Another factor that affects condenser performance is the rate of circulating water flow.

Low
flow rates are usually caused by plugging of the tube sheet (macrofouling), air bound water
boxes, circulating water pump problems, or blockage of the circulating water intake trash
racks and traveling screens. When a low flow condition occurs, turbine backpressure rises.
A low circulating water flow condition is indicated by a high circulating water temperature rise
(outlet - inlet temperature) with a TTD that is close to normal.