Definition:
A condenser on a ship is a mechanical device designed to condense steam back into water after it has passed through the turbines or engines. This process is integral to steam-powered ships, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in modern marine applications where steam systems are used for propulsion or auxiliary systems.
Purpose:
• The condenser cools and condenses steam from the exhaust of the engines or turbines into water (condensate).
• This water is then reused in the boiler to generate steam again, making the system more efficient and reducing the need to carry large amounts of fresh water aboard.
Types:
1. Surface Condenser: Steam flows through tubes surrounded by cooling water.
2. Jet Condenser: Cooling water directly mixes with steam to condense it.
Importance in Shipwreck Context:
• Condensers are often significant in identifying the technological and operational era of shipwrecks.
• Their condition or remnants provide insights into the ship’s engineering and any potential catastrophic failures that could have contributed to its sinking.
Related Terms:
• Boiler: The device producing steam for propulsion or machinery.
• Feedwater: Water used in the boiler after condensation.
• Turbine: A device powered by steam to drive propellers or generators.
• Engine Room: The part of the ship housing the propulsion machinery, including the condenser.