AUTOMATED THERMAL EXCHANGE SYSTEM
A system for condensing steam is provided that includes a cooling tank and a condensing coil extending into the cooling tank. Coolant from a source of coolant flows into the tank to cool the condensing coil when the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank exceeds a predetermined value. A drain is in fluid communication with the cooling tank. An air gap assembly is located between the tank and the source of coolant. The air gap assembly includes an opening to atmospheric air and is constructed and arranged to allow coolant to flow out of the opening air vent when there is a predetermined amount of coolant back flowing into the device.
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This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application No. 61/611,086 filed Mar. 15, 2012. The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates generally to the cooling of fluids, more particularly, to systems and methods for reducing the temperature of effluents and coolants for devices like autoclaves, steam sterilizers, computers, etc. for delivery of such effluents and/or coolants to a drain or waste vessel while also avoiding cross connections of source coolants to drain or waste connections.
BACKGROUNDSteam sterilizers (also called autoclaves) are used in the medical, dental, veterinarian, spa, ear-piercing and tattoo industries to sterilized instruments used for the patients or clients in order to prevent transfer of disease organisms one to another. Systems for condensing the steam after it is used to sterilize theses instruments may benefit from improvements.
SUMMARYThe following is a brief summary of subject matter that is described in greater detail herein. This summary is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the claims.
A system for condensing steam is provided that includes a cooling tank and a condensing coil extending into the cooling tank. Coolant from a source of coolant flows into the tank to cool the condensing coil when the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank exceeds a predetermined value. A drain is fluid communication with the cooling tank. An air gap assembly is located between the tank and the source of coolant. The air gap assembly includes an opening to atmospheric air and is constructed and arranged to allow coolant to flow out of the opening air vent when there is a predetermined amount of coolant back flowing into the device.
In another aspect of the invention, a system for changing the temperature of a fluid is provided that includes a container and a thermal exchange device extending into the container. A source of thermal exchange fluid is in fluid communication with the container. The thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid flows into the container to change the temperature of the thermal exchange device when the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid in the container reaches a predetermined value. A thermal actuator is operatively connected to a valve. The valve is located between the source of thermal exchange fluid and the container. The valve is operative to be in a closed position blocking the flow of thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid into the container and an open position allowing the flow of thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid into the container. The thermal actuator causes the valve to be placed from the closed position to the open position in response to the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid reaching the predetermined value.
In another aspect of the invention, a system for condensing steam is provided. The system includes a cooling tank, a condensing coil extending into the cooling tank, a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, a condensate line fluidly connected between the drain and an outlet of the condensing coil, a coolant overflow line fluidly connected between the cooling tank and the drain, a steam line fluidly connected to an inlet of the condensing coil, a source of coolant in fluid communication with the cooling tank, and a thermal actuator operatively connected to a valve. The valve is located between the source of coolant and the cooling tank. The valve is operative to be in a closed position blocking the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank and an open position allowing the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank. The thermal actuator is operatively connected to one of the condensate line, coolant overflow line, and steam line. The thermal actuator causes the valve to be placed from the closed position to the open position in response to the temperature of a fluid in the one of the condensate line, coolant overflow line, and steam line exceeding a predetermined value.
In another aspect of the invention, a system for changing the temperature of a fluid is provided that includes a container, a thermal exchange device extending into the container, and a source of thermal exchange fluid in fluid communication with the container. The thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid flows into the container to change the temperature of the thermal exchange device when the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid in the container reaches a predetermined value. An air gap assembly located between the container and the source of thermal exchange fluid. The air gap assembly includes an opening to atmospheric air. The air gap assembly is constructed and arranged to allow thermal exchange fluid to flow out of the opening when there is a predetermined amount of thermal exchange fluid back flowing into the device.
Other aspects will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the attached figures and description.
Various technologies pertaining to steam condensing systems will now be described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. In addition, several functional block diagrams of example systems are illustrated and described herein for purposes of explanation; however, it is to be understood that functionality that is described as being carried out by certain system components and devices may be performed by multiple components and devices. Similarly, for instance, a component/device may be configured to perform functionality that is described as being carried out by multiple components/devices.
There are generally two types of autoclaves (cassette and chamber).
After a few cycles, an attendant or other person has to remove the cap 26 and condensing coil 28 from the bottle 24 to empty the hot water into a sink or other suitable drain. If the attendant forgets, the excess water will escape via a small pressure relief port located in the cap 26. This overflow creates rotting, warping, delamination and mold in the cabinetry in which it's stored. Additionally, if the number of cycles occurs too quickly in succession, the steam may not have time to condense and thus, the steam and water vapor escapes via the relief port hole in cap 26 also creating moisture damage to the property. Further, the effluent waste or condensate from the system may be too hot to discharge directly to plumbing drains. Moreover, it would be a violation of the plumbing codes to discharge steam and/or water too hot for the plumbing system to drain. Also, this type of waste design also endangers the attendant who must handle extremely hot equipment.
When a cycle is complete, a solenoid valve 35 in a line 36 between the water tank 34 and sterilizing chamber 32 is opened and the steam and very hot water is discharged from the sterilization chamber 32 and sent to the water tank 34 while at the same time filtered ambient temperature enters the chamber 32 to begin cooling the cassette and instruments. The water tank 34 contains a copper condensing coil 38 that is immersed in the stored water supply and serves to help condense the steam. The opening and closing of the solenoids is operated by a controller 37. The chamber style autoclave 30 re-uses water for many cycles and does not use a waste bottle. Periodically the attendant must physically drain the entire water tank 34 by use of a drain fitting and clean the water tank 34 and sterilization chamber. Fresh distilled-quality water is added back to the reservoir and the process may continue. This type of system does not present the same problems as the cassette style autoclaves create with use of a waste bottle but does require a great deal of labor to clean the water tank.
Referring to the drawings and initially to
A high temperature resistant steam line 58 is fluidly connected between the autoclave 42 and a manifold 60. The manifold 60 is fluidly connected to the condensing coil 44 and mounted on a top wall 62 of the cooling tank 48. As seen in
The manifold 60 includes a first inlet port 74 provided on top of the head 63 and is in fluid communication with the steam line 58 (
The condensing coil 44 is generally comprised of copper or other suitable thermal transfer material and extends downwardly near bottom wall 79 of the cooling tank 48 as seen in
Referring to
The cooling tank 48 contains coolant such as water that substantially surrounds the condensing coil 44 in a coolant bath to cool the condensing coil 44 heated by the steam flowing through the condensing coil 44. The coolant source 46 may be a cold water line from a sink 105 as shown in
Referring to
The valve 114 is secured to the thermal actuator 116. In particular, the threaded end 132 of the valve 114 extends into a stem 134 of the thermal actuator 116 and threadibly engages threads in the inner side 136 (
The stem 134 includes a lateral sight opening 146 at the upper end of the piston 138 for viewing the position (actuating or non-actuating) of the piston 138. The thermal valve assembly 112 is configured such that the valve 114 is placed in the open position when the water in the tank is heated to the predetermined temperature that is too high to help condense the steam. In particular, the water, which is heated at the predetermined temperature, causes the wax 140 to expand at a sufficient amount to overcome the biasing force of the spring 144 and move the piston 138 upwardly until it engages the poppet 110 and moves the head 128 of the poppet off of the seat 130 to allow water to flow from the coolant line 106 into the inlet 120 and the bore 124 and through the outlet 122 of the valve 114. When the water is below the predetermine value, the valve 114 is in the closed position in which the head 128 engages the seat 130 to block the water from flowing into the bore 124 and through the outlet 122.
The thermal actuator 116 includes a threaded base 148 that is threadibly secured into a threaded opening 150 (
A coolant line 162 (
Coolant line 176 is fluidly connected between the outlet 172 of the flow control device and an inlet 177 of an air gap assembly or air gap assembly 180. Referring to
Referring to
The inlet branch 186 includes a barbed end 212 that is attached to one end of a tubular adapter 214. The tubular adapter 214 may be made of a flexible clear plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. A barbed adapter 216 is attached to the other end of tubular adapter 214. The tubular adapter 214 may be attached to the barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 by thermal fusion. For example, the tubular adapter 214 may be heated near its melting point. The melting point of the tubular adapter 214 is lower than that of the barbed end 212 and barbed adapter 216. The barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 are then inserted into their respective ends of the tubular adapter 214. The barbed adapter 216 is inserted such that the barbs 218, 220 in them dig into the inner surface of the tubular adapter 214 so that the melted material of the tubular adapter 214 surrounds the barbs 218, 220. Upon cooling, the melted material hardens to fuse and secure the barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 to the tubular adapter 214. Alternatively, the barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 could be first inserted into the tubular adapter 214 and then have heat applied to the tubular adapter 214 to melt and fuse the plastic material from the tubular adapter 214 to the barbed end 212 and barbed adapter 216.
Alternatively, the barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 may be heated to a temperature near the melting point of the tubular adapter 214. The barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 are then inserted into their respective ends of the tubular adapter 214. The plastic material in the tubular adapter 214 is melted as the barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 are inserted such that the barbs 218, 220 in them dig into the inner surface of the tube so that the melted material surrounds the barbs 218, 220. Upon cooling, the melted material hardens to fuse and secure the barbed end 212 and the barbed adapter 216 to the tubular adapter 214. A tubular fitting 222 is threadibly secured into the barbed adapter 216 and serves as the inlet 177 of the air gap assembly 180. The coolant line 176 is fluidly connected to the fitting 222.
The outlet branch 188 also includes a barbed end 224 that is attached to one end of a tubular adapter 226. The tubular adapter 226 may be made of a flexible clear plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. A barbed adapter 228 is attached to the other end of tubular adapter 226. The tubular adapter 226 may be attached to the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 by thermal fusion. For example, the tubular adapter 226 may be heated near its melting point. The melting point of the tubular adapter 226 is lower than that of the barbed end 224 and barbed adapter 228. The barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 are then inserted into their respective ends of the tubular adapter 226. The barbed adapter 228 is inserted such that the barbs 230, 232 in them dig into the inner surface of the tubular adapter 226 so that the melted material of the tubular adapter 226 surrounds the barbs 230, 232. Upon cooling, the melted material hardens to fuse and secure the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 to the tubular adapter 226. Alternatively, the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 could be first inserted into the tubular adapter 226 and then have heat applied to the tubular adapter 226 to melt and fuse the plastic material from the tubular adapter 226 to the barbed end 224 and barbed adapter 228.
Alternatively, the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 may be heated to a temperature near the melting point of the tubular adapter 226. The barbed end 224 and barbed adapter 228 are then inserted into their respective ends of the tubular adapter 226. The plastic material in the tubular adapter 226 is melted as the barbed end 224 and barbed adapter 228 are inserted such that the barbs 230, 232 in them dig into the inner surface of the tube so that the melted material surrounds the barbs 230, 232. Upon cooling, the melted material hardens to fuse and secure the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 to the tubular adapter 226. Alternatively, the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228 could be first inserted into the tubular adapter 226 and then have heat applied to the tubular adapter 226 to melt and fuse the plastic material from the tubular adapter 226 to the barbed end 224 and barbed adapter 228. Alternatively, the tubular adapter 226 may be heated instead of the barbed end 224 and the barbed adapter 228. A tubular fitting 234 is threadibly secured into the barbed adapter 228 and serves as the outlet 236 of the air gap assembly 180. A coolant line 238 (
The air gap assembly 180 allows water to flow out of the lateral openings 190, 192 and air gaps 197, 199 at the top end 189 of the riser 184 and opening 200 of the cover cap 198, when there is a predetermined amount of water back flowing through the device. This prevents the water from backing up into the water line 46 and causing cross contamination and code violations. The openings and air gaps and their location thereof also allow operation of the cooling system at atmospheric pressure.
To install the air gap assembly 180, the cover cap 198 and the upper flange nut 202 are removed and from beneath the sink 105, the riser 184 is inserted into and up through a hole in the support surface 208 until the lower flange nut 206 abuts the underside of the support surface 208. The rubber washer 210 may then be inserted around the riser 184 positioned on top of the support surface 208. The upper flange nut 202 is then threadibly inserted over and down the threaded portion 204 until the upper flange nut 202 rests upon the rubber washer 210. The cover cap 198 is then friction fitted on the riser 184.
Referring to
As depicted in
A coolant overflow or drain line 250 (
The second inlet port 258 is in fluid communication with a second outlet port 262. The second outlet port 262 tapers toward the second inlet port 258. A floating hollow ball 268 is provided in the second outlet port 262 and acts as a check valve to prevent the back flow of the water. Specifically, during the normal flow of water, the ball 268 is located away from the seat 270 of the second outlet port 262 to allow water to flow to drain 50 through the space between the second outlet port 262 and the ball 268. If a back flow of water occurs, the water moves the ball 268 toward the seat 270 until it engages the seat 270 to block the water from flowing to the cooling tank 48. Both of the balls 264, 268 are retained in their respective outlet ports 260, 262 by a stainless steel drive pin 272. Other types of check valves may be used instead of the ball such as spring loaded poppets. Alternatively, the drain adapter may have straight outlet ports as shown in
Referring to
As seen in
The wax cup 302 is exposed to the condensate in the chamber 294. A diaphragm 301 is secured to the wax cup 302 and provided inside the wax cup 302 between the wax 300 and upstream end of the piston 298. The diaphragm 301 may be made of rubber or other suitable flexible material. The wax 300 expands as it is heated and pushes the diaphragm 301 which in turn flexes and pushes the piston 298 downstream. When the temperature in the expanded wax decreases, the wax 300 contracts and the diaphragm 301 retracts back down to allow the return spring 304 to urge the piston 298 in the upstream direction. When the temperature in the expanded wax decreases, the wax contracts to allow the return spring 304 to urge the piston 298 in the upstream direction. The body 288 may be constructed of clear polyvinyl chloride or other clear material for viewing the position of the piston 298. A cylindrical retainer 308 extends around the wax cup and radially extends outwardly to the inner surface of the chamber 294. The retainer 308 holds the thermal actuator 296 in place so that the piston 298 is aligned with an outlet port 310 of the chamber 294. Four bypass holes 312 extend axially through the retainer and are spaced circumferentially equally from each other. The number and size of the bypass holes may vary according to the system.
The cylindrical cap 286 includes an inlet opening 314 in fluid communication with a threaded outlet opening 316. The outlet opening 316 threadibly receives a hollow male fitting 318, which is fluidly connected to the condensate line 96. The cap 286 of the in-line thermal valve assembly 284 is threadibly secured to the body 288. An O-ring seal 321 is provided between the cap 286 and the body 288 to seal them from the water. When the cap 286 and the body 288 are threadibly connected to each other, the outlet port 310 of the chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet opening 314 of the cap 286. During normal operation as seen in
The thermal actuator 296 is constructed such that when condensate in the chamber 294 is at a predetermined temperature that could cause damage to the elements of the drain, the wax expands and causes the piston 298 to move in the downstream direction and block the outlet port 310 as seen in
The retraction and resetting of the piston 298 may be accomplished by allowing time for the fluid in the chamber to cool or manually by opening the body 288, cooling the wax by use of cold water (which will retract the piston in seconds), placing the wax back into the chamber 294, closing the body 288, and then re-installing the in-line thermal valve assembly 284 in the condensate line 96. The in-line thermal valve assembly size, inlet and outlet connection size, flow rate capacity, and thermal activation set point of the wax motor may all be adjusted as required by specific application.
Referring to
When the water is heated to the predetermined temperature that is too high to help condense the steam and/or that may cause damage to the system from the condensate, the thermal actuator 116 operates to place the valve 114 in the open position as previously mentioned. Cool water from the cold water line 46 then flows out of the valve and through the flow control device 166 and the air gap assembly 180. The water then flows down from the air gap assembly 180 by gravity and through the riser tube 244 and into the cooling tank 48. As the cool water flows into the cooling tank 48, the cool water displaces the warmer water which flows out of the overflow opening 246. The warmer water flows through the overflow line 250, the drain adapter 256 and to the drain 50. This lowers the temperature of the water in the cooling tank 48 to further help condense the steam and lowers the temperature of the condensate to a value that prevents damage to the components of the drain. When the temperature of the water in the cooling tank 48 lowers below the predetermined temperature, the wax 140 contracts to place the valve 114 in the closed position to block the cool water from the cold water line from entering the cooling tank 48.
If the water in the cooling tank 48 back flows through the riser 244 and the line 238, the water will flow through the lateral openings 190, 192 and air gaps 197, 199 and out of the opening 200 of the air gap assembly 180. This will also visually alert a user of this condition. The air gap assembly 180 is designed so that the cooling system operates completely at atmospheric pressure. Since the air gaps and openings in the air gap assembly are at the inlet side of the system (before the cool water flows into the tank), nothing can cross connect and no additional back flow prevention device is needed.
The steam condensing system 40 is installed as follows. First, the cooling tank 48 is filled with cold tap water. The threaded base 148 of the thermal actuator is then threadably inserted into the threaded opening 150 (
The air gap assembly 180 is installed on the lip of the sink 105 or countertop 208 depending on the sink configuration or other support surface. The air gap assembly 180 is designed to fit in the sprayer hole of standard sinks. If there is no sprayer hole or there is one but the user wishes to keep the sprayer, a hole may be drilled in the lip of the sink or countertop to accommodate the air gap assembly 180. The air gap assembly 180 is installed by first removing the decorative (friction-fit) chrome cover cap 198 by pulling straight upward.
The upper flange nut 202 and washer 210 is then removed from the riser 184 and while the lower flange nut 206 is left intact. From beneath the sink, the riser 184 is inserted into and up through the hole until the lower flange nut 206 abuts the underside of the sink deck or countertop. The rubber washer 210 is pushed down over the riser 184 while pulling up on the riser 184. The upper flange nut 202 is then threaded over and down the riser until the nut 202 has pushed the washer 210 into contact with the sink deck or countertop. The chrome cover cap 198 is fitted over the riser 184 until it locks into place to ensure that it fits properly. The chrome cover cap 198 is then removed. Then, while holding the riser still, tighten the lower flange nut 206 up against the underside of the sink deck or countertop to secure the assembly. Fit the chrome cover cap 198 over the riser 184 and lock into place again.
The drain adapter 256 may then be installed in a vertical or horizontal orientation in the sink drain piping as needed and at a position that is below the air gap assembly 180 and such that the water will not flow out of the lateral openings during normal the flow of water (no back flow). Preferably, the drain adapter 256 is installed at the lowest possible level in the system 40. To install the drain adapter 256, mark the center point of the area desired for installation, then cut a section of the existing drain tubing out to allow room for the slip joint tee 274. A slip joint compression nut 330 (
To put the condensing system 40 in its operation mode, the shut off valve 108 is turned on. To test the condensing system 40, a small-bladed, standard screw drive or similar tool is inserted through the sight opening 146 in the side of the thermal actuator stem 134 and moved directly upward upon the poppet 110 to move the poppet upwardly to place the valve in the open position. Held in that position, water should begin flowing from the outlet 122 of the water valve 114, up through the line 162, 176, through the flow control device 166 and into the inlet 177 of the air gap assembly 180. Temporarily remove the chrome decorative cover cap 198 from the air gap assembly 180 by pulling upward. Water should be seen (via the gaps and openings) flowing very slowly into the air gap assembly 180. After a few moments, the water will have filled the chamber in the air gap assembly 180 and begin flowing from the outlet 236, downward to the coolant riser 244 in the cooling tank 48. Temporarily pull the coolant overflow line 250 out of the fitting 280 at the drain adapter 256 by pushing and holding in a collet around the perimeter while pulling outwardly on the overflow line 250. When a slow, intermittent flow of water is observed flowing from the coolant overflow line 250, push the line 250 back into the coolant overflow fitting and reassemble the decorative chromed cover cap 198 to the top of the air gap assembly 180. Remove the tool used to manually actuate the water coolant valve 114.
It should be noted that the system in any of the exemplary embodiments may be configured to be used for any type of thermal transfer of heat between a fluid in a heat exchange device and a fluid surrounding the heat exchange device. For example, the system may be set up to have a container filled with warm water to heat fluid in a heat exchange device. Also, instead of a condensing coil, other types of heat exchange devices that help to cool, condense, or heat up fluids may be used such as a heat sink. Also, a pressure relief device may be used instead of an air gap assembly. The pressure relief device may be an open pressure relief device. Also, various tubing sizes can be used for the coolant and other lines (e.g. ¼″, ⅜″, ½″, ¾″ outer diameter tubing).
It is noted that several examples have been provided for purposes of explanation. These examples are not to be construed as limiting the hereto-appended claims. Additionally, it may be recognized that the examples provided herein may be permutated while still falling under the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A system for condensing steam comprising:
- a cooling tank;
- a condensing coil extending into the cooling tank;
- a source of coolant in fluid communication with the cooling tank, wherein coolant from the source of coolant flows into the tank to cool the condensing coil when the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank exceeds a predetermined value;
- an air gap assembly located between the tank and the source of coolant, wherein the air gap assembly includes an opening to atmospheric air, wherein the air gap assembly is constructed and arranged to allow coolant to flow out of the opening when there is a predetermined amount of coolant back flowing into the device.
2. The system of claim 1 including a thermal actuator operatively connected to the cooling tank and a valve, wherein the valve is located between the source of coolant and the cooling tank, wherein the valve is operative to be in a closed position blocking the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank and an open position allowing the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank, wherein the thermal actuator causes the valve to be placed from the closed position to the open position in response to the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank being above the predetermined value.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the thermal actuator comprises an expandable part, wherein the expandable part is in contact with the coolant in the cooling tank and in operative connection with the valve, wherein the expandable part is operative to expand in response to the temperature of the coolant exceeding the predetermined value and cause the valve to be placed in the open position.
4. The system of claim 1 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, a condensate line fluidly connected between the drain and an outlet of the condensing coil, a coolant overflow line fluidly connected between the cooling tank and the drain, a steam line fluidly connected to an inlet of the condensing coil, a thermal actuator operatively connected in-line in one of the condensate line, the coolant overflow line, and the steam line, wherein the valve is located between the source of coolant and the cooling tank, wherein the valve is operative to be in a closed position blocking the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank and an open position allowing the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank, wherein the thermal actuator is operatively connected to the valve and causes the valve to be placed from the closed position to the open position in response to the temperature of a fluid in the one of the condensate line, coolant overflow line, and steam line exceeding a predetermined value.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein the thermal actuator includes an actuating part that is movable between an actuating position that causes the valve to be placed in the open position and a nonactuating position that allows the valve to be placed in the closed position, wherein the thermal actuator includes an opening for viewing the position of the actuating part.
6. The system of claim 2 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, a drain adaptor in operative connection with the drain, wherein the drain adaptor includes a first input port in fluid communication with condensate flowing from the condensing coil and a second input port in fluid communication with coolant flowing from the cooling tank.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the drain adaptor is configured to be received by a slip joint tee.
8. The system of claim 1 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, wherein the drain is in fluid communication with an outlet of the condensing coil, a thermal valve assembly fluidly connected between the outlet of the condensing coil and the drain, wherein the thermal valve assembly is operative to prevent fluid from the condensing coil to flow into the drain in response to the temperature of the fluid exceeding a predetermined value.
9. The system of claim 8 including an indicator, wherein said indicator is operative to indicate that the fluid flowing out of the outlet of the condensing coil exceeds a predetermined temperature.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the air gap assembly includes at least one barbed end, wherein the barbed end is securely received by a tubular adapter, wherein the tubular adapter is configured to be securely received by a fitting.
11. The system of claim 1 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, a manifold fitting operatively mounted to the tank, wherein the manifold includes first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, wherein the first inlet port is in fluid communication with steam to be condensed and the first outlet port is in fluid communication with the condensing coil, wherein the second inlet port is in fluid communication with the condensing coil and the second outlet port is in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the manifold is configured such that steam to be condensed enters the first inlet port into the manifold and exits the manifold through the first outlet port and into the condensing coil, wherein the manifold is configured such that condensate from the condensing coil enters the second inlet port into the manifold and exits the manifold through the second outlet port to the drain.
12. The system of claim 1 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, wherein the cooling tank includes a coolant overflow outlet in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the coolant overflow outlet allows coolant to flow out of the cooling tank to the drain when the coolant in the cooling tank is at a predetermined level.
13. The system of claim 2 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, wherein the cooling tank is triangular in shape and includes a coolant inlet port for receiving coolant from the source of coolant, wherein the cooling tank includes a coolant overflow outlet in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the coolant overflow outlet allows coolant to flow out of the cooling tank to the drain when the coolant in the cooling tank is at a predetermined level, wherein the thermal actuator is positioned in the cooling tank between the coolant inlet port and coolant overflow outlet at a location in which temperature of the coolant is substantially at the average coolant temperature of the cooling tank.
14. The system of claim 2 including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, wherein the drain is in fluid communication with an outlet of the condensing coil, a thermal valve assembly fluidly connected between the outlet of the condensing coil and the drain, wherein the thermal valve assembly is operative to prevent fluid from the condensing coil to flow into the drain in response to the temperature of the fluid exceeding a predetermined value.
15. The system of claim 1 including a flow control device operatively connected between the cooling tank and the source of coolant, wherein the flow control device is operative to control the flow of coolant into the tank at a predetermined rate.
16. The system of claim 2 wherein the thermal actuator includes a wax portion and a piston, wherein the wax portion is operatively connected to the piston, wherein the wax portion is operative to expand and move the piston a predetermined distance that causes the valve to be placed in the open position in response to the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank increasing above a predetermined value.
17. The system of claim 6, including a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank, wherein the first input port includes a first check valve and the second input port includes a second check valve, wherein the first check valve is operative to prevent the back flow of fluid from the drain to the condensing coil, wherein the second check valve is operative to prevent the back flow of fluid from the drain to the cooling tank.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the check valve is a ball check valve.
19. A system for changing the temperature of a fluid comprising:
- a container;
- a thermal exchange device extending into the container;
- a source of thermal exchange fluid in fluid communication with the container, wherein the thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid flows into the container to change the temperature of the thermal exchange device when the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid in the container reaches a predetermined value;
- a thermal actuator operatively connected to a valve, wherein the valve is located between the source of thermal exchange fluid and the container, wherein the valve is operative to be in a closed position blocking the flow of thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid into the container and an open position allowing the flow of thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid into the container, wherein the thermal actuator causes the valve to be placed from the closed position to the open position in response to the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid reaching the predetermined value.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the thermal exchange device includes a condensing coil, wherein the container includes a cooling tank, wherein the thermal exchange fluid includes coolant, wherein the coolant from the source of thermal exchange fluid flows into the cooling tank to cool the condensing coil when the temperature of the coolant in the cooling tank exceeds the predetermined value.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein the thermal actuator comprises an expandable part, wherein the expandable part is in contact with the coolant in the cooling tank and in operative connection with the valve, wherein the expandable part is operative to expand in response to the temperature of the coolant in the coolant tank exceeding the predetermined value and cause the valve to be placed in the open position.
22. A system for condensing steam comprising:
- a cooling tank;
- a condensing coil extending into the cooling tank;
- a drain in fluid communication with the cooling tank;
- a condensate line fluidly connected between the drain and an outlet of the condensing coil;
- a coolant overflow line fluidly connected between the cooling tank and the drain;
- a steam line fluidly connected to an inlet of the condensing coil;
- a source of coolant in fluid communication with the cooling tank;
- a thermal actuator operatively connected to a valve, wherein the valve is located between the source of coolant and the cooling tank, wherein the valve is operative to be in a closed position blocking the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank and an open position allowing the flow of coolant from the source of coolant into the cooling tank, wherein the thermal actuator is operatively connected to one of the condensate line, coolant overflow line, and steam line, wherein the thermal actuator causes the valve to be placed from the closed position to the open position in response to the temperature of a fluid in the one of the condensate line, coolant overflow line, and steam line exceeding a predetermined value.
23. The system of claim 19 wherein the thermal actuator includes an actuating part that is movable between an actuating position that causes the valve to be placed in the open position and a nonactuating position that allows the valve to be placed in the closed position, wherein the thermal actuator includes an opening for viewing the position of the actuating part.
24. A system for changing the temperature of a fluid comprising:
- a container;
- a thermal exchange device extending into the container;
- a source of thermal exchange fluid in fluid communication with the container, wherein the thermal exchange fluid from the source of thermal exchange fluid flows into the container to change the temperature of the thermal exchange device when the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid in the container reaches a predetermined value;
- an air gap assembly located between the container and the source of thermal exchange fluid, wherein the air gap assembly includes an opening to atmospheric air, wherein the air gap assembly is constructed and arranged to allow thermal exchange fluid to flow out of the opening when there is a predetermined amount of thermal exchange fluid back flowing into the device.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein the thermal exchange fluid includes coolant, wherein the coolant from the source of thermal exchange fluid flows into the container to lower the temperature of the thermal exchange device when the temperature of the thermal exchange fluid in the container reaches a predetermined value.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 22, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 19, 2013
Applicant: VISTA RESEARCH GROUP, LLC (Ashland, OH)
Inventor: James W. Chandler (Ashland, OH)
Application Number: 13/774,841
International Classification: F28D 15/00 (20060101);