The compressor discharge line terminates at the refrigerant condenser. The tubes are expanded into grooved holes in the tube sheet to make a tight joint between the shell and the circulating water.
Refrigerant vapor is admitted to the shell and condenses on the outer surfaces of the tubes.
Any air or noncondensable gases that may accidentally enter the refrigeration system will be drawn through the piping and eventually discharged into the condenser with the refrigerant. The air or noncondensable gases accumulated in the condenser are lighter than the refrigerant gas. They will rise to the top of the condenser when the plant is shut down. Cleaning Condenser Tubes To clean the condenser tubes properly, first drain the cooling water from the condenser. Then disconnect the water connections and remove the condenser heads.