In a surface condenser system, what is the primary function of the hot well?

In a surface condenser system, the primary function of the hot well is to accumulate condensate. After steam passes through the condenser and loses its heat, it transforms back into liquid water through the cooling process. This condensed water, known as condensate, collects in the hot well, which serves as a storage reservoir for the liquid.

The hot well is crucial because it ensures that the condensate can be recycled back into the boiler or other components of the system. This process is efficient and helps in maintaining the overall water balance within the system. By accumulating condensate, the hot well also plays a role in providing a steady supply of water for reuse, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the cooling and steam generation processes.

The other functions hinted at in the question, such as cooling steam, pressurizing, or filtering impurities, are not the primary roles of the hot well in a surface condenser system. Instead, these activities are typically managed by different components within the overall system.