In a water cooled condenser, the refrigerant condensing temperature should not be higher than how many degrees above the leaving water temperature?

In a water-cooled condenser, the refrigerant condensing temperature needs to be carefully managed to ensure efficient heat exchange and avoid system inefficiencies. The maximum allowed condensing temperature above the leaving water temperature typically is set around 10°F.

This 10°F difference allows for effective cooling of the refrigerant without causing excessive pressures within the system. If the condensing temperature were to increase beyond this threshold, it could lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and potentially contribute to compressor failure due to elevated pressures and temperatures. Therefore, keeping the condensing temperature within this range ensures that the heat transfer from the refrigerant to the water remains effective, maintaining system performance and reliability.

Other options provide higher temperature thresholds which might not ensure these performance standards are met, potentially leading to complications in cooler operation and system health.