Abstract: An improved apparatus for introduicng steam into an airstream in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. Both headers may further be inclined to improve drainage of condensation. The invention optionally may utilize fenders in conjunction with the steam dispersing structure to minimize heat transfer to the airstream.

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.

Abstract: A superheat bundle for a horizontal tube steam separator-superheater, in which the tubes are disposed inside a rectangular frame (4) which is not rigidly connected to the structure of the separator-superheater. The frame is provided with resilient blades (7, 8) forming a flexible skirt bearing against side plates (2, 3) which are themselves rigidly connected to said structure. The invention is applicable to stations for producing electricity or steam.

Abstract: A superheater bundle for a horizontal steam separator-superheater, the bundle comprising an array of parallel tubes disposed in a triangular pitch inside a frame (3, 4) which is polygonal in shape and symmetrical about its plane of symmetry, with the bottom of the frame delimiting an inlet orifice for steam to be superheatd and with the top of the frame delimiting an outlet orifice for superheated steam. At least two of the sloping sides (11, 13, 15, 15, 17; 12, 14, 16, 18) of th polygon-shaped frame (3, 4) are parallel to the sloping segments formed by the pitch of the tubes.

Abstract: The wet steam flow distribution section (20) of the moisture separator reheater (10) includes a multiplicity of side-by-side spaced-apart channel bars (52,54,56) extending transversely to the direction of steam flow from the distribution section to the moisture separator section (24). The bars are preferably substantially U-shaped in section, whereby the two leg portions (60,62) of each bar may be angled and slightly spaced apart from confronting leg portions of adjacent bars, thereby defining respective diffuser nozzles (64). Each nozzle has a discharge end cross-section elongated in the direction parallel to the bars, for directing wet steam toward the separator section. The spacing (Y) and other design variables associated with the bars, permit optimization and uniformity of flow over the full axial extent of the moisture separator reheater unit with minimum pressure drop across the steam distribution apparatus.

Abstract: A condensate separator having a housing formed as a channel profile member with one open side face and including integrally formed mounting portions for fastener elements, the open ends of the channel profile member being closed by respective covers, and the open side face by a carrier carrying the control device.The condensate separator is particularly suitable for industrial steam-pressing stations.

Abstract: A moisture separator reheater (12) comprising a wet steam region (32) for containing moisture laden water vapor and a dry steam region (36) containing dry water vapor. An entrance tube (74, 118, 152, 174) is fluidly connected to the wet steam region. Swirlers (76, 134, 178) or similar deflection structure (170, 172) are provided for separating the flow of steam through the entrance tube into liquid and vapor streams. A concentric exit tube (86, 136, 176), or similar structure (158), directs the flow of the vapor stream into the dry steam region while bypassing the liquid stream. The tubes and associated structure are preferably arranged in a steam dryer assembly bundle (54) having a lower plate (128), a plurality of entrance tubes secured to the lower plate, and an upper plate (126) through which the exit tubes pass.

Abstract: A hot water heater having a vertical, cylindrical tank with a top wall, means for heating water within the tank, a cold water inlet at the bottom and a hot water outlet at the top includes damping vanes associated with the top wall of the tank for foiling internal thermal convection currents at the top of the tank and minimizing the mixing of hot and cold water so that the temperature of the hot water delivered at the outlet remains relatively constant over time.

Abstract: A pure steam generator having a feed line for conducting feed water thereinto, a heating steam input for conducting heating steam thereinto, and a heat exchange apparatus therein for providing heat exchange between the heating steam and the feed water. A pure steam output is also provided, with a separation space being located in a lower portion of the pure steam generator, along with a centrifugal separator through which the pure steam flows from the separation space to the pure steam output.The pure steam output communicates through a circulation line with the pure steam generator for circulating pure steam from the pure steam output to the pure steam generator. The circulation line is preferably arranged to feed a mixing space, in which the feed water and the circulating pure steam are mixed.

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.

Abstract: In a device for separating the moisture contained in the cycling steam discharged out of a steam turbine and reheating the low-temperature steam is disclosed, a central chamber is defined between a pair of moisture separating structures and the bottoms of the central chamber, and the separating structures are closed by a closure structure. A steam chamber which is in communication with the central chamber is defined by a pair of side walls and the upper edge of each of the pair of side walls is loosely fitted into a guide groove defined by a pair of spaced guide plates which in turn are securely joined to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A trough is formed above the moisture separators in a moisture separator reheater for a power plant and drain conduits are connected to the trough to direct moisture collected in the trough to the bottom of the shell where it joins other collected moisture and is drained from the lower portion of the shell via drain nozzles disposed therein preventing droplets from forming above the separator and dripping down into the flow path of motive steam, becoming reentrained, and resulting in erosion of the separators.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for separating water and steam for the drying of a moist steam which has a rising current at the inlet of the device. The device comprises at least an assembly (8) comprising drying elements in a zone (12) in which a perforated panel (11) is located. The perforated vertical panel (11) is formed by a grid of expanded metal for deflecting the incident stream (9) of the steam and rendering it horizontal or sightly downwardly inclined (16). The invention is in particular applicable to steam generators of pressurized water nuclear reactors.

Abstract: A steam-water separator in which a pair of risers are disposed in tandem within a shell member. The steam-water mixture to be separated is introduced into the lower riser where it is discharged through arcuate arms onto the inner wall of the shell to effect a first stage separation. The remaining portion of the mixture rises upwardly in the shell and passes through a second stage riser. The latter mixture portion discharges through an additional series of arcuate arms against the inner wall of the shell to effect a second stage separation.

Abstract: A moisture pre-separator for the exhaust portion of a high pressure steam turbine is disclosed. The pre-separator mounts in the nozzle and adjoining piping of the exhaust portion and provides a first channel for capturing moisture caused by secondary flow and a second channel for capturing moisture flowing on the exhaust hood wall. Drains are provided for both channels.

Abstract: A heat exchanger device for drying and then superheating steam, has a cylindrical casing about a horizontal axis. The casing contains:(a) a bottom admission chamber for wet steam;(b) intermediate separator members (7, 8, 9, 10, 21) for removing water from the wet steam;(c) a top bundle of superheater tubes (11); and(d) wet steam flow channels (15, 17) located on either side of the bundles of superheater tubes. These channels are separated from the admission chamber by a partition (19) extending from one only of the sides of the superheaters in such a manner as to ensure that the wet steam rises in the vicinity of the inside surface of the casing round one side only of the superheaters and then descends round the other side towards the inlet to the separator members (21).

Abstract: The phase distribution tank is provided with a partition which separates an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber. The partition has a gas phase passage at the upper end and liquid phase passages at the lower end. The discharge conduit for the liquid phase is disposed so that the liquid level in the outlet chamber is within the plane of the orifice of the discharge conduit so that both gas and liquid may discharge.

Abstract: An improved model steam generator for simulating the conditions within a nuclear steam generator in order to monitor the condition of the heat exchange tubes and tubesheet of the nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The improved model steam generator includes a highly effective separator assembly for separating water droplets entrained within the steam flowing out of the outlet of the secondary side of the generator formed from a plurality of separator grids, each of which includes an array of semi-cylindrical deflector members. The grids are vertically stacked with the deflector members transversely disposed to the flow of steam generated by the model steam generator. Each of the parallel arrays of deflector members in each grid is angularly disposed approximately 45.degree. to the deflector members in the grids above it and below in order to provide a tortuous path for the flow of steam ascending therethrough.

Abstract: A modular separating unit for separating a liquid from a gas-liquid mixture, comprising an annular riser tube, a hub coaxial with and located within the riser tube, four curved blades mounted between the hub and the riser tube, an annular downcomer tube surrounding the riser tube, and an orifice ring having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the riser tube and located adjacent the outlet end of the riser tube. The leading edge and leading surface of each blade, which are disposed adjacent the inlet end of the riser tube, are contained in a plane parallel to the initial direction of flow of the gas-liquid mixture. The trailing edge and trailing surface of each blade are contained in a plane which is at an angle of approximately 37.degree. to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the hub. The projections of the leading edge of one blade and the trailing edge of an adjacent blade onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the hub form an angle of approximately 22.5.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the drum water level of a drum boiler prevents the boiler system from being tripped off which would otherwise be caused by an excessive fall in the drum water level immediately after the start of load runback, by increasing the real feed water flow rate in such a manner that a feed water flow rate demand signal obtained from the drum water level deviation is corrected by a feed water flow rate increment signal obtained from the amount of load reduction (load demand--load reference after load runback) at the time of load runback. In addition, the fact that the drum water level stops falling and starts to rise is detected, and the feed water flow rate demand signal is adjusted so as to take a medium value between the real feed water flow rate and the real main steam flow rate, thereby preventing the boiler system from being tripped off which would otherwise be caused by an excessive rise in the drum water level.

Abstract: Steam turbine apparatus is disclosed as comprising first and second turbine sections having respectively an outlet opening and an inlet opening. The first or high pressure turbine section has a plenum wall adjacent its exhaust opening that collects water thereon. A crossover structure is disposed between the outlet opening and the inlet opening for transmitting a steam/water mixture to the second or low pressure turbine section. A hollow member having first and second openings at its respective ends, is associated with the first turbine section such that the first opening is sealed with respect to the outlet opening. The hollow member extends into the first turbine section and its second opening is dimensioned to shadow the outlet opening so that the hollow member captures and discharges the water contacting the adjacent plenum wall and to inhibit the steam/water mixture directed through the outlet opening from stripping and conveying the contacting water to the crossover structure.

Abstract: A bundled-tube heat exchanger of the vertical arrangement type has a gas inlet chamber and a gas outlet chamber. These gas chambers are connected by gas transfer tubes. The gas transfer tubes are surrounded by cooling medium tubes within a housing chamber. Each of the cooling medium tubes opens out into a respective connecting chamber that is formed between the casing chamber, the gas inlet chamber, and the gas outlet chamber. A gas transfer tube that is open to the casing chamber connects the casing chamber to a connecting chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for superheating steam. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the apparatus is provided with two banks of inclined tubes extending upwardly from an outlet header to respective inlet headers. The banks of tubes are disposed in the flow path of main steam through the apparatus and provide a flow of vapor for adding superheat to the main steam. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tubes extend upwardly to closed ends whereby a lower header acts as both a vapor inlet and condensate outlet. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the vapor is provided by a fossil fuel-fired vapor generator to superheat main steam which has been provided by a nuclear steam generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.

Abstract: Steam generator of the type comprising within a vertically axed type enclosure a plurality of U-tubes in which circulates a primary liquid and on the outer wall of which flows a secondary liquid, a cylindrical envelope surrounding the said tubes and defining with the inner wall of the enclosure an annular passage, whose lower part is connected to the inner space of the envelope, the latter being sealed in its upper part by a cover, which is itself surmounted by at least one device for separating the steam by centrifuging, a means for drying the steam in the upper part of the enclosure, said means incorporating at least one steam dryer surrounding the axis of the enclosure, each dryer being connected by its lower part to at least one discharge pipe for removing the water separated from the steam, wherein each discharge pipe is linked with a dynamic draining or bleeding device able to produce a pressure reduction or vacuum in order to suck in the water collected in the dryer.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying steam in steam power generating stations, includes a plurality of cyclone separators having upper regions and lower ends, substantially tangential feed lines for a water-steam mixture leading to the upper regions of the cyclone separators, a water tank having an upper region and a lower end, respective discharge lines connected from the lower ends of the cyclone separators to the water tank, a water drain line connected to the lower end of the water tank, and equalizing lines respectively connected at an incline from the highest points of the upper regions of the water tank to a location of the upper regions of each of the cyclone separators above the feed lines.

Abstract: A moisture separator is provided which incorporates two perforated plates assembled in association with a plurality of nipples. The nipples extend through a plurality of holes in a first of the two perforated plates. Each nipple is provided with one end which has an upset portion to prevent its complete passage through the holes of the first perforated plate. A second perforated plate is assembled with the first perforated plate in such a way so as to prevent the reverse passage of the nipples in a direction opposite that of assembly. The first and second perforated plates can be rigidly fastened together by bolting, riveting or welding. In a moisture separator made in accordance with the present invention, the individual nipples do not require welding, rolling or hydraulic expansion during the assembly process and do not have to be rigidly attached to either of the two perforated plates. The cooperation of the two plates holds the nipples in position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low boiling point medium evaporator which generates low boiling point medium vapor in the mixture of two components with different boiling points by heating at the risers and mixes said heated two component mixture and said low boiling point medium liquid supplied from the outside of the system and has at least one device provided at the outlet portion of said risers and used both as a heat exchanger to generate saturated vapor of said low boiling point medium vapor by mixing said low boiling point medium liquid and the two phase flow comprised said low boiling point medium vapor and said mixture and passing said two phase flow through said low boiling point medium vapor and as a cyclone to separate said saturated vapor and said mixture.

Abstract: A thermodynamic method is described and claimed for improving the quality of wet steam produced by conventional and once through type boilers. Moisture entrained with such steam is first separated in a steam-water separation vessel. The separated moisture is thereafter vaporized by pressure reduction and flashed to form lower pressure steam and condensate containing dissolved solids. The condensate is utilized to preheat fresh boiler feedwater. The lower pressure steam is condensed and supplements the boiler feedwater to form a hotter combined net feedwater stream containing reduced quantities of dissolved solids. Practice of the method, in association with commercially available boilers producing saturated to moderately superheated steam at temperatures of up to about 970.degree. F. and steam pressures of up to about 2,900 psig, has resulted in increases in the quality of the steam produced from about 70% to about 99% (substantially dry steam).

Abstract: An improvement in a high pressure condensate return unit and a method of using such a unit are disclosed. In a high pressure condensate return vessel of the type which includes a receiver portion and a deaeration portion for separating non-condensible gases from the steam condensate for venting from the vessel, the improvement includes a throttle valve responsive to the level of condensate within the vessel for controlling the amount of condensate returned directly to a steam boiler or recirculated to the interior of the unit. When fully open, the throttle valve substantially causes all of the condensate pumped from the outlet of the vessel to be returned to the vessel for deaeration, whereas when the throttle valve is fully closed, all of the condensate is provided directly to the boiler.

Abstract: A method of controlling the equilibrium conditions and of simultaneously producing steam under high pressure in the production of methanol by a reaction of oxides of carbon and of hydrogen-containing gases at temperatures of 200.degree. to 300.degree. C. under a pressure of 20 to 100 bars at a copper-containing catalyst, which is contained within the reactor in tubes, which are indirectly cooled by boiling water under pressure, wherein the resulting steam is withdrawn together with circulating water and is separated from the water, the water is recycled and the evaporated water is replaced by feed water. According to the invention the process is carried out in such a manner that a perforated thin intermediate bottom plate is provided in the reactor spaced 20 to 150 cm over the lower tube plate, the reactor is fed with the circulating water above that intermediate bottom and with feed water below that intermediate bottom, the gaseous reaction mixture is cooled by 20.degree. to 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separaton of the liquid and vapor phases of a fluid incorporating an open ended cylinder in which are arranged blades. Each blade is in the form of a curvilinear triangular surface, whereof a first side contiguous with the cylindrical wall of the cylinder defines a helix whose axis coincides with the cylinder axis, an apex opposite to said first side is arranged substantially at the axis and the remaining sides define a leading edge substantially perpendicular to the cylinder axis and a trailing edge inclined with respect to said axis. A number of blades are joined together at their apices to define the blade arrangement within the cylinder.The invention also relates to a steam generator having an outer casing, a first circuit in which circulates a hotprimary fluid and a second circuit in which circulates a secondary fluid, whereby the latter incorporates at least one group of two separation apparatuses connected in series.

Abstract: A steam generator having cold branch and hot branch zones defined, inside the secondary envelope, by vertical partitions separating the cold limbs from the hot limbs, and outside the secondary envelope by a skirt surrounding a portion of the latter on the cold branch side, forming therewith a space closed on its sides and at its lower portion while leaving a passage to the cold branch zone from the inside of the envelope. The space is open at the top so that recycled water can return to the bundle of U-tubes through both zones, but secondary feed water circulates for the most part in the cold branch zone. Recycled water may be distributed between the cold and hot branch zones, and the pressure in these zones may be balanced at the level of a horizontal, perforated tubular plate.

Abstract: A steam separator (10) has a generally horizontal baffle plate (18) which separates the separator vessel (12) into an upper steam chamber (20) and a lower water chamber (22). The baffle plate (18) has a central opeing (51) which provides a flow passage to permit steam from the water chamber (22) to rise into the steam chamber (20). A steam outlet (28, 100) is connected to the vessel (12) for discharging steam from the steam chamber (20). The baffle plate (18) has a plurality of openings (62) at the periphery thereof, and each opening (62) has a scoop (60) associated therewith. Each scoop (60) extends over its respective opening (62) and faces in substantial opposition to the direction of motion of the swirling fluid to receive and direct the swirling fluid into the water chamber (22).

Abstract: The vapor generator is provided with a vapor separator which is connected to an outlet of the partition and which has a water outlet connected to the inlet of the enclosing walls of the combustion chambers. The vapor outlet of the vapor separator connects to a superheater within the generator via platen superheaters disposed within their respective combustion chambers. The vapor separator permits the partition to always be operated with a considerable surplus of water so that no stability problems occur. A water separator is also connected to an outlet of the enclosing walls and has a vapor outlet connected with the vapor outlet from the vapor separator. Various control circuits can be used to regulate the flow of vapor from the vapor separator to the superheater. A branch conduit for the feed water is also connected in parallel with the partition to permit mixing of some of the feed water with the water separated out of the vapor separator prior to passage into the enclosing walls of the generator.

Abstract: A vessel wall cooperating with a circular array of moisture separators which have a vertical riser tube, centrally disposed hubs, a vertical baffle disposed between the hub and the riser tube, turning vanes and an outer volute partial skirt or wall to compress the steam-water mixture against the volute and vessel wall and utilize the downwardly spiraling flow of liquid film formed on the volute and vessel wall to effectively separate the entrained water from the steam and prevent reentrainment thereof.

Abstract: A moisture separator reheater combination includes specially located perforated baffles which function to reduce components of steam fluid velocity flow which are substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the moisture separator vessel. These baffles counteract the effects of transverse vortices which produce local pressure variations and adversely affect the efficiency of the moisture separator elements. The use of the baffles of the present invention improves the uniformity of steam flow through the moisture separator elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for distribution and preliminary separation of a vapor-liquid mixture in a separator with horizontal axis, from a neck 10 on the lower generatrix of the separator, it comprising two symmetrical deflectors 11, 12 in the form of portions of cylinders, with parallel axes perpendicular to that of the separator, each cut by two oblique planes, and completed by three partitions 17, 18. Their edges are provided with troughs 21 for collecting and discharging the water deposited on their concave surface, issuing into spaces separated from the neck. The invention has application to separator-superheaters for wet water vapor from an expansion turbine.

Abstract: A liquid-vapor separation device and method, including a generally horizontally-disposed arcuate passageway which interconnects the outlet of the tube side of a heater component of an evaporator to a condensor or subsequent effect heater. A floor plate is disposed in the arcuate passageway in spaced-away relation from the side walls thereof so as to permit drainage of liquid collected on the interior walls of the passageway into a liquid-collecting section which is provided with a suitable drain for removal of the thus-collected liquid. The floor plate is of sufficient size to minimize re-entrainment of the collected liquid. Adjacent the outlet end of the device anti-swirl baffles are provided to eliminate turbulence in the vapor adjacent such outlet end.

Abstract: A method of operating a vapor generating system, including a once-through vapor generator, wherein wet vapor is generated in the upper portion of the load range and superheated vapor is generated in the lower portion of the load range is disclosed. Generated vapor is passed through an external and remote moisture separator. Superheated vapor is desuperheated by liquid injection as it passes from the vapor generator to the moisture separator.

Abstract: A vertical separator for liquid-gas media comprising a cylindrical housing accommodating a gas discharge pipe coaxial therewith, the pipe and the inner surface of the housing define an annular space divided by a partition wall with openings for gas passage into a liquid-gas space, and a gas space communicating with the internal space of the pipe. The liquid-gas space accommodates blocks for separating the media into liquid and gas, the blocks extending in the radial direction. Each separation block is provided with a gas discharge means accommodated in spaces between adjacent separation blocks and embracing the gas-passage openings in the partition wall.

Abstract: A fluid separating apparatus in which an inlet is disposed in the upper portion of a substantially vertically oriented cylindrical housing for receiving a mixture of liquid and vapor. The mixture is separated in the housing by the application of centrifugal forces to the mixture and the liquid exits from the lower portion of the housing and the vapor rises and exits from the upper portion of the housing.