Surface Patents (Class 122/32)
  • Publication number: 20150047579
    Abstract: A heat recovery system arranged to heat water includes at least one heat exchanger (9) arranged to heat water by heat exchange with waste heat. A storage reservoir (11) is arranged to store water heated by the heat exchanger (9). The heat exchanger (9) is switchable between a first mode of operation in which water is circulated by a pump (12) in a circuit that includes the storage reservoir (11) and the heat exchanger (9), and a second mode of operation in which water is circulated by the pump (12) in a circuit that by-passes the heat exchanger (9). Heated water of at least a desired minimum temperature can be supplied to at least one outlet during both the first and second modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Colin Thomas Thomson
  • Publication number: 20150033700
    Abstract: Systems and methods for defrosting sensing components in fluid sensing system. In one embodiment, the invention provides a defrosting system that includes a sensing system. The sensing system includes a sensor operable to sense a characteristic of the fluid in a tank. The defrosting system includes a fluid pickup line spaced apart from the sensor, and a fluid return line. The fluid return line includes an output. The output is positioned to direct fluid onto the sensing system. In one embodiment, the defrosting system further comprises a pipe configured to provide the fluid to a system external to the tank. The fluid is heated by heat generated by the external system and directed onto the sensing system at least partially defrosts fluid contained within the sensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Schlenke
  • Publication number: 20150007781
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing high pressure steam from low quality feedwater for a designated process. The system includes a first closed loop in fluid communication with a boiler and a heat exchanger assembly. A first fluid flows through the first closed loop, and is of acceptable quality for use in a boiler. Heat from the boiler is transferred to a second loop through the heat exchanger assembly. The second loop includes the low quality feedwater, which is converted to high pressure steam. The high pressure steam produced from the low quality water can be used in the designated process. This reduces corrosion/downtime in the boiler that might otherwise occur if the low quality water was directly heated by the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Donald E. RYAN, James S. KULIG, Larry A. PIERSON
  • Patent number: 8919296
    Abstract: A hot water supply system includes a first tank for storing hot water for heating; a second tank for storing hot water to be supplied to a hot water tap; a heater circulation path for supplying the hot water of the first tank to a heater; a first path that includes a first heat transfer portion surrounding the exposed portion of the second tank to the inside of the first tank and that connects the first tank to a forward portion of the heater circulation path so that the hot water of the first tank can be supplied to the heater through the first heat transfer portion; and a second path that includes a second heat transfer portion disposed along the first heat transfer portion, and that allows heat exchange between the hot water of the second tank and the hot water flowing through the first heat transfer portion due to the flow, in the second heat transfer portion, of the hot water of the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kou Komori, Yuichi Yakumaru, Atsushi Kakimoto, Tomoichiro Tamura
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140245973
    Abstract: A method of recovering oil from an oil well and producing steam for injection into an injection well is provided. After recovering an oil-water mixture from the oil well, oil is separated from the mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. In one process, the produced water is directed to an indirect fired steam generator which is powered by an independent boiler or steam generator. As water moves through the indirect fired steam generator, the same is heated to produce a steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture is directed to the steam separator which separates the steam-water mixture into steam and water. The separated water is directed from the steam separator back to and through the indirect fired steam generator. This separated water is continued to be recycled through the indirect fired steam generator. Steam separated by the steam separator is directed into the injection well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Back Porch Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Keith R. Minnich
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140041600
    Abstract: A thermal-energy storage tank (1) comprising a containing structure (2) designed to house a store of thermovector fluid in the liquid state, a regenerating circuit (6) designed to draw the thermovector fluid from a bottom of the containing structure (2) and, once heated outside the tank, to deposit it in a surface portion of the store of thermovector fluid, at least one steam generator (13) comprising a heat exchanger (14, 16b) with vertical extension housed within the containing structure (2) and having at least one top opening (18) designed for inlet of the thermovector fluid and a bottom opening designed for outlet of the thermovector fluid (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Luca Rinaldi, Fabrizio Fabrizi, Alessandro Alemberti, Walter Gaggioli, Salvatore Aliotta, Andrea Barbensi, Pietro Tarquini
  • Publication number: 20140026825
    Abstract: A heat equalizer includes a container structure, a material feed pipe, and a heating mechanism. The container structure includes an inner container and an outer container. In the outer container, a working fluid is held. Respective upper ends of the inner container and the outer container are joined to form a hollow portion between the inner container and the outer container. The material feed pipe extends from an outside of the container structure to the inner surface of the inner container. The heating mechanism is placed at the bottom of the outer container. At the bottom surface of the inner container, a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the inside of the inner container and depressions formed by the bottom surface depressed inward of the protrusions and capable of receiving the vaporized working fluid are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Elec. Industrial Sys. Corp.
    Inventors: Hisaaki YAMAKAGE, Yoshihito YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20140026826
    Abstract: A heat equalizer includes a container structure, a material feed pipe, and a heating mechanism. The container structure includes an inner container and an outer container. In the outer container, a working fluid is held. Respective upper ends of the inner container and the outer container are joined to form a hollow portion between the inner container and the outer container. The material feed pipe extends from an outside of the container structure to the inner surface of the inner container. The heating mechanism is placed at the bottom of the outer container. At the bottom surface of the inner container, a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the inside of the inner container and depressions formed by the bottom surface depressed inward of the protrusions and capable of receiving the vaporized working fluid are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Elec. Industrial Sys. Corp.
    Inventors: Hisaaki YAMAKAGE, Yoshihito Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140020637
    Abstract: A retrofit heat transfer unit, including: a housing for the retrofit unit, including inlet and outlet ports for water and refrigerant; a water pump, in fluid communication with the water inlet port, the water pump adapted to pump water from a water source; a heat exchanger, in fluid communication with the water pump, the water outlet port, the refrigerant inlet port and the refrigerant outlet port; and a thermostat, configured to measure a temperature of the pumped water and activate the water pump when the water is below a predefined low temperature and cease to pump when water is above a predefined high temperature. The retrofit unit is also adapted to receive heated refrigerant fluid from an air conditioner and direct the refrigerant through the heat exchanger and direct the pumped water into the heat exchanger so that the refrigerant heats the water and the water cools the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Ofir Yamin
  • Publication number: 20140014048
    Abstract: A feedring for use with an axial flow preheat steam generator which utilizes a double wrapper to direct feedwater flow to the cold leg tube bundle region. The feedring is positioned directly over the double wrapper and includes a plurality of standpipes spaced circumferentially along the feedring. The standpipes respectively extend vertically from a lower portion of an interior of the feedring upward through the interior of the feedring. The standpipes have a feedwater intake in the upper portion of the feedring to minimize the potential for vapor formation and bubble collapse water hammer. The components of the standpipe are arranged to minimize the transmission of entrained loose parts from traveling with the feedwater to the tube bundle. A feedwater discharge is provided at the exit of the standpipe at or below the bottom of the feedring, for evenly distributing the feedwater into the double wrapper downcomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Wepfer, Walter P. Wojick
  • Publication number: 20140013786
    Abstract: There is provided an efficient steam generation system capable of reducing a temperature difference in heat to be drawn by a heat pump. A first heat pump (2) includes a first evaporator (7) and a second evaporator (8). A second heat pump (3) is connected to the first heat pump (2) via an uppermost condenser (10) serving as the first evaporator (7). A heat source fluid is passed through a second evaporator (8) of the first heat pump (2) and an evaporator (12) of the second heat pump (3) in sequence. Then, steam is generated by application of heat to water in a condenser (5) of the first heat pump (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kanamaru, Akinori Kawakami, Mika Tasaka, Akio Morita
  • Patent number: 8573161
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hot water supplying apparatus which has a dual pipe capable of transferring heat energy of hot water, which is heated by heat of combustion of a burner and flows in pipe of a heat exchanger, to an inner pipe in which cold water is introduced, thereby inhibiting the condensation of moisture so as to prevent the corrosion of parts in the hot water supplying apparatus. The hot water supplying apparatus, comprises: a burner for supplying heat; a water inlet pipe for supplying cold water; a heat exchanging pipe formed with a dual pipe including an outer pipe for directly receiving combustion heat of the burner, and an inner pipe formed in the outer pipe, for allowing the cold water, which is introduced through the water inlet pipe, to be heated while passing through the inner pipe; and a water outlet pipe for discharging the heated water from the heat exchanging pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kyungdong Navien Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Sik Min
  • Publication number: 20130269631
    Abstract: The present invention relates to delivery of steam produced by an electrical power generation plant to a lignocellulosic biomass refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Inbicon A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Boye Jørgensen, Henning Andersen
  • Publication number: 20130239908
    Abstract: A steam generator includes a lower integrated tubesheet and plenum (ITP) configured to receive feedwater and a first set of heat transfer tubes fluidly coupled to a plurality of stubs protruding from a first side of the lower ITP. A second set of heat transfer tubes fluidly couples to plurality of stubs protruding from a second side of the lower ITP. The first set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially clock-wise direction, and the second set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially counter-clockwise direction. The steam generator further includes an upper ITP fluidly coupled to the first and second set of heat transfer tubes, wherein the feedwater entering the lower ITP is converted to steam in the first and second sets of heat transfer tubes. The upper ITP is configured to transport the steam away from the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis Keith Williams, Douglas Paul Fassett, Brent J. Webb, William J. Bees, Alex Scott Kruskamp
  • Patent number: 8528503
    Abstract: A dual fluid heat exchange system is presented that provides a stable output temperature for a heated fluid while minimizing the output temperature of a cooled fluid. The heated and cooled fluids are brought into thermal contact with each other within a tank. The output temperature of the warmed fluid is maintained at a stable temperature by a re-circulation loop that connects directly to the mid portion of the tank such that the re-circulated fluid flow primarily warms only a re-circulation section of the tank. The other, lower flow rate, section of the tank may be positioned so that it has a cooler temperature and thus serves to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange by extracting extra heat energy out of the cooled fluid before it leaves the tank. Alternatively, the low flow rate section of the tank may be warmer than the re-circulated section, and thus allow the re-circulated section to be cooler than the output temperature of the warmed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Steam Technology
    Inventors: Walter T. Deacon, Timothy James Parbs
  • Publication number: 20130220237
    Abstract: A self-contained portable heating system to heat a stored liquid in a storage tank to a desired temperature is provided. The system can comprise operatively connected components such as a generator to power a burner that can transfer energy from a combustion product, from for example, a fuel supplied by an attached fuel tank, to a heat transfer fluid through the use of a boiler. The heat transfer fluid can transfer heat from the boiler 24 to a heat exchanger which can then transfer heat to the stored liquid in the tank. The tank can also comprise a circulating pump that can circulate the heat transfer fluid and an expansion tank that can receive the heat transfer fluid when it expands as a result of being heated. In some embodiments, the heating components can be supplied separately from storage tank so that they can be retrofit onto an existing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Stevan Dobi
  • Publication number: 20130186089
    Abstract: A continuous flow steam generator including a vessel with a heat transfer medium inlet and a heat transfer medium outlet is provided. A heat transfer medium channel is formed between the heat transfer medium inlet and the heat transfer medium outlet, and a heat transfer medium flows in the channel, having steam generator tubes disposed in the heat transfer medium channel, wherein a first portion of the steam generator tubes, and a second portion of the steam generator tubes is designed as a system of preheating and boiler tubes, and the first portion is disposed upstream of the second portion in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium. A steam generator device having a continuous flow steam generator and a water separation system is also provided along with a solar thermal power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Jan Brückner, Joachim Franke
  • Publication number: 20130118419
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for generating a steam flow for a solar-thermal power plant, including a casing for receiving a casing-side fluid, pipes arranged within the casing for a pipe-side fluid, and a fluid inlet conduit which is connected to an inlet opening for the casing-side fluid and which encloses at least a part of the pipes in such a manner that the fluid inlet conduit is configured as a preheater and/or a flow director for the casing-side fluid entering the casing, wherein heat is transmitted via the pipes from the pipe-side fluid to the casing-side fluid. The casing-side fluid is water, and the pipe-side fluid is a thermal oil or salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Balcke-Durr GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Stahlhut, Wolfgang Hegner, Dirk Band
  • Patent number: 8402927
    Abstract: A water heater with enhanced thermal efficiency includes a heat exchange tank, a water tank that houses the heat exchange tank and shields and isolates the heat exchange tank with a surrounding curtain of water flowing therethrough, a burner, and a blower. The burners is connected to a combustible gas outlet opening of the blower and extends from a central base of the heat exchange tank up into the heat exchange tank to form a combustion chamber within an internal cavity of the heat exchange tank. A plurality of radially arranged flame tubes extends downward from a top corner of the internal cavity and is enclosed by the water flowing inside the water tank. The flame tubes are extended to communicate an exhaust gas discharge tube set circumferentially of and separated from the base for discharging gas. Water inlet and outlet are respectively provided to the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Grand Hall Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: William Home
  • Publication number: 20130044853
    Abstract: A feed water and steam header equipped to a feed water nozzle or a steam nozzle of a reactor vessel in a steam generator for an integrated nuclear reactor is provided. The feed water and steam header may include a nozzle connection portion connected to a steam nozzle or a feed water nozzle of a reactor vessel, a header flange protruded outward from a lower part of the nozzle connection portion, and a tube connection portion disposed on two pipelines branched from the nozzle connection portion and connected to a tube of the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Dong Ok KIM, Shun CHOI, Tae Wan KIM, Gyu Mahn LEE, In Su HAN, Ki Jong JANG, Hyun Jin PARK
  • Patent number: 8376034
    Abstract: A method of assembling a radiant cooler includes providing a vessel shell that defines a gas flow passage therein that extends generally axially through the vessel shell, forming a tube cage from coupling a plurality of cooling tubes together to form a tube cage defined by a plurality of chevron-shaped projections that extend circumferentially about a center axis of the tube cage, each chevron-shaped projection includes a first side and a second side coupled together a tip, circumferentially-adjacent pairs of projections coupled together such that a valley is defined between each pair of circumferentially-spaced projections, each of the projection tips is positioned radially outward from each of the valleys, and orienting the tube cage within the vessel shell such that the tube cage is in flow communication with the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Michael Storey, Aaron John Avagliano, Ashley Nicole Gerbode, John Battaglioli
  • Patent number: 8354564
    Abstract: A process for producing dry alcohol (including ethanol) that comprises at least one stage wherein a gaseous feedstock, which includes alcohol and water, is contacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of a water-gas shift catalyst, at a temperature sufficiently high so that carbon monoxide and water are consumed and carbon dioxide and hydrogen are produced, thereby removing a portion of the water. The process may include multiple stages; the dry alcohol produced contains 99.5 wt. % or greater of alcohol and 0.5 wt. % or less of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: BHS Technology LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Brown, Marian Simo, Vladimir Hlavacek
  • Publication number: 20130009102
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing heat used in a synthesis gas production process is provided. The disclosed method and apparatus include a plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements adapted to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing stream contacting the retentate side of the membrane elements. The permeated oxygen is combusted with a hydrogen containing synthesis gas stream contacting the permeate side of the tubular oxygen transport membrane elements thereby generating a reaction product stream and radiant heat. The present method and apparatus also includes at least one catalytic reactor containing a catalyst to promote the steam reforming reaction wherein the catalytic reactor is surrounded by the plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements. The view factor between the catalytic reactor and the plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements radiating heat to the catalytic reactor is greater than or equal to 0.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Sean M. KELLY, Brian R. KROMER, Michael M. LITWIN, Lee J. ROSEN, Gervase Maxwell CHRISTIE, Jamie R. WILSON, Lawrence W. KOSOWSKI, Charles ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20120312253
    Abstract: A coil support member is attached to a coil inside a water storage vessel and includes multiple openings, insertion portions and a non-insertion portion. The openings are arranged in a lengthwise direction, and together with surrounding sites prevent contact between mutually adjacent loops of the tube of the coil and suppress contact between an inner surface of the water storage vessel and an outer surface of the coil. The insertion portions are formed between the openings and are inserted into an intra-coil space located radially inward of the outer surface of the coil. The non-insertion portion is positioned in an extra-coil space located radially outward of the outer surface of the coil. The insertion portions have insertion body portions preventing contact between mutually adjacent loops of the tube, and engagement portions contacting the tube from the intra-coil space and maintaining an inserted state of the insertion body portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicants: DAIKIN EUROPE N.V., DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Kita, Teruo Nishida, Mathieu Ghesquiere
  • Publication number: 20120291436
    Abstract: A steam generation system delivers heats water and carbon dioxide at high temperatures in the presence of one or more plasma arc torches and converts the materials into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The converted gas is delivered to a heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) to produce steam, which may be used to power a steam turbine. Depending on the amount of steam and/or power desired, the system may use a control system to vary the flow, temperature and pressure of the gas delivered to the HRSG. The control system may do this by bringing additional torches on-line or off-line in the processing chamber, by adding unheated gas directly from a supply source, shunting the gas from the HRSG, and varying the flow of water delivered to the HRSG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Powerdyne Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hirson, Gus F. Shouse
  • Publication number: 20120247404
    Abstract: The steam generator includes: a water supply channel for supplying a secondary coolant to a tube bundle outer casing with the secondary coolant being isolated from the recirculating secondary coolant; a recirculating secondary coolant injection section for injecting the recirculating secondary coolant toward a high temperature-side heat transfer tube bundle; and a supplied secondary coolant injection section for injecting the secondary coolant supplied from the water supply channel toward a low temperature-side heat transfer tube bundle. The recirculating secondary coolant injection section and the supplied secondary coolant injection section being disposed in the tube bundle outer casing on the side toward the tube plate. The recirculating secondary coolant injection section and the supplied secondary coolant injection section are defined such that, of the secondary coolant and the recirculating secondary coolant, the coolant having a higher relative flow rate than the other flows at a lower velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kawakami, Kengo Shimamura, Tomoya Nakagawa, Tomoyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 8236071
    Abstract: A quench ring for use with a gasifier system. The quench ring including an annular manifold having a radius, an annular channel coupled in flow communication with said manifold, and at least one inlet coupled in flow communication with said manifold, said at least one inlet having a center line aligned substantially tangentially to said annular manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Judeth Helen Brannon Corry, Yulianto Salahuddin Mohsin
  • Publication number: 20120111287
    Abstract: A steam generator includes a lower integrated tubesheet and plenum (ITP) configured to receive feedwater and a first set of heat transfer tubes fluidly coupled to a plurality of stubs protruding from a first side of the lower ITP. A second set of heat transfer tubes fluidly couples to plurality of stubs protruding from a second side of the lower ITP. The first set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially clock-wise direction, and the second set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially counter-clockwise direction. The steam generator further includes an upper ITP fluidly coupled to the first and second set of heat transfer tubes, wherein the feedwater entering the lower ITP is converted to steam in the first and second sets of heat transfer tubes. The upper ITP is configured to transport the steam away from the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: NuScale Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Keith Williams, Douglas Paul Fassett, Brent J. Webb, William J. Bees, Alex Scott Kruskamp
  • Patent number: 8117996
    Abstract: A water heater capable of suppressing an increase in the combustion air temperature exiting the heater and the generation of nitrogen oxide within an easy structure is provided. In the water heater, a burner is provided in a combustion chamber which is below a hot water storage chamber that is an all primary air burner which takes in the air required for gas combustion, whereby the air is mostly primary air. In addition, the burner is provided with a supporting plate in the combustion chamber at a height that allows part of the burner head to be protruded into a space covered by a lower mirror plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Paloma Industries, Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Oda
  • Patent number: 8087388
    Abstract: The object is to provide a water heater capable of efficiently transmitting radiation heat of a burner to hot water in a hot water storage chamber with improved thermal efficiency. In the water heater, a second restriction part having a shallower depth than a first restriction part is arranged along a peripheral edge of a lower mirror plate of a hot water storage chamber with a protrusion part protruding in a ring shape toward the center side of the lower mirror plate. The protrusion part is further arranged between the first restriction part and the second restriction part, and a burner is positioned so that the burner combustion surface faces the protrusion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Paloma Indusrties, Limited
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Hiroshi Oda
  • Patent number: 8047145
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a vapor to be injected into a flue gas stream are described. The apparatus includes a fluid vaporization and injection assembly including an input for receiving a non-flue gas, e.g., clean, fluid heat transfer medium, e.g., air; a first sealed coil having an input and an output through which a fluid, such as ammonia, to be vaporized is passed; and a second sealed coil having an input and an output through which a heated second fluid, such as water or steam, is passed. The second sealed coil is arranged to transfer heat from the heated second fluid to the non-flue gas fluid heat transfer medium. The first sealed coil is arranged to absorb heat from the non-flue gas fluid heat transfer medium. An injection unit is coupled to an output of the first sealed coil for injecting the vaporized fluid into a flue gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Power Systems America, Ltd
    Inventors: William Gretta, Eric Pear, Dileep Karmarkar
  • Patent number: 8015950
    Abstract: A single can-type composite heat source machine including a single can body including a first combustion section having a first burner and a hot water supplying first main heat exchanger located above the first burner, and a second combustion section having a second burner and a second main heat exchanger located above the second burner and used for a purpose other than hot water supply. The first combustion section and the second combustion section are partitioned from each other by a partition wall and juxtaposed in a lateral direction. The machine includes a first auxiliary heat exchanger and a second auxiliary heat exchanger both of a latent heat recovery type connected to upstream sides of the first main heat exchanger and the second main heat exchanger, respectively. An exhaust system can be miniaturized and simplified in spite of provision of the auxiliary heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Okamoto, Tadayuki Hiraga, Hiroitsu Ohta, Mineyuki Nasu, Hiroaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7992526
    Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion providing a first pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater. The flue system further includes a downstream heat exchange portion providing a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater and a blower positioned between the upstream heat exchange portion and the downstream heat exchange portion. The blower is configured to urge combustion products from the upstream heat exchange portion to the downstream heat exchange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Bradford White Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Ritsema, Michael W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7958853
    Abstract: A steam generator has a pressure casing formed in the shape of a drum. The longitudinal axis of this pressure casing is oriented horizontally or largely horizontally. A hollow tube (1) is formed in such a way that at least two hollow tube sections (1?) are provided, preferably a plurality of hollow tube sections which extend predominantly parallel to each other, and which are arranged in stack-form vertically or vertically offset above each other, and which in each case are interconnected in pairs at an end section, wherein this hollow tube is located in the vertical direction above the feed section (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Christoph Ruchti
  • Publication number: 20110083619
    Abstract: A heat exchange assembly for generating steam from a second medium to be used to drive a steam turbine for generating electricity or for other process, includes a tube having a longitudinal axis and an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall includes a plurality of spaced fins oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The inner wall defines a preheat zone and a dual phase zone. The preheat zone defines a helical rib configured to provide swirling motion and increase heat transfer surface area to liquid entering the tube increasing heat transfer from the tube to the liquid. The dual phase zone is spaced from the preheat zone and defines a helical rib configured to provide swirling motion to steam and liquid passing through the dual phase zone increasing heat transfer from the tube to the steam and liquid while preventing vapor stagnation and film boiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Bashir I. Master, Bhushan Ranade
  • Patent number: 7909005
    Abstract: This exchanger comprises a pair of primary tubular bundles (5a, 5b) surrounding a fuel or gas burner (4a, 4b), and a secondary tubular bundle (6) on which condensation of the steam contained in the burned gases discharged from the primary bundles occurs, wherein the three bundles (5a, 5b, 6) are mounted parallel, side-by-side inside a gas-tight casing (10), and communicate with one another, with means being provided in order to circulate the water to be heated, between the tubes forming the secondary bundle (6) and the tubes forming the primary bundles (5a, 5b); the casing (10) is subdivided at the level of the secondary bundle (6) by a partition (7-70) that extends both inside and outside said bundle (6), with the arrangement being such that a only a circumferential section of the latter is capable of being contacted and traversed by the hot gases coming from one of the two primary bundles (5a), and its remaining section being capable of being contacted and traversed only by the hot gases coming from the oth
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Giannoni France
    Inventors: Joseph Le Mer, Rocco Giannoni
  • Publication number: 20110061610
    Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering heat and water from waste streams produced during oil sands extraction to form dry, stackable tailings. A tailings stream is preheated in a heat exchanger, thereby reducing the energy required to dry the tailings. The preheated tailings are then dried, thereby reducing the tailings to dry stackable tailings or thickened tailings suitable for mine backfill. Heat and high-quality water are recovered from the drying operation and re-used in the preheat operation, or in other steps of oil sands extraction or treatment processes, thereby reducing the overall heat and water requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Brian C. Speirs, Payman Esmaeili, James A. Dunn
  • Patent number: 7846226
    Abstract: A method of assembling a spray quench apparatus is provided. The method includes coupling a first end of an exit tube to a quench chamber such that the exit tube end is in flow communication with the quench chamber, coupling at least one spray nozzle to an opposite second end of the exit tube such that water emitted from the spray nozzle fills the exit tube and forms a film of water across an inner surface of the exit tube, coupling a water source to the quench chamber for providing a substantially continuous water film along an inner surface of the quench chamber, and coupling at least one discharge apparatus to the quench chamber for providing water spray into the quench chamber, wherein the water of the water film and water sprays drains into a water sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, Allyson Joy Jimenez-Huyke, Judeth Brannon Corry, Fulton Jose Lopez, Aaron John Avagliano, John Saunders Stevenson, Lien-Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 7824178
    Abstract: A water heater apparatus includes a fuel-air transfer arm connecting a blower outlet to a burner inlet. The transfer arm includes a continuously curved 180° bend portion and at least one inwardly extending internal flow disrupter located in the 180° bend portion for improving fuel-air mixture distribution across the burner inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lochinvar Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Putnam, Dustin C. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 7823544
    Abstract: A steam boiler (15) comprising a fuel burning device (16) disposed in a combustion chamber and adapted to burn a fuel to form combustion gases (19), a passage (30) extending between a water inlet (20) and a steam outlet (23), the passage having a water space (31) and a steam space (32), a flue passage (33) extending between the combustion chamber and a flue outlet (24) and having a gas heat transfer space (34), a heat exchange element (43) between the gas heat transfer space and the water and steam spaces, the heat exchange element having a gas-side surface (35) that absorbs heat from the combustion gases and an opposed water-side surface (38) that radiates heat, the water-side surface having a first portion (39) adjacent to the water space and a second portion (40) adjacent to the steam space, the gas-side surface having a first portion (36) opposite the water-side first portion and a second portion (37) opposite the water-side second portion, the water-side first portion having a surface area and the water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: ECR International, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Christie
  • Publication number: 20100212604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot water supplying system that includes a preheating-circulating system, which heats water to maximally reduce the time to attain a temperature set by a user, and is designed to use a portion of preheating energy for heating, preventing pipelines from being frozen to burst in winter by preheating-circulating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Kyungdong Navien Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho Keun Kim, Yong Bum Kim
  • Patent number: 7640749
    Abstract: Contrasted to the prior art, the present invention presents a path for the cycle steam having the fewest possible changes in direction to minimize parasite pressure losses. This invention accommodates proportioning the flow areas of the moisture separator—reheater(s) assembly to optimize performance of extracting the maximum energy from the cycle steam and in view of the economics of first cost and operating cost. The reheater tubes are straight, not U-tubed, and sloped towards the reheat steam condensate discharge. It utilizes an internal baffle in the reheating steam manifold, features which would mitigate tube binding, steam distribution to the tube bundles, flow oscillations, etc. which are expensive and difficult to alleviate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Hrant H. Yousoufian
  • Publication number: 20090139467
    Abstract: A steam generator and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. The steam generator includes a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Min Kyu LIM
  • Publication number: 20090133642
    Abstract: So as to provide a latent heat recovery-type water heater capable of certainly preventing drain generated by heat exchange from being discharged out of an exhaust portion through an outlet with entrained by a flow of combustion gas, an exhaust portion 9 is formed by an exhaust portion constituting-body 25 attached above a secondary heat exchanger 7. The exhaust portion 9 includes therewithin a deflector 26 and a distribution board 27 opposed to the deflector 26. The deflector 26 has a deflection board 30 extending substantially vertically downward from a top face 9a of the exhaust portion 9, so as to form a gap 35 between a lower end of the board 30 and a bottom face 9b of the exhaust portion 9. A flowing direction of combustion gas introduced into the exhaust portion 9 through an opening 21 of the bottom face 9b is deflected by passing through the gap 35, and the combustion gas flows toward the distribution board 27.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Asakura, Shigehiro Yamamoto, Masamitu Ishikado
  • Publication number: 20090025657
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating high temperature steam according to the present invention comprises a high pressure container including a hollow body having a certain volume and sealed shape and a vapor outlet formed at an upper or lower portion of the body for discharging vapor generated therein; a heat supply unit for supplying high temperature heat to the high pressure container; a water supply pump positioned at an outside of the high pressure container and supplying the high pressure container with water from an outside; a spray nozzle for spraying the water supplied from the water supply pump to the high pressure container; and a vapor discharge line connected to the outlet of the high pressure container to guide the vapor generated in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Kook Hyun CHO
  • Publication number: 20080282995
    Abstract: In an assembly of a steam generator device (10) and a plastic housing (20), the steam generator device (10) is arranged inside the housing (20), and comprises the following elements: a steam generator shell (11) for containing water and steam; a heating element (14) for heating the steam generator shell (11) and its contents; and a heater plate (12) arranged between the heating element (14) and the steam generator shell (11) for improving heat transfer between the heating element (14) and the steam generator shell (11). In order to prevent the whole of the heater plate (12) and the heating element (14) from falling on a bottom (21) of the housing (20) in case of failure of the connection between the heater plate (12) and the steam generator shell (11), mounting supports (30) for supporting the heater plate (12) are bottom (21) of the housing (20), and which comprise a material that is resistant to high temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Pooi Yeow Kuan, Barry Eng Keong Tay, Taikang Xiao
  • Publication number: 20080264355
    Abstract: The object is to provide a water heater capable of efficiently transmitting radiation heat of a burner to hot water in a hot water storage chamber, and improving thermal efficiency. In water heater, a second restriction part having a shallower depth than a restriction part is partially arranged along a peripheral edge of a lower mirror plate of a hot water storage chamber, a protrusion part protruding in a ring shape toward the center side of the lower mirror plate is arranged between the restriction part and the second restriction part, and a burner is provided so as to position a burner head of the burner to face the protrusion part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Paloma Industries, Limited
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Hiroshi Oda
  • Patent number: 7434546
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co. LLC
    Inventors: Padmanabha J. Prabhu, Robert M. Wepfer