What is the purpose of the condensate return system?

• A. To preheat boiler feedwater using ambient air.
• B. To vent non-condensable gases from the system.
• C. To return condensed steam to the boiler feedwater system, reclaiming heat and maintaining water balance.
• D. To condense steam in the turbine exhaust.

Answer: (C)

The condensate return system exists to recycle the water that has already condensed from steam back into the boiler feedwater loop. By returning hot condensate, you reclaim the heat it carries, which helps preheat the feedwater in feedwater heaters and reduces the amount of fuel needed to raise the water to boiler temperature. This not only improves overall efficiency but also helps maintain the proper water balance and chemistry by supplying relatively clean, treated water back to the boiler instead of making up cold makeup water.

Other options describe different parts of the steam cycle: venting non-condensables is handled by deaerators and vent lines, not by returning condensate; preheating feedwater with ambient air isn’t how feedwater is heated in a power plant; condensing steam in the turbine exhaust is the job of the condenser, not the condensate return path.