Water cooled surface condensers may be classified as:

Water cooled surface condensers can indeed be classified in several ways based on the flow of water through the condenser. The correct classification includes radial flow and central flow.

In a radial flow configuration, water enters the condenser at the center and flows outward towards the walls, allowing efficient heat exchange as the cooling water absorbs heat from the steam. This design utilizes the geometry of the condenser to promote effective cooling over a larger surface area.

On the other hand, in a central flow design, steam enters through a central inlet and condenses as it travels outward towards the cooling water pathways. This type enhances the efficiency of the condensation process by maximizing the heat transfer from steam to the cooling water.

The other classifications, such as down flow and cross flow, suggest a different arrangement of water movement which does not accurately portray the primary modes of water cooling used in surface condensers. This distinction is crucial for the design and operational efficiency of these condensers in power generation and industrial applications.