If the liquid drain from a condenser is 82°F and the head pressure is 182 PSIG, what could this indicate?

When the liquid drain from a condenser registers a temperature of 82°F while the head pressure stands at 182 PSIG, this setting suggests the potential presence of non-condensable gases in the system. Non-condensable gases, such as air or other impurities, accumulate in the condenser and can inhibit the proper heat exchange process. As a result, the system struggles to achieve optimal performance, causing the condenser to operate at a higher temperature than expected for a given pressure.

In a well-functioning system, the condenser temperature should be more aligned with the saturation temperature corresponding to the measured head pressure. The observed 82°F could be an indication of significantly less heat transfer efficiency due to the presence of these gases, leading to a rise in temperature without an appropriate increase in pressure.

This implies issues like inadequate removal of heat or the presence of air and other gases that do not condense, creating a barrier to effective cooling. An understanding of these relationships is critical for diagnosing system issues and ensuring proper operation in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The other options may refer to different operational failures or ideal situations that do not apply under the given temperature and pressure conditions.