Abstract: A steam surface condenser has its tube bundle arranged in a manner so as to have an outer zone of tubes for receiving cold water and surrounding an inner zone of tubes containing warmer water so that most of the condensing of the steam is in the outer zone. A gas cooling section is located in the outer zone adjacent the upper end of the tube bundle. Condensate trays are provided adjacent the cooling section at spaced points along the length of the tube bundle for receiving condensate. Conduits are provided for conveying the condensate from the trays to the exterior of the shell so that such condensate does not contaminate condensate in a hot well.