Overview
A condenser rejects heat from a condensing gas so that it leaves as a liquid. In a finned tube condenser the gas condenses inside the tubes and the heat is carried away by air flowing across the fins. Because condensation is a phase-change duty, heat load and condensing temperature determine row depth, fin spacing and surface area; the design is based on the medium properties at the condensing condition.
Features
- Copper tube / copper fin, aluminium fin / copper tube and stainless steel options
- Row depth, fin spacing and area set by condensing temperature, heat load and air flow
- Connection positions and dimensions built to the installation envelope
- Can be integrated with fans and frame as a complete condensing unit
- Surface treatment and cleanliness selected for the duty
Materials and specifications
| Tube material | Copper, stainless steel, carbon steel |
| Fin material | Copper, aluminium, stainless steel |
| Construction | Finned tube bundle, with or without fans and frame |
| Condensed medium | Process gas, refrigerant vapour (project specific) |
| Cooling medium | Ambient air |
| Design inputs | Medium and condensing temperature, heat load, air flow, allowable pressure drop |
Typical applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration and HVAC | Condenser coils. |
| Process gas handling | Process gas condensation and separation. |
| Drying and heat pumps | Condensing-side heat exchangers. |
| Equipment integration | Heat exchanger components inside packaged equipment. |
FAQ
What is the difference between a condenser and a fin coil?
Both use a finned tube bundle. A fin coil mainly cools air, while a condenser condenses a gas into a liquid. The condenser must be checked for phase-change duty and cannot simply use a fin coil selection.
Can the condenser be supplied with fans?
Yes. Fans and frame can be matched to the available space and air flow to form a complete condensing unit.
How is the material selected?
By the corrosion, temperature and cleanliness requirements of both the condensing medium and the cooling air. Tube-side and air-side materials can be specified separately.