How does air typically enter a condenser?

In condensers, air enters through multiple pathways, which justifies choosing the option that states "All of the above."

Air can enter a condenser from several sources:

• Air pumps and gland leaks provide a direct way for atmospheric air to infiltrate the system. Gland leaks are particularly common in places where rotating equipment meets stationary equipment, like in turbine shafts, where sealing is not perfect.

• Additionally, a certain amount of air can be carried in with the steam itself. This phenomenon occurs because steam produced from the boiler and present in the system can contain dissolved gases, including air, which may not have been fully removed during operation.

• Finally, leaky flanges also contribute to air ingress. Flanges that aren’t sealed properly can create gaps that allow air to enter the condenser.

Recognizing that all of these pathways can facilitate air entry underscores the importance of maintaining tight seals and proper system operations to minimize air's influence on condenser efficiency, cooling capacity, and overall system performance. By understanding these factors, power engineers can implement better practices for maintaining condenser functionality and addressing air-related issues.