Which type of pump is most commonly used for seawater condenser cooling?

The most commonly used pump for seawater condenser cooling is the centrifugal pump. This type of pump is ideal for this application due to its ability to move large volumes of water efficiently. Centrifugal pumps work by using a rotating impeller to increase the velocity of the fluid, converting kinetic energy into pressure energy, which results in effective water circulation through the condenser system.

Centrifugal pumps are favored in seawater cooling systems because they can handle the corrosive nature of seawater well, especially when constructed with appropriate materials like bronze or specialized plastics. Their design allows for a relatively low maintenance requirement while providing a reliable and continuous flow, which is vital to maintaining proper condenser operation and overall system efficiency.

While other types of pumps like flexible impeller, diaphragm, and gear pumps have their specific applications, they are not typically used for seawater condenser cooling due to limitations in flow rate, pressure capabilities, or because they may not be well-suited to handle the corrosive and abrasive nature of seawater effectively.