Which of the following is not a type of condenser used in a steam power plant?

• A. Barometric condenser
• B. Contact condenser
• C. Surface condenser
• D. Vacuum condenser

Answer: (D)

Condensers in a steam plant are classified by how the steam meets the cooling water. Surface condensers use cooling water circulated around tubes, with steam condensing on the tube surfaces. Direct-contact condensers bring steam into direct contact with cooling water, which includes jet (contact) condensers and barometric condensers that use a vertical water column to separate condensate and air. A vacuum condenser isn’t a distinct condenser design; it’s not listed as a separate type, since all condensers operate under low pressure (vacuum) to improve condensation. So the item that isn’t a true condenser type is the vacuum condenser.