Thermodynamic Processes Flashcards
Condensate depression is the process of…
cooling turbine exhaust steam below its saturation temperature.
Excessive heat removal from the low pressure turbine exhaust steam in the main condenser will result
in…
condensate depression.
Main condenser pressure is 1.0 psia. During the cooling process in the condenser, the temperature of
the low pressure turbine exhaust decreases to 100°F, at which time it is a…
subcooled liquid.
Which one of the following explains why condensate subcooling is necessary in a nuclear power plant
steam cycle?
To provide net positive suction head for the condensate pumps.
Which one of the following is the approximate condensate subcooling in a steam condenser operating
at 26 inches Hg vacuum with a condensate temperature of 100°F?
25°F
Which one of the following is a positive effect of having condensate depression in the main
condenser?
Increased net positive suction head available to the condensate pumps.
A nuclear power plant is operating at 80 percent power with 5°F of condensate depression in the main
condenser. If the condensate depression increases to 10°F, the steam cycle thermal efficiency will
__________; and the condensate pumps will operate __________ cavitation.
decrease; farther from
What is the approximate value of condensate depression in a steam condenser operating at 2.0 psia
with a condensate temperature of 115°F?
11°F
What is the approximate condensate depression in a condenser operating at 28 inches Hg vacuum with
a condensate temperature of 100°F?
Less than 2°F
Condensate is collecting in a main condenser hotwell at 90°F with a condenser pressure of 28 inches
Hg vacuum. Which one of the following will improve steam cycle efficiency?
Main condenser cooling water flow rate decreases by 5 percent with no change in condenser
vacuum
The steam cycle thermal efficiency of a nuclear power plant can be increased by…
decreasing the amount of condensate depression (subcooling).
A nuclear power plant is operating at 90 percent of rated power. Main condenser pressure is 1.69 psia
and hotwell condensate temperature is 120°F.
Which one of the following describes the effect of a 5 percent decrease in cooling water flow rate
through the main condenser on steam cycle thermal efficiency?
Efficiency will decrease because the work output of the main turbine will decrease.
A nuclear power plant is operating at 80 percent power with 5°F of condensate depression in the main
condenser. If the condensate depression decreases to 2°F, the steam cycle thermal efficiency will
__________; and the condensate pumps will operate __________ cavitation.
increase; closer to
What is the approximate value of condensate depression in a condenser operating at 27 inches Hg
vacuum with a condensate temperature of 100°F?
16°F
A main condenser is operating at 28 inches Hg vacuum with a condensate outlet temperature of 92°F.
Which one of the following is the approximate amount of condensate depression?
9°F
Main turbine exhaust enters a main condenser and condenses at 126°F. The condensate is cooled to
100°F before entering the main condenser hotwell. Assuming main condenser vacuum does not
change, which one of the following would improve the thermal efficiency of the steam cycle?
Decrease condenser cooling water flow rate by 5 percent.
A nuclear power plant is maintained at 2,000 psia with a pressurizer temperature of 636°F. A
pressurizer relief safety valve is leaking to a collection tank which is being held at 10 psig. With dry
saturated steam in the pressurizer vapor space, which one of the following is the approximate
temperature of the fluid just downstream of the relief valve?
240°F