Separator Patents (Class 122/34)
  • Patent number: 11536447
    Abstract: A shell-and-tube heat exchanger comprises a shell enclosing a plurality of U-shaped tubes. Each tube is provided with a first portion and with a second portion. The open ends of each tube are connected to a tube-sheet. A pressure chamber is connected to the tube-sheet. The pressure chamber contains a guiding jacket that, at a first end thereof, is sealingly joined to the tube-sheet or the first tube portions and, at a second end thereof that is opposite to the first end, is open. The guiding jacket splits the pressure chamber into a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section are in communication with each other by means of the open end of the guiding jacket. The first section is provided with a liquid level, located below the open end, and therefore with a vapour chamber, located above the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL OLMI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Manenti
  • Patent number: 11135539
    Abstract: A grease filter, which includes a first channel having an inlet portion through which oil particles flow in, and a first guide unit configured to guide the oil particles flowing in through the inlet portion, and a second channel having an outlet portion through which the oil particles and air current flowing in through the inlet portion is discharged into the outside, and at least one second guide unit configured to guide the oil particles and air current to be discharged through the outlet portion. Here, the first channel and the second channel are detachably provided. The grease filter can be easily repaired and maintained, and collection efficiency can be improved due to such a configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byeong Cheol Yoon, Sang Young So, Kyu Ho Shin, Hee Soo Jeong, Seok Man Hong, Hyun Jung Kim, Ji Yeon Han
  • Patent number: 10847273
    Abstract: A steam separation system includes a standpipe configured to receive a gas-liquid two-phase flow stream and a diffuser configured to receive the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream from the standpipe. The diffuser includes a swirler configured to separate the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream. The swirler includes a plurality of swirler vanes and a straightener structure. The straightener structure includes a hub. The plurality of swirler vanes is mounted radially around the hub, and a straightener extends in an upward direction from the hub. The system also includes a separation barrel configured to receive the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream from the swirler. The separation barrel includes a rifled channel having orifices along an inner surface thereof. The plurality of swirler vanes is tuned with the rifled channel, such that an angle of each of the plurality of vanes corresponds to an angle of the rifled channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Glen Ellison, Adrian M. Mistreanu, Bobby Glen Malone, John S. Bennion, Bulent Alpay, Michael L. James
  • Patent number: 10684007
    Abstract: A shell-and-tube apparatus (1), suitable for use as a waste heat boiler, comprising a vessel with an exchanging section (2) and a separating section (3), wherein: said exchanging section (2) contains a bundle of U-tubes (4) fed with an evaporable liquid medium such as water (W) and exposed to a hot gas (G) flowing in a hot chamber around said tubes, so that said medium is partially evaporated in the tubes while recovering heat from hot gas flowing in the hot chamber (7); said separating section (3) comprises a collection chamber (16) in communication with outlet of the tubes (4) to receive the partially evaporated medium leaving the tubes; said separating section (3) is arranged to provide separation of vapour fraction and liquid fraction from the partially evaporated medium at least partially by gravity; the apparatus also comprises means for controlling the liquid level in the collection chamber and for a partial recycle of the non-evaporated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Casale SA
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Luca Redaelli
  • Patent number: 10495298
    Abstract: A water-cooled column (4) used in a circulating fluidized bed boiler furnace is disclosed, wherein the water-cooled column is formed by connecting membrane water-cooled walls (41). The water-cooled column (4) includes a lower section (A), an upper section and a transition section. The lower section (A) is a single column and is provided with inner secondary air ports (400) on a side wall thereof. The upper section includes a plurality of sub-columns (B, C). The membrane water-cooled walls at the lower section (A) extend to the upper section through the transition section. Each of the sub-columns (B, C) is formed by connecting extension portions extending upward from respective membrane water-cooled walls (41) in the membrane water-cooled walls (41), which are connected to form the lower section (A), and the plurality of sub-columns (B, C) are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Qinggang Lv, Xiaofang Wang, Ming Gao, Guoliang Song, Dongyu Wang
  • Patent number: 10401022
    Abstract: An advanced molten salt once-through steam generator system functional on hot molten salt supplied via a supply line. The system includes a steam generator, a feedwater supply line, at least one high pressure heaters and a separator. The molten salt is supplied the steam generator, which includes at least one economizer, an evaporator, and a superheater to utilize the heat of the molten salt flowing from the superheater to economizer to generate steam. The feedwater line supplies the feedwater to the steam generator, flowing from the economizer to the superheater to be converted into steam by the hot molten salt. The heaters are arranged in series in the feedwater line to heat the feedwater up to required temperature. The separator enables separation of the water and steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Mathieu Ramond, Adele Forgeot, Nils Ahlbrink, Bertrand Burcker
  • Patent number: 9643827
    Abstract: An implement is disclosed for use in moving a fire tube in relation to a heat treater. The disclosed implement includes a frame extending along a first axis, a shaft extending from the frame along a second axis, and a stabilizer extending from the frame that is configured to inhibit rotation of the fire tube when the implement is employed to move the fire tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Phil Madron
  • Patent number: 9371722
    Abstract: A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a natural gas hydrate reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Balczewski
  • Patent number: 9328634
    Abstract: There is provided a steam power cycle system that permits to perform an appropriate heat exchange between a working fluid that is a non-azeotropic mixture and a heat source, to enhance the performance of the whole system. More specifically, a plurality of condensers are provided so as to be connected to each other in series, and the working fluid in a gas phase from the expander is introduced into the respective condensers. Consequently, the ratio of a low boiling point substance of the working fluid becomes higher toward the posterior condenser, it is possible to make the condensation temperature of the working fluid lower than that of the anterior condenser. It is therefore possible to make the temperature of the working fluid possibly close to the temperature of the low-temperature fluid, thus permitting an effective use of the difference in temperature of the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SAGA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ikegami, Takafumi Morisaki
  • Patent number: 9320985
    Abstract: Low-pressure steam for a steam consuming device, and particularly a steam reboiler, is generated at the steam consumption pressure to maximize the heat recovery from a utility fuel and/or waste heat source. Most preferably, steam is generated at the lowest possible pressure by fluidly coupling the steam generator to the steam consuming device (e.g., by integrating the condensate drum with the steam drum). Therefore, it should be appreciated that the steam generator pressure in such configurations and methods will ride on the reboiler pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scherffius
  • Patent number: 8881690
    Abstract: A steam generator having a heat transfer tube group formed of a plurality of U-shaped heat transfer tubes; an annular channel formed to cover the circumference of the heat transfer tube group; the annular channel having an opening that communicates with the heat transfer tube group; a water supply unit disposed at an upper portion of the annular channel and supplies water to a descending-side portion; a steam/water separator disposed above the heat transfer tube group; and an air bubble removing member for removing air bubbles provided in the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Koichi Tanimoto, Toshiyuki Mizutani, Kengo Shimamura, Ryoichi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8863516
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar energy system including a tower having a solar radiation receiver, the solar radiation receiver including a plurality of tubes carrying a heat-transfer medium and a drum, the drum in thermal communication with the tubes, and one or more mirrors configured to reflect solar radiation onto the receiver, wherein the receiver receives the reflected solar radiation from the mirrors, thereby heating the heat transfer medium and vaporizing the heat transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Penton
  • Publication number: 20140261244
    Abstract: A steam generation assembly is provided for producing steam with foul or unclean fluids for use in operations. The heat is transferred to the foul fluid from a clean steam flowing through a tube bundle and is circulated through a closed loop steam generation system. The tube bundle extends within an outer shell that collects the foul fluid for heat transfer. Outer shell includes a larger volume below the tube bundle than convention heat exchangers so that any particulates and emulsions can gather below the tube bundle rather than attaching or forming on its surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: John David Penton
  • Patent number: 8656868
    Abstract: Heat exchanger for thermo boiler 1 with a tube bundle 6 using solid fuel in particles constituted from an inner furnace 7 and a double wall jacket connected from the tube bundle 6 characterized by the fact that space 14 over the inner furnace 7 and the tube bundle 6 is divided from a slab 13, that tubes 6 which cross said slab 13 in openings 15 are rigidly fixed to said slab 13, that at least a bar 10, 11 which can be controlled from outside crosses the slab 13 and the double wall jacket 20 on at least one side, that said bar/s 10, 11 bring/s at least two scraping plates 8 and 9, of which an at least intermediate one positioned on one side of said slab 13 and at least an other one from the opposite part of slab 13, of which at least one positioned at the end of tubes 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio Ungaro
  • Patent number: 7857895
    Abstract: A hygroscopic moisture separating and heating apparatus (20) comprises a main body container (1) having a cylindrical shape, a partition plate (5) provided to define a space together with an inner circumferential face of the main body container (1) and configured to divide the internal space of the main body container (1) into a lower temperature area (30) and a higher temperature area (31), a steam inlet (6) provided to the lower temperature area (30) of the main body container (1), a steam outlet (7) provided to the higher temperature area (31) of the main body container (1), a hygroscopic moisture separator (8) located in the lower temperature area (30) of the main body container (1), and a U-shaped pipe (2) through which heated steam for heating the steam to be heated is fed. The U-shaped pipe includes an advancing part (21), a retracting part (22), and a U-shaped part (23) connecting the advancing part (21) with the retracting part (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shunji Kawano, Koichi Yoshimura, Takafumi Kamada, Tatsuya Okihara, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100212605
    Abstract: A steam generator is provided in which the total heat transfer efficiency can be improved by suppressing a reduction in the amount of heat exchange at an inlet side of heat transfer tubes while maintaining the effect of increasing the amount of heat exchange at an outlet side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Koichi Tanimoto, Toshiyuki Mizutani, Kengo Shimamura, Ryoichi Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20080121194
    Abstract: A loose parts collection weir that is a nearly cylindrical structure that is integrally attached to the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate of a steam generator to retain loose parts along the feedwater and recirculation water transit path to the tube bundle. The weir is a near vertical structure built into the upper drum of the steam generator, near the periphery of the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate in the vicinity of the downcomer annulus. The weir may contain a radially inwardly projecting lip which forms a pocket for loose parts to collect. As the feedwater flows toward the downcomer annulus, loose parts will tend to deposit onto the lower deck plate aided by gravity and be trapped by the loose parts collection weir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Padmanabha J. Prabhu, Robert M. Wepfer
  • Patent number: 6810835
    Abstract: A moisture separator 100 includes a plurality of flat frame plates 102 disposed parallel to each other to define a plurality of zigzag passages 101 between the frame plates 102, side walls facing the upstream side of the passages 101 defining entrance openings 120a and 122a of droplet collecting pockets 120 and 122.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Ishiguro, Yoshiyuki Kondo, Yasuhiko Hirao, Hiroshi Hirano, Toshiyuki Mizutani, Tomoyuki Inoue, Kaori Nagai, Junichiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20040069243
    Abstract: A moisture separator 100 includes a plurality of flat frame plates 102 disposed parallel to each other to define a plurality of zigzag passages 101 between the frame plates 102, side walls facing the upstream side of the passages 101 defining entrance openings 120a and 122a of droplet collecting pockets 120 and 122.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Tatsuo Ishiguro, Yoshiyuki Kondo, Yasuhiko Hirao, Hiroshi Hirano, Toshiyuki Mizutani, Tomoyuki Inoue, Kaori Nagai, Junichiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 6681722
    Abstract: A collection element arrangement is provided having sleeve attachments near their lowermost ends which simulate a continuous sloping surface, or floor. The sleeve attachments upper surfaces forming the floor permit collected solids to flow down the sloping surface back into the furnace or reactor chamber. Stainless steel can be used for the collection elements and sleeve attachments since the floating floor accommodates differential thermal expansion between CFB components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Mikhail Maryamchik, Michael J. Szmania, David J. Walker, Donald L. Wietzke
  • Publication number: 20030070627
    Abstract: An indirect black liquor concentrator uses recirculating flow black liquor through a heat exchangers, employing flue gas for heat. The heated liquor is flashed, to provide steam and concentrate the liquor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene Sullivan, Daniel R. Higgins, Robert B. Hill, Russ Andrews
  • Publication number: 20010003275
    Abstract: A self-compensating, energy saving heat transfer unit to provide an efficient means to transfer energy from steam to water in a central heating system. The steam enters a mixing chamber and creates a negative pressure environment. Water in a backwater pipe, which is at a lower temperature and pressure, is than is absorbed into the mixing chamber where energy is passed from the steam to the water. The water then leaves the first mixing chamber and enters a second mixing chamber where compensation water is added to make up for the possible loss of water that may occur in the central heating system. The heated water then exits the heat transfer unit and goes back into the central heating system. After being cooled in the central heating system, the water then reenters the heat transfer unit at the backwater pipe and continues the cycle over again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventor: Li Shan Hua
  • Patent number: 6235235
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for its use for a continuous production on an alkali metal, preferably sodium metal, by a reduction of the metal hydroxide with methane or natural gas as a reductant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jed H. Checketts
  • Patent number: 6095095
    Abstract: A CFB reactor or combustor having an impact type primary particle separator collects solids particles from a flow of flue gas/solids and returns the collected particles along an inclined or substantially horizontal planar floor to a bottom portion of the reactor or combustor for subsequent recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Bacock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Kiplin C. Alexander, Felix Belin, Mikhail Maryamchik, David J. Walker
  • Patent number: 5983842
    Abstract: A vertical evaporator has an inner tube containing a heat exchanger for heating water and an outer tube which is coaxial with and surrounds the inner tube, forming a sealed system and leaving a peripheral space between the two tubes. The inner tube has bottom outlets through which steam and water droplets generated by heating water by the heat exchanger are ejected. A helical fin is attached to the outer surface of the inner tube for centrifugally separating steam and water droplets moving up inside the peripheral space as they are guided by the helical fin. The outer tube has a steam outlet at an elevated position for discharging pure steam separated from water droplets, as well as an indentation above the helical fin for collecting water droplets which are centrifugally separated from steam. A discharge pipe is provided, leading to the indentation for discharging water collected in the indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Haruo Nishi
  • Patent number: 5816496
    Abstract: A compact fuel fired steam generating type humidifier. The apparatus uses a gaseous fuel as the prime source of heat to generate steam used to humidify air in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning of buildings. The humidifier may be a stand alone unit that disperses the steam into the space or the steam generated by the apparatus may be dispersed in forced air flow of the building heating system. The steam generating unit includes a water tank in which there is located a combustion chamber and a heat exchanger chamber for transferring the heat from the products of combustion to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: James E. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 5727505
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating water and steam in a water-steam mixture includes two collectors being disposed horizontally at different heights and being connected together by a connecting pipe. In addition to the connecting pipe, the first collector situated at the bottom has an inlet pipe for the water-steam mixture and as well as a water outlet pipe for the separated water. The second collector lying thereabove includes a steam outlet pipe for the separated steam, in addition to the connecting pipe. The apparatus, which works in accordance with the gravity separation principle, is particularly thermally resilient and therefore permits reliable operation even with large temperature gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Herr, Gunther Probstle, Wolfgang Vollmer, Eberhard Wittchow
  • Patent number: 5687675
    Abstract: Vaporizing device connected to a cooling circuit. In particular, it includes a receptacle (28) traversed by heat exchange tubes (26) which unite two pipes connected to a hot branch (3) and a cold branch (4) of the circuit. A vapor reject pipe (10) is open to engage vaporization; the circulation of hot water in the heat exchange tubes (26) drives vaporization of the liquid contained in the receptacle (28) whose feeding with liquid is ensured by a pipe (23) linked to the pipe (21) and comprising a stop valve (24) and a flow reducer (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Patrick Aujollet, Patrice Clement
  • Patent number: 5626102
    Abstract: A heat recovery system for a boiler has a tank separator connectable to a boiler and receiving a liquid from the boiler as well as separating the liquid into a blow down liquid and a flush vapor, a heat exchanger having an upstream portion and a downstream portion and receiving a make up water to be heated, the tank separator being connected with the upstream portion of the heat exchanger so as to apply hot blow down water into the upstream portion of the heat exchanger therefore to heat the make up water in the upstream portion of the heat exchanger by heat given out by the blow down water, the heat exchanger further having a downstream portion connected with the upstream portion so that the make up water heated by the heat given out by the blow down water further flows into the downstream portion of the heat exchanger, the tank separator being connected with the downstream portion of the heat exchanger so as to supply the flush steam into the downstream portion of the heat exchanger and further heat the mak
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Ari Nir
  • Patent number: 5566647
    Abstract: A device for trapping migrating bodies in nuclear power station steam generators or boilers is provided to prevent them from jamming between the generator tubes. The device, in the form of a grating or grid, is placed above a horizontal plate to which are fixed the upper ends of the pipes containing cyclone separators. It defines passages, whose largest dimensions are smaller than the minimum distance separating the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventor: Yves Pascal
  • Patent number: 5564370
    Abstract: Recirculation-type steam generator ensuring heat transfer between a fluid circulating in a primary circuit and a fluid circulating in a secondary circuit, constituted by a pressure envelope containing a vaporization enclosure having a roof and covering a bundle of tubes traversed by the primary fluid. The generator receives the secondary fluid which circulates in the vaporization enclosure. The steam produced by the secondary fluid is extracted during this circulation and is dried by cyclone separators constituted by cyclones fixed to first ends of tubular columns whose ends are fixed to the vaporization enclosure roof communicating with the vaporization enclosure. The cyclone separators are detachably fixed to the vaporization enclosure roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventors: Benoit Giraud, Christophe Poussin
  • Patent number: 5362228
    Abstract: The gas is preheated by means of at least one screen disposed transversely relative to the flow of gas penetrating into the enclosure. The screen is provided with passages for the flow of gas and is fixed inside a peripheral wall to define a channel to enable the gas to flow through the preheating apparatus, it is also provided with fins which project from its surface, the screen and the fins being made of a refractory sheet material, in particular a sheet of laminated graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Propulsion
    Inventor: Serge Vaudel
  • Patent number: 5350011
    Abstract: Device and method for thermally insulating a structure to prevent thermal shock therein, which structure may be a feedwater inlet nozzle of the kind typically found on nuclear steam generators. The device comprises a sleeve extending into the bore of the nozzle for thermally insulating the nozzle and joined to the nozzle to affix the sleeve to the nozzle. The sleeve is so joined to the nozzle so as to define a joint therebetween. A liner is concentrically disposed in the sleeve so as to cover the joint to thermally insulate the joint and joined to the sleeve for affixing the liner to the sleeve. The nozzle may have a temperature significantly higher than the cooler feedwater flowing through the bore in the nozzle thereby giving rise to a potential for thermal shock in the nozzle, which thermal shock in turn may induce metal fatigue in the nozzle. The device, as it is disposed in the bore of the nozzle, thermally insulates the nozzle to prevent thermal shock and metal fatigue therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 5329886
    Abstract: This patent discloses a secondary fluid supply system for a steam generator used in nuclear reactor power plants. The secondary fluid supply system comprises a secondary fluid (feedwater) inlet nozzle near the base of the steam generator shell, a feedwater riser pipe spaced between the shell of the steam generator and the tube bundle wrapper, the upper end of the feedwater riser pipe being connected to a distribution ring having a plurality of spray nozzles positioned in the recirculating pool above the top of the U-shaped heat exchanger tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Sylvester, Randall C. Johnson, Gregory V. Smith, King W. Chan, Willis B. Middlebrooks, III, Jawahar K. Visaria, Robert M. Wilson, George Bieberbach
  • Patent number: 5307802
    Abstract: A steam generator having two vaporization chambers filled with molten metal salts for sequential flash evaporation of preheated atomized water through multiple vaporization tubes in said respective chambers. The molten metal salts are heated by secondary solar thermal input from lens assemblies and primary heat input from U-shaped hot air heating tubes within said vaporization chambers supplied by gas fired tube burners. Steam vapor generated by initial vaporization chamber is re-circulated to the secondary chamber outputting super heated steam. The molten metal vaporization chambers are encased in a single pressure vessel with re-circulation of condensate and multiple heat exchangers within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Edward A. Placek
  • Patent number: 5259341
    Abstract: A hydro injection system for generating steam from the heat exchanged between a stream of hot combustion gases and a countercurrent flow of warm water sprays which contact hot tubes transporting the hot combustion gases is disclosed. The system comprisesi. a continuous supply of hot combustion gases and means for propelling the gases through the system;ii. a continuous supply of cold water and means for warming said cold water prior to steam generation;iii. a pressure vessel means for conducting the heat exchange; andiv. a condensate receiver means for recirculating and equilibrating water in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Allbrand Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Person
  • Patent number: 5213065
    Abstract: A steam generator comprises a distribution means, positioned between the shell and the wrapper in the annular downcomer region of the steam generator, for uniformly mixing the colder feedwater with the warmer recirculating water in the downcomer region of the steam generator so that the colder feedwater is not introduced directly into any steam regions of the steam generator and does not contact any pressure boundaries for preventing water hammer and thermal shock to the steam generator. The distribution means has a downwardly directing means for discharging the substantially evenly distributed feedwater from the distribution means into the downcomer region in a descending direction and away from any pressure boundaries for minimizing flow resistance and for preventing thermal shock to the pressure boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert M. Wilson, King W. Chan, Daniel E. Ford
  • Patent number: 5061304
    Abstract: A steam processing apparatus and method in which a plurality of separators are disposed along the length of a cylindrical drum having inlet means for receiving a mixture of liquid and vapor and outlet means for discharging the separated liquid and vapor. The mixture is discharged against a baffle after which the separated liquid is passed to the drum liquid outlet and the separated vapor is passed upwardly by natural buoyant forces to the drum vapor outlet. The separators are disposed in a plurality of rows--two to each side of the axis of the drum along the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Walter P. Gorzegno, William D. Stevens, Albert J. Zipay
  • Patent number: 4905630
    Abstract: A vertically disposed steam generator includes a pressure vessel containing: a tube plate, chambers, a bundle of U-shaped bent heating tubes with supporting anchors, a steam trap above the heating tubes, and tubes for a secondary medium discharging into the pressure vessel. The heating tubes have ends guided through openings in the tube plate and discharging a primary medium into the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Weber
  • Patent number: 4827877
    Abstract: A heat recovery system including a closed working fluid loop constituted by connecting an evaporating apparatus supplied with warm waste water, a steam turbine having an output shaft to be coupled to the load, and a condensing apparatus supplied with cooling water, works on the basis of a Rankine cycle and utilize non-azeotropic mixture as the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Hisaka Works, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sumitomo, Akira Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 4799538
    Abstract: Device for condensing steam under pressure consisting of a unit incorporating a storage vessel (6) containing cooling water, a distribution and heat exchange unit (15) fixed inside the storage vessel (6) and a water supply (30,31) for replacing the water in a storage tank (6) which is vaporized by contact with the tubes (24) of the distribution and heat exchange unit (15). A stack (7) is connected to the upper part of the storage vessel (6) and a tranquilizer grid is arranged in the storage vessel, above the heat exchange unit (15). The circulation of the fluid which is constituted of a two-phase mixture of water and steam is thus activated, while avoiding drawing out a significant quantity of water with the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventors: Philippe Dagard, Michel Couturier
  • Patent number: 4783204
    Abstract: Both an apparatus and a method for maximizing the separation characteristics of a swirl vane steam-drying device is disclosed herein. Generally speaking, such swirl vane separators include a housing formed from a riser barrel which is concentrically disposed within a downcomer barrel, a steam inlet at one end of the concentric barrels, a steam outlet at the other end of the concentric barrels, and a set of pitched blades disposed within the riser barrel between the steam outlet and inlet for imparting a radial component of motion to the wet steam which flows therethrough. This radial component of motion causes water droplets entrained in the steam to move in spiral paths which ultimately intersect a region in the interior of the separator which includes an opening for directing these droplets into a downcomer path defined between the concentrically disposed riser and downcomer barrels of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Roarty
  • Patent number: 4779424
    Abstract: A heat recovery system including a closed working fluid loop constituted by connecting an evaporating apparatus supplied with warm waste water, a steam turbine having an output shaft to be coupled to the load, and a condensing apparatus supplied with cooling water, works on the basis of a Rankine cycle and utilize a non-azeotropic mixture as the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Hisaka Works, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sumitomo, Akira Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 4769209
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor steam generating plant having a pressurized water reactor with a single discharge line to a steam generator, with the primary coolant passing through the steam generator tubes divided into two streams in the channel head outlet section that is divided into two subsections. Discharge nozzles on the outlet subsections direct the streams of coolant to hermetically sealed pumps directly attached to the discharge nozzles, with the pumps directing the cooled primary coolant back to the reactor vessel. A single removable closure is provided for access to both subsections of the outlet section of the channel head, with a removable portion provided on the divider plate that forms the subsections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Tower, Luciano Veronesi, Charles F. Currey
  • Patent number: 4765398
    Abstract: Two immiscible liquids are vaporized in heat exchanger tubes in a manner such that each tube receives both liquids and neither liquid is completely vaporized in the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Lummus Crest, Inc.
    Inventor: Utah Tsao
  • Patent number: 4762091
    Abstract: A sludge trap, or mud drum, for use in nuclear steam generators includes internal baffles defining multiple laminar flow paths having decreased vertical settling distances. The baffling arrangements take advantage of the diverging nature of circular geometry of sludge traps such that flow path cross-sectional areas are maintained and increased in the direction of flow, to avoid undesired, detrimental flow acceleration; turbulence as well is minimized, thereby to achieve a desired quiescent environment for effective gravitational settlement of sediment and particulate matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Allen C. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4759313
    Abstract: An improved ethylene oxide process whereby residual heat is recovered from the reactor coolant by generating steam. The improvement enables the plant to operate using an improved silver-based catalyst with lower optimum operating temperature than that of the alumina-supported silver catalyst for which the plant was designed. The process comprises the steps of passing the coolant from the reactor to at least one first coolant condenser(s) wherein at least part of the coolant vapor is condensed by exchanging heat with boiler feed water to generate steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Robert F. Dye
  • Patent number: 4753773
    Abstract: A double tube modular coil steam generator is provided in which a multiplicity of inner tubes conducting water are individually surrounded by outer tubes containing liquid metal as a heat transfer agent. The double tubes form into coils, providing a large surface area while conserving space. Immersion of the double tube coil in hot liquid metal, e.g., from the core of a nuclear reactor, causes efficient transfer of heat across the liquid metal in the outer tube to the water in the inner tube, creating superheated steam, which can be cycled to a turbine and converted to electrical power.The efficiency, reliability and safety of the multiple double tube design of the steam generator obviates the necessity of many secondary heat removal and emergency components in addition to conserving space and material. The modular design allows ease of operation, fabrication and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: George Garabedian, Robert A. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 4730577
    Abstract: A system and method for producing steam for use in a thermal recovery process for crude oil. The system is particularly useful in combination with a cogeneration plant that produces high temperature process steam. The system uses a central steam drum-separating unit surrounded by a plurality of once-through heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Shell California Production Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Houghton
  • Patent number: 4724799
    Abstract: A steam generator in which the heat-carrying fluid is a liquid metal and the detection of leakages is carried out by sampling the liquid metal. The end of the steam generator through which the liquid metal enters comprises a tube plate (2), a thermal protection plate (10) and a hollow flow sill (22) constituting the end part of the bundle case (4). Tubes (20) for protecting the tubes (3) of the bundle are placed around each of the tubes (3) between the protection plate (10) and the tube plate (2), the space (17) between these two plates being closed on its periphery by a sleeve (15). The hollow sill (22) communicates with the space (17) through tubes (27) and with the inner volume or the bundle case (4). A liquid metal take-off device (31, 32) is placed in the hollow sill (22). The invention applies in particular to steam generators of fast neutron nuclear reactors cooled with liquid sodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Novatome
    Inventors: Rene Traiteur, Jean-Pierre Fabregue, Jean-Luc Minguet