Which of the following is NOT a reason for losing vacuum in a plant with a surface condenser?

Study for the Massachusetts 3rd Class Engineer Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for success on your exam!

In a surface condenser, the primary function is to condense exhaust steam from turbines into water, maintaining a vacuum that optimizes the efficiency of the steam cycle. A variety of factors can cause a loss of vacuum, but low steam temperature is not typically one of them.

When steam temperature is low, it often also indicates that the steam has not reached its saturation point, which means that the steam may still hold enough energy to create a sufficient pressure differential for condensation. However, the other factors listed present direct problems affecting the operation of a condenser and the vacuum.

For instance, a dirty condenser can obstruct the heat exchange surface, which directly impacts the efficiency of the condensation process, leading to a reduction in vacuum. Insufficient cooling water reduces the ability of the condenser to remove heat effectively, also contributing to vacuum loss. A waterlogged condenser, where non-condensable gases or excessive condensate are present, can displace steam and hinder the vacuum function as well.

In contrast, low steam temperature does not inherently cause a loss of vacuum; it may be symptomatic of other issues, but it does not directly impede the condenser's ability to maintain its vacuum if other conditions are optimal. Therefore, this makes low steam temperature an incorrect factor for losing

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