arrangement of steam and cooling water flow. The vacuum in the condenser is mainly maintained by the steam ejectors or vacuum pumps, regardless of the flow arrangement.
In conclusion, the practice of using steam on the shell side and cooling water on the tube side in condensers of steam power plants is primarily aimed at increasing the overall heat transfer coefficient by allowing for higher water side velocity and enhanced heat transfer.
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