A steam dump condenser can handle superheated steam when it is designed for the specified inlet pressure, temperature, and flow rate.

The required cooling duty includes removing the steam’s superheat, releasing its latent heat during condensation, and providing any specified condensate subcooling. At the same pressure and steam flow, superheated steam requires more heat removal than saturated steam. This additional duty must be included in sizing.

For high-pressure or high-temperature bypass steam, the system may require an upstream pressure-reducing valve and desuperheater to bring the steam within the condenser’s inlet limits. The need for this equipment depends on the actual steam conditions and condenser design.

For accurate selection, specify the steam conditions at the condenser inlet, cooling-water temperature and flow, required condensing pressure, and operating duty. If spray desuperheating is used, the added water flow must also be included in the mass and heat balance.