Condenser, a component of the refrigeration system and a type of heat exchanger, converts gases or vapors into liquids, quickly transferring heat from the tubes to the surrounding air near them. The condensation process is a heat-releasing process, hence the temperature of the condenser is typically high.

Power plants use many condensers to condense the steam exhausted from turbines. In refrigeration plants, condensers are used to condense refrigerants like ammonia and Freon. In the petrochemical industry, condensers are used to condense hydrocarbons and other chemical vapors. In the distillation process, the device that converts vapor into a liquid is also called a condenser. All condensers operate by removing the heat from gases or vapors.