Abstract: A modular oven provides an outer cabinet receiving independently removable modules for steam cooking and having a self-contained water source and drain receptacle for plumbing-less installation, each module controlled by a common controller.

Abstract: A tunnel tube cooking pot that substantially improves thermal absorption of an aluminum boiling pot by welding specially designed and tuned pieces of aluminum channel or tubing on the bottom of the pot.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device comprising a housing including a display, an extension at least 1.5 inches long extending from the housing, a temperature sensor, and a connector from the sensor to the housing for transmitting the output to the housing. The extension has a proximal section at the housing and an opposed distal section, the distal section being movable relative to the housing. The temperature sensor is at the distal section of the extension for sensing the temperature of a target material and providing an output related to the temperature of the target material. Optionally, the device includes a thermal insulator at the distal section of the extension protecting the temperature sensor from heat from the target material. Optionally, the device includes a light source at the distal section of the extension for aiming the sensor at the target material.

Abstract: A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of diffuser pipes having a tubular body. The pipes have a first portion having a radial component and defining a throat at a location along the first portion, a second portion having an axial component, and a curved portion fluidly linking the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has an inner surface with a local surface contour located between the throat and the curved portion. The local surface contour extends along a portion of and around less than an entire perimeter of the first portion.

Abstract: A diffuser for a centrifugal compressor includes a diffuser pipe having an internal flow passage extending therethrough between an inlet and an outlet, a bend in the internal flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a throat defined in the internal flow passage downstream of the inlet and upstream of the bend. One or more vortex generators project into the internal flow passage, and the vortex generators are disposed downstream of the throat and upstream of the bend. A method for diffusing fluid flow in a diffuser of a compressor is also described. In operation, the vortex generators engage fluid flow in the internal flow passage to generate downstream vortices.

Abstract: Devices for checking a leakage of steam from a steam trap. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a body having an inlet end portion connected to the steam trap and an outlet end portion. The device may allow condensate water of the steam trap to flow in through the inlet end portion so as to be discharged through the outlet end portion. The device may further comprise a truncated pyramid part formed to protrude from the middle of the body so as to communicate with the inside of the body; a first steam-water separating means for separating re-evaporated steam re-evaporated from the condensate water flowing through the body; a second steam-water separating means for separating the re-evaporated steam separated from the water in the first steam-water separating means; and a temperature measuring means for measuring and transmitting the temperature of an upper inside of the truncated pyramid part.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes: a pump transports a refrigerant; and a controller controls a discharge amount of the pump depending on a calorific value of a heat generating body. And a cooling method includes: measuring a calorific value of a heat generating body; and controlling a discharge amount of a pump, which transports a refrigerant used for cooling the heat generating body, depending on the calorific value.

Abstract: A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine engine which includes at least one diffuser pipe having a tubular body with an inner surface defining an internal flow passage extending therethrough. The tubular body includes a first portion that extends in a first direction and defines a throat therein, a second portion that extends in a second direction different from the first direction, and a curved portion fluidly linking the first portion and the second portion. A plurality of vortex generators are disposed within the diffuser pipe and extend from the inner surface into the internal flow passage. The vortex generators are disposed downstream of the throat in the first portion of the diffuser pipe and upstream of the curved portion. In operation, the vortex generators engage fluid flow in the internal flow passage to generate downstream vortices.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a boiler for boiling water to produce steam, having (1) an evaporating section comprising (a) a combustion chamber for burning fuel with air and generating hot flue gas, (b) an evaporating heat exchanger around the combustion chamber for exchanging heat between the flue gas and water to produce the steam which exits the boiler; and (2) a condensing section comprising (c) a condensing heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the hot flue gas from the combustion chamber and a low-temperature water return having a temperature below approximately 100° F., generating flue gas condensate, which leaves the boiler, wherein the low-temperature water return is heated by the hot flue gas in the condensing heat exchanger before entering the evaporating heat exchanger for additional heating. The disclosed vacuum condensing boilers make vapor vacuum steam more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications.

Abstract: A spring capture assembly is provided for securing a compression spring of a spring-biased mechanism, such as a spring-biased pressure relief valve, to permit disassembly of the mechanism without risk of damage or injury associate with rapid resiling of the spring from a compressed state. The assembly includes a tool, a housing having an opening for admitting passage of the tool and capturing the spring at one end, a spring retainer, and a compression spring mounted within the housing and captured at one end by said housing and toward an opposite end by the spring retainer. The tool is adapted for mating with the spring retainer and the housing to compress the spring therebetween. The spring capture assembly may be incorporated into a pressure relief valve for venting pressure and/or vacuum from a pressure vessel. Provided also is a method for disassembling a spring-biased mechanism including a spring capture assembly.

Abstract: In order to solve the numerous problems with existing steam, vacuum, and hot water heating systems, presented are novel systems and methods of vapor vacuum heating having several improvements over the prior art, including: condensate return which can operate without steam traps; naturally-induced vacuum; improved vacuum pump operation for sustaining vacuum in such systems; liquid lift apparatus for use with such systems; and other improvements. All innovations presented herein make vapor vacuum heating more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications. A field test conducted with these innovations show results of about 26-50% reduced energy usage, implying significant energy savings from the use of the present invention over current heating systems.

Abstract: In order to solve the numerous problems with existing steam, vacuum, and hot water heating systems, presented are novel systems and methods of vapor vacuum heating having several improvements over the prior art, including: condensate return which can operate without steam traps; naturally-induced vacuum; improved vacuum pump operation for sustaining vacuum in such systems; liquid lift apparatus for use with such systems; and other improvements. All innovations presented herein make vapor vacuum heating more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications. A field test conducted with these innovations show results of about 26-50% reduced energy usage, implying significant energy savings from the use of the present invention over current heating systems.

Abstract: An electromechanical analog or digital system that controls a steam heating cycle in one or more spaces is revealed herein. Said electromechanical system is comprised of pressure and temperature sensors, and pressure and temperature switches. Said sensors are installed into or onto a steam heating system, at the furthest steam circulation point physically accessible of said steam heating system. Said switches, by either mechanical or electrical means, receive temperature and pressure data from said sensors, respectively. Pressure and temperature switches are interposed between a thermostat and steam supply, as to oscillate steam supply until pressure and temperature set points of switches are achieved or set point of thermostat is achieved. The same aforementioned system can be controlled using a digital controller to take pressure and temperature sensors information into a controller that will interrupt or continue the call for heat from a thermostat to a steam supply.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a boiler for boiling water to produce steam, having (1) an evaporating section comprising (a) a combustion chamber for burning fuel with air and generating hot flue gas, (b) an evaporating heat exchanger around the combustion chamber for exchanging heat between the flue gas and water to produce the steam which exits the boiler; and (2) a condensing section comprising (c) a condensing heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the hot flue gas from the combustion chamber and a low-temperature water return having a temperature below approximately 100° F., generating flue gas condensate, which leaves the boiler, wherein the low-temperature water return is heated by the hot flue gas in the condensing heat exchanger before entering the evaporating heat exchanger for additional heating. The disclosed vacuum condensing boilers make vapor vacuum steam more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications.

Abstract: In order to solve the numerous problems with existing steam, vacuum, and hot water heating systems, first presented is a novel system and method for a vapor vacuum system having low temperature condensate return which can operate without steam traps in both single-pipe and dual-pipe configurations. Secondly is disclosed systems and methods for integrating the disclosed vapor vacuum system with a condensing boiler. Thirdly is presented several systems and method of operating radiators having low temperature condensate return with the disclosed vapor vacuum system. Finally is presented condensing vacuum boiler designs that can be utilized with the disclosed vapor vacuum system. Also presented are embodiments having naturally-induced vacuum and utilizing district heat as well as combined heat and power. All innovations presented herein make vapor vacuum steam more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection structure includes forming an opening in an insulation film by a dry etching process that uses an etching gas containing fluorine; cleaning a bottom surface and a sidewall surface of the opening by exposing to a superheated steam; covering the bottom surface and the sidewall surface of the opening with a barrier metal film; depositing a conductor film on the insulation film via the barrier metal film to fill the opening with the conductor film; forming an interconnection pattern by the conductor film in the opening by polishing the conductor film and the barrier metal film underneath the conductor film by a chemical mechanical polishing process until a surface of the insulation film is exposed.

Abstract: A heating system for a property has a thermal interconnection (5) between a thermal heat generator (1), in particular a conventional heating system (2), and a plurality of heat consumers (7) for simultaneous production of heat and electricity, the thermal interconnection (5) being controlled by a control unit (12). One of the heat consumers (7) includes a conversion system (11) based on a thermodynamic cycle (10), in particular a water vapor or an ORC or Kalina process, and provided for the conversion of thermodynamic energy into electrical energy. The condensation heat occurring in the thermodynamic cycle (10) is transferred to further heat consumers (7).

Abstract: A sterilizer for medical instruments is compact and designed to be placed on a table top. The sterilizer provides includes a cavity for receiving a cassette holding the instruments to be sterilized. A stream circuit provides steam to the cassette for sterilization, and the time required for sterilization is reduced by withdrawing air from the cassette by application of a vacuum. The cavity is evacuated at the same time as the cassette to prevent application of high stresses to the cassette during the vacuum-assisted withdrawal of air. The time for sterilization is further reduced by use of dual heat exchangers to reduce the volume removed from the cassette.

Abstract: In a steam-heating apparatus in which a heating section formed in a heat exchanger is connected to a steam supply pipe for receiving supply of heating steam and connected also to a condensate-recovering unit for discharging condensate produced as a result of heating, the apparatus includes a steam ejector including a suction chamber connected to the heating section and an inlet for receiving supply of the steam. When the temperature of the heating section or between the heating section and the condensate-recovering unit is dropped by a predetermined value, steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe to the inlet of the steam ejector, and gas in the heating section is sucked into the suction chamber of the steam ejector.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for heating, cooling, and humidifying a space using a steam-based HVAC system having a steam source, at least one radiator located in a space to be heated or humidified, and a steam and condensate transfer apparatus extending between the steam source and the radiator. The steam and condensate transfer apparatus can have an inner tube configured for transferring steam disposed within an outer tube configured for transferring condensate and the inner tube can be centered within the outer tube such that the outer tube forms an annulus around the inner tube. The tube-in-tube conduit system or double-tube conduit system can take the form of Lego®-like components that can be fitted together to form the structure needed to deliver steam to light-weight flat-panel radiators located within all areas to be heated and/or humidified.

Abstract: A temporary heating apparatus comprises a portable heat exchanger which transfers heat from a hot fluid circulating in a primary circulation loop thereof to a heated liquid circulating in a secondary circulation loop thereof. The heat exchanger is connectable to a hot fluid source such that hot fluid from the hot fluid source circulates through the primary circulation loop. A portable remote heating unit comprises a fluid coil releasably connected by flexible conduits to the secondary circulation loop, and a secondary pump is connected to the flexible conduits and the secondary circulation loop to pump heated liquid through the secondary circulation loop, flexible conduits, and the fluid coil of the remote heating unit. The heat exchanger isolates the heating circuit from the hot fluid source, allowing the use of steam as the hot fluid source, and further allowing high pressures in the heating circuit, such as encountered in tall buildings.

Abstract: In a steam-heating apparatus in which a heating section formed in a heat exchanger is connected to a steam supply pipe for receiving a supply of heating steam and connected also to a condensate recovering unit for discharging condensate produced as a result of heating, the apparatus includes a steam ejector including a suction chamber connected to the heating section and an inlet for receiving supply of steam. When the temperature of the heating section or between the heating section and the condensate recovering unit is dropped by a predetermined value, steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe to the inlet of the steam ejector, and gas in the heating section is sucked into the suction chamber of the steam ejector.

Abstract: In a steam-heating apparatus in which a heating section formed in a heat exchanger is connected to a steam supply pipe for receiving a supply of heating steam and connected also to a condensate recovering unit for discharging condensate produced as a result of heating, the apparatus includes a steam ejector including a suction chamber connected to the heating section and an inlet for receiving supply of steam. When the temperature of the heating section or between the heating section and the condensate recovering unit is dropped by a predetermined value, steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe to the inlet of the steam ejector, and gas in the heating section is sucked into the suction chamber of the steam ejector.

Abstract: In a steam-heating apparatus in which a heating section formed in a heat exchanger is connected to a steam supply pipe for receiving supply of heating steam and connected also to a condensate recovering unit for discharging condensate produced as a result of heating, the apparatus includes a steam ejector including a suction chamber connected to the heating section and an inlet for receiving supply of the steam. When the temperature of the heating section or between the heating section and the condensate recovering unit is dropped by a predetermined value, steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe to the inlet of the steam ejector, and gas in the heating section is sucked into the suction chamber of the steam ejector.

Abstract: In a steam-heating apparatus in which a heating section formed in a heat exchanger is connected to a steam supply pipe for receiving supply of heating steam and connected also to a condensate recovering unit for discharging condensate produced as a result of heating, the apparatus includes a steam ejector including a suction chamber connected to the heating section and an inlet for receiving supply of the steam. When the temperature of the heating section or between the heating section and the condensate recovering unit is dropped by a predetermined value, steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe to the inlet of the steam ejector, and gas in the heating section is sucked into the suction chamber of the steam ejector.

Abstract: In a steam-heating apparatus in which a heating section formed in a heat exchanger is connected to a steam supply pipe for receiving supply of heating steam and connected also to a condensate recovering unit for discharging condensate produced as a result of heating, the apparatus includes a steam ejector including a suction chamber connected to the heating section and an inlet for receiving supply of the steam. When the temperature of the heating section or between the heating section and the condensate recovering unit is dropped by a predetermined value, steam is supplied from the steam supply pipe to the inlet of the steam ejector, and gas in the heating section is sucked into the suction chamber of the steam ejector.

Abstract: Apparatus for diverting and recycling exhaust steam used in manufacturing processes to provide steam for conventional heating equipment.

Abstract: A portable garment finishing apparatus of the present invention comprises a water reservoir, a water conversion device, and a conventional steam heated iron. The present apparatus is designed to operate from a single 115 v power source, such as an ordinary wall outlet. Using a water-level probe in connection with a circuit board having a relay switch, a pump is regulated in its supply of water from the reservoir to the steam chamber in the conversion device. Water continuously is converted to steam and constantly released to the iron where it maintains the iron temperature and may be released onto a garment for finishing. The steam returns to the conversion device where it condenses in a steam trap valve for subsequent return to the reservoir, where it may be recycled.

Abstract: A steam-heated radiator system comprising a radiator including an open reservoir for holding water therein adapted to be positioned within a restaurant steam table and a generally tubular heating coil positioned within the reservoir; a steam storage tank coupled to the heating coil for delivering steam thereto and couplable to a pressure boiler for receiving steam therefrom for subsequent use in the heating coil; a steam trap mechanism coupled to the heating coil for trapping water condensing from the steam; and a pump mechanism coupled to the steam trap mechanism for receiving the water condensed from the steam and couplable to a pressure boiler for transferring the water thereto for reheating.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating process material includes a vessel into which process material can be introduced, an arrangement for introducing steam into the interior of the vessel to heat and impart moisture to process material in the vessel, and several fluid transport conduits extending helically through the vessel for conveying heated fluid through the vessel between opposite ends of the vessel in order to raise the temperature and pressure within the vessel to treat the material while also allowing the moisture content of the process material to be reduced. The fluid transport conduits are also configured to contact the process material and assist in treating and densifying the material. The vessel can also be adapted to be pivoted so that the forward end of the vessel can be selectively positioned above and below a horizontal position. The vessel can also be interconnected with one or more similarly configured vessels to define a system for treating process material.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the quantity and quality of steam to a plurality of constant demand customers has a steam generating source, and pressure regulator means and steam mass flow measurement means between each constant demand customer and the steam generating source.

Abstract: An outdoor unit comprises a combustion unit for presenting combustion heat, a heating medium heating part for heating the heating medium with the combustion heat to vary in phase from liquid to gas, and a heating medium transferring part. A plurality of indoor units each have an indoor heat exchanger and a required heating capacity detecting part for detecting a required heating capacity in a region to be heated required for the indoor heat exchanger. The detecting part comprises a room temperature setting part, a room temperature detector, and a required heating capacity data output part for delivering required heating capacity data in the region to be heated depending on the difference between the preset room temperature and the detected room temperature. The distributing part couples the plural indoor units parallel to the outdoor unit so as to form individual enclosed heating medium circulation cycles.

Abstract: The instant invention is best described as an arrangement of equipment and piping that will supply boiler feed water to a domestic steam heating unit without system sensors and mechanical devices within the finite capacity of the reservoir. Equipment to provide boiler water on this basis is not available so far as is known. Additional water for the reservoir is supplied manually as needed.

Abstract: A low cost-high efficiency steam heating system is disclosed. A pressure sensing switch in the radiation device triggers a timer when a predetermined pressure is achieved in the radiator. The timer is interposed between a thermostat and boiler-burner assembly so as to deactivate the boiler-burner for predetermined periods until the set point of the thermostat is reached.

Abstract: A device for heating with reduced pressure steam directly or indirectly a material or product to be heat-treated, which includes a heat exchanger chamber which is supplied with steam through a pressure reducing valve and evacuated by an ejector device which can control the heating temperature of the heat exchanger chamber by controlling the operation fluid of the ejector device. The device can be used safely and advantageously in chemical and food industries.

Abstract: In an industrial plant having a boiler and water cooled equipment, the two water systems are linked by means of a heat reclamation vessel having connecting upper and lower chambers. Tap water (e.g., at 60.degree.-70.degree. F.), after being used to cool equipment such as vacuum pumps, which causes the water to heat to 90.degree.-105.degree. F., is continuously delivered to the lower chamber of the vesel, near the bottom, where the water may, for example, have a temperature of about 95.degree.-110.degree. F. Spent steam (e.g., at a temperature of about 230.degree.-280.degree. F.) is continuously released in the upper chamber, where it is sprayed with water withdrawn from near the bottom of the lower chamber. The steam condenses and the condensate collects in the pool in the lower chamber. The water in the upper zone of the pool is kept at a higher temperature due to the collection there of the steam condensate. That water, e.g., at a temperature of about 185.degree.-200.degree. F.

Abstract: A steam trap monitor positioned downstream of a steam trap in a closed steam system includes a first sensor (the combination of a hot finger and thermocouple well) for measuring the energy of condensate and a second sensor (a cold finger) for measuring the total energy of condensate and steam in the line. The hot finger includes one or more thermocouples for detecting condensate level and energy, while the cold finger contains a liquid with a lower boiling temperature than that of water. Vapor pressure from the liquid is used to do work such as displacing a piston or bellows in providing an indication of total energy (steam+condensate) of the system. Processing means coupled to and responsive to outputs from the thermocouple well hot and cold fingers subtracts the condensate energy as measured by the hot finger and thermocouple well from the total energy as measured by the cold finger to provide an indication of the presence of steam downstream from the trap indicating that the steam trap is malfunctioning.

Abstract: Steam heating equipment for the interior of a room recirculating heating fluid after it has condensed in a heat emitter for heating the room. The heat media liquid is sealed in an enclosed steam generator which supplies steam to the heat emitter via a steam conducting pipe. The heat media liquid which has condensed in the emitter by giving up its latent heat to the ambient air, is stored inside a condensed liquid vessel which is under atmospheric pressure. When the heat media liquid inside the steam generator has been depleted to a certain level, the heating of the steam generator is stopped. The heat media liquid which has previously been stored inside the condensed liquid vessel is then recirculated into the steam generator through a liquid circulation pipe which is separate from the aforesaid steam conducting pipe, by utilizing a pressure reduction action within the steam generator causing its cooling.

Abstract: In a method of periodically heating a product separator of a plant for producing anhydride or maleic anhydride, a PA or MA product is deposited on cooling surfaces of the product separator. To melt the product, the cooling surfaces are indirectly heated by means of a heated liquid, which is circulated through the product separator. The liquid heat transfer medium is indirectly heated with steam in a heater for the heat transfer medium. At least during the time of the largest steam demand, most of that steam is taken from a steam accumulator, which is charged with steam supplied from the plant for producing PA or MA. The charging of the steam accumulator is effected to at least a substantial degree during the time in which the heater for the heat transfer medium is out of operation or is operated under a low load.

Abstract: For operating a heat pump installation with water as the refrigerant, a vacuum pump is employed as the compressor. If a liquid ring pump is used, its dissipation heat is fed into the heating loop. To this end, the heat output side of the heat exchanger associated with the loop of the sealing liquid is connected to the primary or secondary heat carrier loop of the heat consumer associated with the refrigerant loop.

Abstract: Steam heating apparatus for heating air introduced into a building in which the heat of condensate under pressure which otherwise would be wasted is converted into flash steam and is used in auxiliary heating means to supplement the heat of the primary heating system. The heating system operates at a predetermined steam pressure unless the incoming air temperature falls below some predetermined minimum at which additional steam temperature is required. In that case, automatic temperature responsive controls increase the steam pressure to increase the steam temperature.

Abstract: In a method for the regulated transfer of heat from a primary steam network to a heat consumer, the supply flow of which is at a predetermined overpressure and the return flow of which is at a relatively lower pressure, the steam withdrawn from the steam network in accordance with the heat consumption on the part of the consumer is cooled down to the point of condensation by the withdrawal of heat by means of a secondary medium, while a predetermined overpressure relative to the supply pressure of the heat consumer is maintained. The overpressure in a jet pump is then reduced to the supply pressure of the heat consumer, generating a corresponding driving force for the supply flow, and secondary medium heated up in the course of the cooling down of the steam is mixed with the supply flow.

Abstract: In a method for condensate recirculation of at least two condensate flows at different pressures and different temperatures in a closed circuit of a remote steam system having a high-pressure remote steam conduit, the two condensate flows are to be fed into a common condensate recirculation conduit without externally supplied auxiliary energy and without energy losses. To this end, the procedure is that the pressure and the temperature in the condensate recirculation conduit are between the pressures and the temperatures of the condensate flows and that the condensate flow having the lower pressure is pumped in the condensate flow having the higher pressure into the condensate recirculation conduit, and the condensate flows are mixed together before their entry into the condensate recirculation conduit.

Abstract: In a method for the regulated transfer of heat from a primary steam network (010), the flow (04) of the heat consumer (2) is supplied at a predetermined excess pressure, while the return flow (02) is at a relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: An energy loss detection system includes an apparatus (22) for measuring loss of the vapor phase of a bi-phase fluid. Such apparatus is interposable in an energy transfer circuit downstream of an energy consumer device (14), intended to take energy from the bi-phase fluid by converting the vapor phase to liquid, and upstream of a potential energy loss device (20). The apparatus includes a separator (24) for separating the vapor and liquid phases of the bi-phase fluid into separate flow paths. A probe (51) senses the flow rate of the vapor phase through the separator and produces a signal related thereto. An output apparatus (72) includes a readout device (79) responsive to the probe signal for producing a display indicative of vapor flow rate and hence of energy loss downstream of the separator.

Abstract: A closed loop solar collector system includes a linear concentrating parabolic reflector, a linear vaporizer tube horizontally aligned along the focal line of the parabolic reflector, and a fluid metering assembly attached to the input end of the vaporizer tube for precisely metering a quantity of a vaporizable heat transfer fluid from a supply tank to the vaporizer tube. Solar energy concentrated by the parabolic reflector on the vaporizer tube vaporizes the heat transfer fluid. The heated vapor flows out the outlet end of the tube opposite the fluid metering assembly through a pipe and enters a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains a heat absorptive medium which absorbs heat from the vaporized fluid to cause the fluid to condense and release its latent heat of vaporization to the heat absorptive medium. The condensed fluid flows back to the heat storage tank for re-use under pressure provided by the vaporized fluid entering the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A building heating system with a plurality of steam radiators is provided with a control unit for the steam boiler. The control unit receives signals representative of the outside temperature and the pressure of the steam in the feeder conduit. The control unit shuts off the boiler when the steam pressure in the feeder conduit exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to a given measured outside temperature. After the pressure has decreased to a value below the predetermined value for the measured temperature, the control unit restarts the boiler. Another control unit receives signals representative of the condensate temperature and the pressure in the return conduit. This control unit operates a vacuum pump in the return line and assures that the vacuum pressure in the return line is less than that which causes the condensate to vaporize.

Abstract: A central heating system includes a boiler and uses a burner to heat a heat carrying medium, which is in the form of a liquid. The system includes also one or more chargeable electric batteries, an electric generator for charging these batteries, a steam engine for operating the generator, and a steam generator for powering the steam engine. The steam generator receives its heat, for the steam generation, from the flame of the burner and delivers this steam to the steam engine, thereby operating the electric generator. This electric generator is dimensioned to give the batteries a total amount of charging energy which exceeds the total amount of energy that is required by the electric current consumpting apparatus.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for recycling waste heat, such as that leaving a building stack or flue, to supply heat where needed, such as to incoming fresh air or to tempered stored water of the building water storage system, wherein the building has a source of heat at a constant temperature (such as a furnace, a cooking facility, or a washing facility), from which waste heat is involved in the materials to be conveyed therefrom for discharge from the building, in which a closed circuit heat generated refrigerant flow type refrigeration system is established including a heat recovery coil in heat exchange relation to the waste heat, a heat discharge coil in heat transfer relation to the fluid to be heated at a level above that of the heat recovery coil, and a refrigerant receiver at a level adjacent the level of the heat recovery coil, with the system being charged with a halogenated hydrocarbon type refrigerant to bring the liquid level of the charge within the receiver above the level of the heat recovery coil

Abstract: An energy loss detection system includes an apparatus for measuring loss of the vapor phase of a bi-phase fluid. Such apparatus is interposable in an energy transfer circuit downstream of an energy consumer device, intended to take energy from the bi-phase fluid by converting the vapor phase to liquid, and upstream of a potential energy loss device. The apparatus includes a separator for separating the vapor and liquid phases of the bi-phase fluid into separate flow paths. A probe senses the flow rate of the vapor phase through the separator and produces a signal related thereto. An output apparatus includes a read-out device responsive to the probe signal for producing a display indicative of vapor flow rate and hence of energy loss downstream of the separator.