Influence of Non-Condensable Gases on Performance of the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Plants

This article addresses the effect of non-condensable (NC) gases on the thermal performance of condensers used in Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plants utilizing natural ocean temperature gradient as well as waste heat recovery from process plants. The NC gases that flow along with the water vapour cause local reduction of heat transfer in the condenser and leading to high operating power and cost escalation. A computational investigation was performed and results showed that with increase in NC gases concentration, there was a decrement in overall heat transfer coefficient, increment in uncondensed water vapour and thus reduction in yield.