Condensate Extraction Pump

A condenser extraction pump is a type of pump used in power plants to remove the condensed steam from the condenser and pump it back into the boiler. It is also known as a condensate extraction pump.

In a power plant, the steam that is generated in the boiler is used to turn a turbine which drives a generator to produce electricity. After the steam has passed through the turbine, it is condensed back into water in the condenser. The condensed water is then pumped back into the boiler to be heated again and turned into steam.

The condenser extraction pump is responsible for pumping the condensed water from the condenser to the boiler. It operates by creating a low pressure zone in the condenser which causes the water to flow into the pump. The pump then increases the pressure of the water and pumps it back into the boiler.

Condenser extraction pumps are critical components in power plants and are designed to operate continuously and reliably under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Why Condenser extraction pump located at bellow the hot well?

The condenser extraction pump is typically located below the hot well in a power plant to take advantage of the natural flow of water due to gravity. The hot well is a reservoir that collects the condensed steam from the condenser, and the condenser extraction pump is responsible for pumping this water back into the boiler.

By placing the condenser extraction pump below the hot well, the water can flow down to the pump by gravity. This eliminates the need for additional pumps to lift the water up to the condenser extraction pump, which would require additional energy and maintenance.

In addition, locating the condenser extraction pump below the hot well also helps to maintain a positive pressure at the suction of the pump. This positive pressure helps to prevent air from entering the pump, which can cause cavitation and damage to the pump.

Overall, placing the condenser extraction pump below the hot well is a practical and efficient way to ensure that the pump can effectively extract the condensed steam from the condenser and return it to the boiler, while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.

How suction is created in a condensate extraction pump in a thermal power plant ?

In a condensate extraction pump in a thermal power plant, suction is created by the difference in pressure between the condenser and the pump. The pump is designed to create a low-pressure zone at the suction inlet, which draws the condensed steam from the condenser into the pump.

The pressure at the suction inlet of the pump is lower than the pressure in the condenser due to the following reasons:

1. The condenser is typically located at a higher elevation than the pump. This elevation difference creates a natural head that helps to generate suction.

2. The pump is designed with an impeller that rotates at high speed, creating a centrifugal force that lowers the pressure at the suction inlet.

3. The pump is designed with a specially shaped casing and impeller that create a fluid flow path that helps to accelerate the flow of fluid and create a low-pressure zone at the suction inlet.

Once the condensed steam enters the pump, it is pressurized and pumped back to the boiler to be reheated and turned into steam. The pressure at the discharge of the pump is higher than the pressure at the suction inlet, creating a pressure difference that drives the flow of fluid through the system.

Overall, the suction in a condensate extraction pump in a thermal power plant is created by a combination of gravity, centrifugal force, and fluid flow path design. These factors work together to create a low-pressure zone at the suction inlet, allowing the pump to effectively extract the condensed steam from the condenser and pump it back to the boiler.