Condensers(1) One that condenses, especially an apparatus used to condense vapor.

a. an apparatus for reducing gases to their liquid or solid form by the abstraction of heatb. a device for abstracting heat, as in a refrigeration unit

(2) An apparatus used to condense vapor, usually using cooling or pressurization.

Types Of Water Cooled Condensers

Double Pipe Condenser: These condensers, normally used in ammonia systems, consist of a pipe inside another pipe, or a tube within a tube. The tubes are positioned horizontally to form a vertical bank. The whole unit is fixed on a wall, and the water-ammonia mixture enters the sections at the bottom, flowing up through the inner pipe. The compressed refrigerant vapor goes through the top section flowing downward, due to which a counter flow is created.

Double Tube Condenser: It is a version of the double type condenser in which water flows inside the tubes, and refrigerant flows through the annular space between the two tubes. A compact condensing unit is created by placing the compressor inside the condenser.

Shell And Coil Condenser: It consists of a copper coil located in a steel shell. Water runs through the coil, and refrigerant vapor is discharged from the compressor, condensing on the outside of the cold

tubes. This type of condenser is economical, but its maintenance is difficult. If a leakage occurs in the coil, it is essential to remove the head of the shell, and withdrawal of coil from the shell.

Shell And Tube Condenser: It is comprised of a large number of tubes located in a steel shell, with water flowing inside, and vapor flowing around the tubes. The vapors condense on the exterior surface of the tubes, and drops to the bottom of the condenser. A considerable amount of condensing surface is available in a smaller place.

Capacity Of Water Cooled Condensers

The capacity of a water cooled condenser depends on the temperature of the water, the amount of water circulated, and the temperature of the refrigerant gas. The capacity will increase with the

temperature difference between the refrigerant gas and water. Temperature difference can be enlarged by increasing the condensation pressure, or decreasing the temperature of the water entering, or by increasing the amount of water to maintain a low water temperature.

Direct contact condenser

In this type of condenser, vapors are poured into the liquid directly. The vapors lose their latent heat of vaporization; hence, vapors transfer their heat into liquid and the liquid becomes hot. In this type of condensation, the vapor and liquid are of same type of substance. In another type of direct contact condenser, cold water is sprayed into the vapour to be condensed.

Main Basic Types of Condensers

Water-cooled Air-cooled Evaporative

Applications

Air cooled – If the condenser is located on the outside of the unit, the air cooled condenser can provide the easiest arrangement.  These types of condensers eject heat to the outdoors and are simple to install.

Most common uses for this condenser are domestic refrigerators, upright freezers and in residential packaged air conditioning units.  A great feature of the air cooled condenser is they are very easy to clean.  Since dirt can cause serious issues with the condensers performance, it is highly recommended that these be kept clear of dirt.

Water cooled – Although a little more pricey to install, these condensers are the more efficient type.  Commonly used for swimming pools and condensers piped for city water flow, these condensers require regular service and maintenance.

They also require a cooling tower to conserve water.  To prevent corrosion and the forming of algae, water cooled condensers require a constant supply of makeup water along with water treatment.

Depending on the application you can choose from tube in tube, shell and coil or shell and tube condensers.  All are essentially made to produce the same outcome, but each in a different way.

Evaporative – While these remain the least popular choice, evaporative condensers can be used inside or outside of a building and under typical conditions, operate at a low condensing temperature.

Typically these are used in large commercial air-conditioning units. Although effective, they are not necessarily the most efficient.

Prior to beginning your install, make sure you choose a condenser that will provide you with the most efficient use.