Rick wrote:
You both have really muddled and overcomplicated the issue.

All I did was ask the question.


Condensate depression is simply the difference in temperature between
the temperature at which steam will condense at the pressure existing in
the condenser and the temperature of the condensate in the hotwell.

Absolutely & precisely correct.


Too much cooling (beyond about 10* below condensation temperature) means
that BTU's are needlessly tossed overboard and must be replaced by
burning expensive fuel.

Yes.... although the Navy cares less than they should about fuel
economy. We used to shoot for 5 degrees.

Here's a fun thought... let's list all the unexpected things found in
main condenser headers. How about a case of beer (unfortunately mangled
& empty)?

Fresh Steam
Doug King