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.