Talk:Graham condenser

I've seen a Graham condenser drawn like this! Is this correct? In the lab I've only ever seen condenser of this general type where the water travels up the coils and not the vapour? --Quantockgoblin 00:52, 21 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Heard of it but never seen one for myself. I think it does exist but I wonder if it has problems when the drops of condensate are large enough to plug the bore. --Rifleman 82 01:19, 21 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Exactly ... I can seen the condensate being in effect blown out of the top of this thing i.e. when (if) the condensate blocks the vapour path, this in effect causes a seal system - and will result in a build up of pressure. Maybe we need to find confirmation of the above system? Maybe one of the chemical engineer types will know? --Quantockgoblin 10:02, 21 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If I understand correctly, you are asking about the version where the coolant travels in the jacket and the vapor travels in the coil. Does this really exist, and is it in use? Yes it is. We've been using it in our lab. At the same time I can confirm that your worries are well founded. At hight flows the condensate will not drain down the condenser, but instead be pushed out on the top. This does create some pressure buildup. If you doubt me, I can probably find some photos, but I'm lazy so I'd prefer not to :P Please contact me at my page if you need those photos. --Alf 13:34, 4 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]