On Understanding the Behavior of Non-Condensables in the Shell Side of Steam Surface Condensers

Harpster, J.W.
“On Understanding the Behavior of Non-Condensables in the Shell Side of Steam Surface Condensers” ASME International Joint Power Generation Conference, New Orleans, LA, June 2001.

Abstract

The belief that "the behavior of air in-leakage into the condenser is exceedingly complex and therefore cannot be analytically accounted for" will be shown to no longer apply.  A new understanding of the internal dynamics of a turbine exhaust steam surface condenser will be presented that relates air in-leakage to back pressure and other condenser performance parameters.  The resultant condenser model will be described showing that a modern operating steam surface condenser should be separately distinguished from the general category of Heat Exchangers under which it is now described.  The description of the model will be intuitive, with mathematics applied as applicable to support the model in a practical and useful manner.  

This new view of condenser dynamics will be supported with actual measurements derived from the RheoVac® air in-leakage and condenser diagnostic system, and with other plant information.  It will be shown that the diagnostic system has provided data heretofore not available, and these data were essential to formulating and characterizing this new understanding of condenser performance.