Using unfiltered or untreated water in a water-cooled condenser will have what effect?

Using unfiltered or untreated water in a water-cooled condenser will raise both the discharge pressure and discharge temperature. This occurs because untreated water can contain impurities and debris that lead to fouling or scaling within the system. Over time, these contaminants can obstruct water flow and impair heat transfer efficiency.

When heat transfer is compromised due to fouling, the condenser becomes less effective at dissipating heat. This inefficiency causes the refrigerant within the system to reach higher temperatures and pressures as the system struggles to remove heat effectively. Consequently, the refrigerant does not condense as efficiently, leading to increased discharge pressure and temperature as the compressor has to work harder to circulate refrigerant through the system. This effect can also lead to additional energy consumption and the risk of overheating components, further underscoring the importance of using treated water in cooling systems.