In a jet condenser, which statement best describes what occurs?

In a jet condenser, which statement best describes what occurs?

• A. Air leakage into the condenser
• B. Water and steam mix
• C. Steam condenses on cold surfaces only
• D. Water only leaves the condenser

Answer: (B)

Direct-contact condensation is the key idea. In a jet condenser, exhaust steam meets sprays of cooling water and condenses by direct contact with that water. The condensed steam becomes part of the water stream, so you end up with a mixture of condensate and cooling water leaving the condenser. This mixing distinguishes a jet condenser from a surface condenser, where condensation occurs on cooled surfaces and the condensate is separated from the cooling water. So, the statement that best describes what occurs is that water and steam mix. Air leakage can occur in any condenser but isn’t the defining process here, and in a jet condenser the condensation isn’t limited to surfaces, nor does only water leave the vessel.