What is the first evidence of failure to maintain water treatment in a condenser?

In the context of a condenser in cooling systems, failure to maintain water treatment can lead to various issues. The first evidence that might indicate such a failure is an increase in compressor head pressure. This occurs because inadequate water treatment can result in scale buildup or corrosion within the condenser tubes, which subsequently decreases the heat exchange efficiency. When the heat exchange efficiency drops, the refrigerant needs to operate at a higher pressure to achieve the same cooling effect, thus leading to an increase in the compressor head pressure. This situation signals that the water treatment regimen is not functioning effectively, as the system cannot dissipate heat as intended.

Monitoring compressor head pressure serves as an essential early warning system for potential problems caused by neglecting proper water treatment practices, allowing for timely intervention before more severe consequences arise.