Hotwell

Hotwell refers to a reservoir in steam power systems that collects hot condensate from the condenser. In many shipboard and stationary steam plants, the hotwell sits downstream of the surface condenser and receives condensate drained from the condenser as well as any leakage from the steam system. The principal purpose of the hotwell is to provide a stable supply of feedwater to the boiler via feed pumps, allowing energy in the exhaust steam to be recovered and recycled rather than vented or wasted. The hotwell also serves as a collection point for non-condensable gases and impurities, which are typically removed by air ejectors or deaerators before the water is pumped back to the boiler.

Operation and design: The hotwell is sized to accommodate the condenser output under normal load and is equipped with level control to maintain a suitable water level. It is usually connected to the feedwater system; water drawn from the hotwell is heated further in the feedwater heater or deaerator before returning to the boiler. The water temperature remains relatively high, and its quality is monitored to protect boiler efficiency and avoid corrosion.

Terminology and modern practice: In many plants, the hotwell is commonly referred to as a condensate receiver or condensate tank; the terminology varies between marine and land-based power systems. The concept remains the same: capture condensate, remove contaminants, and feed it back to the boiler.