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

Using unfiltered or untreated water in a water-cooled condenser can lead to several operational problems, primarily due to the impurities and sediments that such water can introduce. As the untreated water circulates through the condenser, it may lead to scaling and fouling on the condenser surfaces.

The scaling and fouling impede the heat exchange process, which reduces the efficiency of the condenser. In turn, this inefficiency causes the system to work harder to achieve the desired cooling effect. As a result, the compressor has to increase its activity to maintain the required temperature and pressure levels, which elevates both discharge pressure and discharge temperature.

Hence, the increase in discharge pressure and temperature is a direct outcome of the reduced heat transfer efficiency stemming from the use of unfiltered and untreated water in cooling systems. This highlights the importance of maintaining clean and treated water in condenser systems to ensure optimal operation and minimize wear and tear on system components.