Briefly stated condensation and the production of a vacuum may be used to advantage in the following ways:
1. By increasing the power without increasing the fuel consumption.
2. By saving fuel without reducing the output of power.
3. By saving the boiler feed water required in proportion to the saving of fuel.
4. By furnishing boiler feed water free from lime and other scaling impurities.
5. By preventing the noise of the escaping exhaust steam.
6. By permitting the boiler pressure to be lowered ten to twenty pounds without reducing the power or the economy of the engine.
The discovery of the advantages arising from the condensation of steam by direct contact with water was accidental.
Fig. 578.