What happens if condensate return is not functioning?

• A. It causes immediate boiler shutdown.
• B. It improves turbine life.
• C. It reduces makeup water requirements.
• D. It increases makeup water usage and reduces energy efficiency.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that condensate return recycles hot water from the steam system back to the boiler as feedwater. This hot condensate already carries energy and preheats the feedwater, which reduces the amount of fuel needed to bring water up to boiler temperature. When condensate return isn’t working, you have to replace that lost steam with makeup water, which is cold and must be heated from a lower temperature. Heating more makeup water consumes more fuel and lowers overall energy efficiency. So the result is higher makeup water usage and reduced energy efficiency.