What happens to the conductivity in the Hotwell Condensate if there is a tube leak in the condenser?

When there is a tube leak in the condenser, the conductivity in the Hotwell Condensate typically increases. This is due to the introduction of cooling water or other contaminants from the leaking tubes into the condensate.

As fresh water or other foreign substances enter the condensate, they can contribute to an increase in ionic content within the fluid. Conductivity is a measure of how well a solution can conduct electricity, which directly correlates to the concentration of ions present in the solution. Therefore, an increase in impurities or other conductive materials as a result of a leak leads to higher conductivity readings.

In many cases, the presence of additional ions from leaking water can overwhelm the existing concentration of the condensate, pushing the overall conductivity higher. Thus, recognizing the effects of tube leaks on the condensate's ionic profile is critical for understanding changes in conductivity and for maintaining system integrity.