What is a primary purpose of a vent condenser on a deaerating feedwater heater?

The primary purpose of a vent condenser on a deaerating feedwater heater is to condense steam that would escape through the vent. In a deaerator system, steam is used to heat water and remove dissolved gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, which could cause corrosion in the boiler system.

As steam is utilized in this process, some steam may potentially escape through the vent. The vent condenser captures this escaping steam and condenses it back into a liquid form, allowing it to be returned to the system as usable feedwater rather than being wasted. This process ensures efficiency and helps maintain optimal operating conditions, as it maximizes the recovery of energy and reduces the need for additional water heating. By effectively managing the steam that might otherwise be lost, the vent condenser plays a critical role in enhancing the overall efficiency of the feedwater heating system.