What term describes the practice of using sequential flash tanks to separate condensate?

• A. Cascading
• B. Filtration
• C. Deposition
• D. Separation

Answer: (A)

Cascading describes the practice of using sequential stages to achieve progressively better separation. In this setup, condensate flows through a series of flash tanks, each operating at a different pressure so a portion of the liquid flashes into vapor at that stage. The liquid that remains moves to the next stage, where another portion flashes off, and so on. This series of equilibrium stages removes more water and contaminants than a single tank could, giving drier condensate and cleaner separation overall. The approach also makes it easier to manage large flows and can improve energy use because the vapor from one stage can be condensed or reused in another part of the system. Filtration would rely on a solid barrier, which isn’t how condensate separation works. Deposition is about gas-to-solid phase changes and isn’t relevant here. Separation is too vague and doesn’t capture the staged, cascading nature of the process.