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CONDENSER
1.1. INTRODUCTION.
The objectives of condenser design can be summarised as: to condense the exhaust steam while
providing:abcdef-
1.2.1. Construction
The condenser is placed adjacent to the turbine exhaust so that the pressure losses in the
turbine/condenser connecting pieces are minimal. Manufacturers adopt various relative
arrangements of turbine and condenser and also different methods of support; however,
the basic components of a condenser are similar and may be shown in the diagrammatic
cross sectional arrangement of a typical condenser as shown in Figure 1.2.1a.
Figure 1.2.1b shows several ways in which the basic condenser pattern is arranged relative
to the turbine.
The condenser consists essentially of a shell, which encloses the steam space, and of tubes
carrying cooling water, which pass through the steam space but are hydraulically separate
from it.
The condenser shell of a modern unit is a very large construction (Fig. 1.2.1a) and would be
difficult to transport as a complete component from the place of manufacture to site. The
main shell, which is of mild steel, is therefore fabricated in several sections to be assembled
finally at site. The joints between the various sections are made by butt- welding, bolting
coupled with seal welding or by bolting coupled with a suitable jointing material. The shell is
tested for air tightness either hydraulically as a unit or by examination and testing of the
individual joints.
The complete shell is attached to the turbine exhaust again either by butt-welding or a bolting
method. A condenser plus l.p. turbine components in normal running condition, for a 500
MW unit may weigh 1750 tons. The condenser may be supported either (a) completely
separately from the turbine or (b) integrally with the l.p. turbine or (c) by a method in which
the load is shared between independent supports, the turbine and the turbine foundation block
(see section 1.2.3).
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2.
3.
4.
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6.
7.
Condenser shell
Inlet end waterbox
Outlet end waterbox
Tube plate assembly
Inspection doors
Tube support plates
Tubes and staybars
8.Codensate outlet
9. Expansion bellows
10.Tube plate tube-end pattern
11. Air extraction boffle
12.Air extraction
13.Air-cooler section
14.Accers lare