What factors affect the condensing efficiency of stainless steel condensers?

The condensing efficiency of stainless steel condensers is influenced by a combination of factors, primarily categorized into three main types: medium properties, structural parameters, and operating conditions. Regarding medium properties, the latent heat of steam directly determines the heat load of the condensation process; high latent heat media (such as water vapor) require a larger heat exchange area. A non-condensable gas content exceeding 2% will form a gas film that hinders heat transfer, reducing efficiency by more than 30%. The surface tension of the condensate affects the liquid film morphology; low surface tension media are more prone to droplet condensation, which has a heat transfer coefficient 5-10 times higher than film condensation. In terms of structural design, controlling the surface roughness of the heat exchange tubes to below Ra0.8μm promotes droplet condensation. In tube arrangement, a triangular arrangement increases the heat exchange area by 20% compared to a square arrangement, but also results in a higher pressure drop. Insufficient tube spacing can cause liquid bridging, while excessive spacing reduces space utilization.

Among the operating parameters, there is an optimal range for steam flow rate (1-3 m/s); too low a flow rate leads to thickened gas film, while too high a flow rate causes droplet entrainment. A 10°C increase in cooling medium temperature difference can increase the condensation rate by 15%-20%, but excessive difference can cause thermal stress on the tube walls. Operating pressure affects saturation temperature, and a specially designed vibration-resistant structure is required for vacuum operation. Environmental factors such as air-side fouling can increase thermal resistance by 10%-30%, and high water hardness necessitates consideration of water-side scaling. System matching is also crucial; a deviation of more than 15% between condensation load and cooling capacity will result in a sharp drop in efficiency. Maintenance directly affects long-term performance; a tube bundle alignment deviation exceeding 3 mm will lead to uneven flow, and regular chemical cleaning can restore over 90% of initial efficiency.