What must happen to a gas before a condenser converts it to a liquid?

For a condenser to effectively convert a gas into a liquid, the gas needs to be de-superheated before the condensation process can occur. De-superheating involves reducing the temperature of the gas while it remains in a vapor state, which is essential because it allows the gas to reach its saturation temperature.

When a gas is heated beyond its saturation point, it does not condense into a liquid when pressure is applied; instead, it remains in a superheated state. Therefore, by first bringing the temperature of the gas down to its saturation point through de-superheating, the gas is primed for condensation to occur once it enters the condenser. This step is crucial because it ensures that the gas can release its latent heat efficiently, leading to a phase change from gas to liquid.

In summary, de-superheating is a necessary preparatory step that enables the effective conversion of gas to liquid in a condenser, enhancing the efficiency of the cooling process.