Abstract: An apparatus for gas/liquid separation has a heat-exchanging condensor housed in an adiabaic coolant container, in combination with an adiabatic reservoir for the condensed liquid. The condensor has an inner pipe conduit for a passive coolant which circulates through the conduit, and the container and is cooled by a freezer coil of an outside refrigerator and effectively cools the solvent vapor travelling through a clearance formed between the inner side wall of said condensor and outer side wall of said inner pipe conduit. This feature enables a continuous operation without troublesome replenishing of an active component in a freezing mixture as an active coolant. The adiabatic reservoir receives the condensed liquid and has a visual gauge for monitoring. A communicating plug detachably provided on the shoulder of the adiabatic reservoir serves to supply an auxiliary freeze-protecting solvent into the reservoir, for easy treatment of a solvent which is liable to be solidified by excessive cooling.

Abstract: A temperature control unit has an air distribution setting device, an air volume setting device and a regulating control unit which determined optimum settings for the air distribution setting device and for the air volume setting device. The unit also includes a desired temperature setting device supplying a nominal inside temperature to the regulating control unit. Sensors provide an input indicative of the actual inside temperature to the regulating control unit. Output indicators, preferably in the form of light emitting diodes disposed along selecting paths of the setting devices indicate to the operator the calculated optimum settings for the appropriate setting device to be selected to allow for a controlled, external adjustment of the air distribution setting device and of the air volume setting device.

Abstract: System and method for detecting and locating leaks in a steam condenser while the condenser is on-line and operating in its normal capacity. A tracer gas is mixed with water and introduced into the tubes of the condenser through an injector which can be positioned selectively to direct the gas toward different ones of the tubes. The occurrence of a leak is detected by monitoring for the presence of the tracer gas in the condensation chamber, and the location of the leak is determined from the position of the injector when the leak occurs.

Abstract: An interactive electronic thermostat operates to communicate with an installed through an audible or visual display and keypad to instruct the installer to perform tasks and enter observations to effect proper connections at the thermostat of heater/air conditioner wires in spite of the absence of labels identifying the functions of those wires. The thermostat requires entry of coded indicia representing operator-observed conditions in the system in response to displayed instructions carried out by the operator. Control circuits are automatically assigned functional tasks in response to the operator-observed conditions entered into the system. Different program routines are invoked depending upon the number of system wires and the type of heater/air conditioner being controlled. Under appropriate circumstances, messages are displayed informing the operator/homeowner that the thermostat is incompatible, or has no advantageous use, with the heater/air conditioner.

Abstract: The method of preparing and operating a heat-exchanging membrane of plastic material as the evaporating and condensing surfaces in a still includes treating the evaporating surface to be wettable by the distilland, and includes selectively washing the condensing surface which is unwettable by the by the distilland in order to promote efficient accumulation of condensed droplets and efficient heat transfer through the membrane to the evaporation surface. Washing liquids of either similar or disimilar chemical composition relative to the condensed vapor are recycled to the upper region of the condensing surface to facilitate washing of the surface by the downward movement of accumulated droplets of condensed vapor.

Abstract: A heat or material exchanger is provided which comprises a cylindrical housing having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, an assembly of heat or material-exchange tubes in the housing, partitions securing the opposed ends of the assembly to the housing in a fluid tight seal to partition the housing interior into a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet and a second fluid chamber defined in the assembly, a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber, an independent spaced defined by the inner wall of the housing and one partition and extending the entire circumference of the housing, but not in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers, and a vent in the housing for communicating the space to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for condensing steam, the device including a bundle of long heat-exchange tubes extending from first and lower header means to second and upper header means defining paths for the steam as it moves from the lower header means toward the upper header means and for effecting a flow of steam upwardly and a flow of steam condensate downwardly within the tubes, and new baffling installed inside some of the tubes of the bundle to channel and separate the upward bulk flow of stream and the downward bulk flow of condensate so as to prevent interaction between the two fluids that disrupts normal flow and heat transfer.

Abstract: Dehumidifying heat exchanger apparatuses are disclosed in several variations which may economically condense and separate a potable water product from a humid air stream. Water product extraction yields may be substantially enhanced by new uses of electrostatic and magnetic fields. Liquid water droplets are electrostatically collected on grounded or charged heat transfer tubes in the heat exchanger apparatuses. In one variation, charged or grounded horizontally-declined heat transfer tubes with attached drainage wicks attract liquid droplets and accelerate condensing heat transfer by continuous absorption and transfer of condensate. Both cascading liquid droplets and aerosol injection of fine liquid droplets may be used to provide convenient seed nuclei for condensing attachment of water vapor molecules in other variations.

Abstract: A method and circuit for self-checking problems in a heating system for an automobile are disclosed. A self-checking and indicating process are disclosed which include a first preheating step; an ignition period; a second preheating step; a combustion period module; and an extinguishment step according to a program interrupt. Various checking steps are included, along with various subroutines for indicating errors. Errors are displayed and a stopping step is performed if the temperature checked and the various proceding checking steps indicate that error conditions exist. The present invention includes an indicating apparatus which includes an output part of a microprocessor which provides a fundamental memory, a data processor, an arithmetic and logic accumulation, and an interrupt. The microprocessor is connected to an output part of a driving apparatus, and a sensing part which senses the driving state of the output part, the ignition, the temperature, and a low voltage condition.

Abstract: An automatic control device which periodically computes system operating costs and utilizes those computed costs to adjust a forced hot-water heating system for maximum economy. Labor and material costs required to maintain, and replace at periodic intervals, the circulation pump and boiler, as well as the energy costs to operate those units, are calculated in an iterative manner over a plurality of predetermined time intervals. The successive results are used to control the water temperature setpoint for minimum system operating costs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for recovering heat from a gas stream contaminated with water vapor and an acid-forming moiety, said gas having an acid dew point ranging from about 200.degree. F. to 300.degree. F. and a water dew point ranging from about 90.20 F. to 150.degree. F. The inventive method comprises passing the gas stream through a heat exchange fitted with a plurality of generally-parallel tubes through which flow heat exchanging fluid counter-current to the flow of said gas stream in said heat exchanger. The heat exchanging fluid is at a temperature such that the exterior tube temperature is at or below both said dew points, or the temperature of the contaminated gas stream exiting the heat exchanger is at or below both said dew points. The tubes are formed from acid-resistant, resin-impregnated graphite and exhibit a smooth, washable exterior surface. The heat exchanger further is fitted with a pair of side apertured tube sheets through which said tubes penetrate.

Abstract: The problem of designing an impingement plate type heat exchanger (10) for exchanging heat between a pair of fluids wherein one of the fluid is a gas, such as air, is solved by providing a stack of plates (12) including impingement orifice plates (14), spacer plates (16) and manifold plates (18, 20). The impingement orifice plates and the spacer plates cooperate to define first and second flow paths (F and E) generally parallel to each other and perpendicularly through the plates for the liquid and the gas, respectively. The first flow path (F) for the liquid is tortuous through orifices (56) of the plates. The manifold plates define flow passages (24) for distributing the liquid to the first tortuous flow path. The flow passages in the manifold plates extend generally parallel to the plates.

Abstract: A flexible hosing for circulation of a heat transfer fluid to effect heat exchange within a concrete or other type of slab. An inner wall comprising nylon, rayon or other similar material forms an inner wall of the hosing to resist corrosive attack by the heat transfer fluid. A locator wire is embedded within the hosing for transmission of a locating signal so that the position of the hosing within the slab may be accurately determined. The wire may also serve as an electrical resistance heating element should the heat transfer fluid become frozen, or should it be desired that the heat exchange system be operated without an external boiler or other heat source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heat and mass transfer are described that is applicable to: concentration, crystallization, purification, fractionation, stripping, absorption, and/or heat exchange for liquid media; and temperature and humidity modification for gas media. Using a plurality of moving gas streams, comprised for example of air, at constant and generally atmospheric pressures, a continual change in a vapor-liquid equilibrium of the gas streams is created between proximate but continually changing gas and liquid temperatures within each of a plurality of heat exchange chambers. Chamber wetting, implemented segmentedly, allows mass transfer into and out of the gas streams. A forced temperature differential between chambers, caused by different temperatures of the gas streams entering the chambers or by humidity modification of these gas streams within chambers, causes heat transfer between chambers through thermally conductive partitions.

Abstract: A known refrigerating system for a container is improved to include container wrong or abnormal condition diagnostic facilities. Such additional facilities include a container inside temperature detector, a container outside temperature detector, a control responsive to a wrong condition diagnosis instruction for operating an evaporator fan and an electric heater of the refrigerating system, and a wrong condition diagnostic device for diagnosing whether or not a wrong condition of the container is present on the basis of the temperatures detected by the respective temperature detectors after a predetermined period of operation of the evaporator fan and the electric heater.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus of a VAV system has a main controller which comprises an operation mode changing means, a temperature schedule inputting means for inputting data for warming or cooling each of the rooms in accordance with a program, and a room controller having a set room temperature changing means for changing a set room temperature for each of the rooms. The program can be easily changed by operating the controllers so as to meet the life pattern of a resident. The air conditioning apparatus provides advantages of saving energy and comfortableness.

Abstract: In an adiabatic heat exchanger, using the principle of kinetic cooling, a carrier gas is forced through a number of narrow, heat-conducting pipes wherein its velocity increases and its temperature drops. Incoming gas is forced to pass over these now cold pipes causing precipitation of a portion of the gas and an increase in temperature of the remaining portion. Such an arrangement permits for example removal of a condensible gas e.g. water vapour from a non-condensible carrier gas without the necessity of using an additional cooling medium.

Abstract: An improved demisting screen arrangement utilized in a rotary fluid management device (13) of a two-phase thermal management system (1) employs a multi-layered annular screen (34) held in a casing (52) to define a space (54) on the downstream side of the screen (34). The arrangement provides a lower pressure drop across the screen which results in wet vapor passing through the screen (34) at a lower velocity and in thereby preventing the vapor from passing through only a localized section near the inner diameter of the annular screen (34) in the region of the hub (56). This arrangement effectively increase the volume of the screen (34) through which the wet vapor is now caused to flow and, therefore, increases the amount of liquid phase separated from the vapor phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat and mass transfer is described that is applicable to: concentration, crystallization, purification, fractionation, stripping, absorption, and/or heat exchange for liquid media; drying for solid or gel media; and temperature and humidity modification for gas media. Generally, using a moving gas, such as air at a constant and atmospheric pressure, a continual change in a vapor-liquid equilibrium is created between proximate but continually changing gas and liquid temperatures within energy transferring chambers. Chamber wetting, implemented segmentedly, allows mass transfer into and from the moving gas. A forced temperature differential in each chamber causes heat transfer between chambers by means of thermally conductive partitions. This transfer can allow condensation causing further evaporation in the opposite chamber resulting in a recycling of energy.

Abstract: Gas-condensation device consisting of an enclosure (3a) and chambers (1,2) for collecting the cooling fluid, the enclosure (3a) containing gases which are at least partially condensable and at least one bundle (3) of horizontal smooth tubes inside which the cooling fluid runs and which are arranged regularly in a bundle and supported by intermediate support plates and/or support grids (3b) situated between the collecting chambers, characterized by the replacement of at least part of an oblique descending row of tubes (3) by shaped elements (20) for catching and removing the condensates and which are each offset in a same direction relative to the upper neighboring element.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube exchanger for generating steam, comprising triple-wall tubes, each trible-wall tube including an inner tube, an outer tube and an intermediate porous layer of practically same length. The porous layer is connected to a leak detector for detecting leakage in the triple-wall tube. The triple-wall tubes penetrate and are welded to four tube sheets which define in the shell, steam outlet plenum, upper gas plenum, sodium plenum, lower gas plenum and water inlet plenum. The outer tubes have side holes in the gas plena, which communicate the gas plena to the intermediate porous layer.

Abstract: An operating system for a dual fuel heating system having first and second heat pump stages, first and second gas furnace stages, an executive controller for tracking time increments and call control strategies at appropriate levels, a demand control for calculating the amount of time each heat pump can be on during a predetermined time window, a data storage apparatus, a thermostat, a first predicting module for predicting non-heat pump electrical load based on a moving average, a second predicting module for predicting heat load based on a moving average, and a limiting module for setting demand limits for off-peak, mid-peak and peak periods. The executive controller is operated to initiate operation of the foregoing routines to determine, based on historical building profile information including non-heat pump electric power information the availability of heat pump power with no increase in demand charges during any given incremental interval.

Abstract: An evaporative condenser of the plate type having spaced heat exchange elements incorporates a blow down concentrator. Vapor enters the elements and after condensation therein by heat exchange with liquid flowing as a film on the outer surfaces of the elements; condensate is discharged from the bottoms of the elements. The coolant liquid is itself evaporatively cooled by a flow of cooling air passing outside the heat exchange elements, within a casing that encloses the elements. The cooling air may even be warmer than the coolant liquid so long as the air is not saturated. The overflow of cooling water from the condenser elements goes to the concentrator section, thus eliminating a separate piece of equipment especially dedicated to the concentrating of used coolant.

Abstract: On a surface on which heat is exchanged with a gas media, the heat transfer coefficient can be enhanced by directing a spray at the surface. The spray droplets can disrupt the stagnant air layer adjacent to the exchange surface, can increase the area for heat and mass transfer and can aid in carrying vapor from the gas media to the exchange surface.

Abstract: Paper pulp mill chemical recovery boiler steam piping is monitored for leaks by an acoustic leak detection system responsive to atmospherically carried sound transmissions. Energy level amplitudes of respective analog electrical signals generated by a multiplicity of microphones are digitized in a rapid time sequence. Such digital values are temporarily stored in a data memory bank to be subsequently processed by a Fast-Fourier Transform analysis into amplitude vs. frequency domain data. Such amplitude vs. frequency data respective to each microphone is further refined for comparison to historical threshold data for a probability determination of a leak status.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen leakage from a generator frame into the stator coil water cooling system. The monitor is designed to alert the operator should leakage exceed a rate of twenty cubic feet per day (20 cfd). A pressure relief valve set at four (4) psig and orifice are provided, along with a second relief valve having a higher setpoint than the first, such that pressure will increase in the holding tank if leakage exceeds 20 cfd setpoint of the orifice. A high pressure alarm, set at a level higher than the first relief valve but less than that of the second, will then sound to alert the operator to protect the system from an overly large or gross failure of the system. By continusouly monitoring a relatively small steady state leakage rate, the operator can be aware of a minor problem which can be corrected at a scheduled maintenance outage, before a gross failure of the system, requiring a costly shutdown of the turbine-generator, would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus that comprises a first elongated metal tube, a second elongated metal tube longitudinally disposed within the first elongated metal tube having a substantial portion of its outer surfaces out of contact with the inner surface of the first elongated metal tube, with the inner metal tube being adapted to provide passage through it of a hot fluid, and means for cooling the outer surface of the first elongated metal tube, whereby at ambient temperatures the tubes can be easily separated for inspection and at operating temperatures the tubes are substantially in contact with each other.

Abstract: A control device for a heat pump system having a hot-water supply facility is disclosed which comprises an input device for inputting the cost of electricity for operating a heat pump and for inputting the cost of fuel for operating a boiler. A first sensor detects the temperature of the ambient air. A second sensor detects the moisture of the ambient air. A third sensor detects the temperature of the hot-water supply. An operation circuit selects an operation mode on the basis of the output signals received from the sensors. A comparison circuit selects the cheaper energy form based on cost data inputted from the input device in the heating air mode and in the hot-water supply mode. A control circuit selectively operates the heat pump or the boiler based on the result of the comparison performed by the comparison circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a convenient process to detect leaks in a partially disassembled floating head-type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is partially disassembled by removing the floating head end shell cover. A lightweight, flexible membrane having low gas permeability is then attached to the exchanger so as to cover the floating head gap. Gas is then introduced into the shell side of the exchanger.Leaks may be detected by observing the end face of the floating head tube sheet for an indication of the gas using a soap solution and observing the formation of soap bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention is a diagnosis and testing system for a temperature control system which includes a communication bus, a control processor, and a service thermostat. The communication bus is coupled to substantially all of the components of the system. The control processor initiates communication between components by sending a bus address over the bus. The control processor includes an address decoder for recognizing various bus address signals, including a normal thermostat bus address and a service thermostat bus address. The service thermostat has a switch, a processor, and a bus interface unit. The switch selects the operating mode of the service thermostat, e.g. either normal or service modes. The bus interface unit communicates over the bus for the service thermostat processor. The service thermostat processor operates the service thermostat and is adapted to communicate over the bus using a bus address according to the operating mode which is determined by the switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operation control system for a refrigerator which can prevent extreme change of the internal temperature by an extra method when abnormality occurs in its cooling state. This system judges whether the temperature change is abnormal or not, stops an operation control method based on temperature when the change is abnormal, and controls the operation of the refrigerator by another operation control method based on time in which the stop and the restart are repeated at predetermined intervals respectively.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for at least partially cooling and at least partially cleaning an exhaust stream of hot air from a heating operation which is contaminated with vaporized, condensable liquids and with finely divided particulate solids comprising (a) a first indirect heat exchange means for partially cooling the hot exhaust stream with a fresh stream of cold air to a temperature not significantly above the dew point of vaporized liquids entrained in the hot air stream and for partially heating the fresh stream of air, (b) solids collecting means for centrifugally separating a substantial portion of the finely divided solids from the partially cooled exhaust stream and (c) second indirect heat exchange means for further cooling the exhaust stream to a temperature below the dew point of vaporized liquids initially contained therein to thereby liquefy a significant portion of the vaporized liquids and to further heat the stream of fresh air.

Abstract: A heat recovery method for at least partially cooling and at least partially cleaning an exhaust stream of hot air from a heating operation which is contaminated with vaporized, condensable liquids and with finely divided particulate solids comprising (a) a first indirect heat exchange means for partially cooling the hot exhaust stream with a fresh stream of cold air to a temperature not significantly below the dew point of vaporized liquids entrained in the hot air stream and for partially heating the fresh stream of air, (b) solids collecting means for centrifugally separating a substantial portion of the finely divided solids from the partially cooled exhaust stream and (c) second indirect heat exchange means for further cooling the exhaust stream to a temperature below the dew point of vaporized liquids initially contained therein to thereby liquefy a significant portion of the vaporized liquids and to further heat the stream of fresh air.

Abstract: A waste heat reclaimer takes in hot waste gases from stacks or flues, associates them with a primary flow of water, heating the water and cooling the gases. The heated water flows through a heat exchanger transferring that heat to a secondary flow of water. A logic and control unit receives signals from sensors located in the sources of the waste gases, the delivery system of the gases, and the two flows of water. These signals are used to give warnings of insufficient flows, insufficient heat energy gains, and to control the sources of the gases, and to provide the operator with other indications which permit him to obtain more efficiency from the unit while devoting less attention to it.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for using an evaporator of an automotive air conditioner comprises a plurality of tube units and a plurality of corrugated fins. A pair of plates are connected each other for forming the tube unit. The plate has an elongating portion at an outer peripheral of the connecting portion at which one plate is connected to another plate. The elongating portion elongates from the connecting portion to the corrugated fin, but there exists some gap between the elongating portion and the corrugated fin. So that a draining space is formed within the connecting portion and the elongating portion of the plate and the corrugate fin. Since no surface tension is occurred between the elongating portion and the corrugated fin, the condensed water introduced into the drawing space can be drained effectively.

Abstract: An improved steam power system comprising a turbine for converting steam energy into mechanical energy upon expansion of steam therein, a boiler for generating steam to be fed to the turbine, and a conduit arrangement coupling the boiler to the turbine input and then coupling the turbine exhaust to the boiler through air cooled steam condensing mechanisms, the condensing mechanisms including a plurality of U-shaped tubes through which the expanded steam flows and is condensed; front header means at the input ends of the tubes located in the cooler ambient air exposed regions of the tubes for receiving exhaust steam from the turbine; rear header means at the output ends of the tubes located in the warmer unexposed regions of the tubes for receiving condensate and non-condensible gasses; and means in the rear headers to remove non-condensible gasses from the rear headers, the tubes being designed and constructed to protect the tubes from freezing for lack of steam by employing a tube arrangement that flows stea

Abstract: A radiator is provided including a tube core having opposite ends opening into and from which corresponding end tanks are supported. The tube core is divided into a plurality of discrete tube core sections and the end tanks each include a plurality of discrete secondary compartments into which the corresponding ends of the tube core sections open. The end tanks also include primary compartments therein into and from which heat transfer liquid is received and discharged and communication structure is provided communicating each of the secondary compartments with the corresponding primary compartment for liquid coolant flow there between.

Abstract: A stable isothermal calorimeter wherein the material under study is contained in a thermally conductive reactor vessel which is surrounded by a heat transfer fluid. The material is maintained at the boiling point of the heat transfer fluid which is in turn cntrolled by controlling the pressure of the fluid's vapor space. The heat transfer fluid is vaporized by the heat released by exothermal reaction of the material under study and the vaporized fluid condensed in a condenser. The rate of liquid accumulation in the condenser is proportional to the energy release rate of the material.

Abstract: A heat pipe including evaporator and condenser sections is located within a stack for reclaiming vaporized metals. The heat pipe is a variable conductance design which employs a communicating reservoir of non-condensable gas for creating a variably positioned interface with the working fluid within the condenser of the heat pipe. The interface varies as a function of the heat load on the condenser and effectively provides a variable control for maintaining efficient, fairly constant heat transfer across the wall of the condenser. Fixed turbulators are mounted to a lower section of the heat pipe for mixing the vaporized metals flowing through the stack thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer between the vaporized metals and the heat pipe. The result is a compact and environmentally rugged heat pipe design.

Abstract: A liquid supply control is disclosed for a heat transfer system which transports heat by liquid-vapor phase change of a working fluid. An assembly (10) of monogroove heat pipe legs (15) can be operated automatically as either heat acquisition devices or heat discharge sources. The liquid channels (27) of the heat pipe legs (15) are connected to a reservoir (35) which is filled and drained by respective filling and draining valves (30, 32). Information from liquid level sensors (50, 51) on the reservoir (35) is combined (60) with temperature information (55) from the liquid heat exchanger (12) and temperature information (56) from the assembly vapor conduit (42) to regulate filling and draining of the reservoir (35), so that the reservoir (35) in turn serves the liquid supply/drain needs of the heat pipe legs (15), on demand, by passive capillary action (20, 28).

Abstract: A control device for an air conditioner operable in the heating and cooling operation mode is disclosed, which device comprises a "too hot" and a "too cold" switch which is operated by the user when he feels that it is too hot or too cold in the room conditioned by the air conditioner. When a first operation of one of these switches by the user takes place, a mode selector automatically selects the operation mode of the air conditioner, and the control of the air conditioner is started immediately. The setting or target temperature is automatically renewed every time a further operation of one of the switches is made, so that the target temperature may be adjusted to the individual preference of the user. The fan speed of the air conditioner may also be modified according to the frequency of inputs through the switches.

Abstract: A heat recovery unit for use to preheat fresh air with hot air produced in an industrial process, such as the hot air exhaust from a dryer of a pulp and paper mill. The recovery unit makes use of water circulating from one air/water heat exchanger tank to another air/water heat exchanger tank as heat transfer medium. Hot air whose heat is to be recovered at least in part, flows past a set of revolving discs of metal partially immersed in the water flowing in one of the heat exchanger tanks. The portions of the discs which are exposed to the hot air above the water level transfer the heat they recover to the flowing water. The water which is so heated passes into the other heat exchanger tank where it raises the temperature of an identical set of revolving discs which in turn heats a fresh air intake to provide warm air. The main advantage of this recovery unit is that the heat recovery conditions can be easily adjusted to fit any seasonal fresh air change.

Abstract: A process for condensing vapor or mist material onto a thin first liquid film surface, which liquid film is generated and supported on the outer surface of a porous structure. A moving condensable vapor contacts the thin liquid film and is condensed onto the liquid surface. The condensed vapor drains by gravity action into a collection zone, together with a portion of the liquid film material being entrained therein. The vapor or mist material can be either substantially immiscible or miscible in the liquid film. The first liquid is preferably provided in a closed system and is recycled at near ambient temperature and at pressure conditions sufficient to produce the thin liquid film external to the porous structure, which has a porosity of 20-80%. An apparatus including the porous structure and liquid handling system for condensing an upflowing condensable vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: Air condensers are liable to suffer from undercooling which may entail frost damages and represents, in any case, thermo-dynamic losses. In order to prevent undercooling the working length (X) of the cooling surfaces of the air condensers (10) are controlled by shutters (28) which are associated with a drive mechanism (30) operated dependent on the temperature difference of condensates withdrawing from a first and a further row of tubes (18, 20) of the air condensers. By shutters (46) located in a gap (44) between the air condensers (10) the cooling air is enabled to recirculate whereby danger of frost and undesired risings of the temperature level of condensation may be avoided and impeded, respectively. A casing (68) encompassing the air condensers (10) and provided with shutters (64, 66) at its bottom and top permits starting without danger of frost likewise by means of recirculation. (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering heat and separating substances from a flue gas streaming through a heat exchange apparatus comprising a casing with heat exchange elements inserted thereinto, a medium being provided for absorbing heat from the flue gas. According to the invention the medium that shall absorb heat from the flue gas is conducted through the heat exchange elements, the heat exchange elements and the connections to the casing for flue gas being so placed that the flue gas streams perpendicularly to the heat exchange elements, the flue gas being given a flow velocity cross the heat exchange elements of not more than 3 m/sec. Soot in the flue gas is collected on the heat exchange elements and adsorbs and/or dissolves gaseous substances such as sulphur dioxide. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An improved air-cooled vacuum steam condenser in a steam turbine cycle comprising a turbine for generating mechanical power, a boiler for generating steam, a conduit arrangement coupling the boiler to the turbine and then another conduit arrangement coupling the turbine exhaust back to the boiler through steam condensing mechanism. The steam condensing mechanisms include a plurality of finned tubes through which the expanded exhaust steam may flow counter to its condensate and be condensed; a plurality of front headers at the lower ends of the condensing tubes for conveying the exhaust steam from the turbine and receiving the condensate from the finned tubes; a plurality of rear headers at the upper ends of the condensing tubes for receiving the non-condensible gasses; and means in the rear headers to remove non-condensible gasses from the rear headers.

Abstract: An improved air-cooled vacuum steam condenser in a steam turbine cycle comprising a steam powered system comprising a turbine for converting steam energy into mechanical energy upon expansion of steam therein, a boiler for generating steam to be fed to the turbine, and a conduit arrangement coupling the boiler to the turbine and then recoupling the turbine exhaust to the boiler through steam condensing mechanisms, the condensing mechanisms include a plurality of finned tubes through which the expanded exhaust steam flows and is condensed; a plurality of bundle front headers at the input ends of the condensing tubes for receiving exhaust steam from the turbine; a plurality of bundle rear headers at the output ends of the condensing tubes for receiving condensate and non-condensible gasses; a plurality of vertically oriented water leg pipes, one for each bundle rear header of each bundle, coupling each rear header with a water leg manifold; a hydraulic balance device in the condensate drain system coupling the

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger has a number of adjacent plates with vents arranged to vent material from transfer bridge zones to atmosphere. An electrode extending lengthwise of the apparatus and through apertures of the plates contacts the vented material when an unacceptable level of accumulation of vented material occurs in dead spaces adjacent the apertures. A detectable change of effective electrical capacitance or resistance caused by the accumulated material approaching or touching the electrode is used to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling a heating and/or cooling system which controls the temperature of air in a conditioned space within a building and to such an apparatus and method capable of indicating the performance of such a system and effectuating control over the system for maximizing the operating efficiency of the system. As compared with a conventional control system, additional temperature sensors are provided to sense the temperatures of air drawn into and discharged from a temperature modifying unit such as an air handling unit having a heat exchange coil. The sensed temperatures are then used as a basis for determining the differential attained by flowing air through the unit, and compared with a desired differential taken as indicating an optimal condition, with the percentage of attainment of the optimal differential being visually displayed for an operator of the system.

Abstract: A fan forces air through an air inlet channel to a mixing chamber where it is mixed with fuel, and the mixture is then fed to a burner. The combustion products of the burner provide heat to a heat exchanger which is connected to a discharge channel. The contamination of the system is measured, and the speed of the fan is increased upon an increase in the contamination. The heating system is automatically prevented from operating when the contamination exceeds a predetermined value.