Question 162Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D. The steam/air mixture from the main condenser is discharged by the first stage air ejector to the inter condenser. In a two-stage air ejector assembly, the first stage takes suction on the main condenser and discharges the steam/air mixture to the inter condenser. The second stage then takes suction on the inter condenser to further reduce the pressure and remove the remaining air. This allows the system to maintain a higher level of vacuum in the main condenser, improving the overall efficiency of the steam cycle. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) the first stage does not take suction on the second stage, B) the condensate is not returned to the main condenser via a loop seal, and C) the air is removed by the ejector assembly, not as the condensate passes through the tubes.