Why the cooling water enters the condenser at the lower opening and leaves at the upper opening?

Answer 1

Because if water enters from the lowest point, the condenser will always be filled with cold water to ensure efficient cooling.

The water should always flow into a condenser at its lowest point and exit from its highest point. This avoids trapping air in the water jacket.

Answer 2

The cooling water should enter the outflow end of the condenser because the apparatus is more efficient when it is operated that way. The difference in temperature between the cooling water and the substance to be distilled is what drives the heat exchange. But we need a good difference of temperature (temperature gradient) between the cooling water and the distillate all the way along the condenser, and not just a big one at the start and a wimpy one at the outflow end (which is what will happen if cooling water is routed in at the inflow end of the condenser). Certainly by routing the cooling water into the inflow end of the condenser, the distillate will be cooled more quickly - at least in the first part of the condenser. But the distillate is moving, and heat transfer takes a finite amount of time. But routing the cooling fluid (the water) into the outflow of the condenser, there will be more dramatic cooling throughout the length of the condenser. Remember that the distillate is cooler toward the outflow end of the condenser, and it takes cooler water at this end to drive the heat exchange process.

Answer 3

The water enters at a lower point and leaves at a higher point to promote better circulation of the water. If the water left at a lower point, it would just flow through the bottom of the tank and back out again.

Answer 4

Cooling water enters the condenser at the lower opening to ensure efficient flow and circulation inside the condenser. As it absorbs heat from the hot vapor inside, it rises due to reduced density and leaves at the upper opening to maintain a continuous flow and maximize heat transfer. This upward flow helps in dissipating heat more effectively and prevents any potential blockages in the condenser.

Answer 5

So that the maximum cooling of the distillate is effected. By sending the cold coolant (usually water) in at the coolest part of the condenser it also reduces thermal shock.

Answer 6

The cooling water enters the condenser at the lower opening because it has low pressure and leaves at the upper opening because it has got high pressure.