On Understanding Condenser Pressure Saturation at Low Air Ingress

Harpster, J.W.
“On Understanding Condenser Pressure Saturation at Low Air Ingress” EPRI Condenser Seminar and Conference, San Antonio, TX, Sept. 10-12, 2002.

Abstract

When plotting condenser back pressure versus air in-leakage, it is often observed that there is a low end region of pressure saturation.  In describing this condenser behavior, argument is varied.  Common to most beliefs however, is that air ingress flow rate at the point where back pressure begins to rise, is related to exhauster capacity.

Until recently there has not been a suitable condenser model to permit precise understanding of the mechanisms responsible for this observation.  This paper reviews this model and derives a simple analytical explanation of this otherwise complex condenser phenomenon.