Abstract: A reaction turbine is used in a refrigeration (or heat pump) process, to improve efficiency.

Abstract: Reaction turbine and pump apparatus includes:(a) a first nozzle or nozzles to receive heated fluid for expansion therein to form a two-phase discharge of gas and liquid,(b) a separator rotor having an axis and a rotating surface located in the path of said discharge for supporting a layer of separated liquid on said surface,(c) the rotor having a reaction nozzle or nozzles to communicate with said layer to receive liquid therefrom for discharge in a direction or directions developing torque acting to rotate the rotor,(d) and a pump associated with and driven by the rotor, the pump including an annular rim surface to receive impingement of liquid to be pumped, the liquid collecting as a rotating ring on the rim surface.In addition, the rim surface may be integral with the separator rotor; and the heated fluid may consist of a low vapor pressure fluid component which remains liquid and a high vapor pressure fluid component which at least partially vaporizes in the first nozzle or nozzles.

Abstract: An improved scoop is usable in combination with a wheel providing a rotating peripheral surface with an annular body of liquid supported on that surface and rotating with the wheel. The improvement comprises:(a) The scoop projects partially into the rotating annular body of liquid;(b) The scoop is mounted for rotation about an axis and in a forward direction in response to force transmission to the scoop from liquid entering the scoop;(c) The scoop has an interior surface that is locally curved to turn the entering liquid for discharge from the scoop in a relatively rearward direction; and(d) Substantially the entirety of the scoop interior rearwardly of said interior surface is rearwardly open to the exterior.

Abstract: A reaction turbine includes(a) first nozzle means to receive heated fluid for expansion therein to form a two-phase discharge of gas and liquid,(b) a separator rotor having an axis and a rotating surface located in the path of said discharge for supporting a layer of separated liquid on said surface,(c) the rotor having reaction nozzle means to communicate with said layer to receive liquid therefrom for discharge in a direction or directions developing torque acting to rotate the rotor.

Abstract: A multi-stage, wet steam turbine employs working fluid, such as steam for example, in its two-phase region with vapor and liquid occurring simultaneously for at least part of the cycle, in particular the nozzle expansion. A smaller number of stages than usual is made possible, and the turbine may handle liquid only. Simple construction, low fuel consumption and high reliability are achieved.

Abstract: Steam is produced from aqueous brine, by a process that employs hot fluid, nozzle means and rotary separator means. Process steps include:(a) transferring heat from said hot fluid to said brine,(b) passing the heated brine in pressurized state to the nozzle means for flow therethrough, and expanding the flow therein thereby to form steam and liquid droplets, and(c) causing said expanded flow to rotate the rotary separator means for forming a layer of said brine on the separator means and accompanied by steam separation and for subsequent removal.The liquid from the rotating layer and/or the separated steam may be used to drive turbine means; the hot fluid may comprise combustion products from a combustion source; and several stages of separators may be employed.