Which type of condenser uses air for cooling?

An air-cooled condenser is specifically designed to use ambient air as the cooling medium. In this system, the hot refrigerant or steam from the process passes through coils or fins, and as air flows over these surfaces, it absorbs heat from the fluid, thus cooling it down. This type of condenser is commonly used in applications where water for cooling is scarce, expensive, or impractical to use.

Air-cooled condensers are particularly advantageous in areas with low water availability and when minimizing water treatment and environmental impact is a prerequisite. They are commonly found in industrial applications, commercial buildings, and residential air conditioning systems.

The other types of condensers listed utilize different methods for cooling; for example, a jet condenser relies on the mixing of steam with water to accelerate the cooling process, while surface cooled condensers primarily use water as the cooling medium. Barometric condensers often utilize a vacuum to facilitate the condensation of steam but do not utilize air as a cooling source. This distinction is crucial in choosing the right type of condenser for specific applications and environmental conditions.