What should the steam inlet connections of a condenser have for safety?

The steam inlet connections of a condenser should be equipped with an atmospheric relief valve to ensure safety. This device serves a critical purpose by providing a means for air or non-condensable gases to be vented from the condenser when necessary. In situations where a condenser is subjected to a vacuum, such as during its operation, the risk of collapsing due to excessive vacuum pressure exists. An atmospheric relief valve allows outside air to enter the condenser if the internal pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, thus preventing structural damage or even catastrophic failure.

This safety mechanism is vital because it helps in maintaining the integrity of the condenser under operational conditions. Without such a valve, there would be no protective measure against potential vacuum-induced failures, leading to riskier operational practices.

In contrast, while pressure gauges, vacuum relief valves, and shutoff valves each play important roles in the overall safety and functional monitoring of the system, they do not fulfill the specific safety function provided by an atmospheric relief valve. The pressure gauge monitors existing pressure, the vacuum relief helps prevent excessive vacuum but does not vent air when needed, and the shutoff valve allows system isolation but does not provide automatic pressure regulation in case of an unexpected vacuum situation.