Surface condensers/ tube and shell heat exchangers

Tube bundle of a surface condenser
Tube bundle of a surface condenser

In surface condensers there is no direct contact between the vapours to be condensed and the cooling water. The condensation heat is removed via the heat-conducting walls. Therefore, the temperature difference between condensation and cooling water is greater than that in the mixing-type condensation method. Surface condensers are the first choice for process engineering solutions, where the cooling water must not be mixed with the condensate. The separation of the two media ensures environment-friendly operation.

Surface condensers in multi-stage steam jet vacuum systems are designed as tube and shell heat exchangers. The cooling medium is passed through the tube bundles and the condensate condenses on the pipe walls. Inert gases are compressed to atmospheric pressure by means of single- or multi-stage steam jet ejectors.

Körting surface condensers can be manufactured and delivered in all conceivable sizes and in many different materials. Besides the standard design described condensation can also take place in the pipes. Both horizontal or vertical installation are possible.

Advantages of surface condensers

  • no direct contact between cooling water and condensate

  • the cooling water is not polluted

  • manufacturing possible with non-metallic materials (e.g. graphite, PTFE)

  • horizontal or vertical installation

  • condensation outside and inside of the pipes

Functional diagram of a surface condenser
Functional diagram of a surface condenser