Vacuum steam condensers, otherwise known as ACC’s, are a far more sophisticated form of air cooler, used to condense turbine exhaust and similar applications under vacuum.
The complete system includes a vacuum extraction unit, a condensate handling unit, and various pumps and controls to ensure it operates with optimal efficiency. Finned tube bundles comprise a condensing section, and a de-phlegmation section, in which the non-condensibles are extracted.
Due to the near vacuum operating condition, optimising pressure drop is of paramount importance.