Abstract:
The main condenser is one of the essential components of a ship's steam power
system, functioning to convert exhaust steam into condensate water for reuse in the ship's
operating cycle. A decrease in the condenser vacuum can disrupt the condensation
process, increase condenser pressure, and reduce the operational efficiency of the vessel.
This study aims to analyze the factors causing the decrease in the main condenser vacuum
and its impact on the efficiency of the condensation process on board LNG/C Ekaputra 1.
This study employed a qualitative descriptive research method. Data were
collected through direct onboard observations, interviews with engine officers and
relevant crew members, documentation, literature review, and analysis of the ship's
operational data. The collected data were analyzed descriptively through the stages of
data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing to obtain a comprehensive
understanding of the factors contributing to the decrease in the main condenser vacuum
and its effects on the condensation process. The results indicate that the decline in the
main condenser vacuum is caused by fouling in the condenser tubes, air ingress into the
system, reduced performance of the vacuum pump, and decreased pressure and flow rate
of the cooling water. These conditions hinder the heat transfer process, resulting in
reduced condensation efficiency and impaired steam turbine performance. Efforts to
overcome these problems include periodic condenser cleaning, inspection of air leakage,
optimization of the seawater cooling system, and maintenance of the vacuum pump in
accordance with established procedures.
