Vrcoolertech offers custom steam surface condensers for installation downstream of steam turbines, including systems requiring an exhaust pressure of 0.5 bar absolute. The condenser removes heat from turbine exhaust steam, collects the resulting condensate, and works with air-removal equipment to maintain the specified operating vacuum.

The reference arrangement shows approximately 3,083 kg/h of steam from a turbine system rated at around 300 kWe. Cooling water is indicated at approximately 160 m³/h, entering at 66.9°C and leaving at 78°C. A preliminary heat balance based on these water conditions gives a condenser duty of approximately 2 MW. Final capacity is established using the confirmed turbine exhaust enthalpy, steam flow, and condensate outlet condition.

At 0.5 bar absolute, pure steam has a saturation temperature of approximately 81.3°C. Any superheat in the turbine exhaust must be removed before condensation. With cooling water leaving at 78°C, the difference from the saturation temperature is only about 3.3°C. This small temperature difference requires careful thermal selection, including sufficient heat-transfer surface and allowance for fouling and changes in cooling-water conditions.

A shell-and-tube arrangement typically carries cooling water through the tubes while steam condenses on the shell side. Keeping the two streams separate supports condensate recovery for reuse in the steam cycle. Tube materials, water velocity, and the number of passes are selected according to water quality and allowable pressure loss.

Reliable vacuum operation also requires removal of air and other non-condensable gases. A suitably selected vacuum pump or steam jet ejector system handles this gas load, while leak-tight connections limit air ingress. A hotwell and condensate extraction arrangement provide continuous drainage, with level control and adequate pump suction head considered during system design.