A condenser in chemical industry is a device used to convert vapor into liquid by removing heat from the vapor. It plays a vital role in various chemical processes, especially in distillation.
 
Condensers can be classified into different types, such as air - cooled condensers and water - cooled condensers, based on the cooling medium they use. Air - cooled condensers use air to cool hot gases. The hot vapor travels through finned copper tubes, and fans force air to circulate around the tubes to remove heat. Water - cooled condensers, on the other hand, run water through tubing or coils in a sealed shell, and the hot vapor to be condensed is released into this shell.
 
In chemical industry, condensers are widely used in petroleum refining, chemical synthesis and other processes. They are used to condense various chemical vapors to obtain liquid products, which helps to improve the efficiency and purity of the separation process. Besides, regular maintenance of condensers is necessary to prevent fouling and ensure their optimal performance.