Advanced Diagnostics | Module 108
Non-Condensable Gas Audit
Field Status: Non-condensable gases (air or nitrogen) do not condense at normal operating pressures. They collect at the top of the condenser, creating a “gas blanket” that insulates the heat exchange surface.
We diagnose this by comparing the actual measured condensing pressure against the saturation pressure corresponding to the condenser water outlet temperature + the design approach.
SYS AUDIT: Pressure Deviation
PRESSURE DEVIATION: —
—
The Dalton Effect
According to Dalton’s Law, the total pressure in the condenser is the sum of the partial pressures. If air is present, it adds its own partial pressure to the total.
| Deviation (PSI) | Impact | Remedial Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5 | Negligible | Normal |
| 5 – 10 | Drift | Monitor/Purge |
| > 10 | High Amps | Deep Purge |
Diagnostic Gateway Challenge
Why isolate/shut down before purging?