Condensing and
Heat Recovery

Shell side for large vapor volumes and low pressure drop, which is most large condensers. Tube side for hygienic duty needing drainability, for reflux service where condensate runs back against rising vapor, and for high-pressure vapor.

Substantially, because gravity governs how the condensate film behaves. A condenser rated horizontally and installed vertically will not perform as calculated. Orientation has to be fixed before rating, not after.

For a multicomponent vapor, condensation happens across a temperature range rather than at a single point. Treating it as one temperature overestimates the driving force and undersizes the exchanger. The rating needs the curve, not just the dew point.

Yes, mounted vertically, so condensate runs back down the same passage the vapor came up. That duty exercises the exchanger thermally, which is another argument for a bundle that expands freely.