Condensers are used to prevent direct mixing between the shell-side steam and the cooling water flowing through the tubes in steam-turbine-driven equipment in power plants and food processing applications. Biofouling and other problems can lead to tube leaks and unplanned outages.

Industry experts note that starting with process-specific information is the most important first step when selecting a chiller.

In thermal power plants, the steam surface condenser is the heart of the operation — and a key element to the plant’s water-steam cycle. A condenser is critical in that its efficiency directly affects the plant’s power-generating capacity, which in turn influences operating costs and the bottom line. 

In a world full of cookie-cutter products, process chillers that are designed specifically to meet the needs of the processor and the installation site can be a great asset when dealing with conditions such as extreme ambient air temperatures. 

Spig S.p.A., a subsidiary of Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, has been awarded a contract by Suez RV Energie to upgrade an air-cooled condenser for its waste-to-energy plant at the Feniix site in Rambervillers, France. All materials are scheduled to be delivered and erected in the first half of 2021.

In July 2019, the first Bitzer condenser was manufactured in Rottenburg-Hailfingen, Germany, and was shipped to a customer.

For critical process cooling applications, carefully taking into account the conditions in which your process chiller will be used, and the process for which it will be used, will help you identify the features most needed on your system. Use the following checklist as a guideline for purchasing industrial process chillers.

Consider the lifecycle of a head of lettuce: The lettuce is grown, it is harvested, it is transported to be cleaned and wrapped, it is shipped to a grocery store to be displayed, and it is sold. Then, the consumer transports the lettuce home and stores it until it is ultimately eaten.