Abstract: First and second humidifiers (10,100) and methods for humidifying air are disclosed. The first humidifier (10) comprises a spray apparatus (16) in a housing (12) which sprays a mist of water droplets onto a mist eliminator (20) to intercept the mist of water droplets. The mist of droplets is captured in a liquid phase by the mist eliminator (20) and is substantially completely converted into a vapor phase in the form of increased humidity in the air stream. A humidity sensor (38) located downstream of the mist eliminator (20) senses the humidity of the stream of air. A controller controls the quantity of water sprayed in response to the humidity sensed to maintain a predetermined humidity in the humidified stream of air. The second humidifier (100) includes a heater (122) which creates a region of intense heat (124) to instantaneously evaporate water mist directed thereon in a stream of air.

Abstract: A carbonator having a cooling system which is controlled by a controller responsive to input signals generated by an ambient temperature sensor, an ice thickness sensor and a water level sensor. After an initial ice build up following first turn-on of the system and depending on the ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, the cooling system will turn on for a predetermined ON period followed by a predetermined OFF period. These ON and OFF periods are variable as a function of ambient temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor and will recycle in absence of any carbonated water removed. If, however, water removal takes place, the OFF period is interrupted and system turn-on will occur the next time a signal from the ice sensor is received and the ON and OFF cycle as determined by the system controller will resume unless it is again interrupted by another water removal signal from the water level sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which controls humidity in a gas. The apparatus employs a porous interface that is preferably a manifolded array of stainless steel tubes through whose porous surface water vapor can pass. One side of the porous interface is in contact with water and the opposing side is in contact with gas whose humidity is being controlled. Water vapor is emitted from the porous surface of the tubing into the gas when the gas is being humidified, and water vapor is removed from the gas through the porous surfaces when the gas is being dehumidified. The temperature of the porous interface relative to the gas temperature determines whether humidification or dehumidification is being carried out. The humidity in the gas is sensed and compared to the set point humidity. The water temperature, and consequently the porous interface temperature, are automatically controlled in response to changes in the gas humidity level above or below the set point.

Abstract: A calibrating apparatus for isothermally introducing, into a stream of dry gas, amounts of moisture lower than 1000 ppb, said apparatus comprising:A. a moist gas generating unit, comprising in its turn:i) a cylindrical shell;ii) a permeation module, inside said cylindrical shell, containing water and comprising a peripheral membrane;iii) a thermal conditioner, arranged too inside said cylindrical shell, upstream of said permeation module;B. an isothermal heat sink, thermally connected to the outside surface of said cylindrical shell, wherein said moist gas generating unit, under item A), is lodged in a recess of said heat sink;C) a heat radiator;D) a Peltier heater-cooler, thermally arranged between said isothermal heat sink (under item B) and said heat radiator (under item C).

Abstract: A cross-flow type cooling tower comprises a cooling tower main body, a water tank placed at the upper part of the main body, a plurality of closed type heat exchanging units arranged in the main body in substantially horizontal manner and in parallel to each other in multi-stage below the water tank, a supplying header placed near an air discharge opening of the main body, which is detachably connectable to supplying ports of the heat exchanging units, a discharge header placed near an air intake opening of the main body, which is detachably connectable to discharge ports of the heat exchanging units, wherein the water tank is divided into a first water receiving part near the air intake opening and a second water receiving part near the air discharge opening by way of a partition wall, and a switching valve is provided at at least a water feeding pipe to the second water receiving part.

Abstract: A fuel supply device for an internal combustion engine comprises a constant level chamber (typically a float chamber) formed in a casing which may be the body of the carburetor of the device. A heat exchanger is formed in the casing or in contact with the casing. A cooling liquid is circulated in a closed-loop circuit including the heat exchanger and a liquid reservoir having a large volume as compared with that of the balance of the circuit.

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 carbon dioxide storage and dispensing apparatus and method for storing carbon dioxide which is characterized by a pressure vessel designed to hold carbon dioxide liquid and vapor, which pressure vessel is insulated to control heat input and includes a refrigeration system, fill and withdrawal piping, a fill line mixer provided in the fill line for rapidly mixing incoming liquid carbon dioxide with carbon dioxide in the vapor phase, a volume gauge, heating rod for introducing heat into the vessel and associated operating and safety control devices. The pressure vessel may be characterized by a horizontal or vertical tank and is designed to provide the user with an uninterrupted supply of carbon dioxide gas or liquid, while at the same time overcoming many of the problems associated with currently available carbon dioxide storage and dispensing equipment.

Abstract: An aspirator aerator for inducing the flow of atmospheric air at high velocity below the surface of a substance so as to allow oxygen to freely and quickly transfer into the substance. The aerator includes an outer tubular housing having an inner tube disposed therein, one end of the housing being associated with an aspiration mechanism for inducing fluid flow through the aerator, the other end of the housing being associated with a drive for driving the aspiration mechanism. The aerator further including a deicing mechanism disposed between the inner tube and the outer tubular housing for deicing the aerator.The aerator may further be provided with a control circuit for controlling the operation of the drive and deicing mechanism in response to a signal denoting the presence or absence of icing conditions.

Abstract: To produce a gas mixture by the saturation method, liquid is fed from a stock vessel to a separate reaction vessel. A carrier gas enters through a dip tube into the liquid present in the reaction vessel and is saturated by the liquid. The reaction vessel consists, for example, of quartz and is disposed in a metal block connected to a temperature control system. A level sensor fitted to the reaction vessel controls a flow regulation instrument on the liquid feed. The volume of the reaction vessel is substantially smaller than the volume of the stock vessel. Only the temperature of the reaction vessel is controlled. Temperature control of the stock vessel is not required. The saturation process in the reaction vessel takes place uniformly, independently of the temperature and the level in the stock vessel.

Abstract: An energy conservation system for cooling and conditioning air, particularly air at elevated temperatures which is discharged from the rotors of open-end spinning machines. The air is directed along a predetermined flow path in which a first stage cooling zone is established, which utilizes one or more cooling coils through which flow a heat exchange fluid that is cooled by an externally located cooling tower. The system includes a second stage cooling zone comprising an air washer in which water is sprayed into the air stream, such water being chilled in part by a mechanical refrigeration unit. The air washer preferably includes two spray pipes, one being located upstream of the other, with the downstream spray pipe receiving some liquid chilled by the refrigeration unit, and with the upstream spray pipe receiving its spray liquid from the discharge collected from the downstream spray pipe.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a handheld, portable tool such as a chain saw equipped with an internal combustion engine mounted in an engine housing. The engine has a carburetor defining an air-intake channel. A heating element is provided which is electrically connected to the generator of the chain saw and mounted on the carburetor in the region of the air-intake channel. The heating element has a positive temperature coefficient and a predetermined temperature region thereby preventing the carburetor housing and the throttle flap from heating to a temperature above a predetermined value. The heating element and the way it is mounted prevents icing at the carburetor in cold weather thereby enabling the engine to run uninterruptedly and uniformly especially when the engine idles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nebulizing a liquid by operating an ultrasonic generator while submerged in a pool of the liquid to be nebulized to produce a spout of intensely-agitated liquid spouting upwardly out of the surface of the liquid pool. A jet of heated gas is directed to impinge the spout at an angle to the spout axis and with sufficiently high velocity to deflect the upper portion of the spout laterally of its base at the liquid level and thereby to impart an arcuate trajectory to the spout. The rate of nebulization from the spout is thus increased by: (a) the increased area of contact of the spout, because of its arcuate trajectory, with the gas in the jet; (b) the increased rate of contact of the spout with the gas in the jet because of its high velocity; and (c) the reduced disturbance to the formation of the spout at the spout base because of the shifting laterally with respect to the spout base of the fall-back into the pool of larger liquid droplets from the spout.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivery predetermined dosages of anesthetic gases are disclosed, including a reservoir for supply of anesthetic liquid, gasification chamber, a riser for delivering anesthetic liquid from the reservoir to the gasification chamber which is maintained at a predetermined temperature at which the anesthetic liquid is converted directly into anesthetic gas, a gas supply for maintaining the anesthetic liquid under a predetermined gas pressure which substantially corresponds to the pressure at which the anesthetic liquid is delivered to the gasification chamber, and a delivery line for controllably delivery the anesthetic gas from the gasification chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature and humidity of an enclosure such as a museum display case continuously extracts air from the enclosure, increases its humidity, cools it to a controlled temperature, at which point its humidity is 100%. The air is then heated and returned to the enclosure. By selection of the controlled temperature the relative humidity of the returned air may be determined.

Abstract: A humidifier has a supply of water suspended on a pole above a patient which supplies water through a removable drop counter of magnetically actuated ball valve to a microporous tube mounted in but mechanically separated from a ventilating line between a ventilator and the patient. The water is heated in the microporous tube to create a vapor pressure sufficient to cause water vapor but substantially no liquid water to pass through the tube into the ventilating line. Electrically energized controls are provided to obviate maloperation and to maintain safe operating conditions including maintaining safe temperature conditions, and prevention of excess water entering the ventilation line by counting the drops of water passing through the bold valve, and closing the ball valve if the count rate is outside desired count rates and power or the monitoring equipment fails.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a chamber 14 having an inlet 30 and an outlet 6. The chamber 14 is releasably attached to a heater unit including a heater 22 and a heat sensor 24. When the chamber 14 and the heater unit are assembled together the heater 22 is in thermal contact with a heat transfer surface of the chamber 14 at or adjacent the inlet port 30 while the temperature sensor 24 is in thermal contact with the heat transfer surface at or adjacent the outlet port 6.

Abstract: A humidifier system including a humidifier chamber and heater assembly, microprocessor based control circuitry, and a housing for the control circuitry. The humidifier system is adapted to provide air at nearly 100 percent relative humidity and at a predetermined temperature (e.g. 35.degree. C.) to a medical (e.g. critical care) patient. The humidifier chamber includes a continuous spiral heat exchange path which extends between a vapor storage chamber and an outlet of the humidifier chamber at which an air heating tube is connected, so that outgoing air can be delivered to the patient. The vapor storage chamber is interfaced with a ventilator source of incoming air and a relatively small reservoir in which a supply of water is boiled by the heater assembly for providing vapor saturated air from the vapor storage chamber to the heat exchange path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humidifiers as used in research and in the calibration of humidity measuring instruments for producing a saturated gas stream. Specifically the invention relates to humidifiers comprising a bubble type and an extended surface type humidifier in gas flow communication one to the other and including temperature control means.

Abstract: A device for admixing liquid anesthetics into the respiratory gas to be supplied to a patient makes it possible to monitor the concentration, the flow of respiratory gas, the mixture ratio, and the flow of anesthetic. Errors may thus be indicated and safety is increased in medical practice. The device utilizes the phenomonen that during the evaporation of an anesthetic admixed with the respiratory gas, the temperature in the thermally insulated ambience of the mixing chamber drops by an amount depending on the ratio of the vaporized anesthetic to the respiratory gas, thus on the concentration. The temperatures are measured at the inlet of the mixing chamber by an inlet sensor and an intermediate sensor, and at the outlet of the mixing chamber by an outlet sensor.

Abstract: Contaminated air is treated to attain a predetermined temperature, purity and relative humidity using an apparatus which includes heat exchange elements and water spray nozzles. The heat exchange elements comprise tubes arranged to impart turbulence to the contaminated air flowing over the tubes. Water is sprayed into the air flow against the tubes and water droplets intimately mix with the air flow so that the contact surfaces of the tubes simultaneously perform three functions: purification of the air, humidification of the air to a relative humidity of about 100%, and bringing the air to a desired temperature. Purification occurs when the air-water droplets hit the outside contact surfaces of the tubes. Impurities contained in the air are deposited on the contact surfaces to be washed away by the water spray. Humidification occurs when the spray water on the contact surfaces is vaporized by the addition of heat from a heat transport fluid conducted through the tubes.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed for adjusting air temperature and humidity to a predetermined level for the air supply to a paint spray booth. The system includes a multi-section sprayed surface heat exchanger combined with a bypass passage such that a portion of the air flow to be conditioned passes through the multi-section heat exchanger and the remainder of the flow bypasses the same, and is recombined and mixed downstream with the conditioned air to produce a mixture which is at the proper dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. Each multi-section heat exchanger may be shut off to increase the proportion of bypass flow. Modulation of the cooling and heating effect of each of the heat exchangers is achieved by modulating valving controlling the flow of heating or cooling medium. Similarly, the humidification effect is controlled by valving controlling a number of water spray nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for admixing anesthetic with respiratory gas to be supplied to a patient, which comprises a mixing chamber having an inlet for receiving the liquid anesthesia and the respiratory gas, and an outlet for supplying the mixture. A feed line is provided in the inlet for the liquid anesthesia, with a heat exchanger for equalizing the inlet temperatures of the anesthesia and respiratory gas. Temperature sensors are provided in the inlet and the outlets with a circuit for determining the difference between the temperatures. Without heating of the chamber this difference is proportional to a ratio between the evaporated anesthetic and respiratory gas. With the chamber heated to equate the inlet and outlet temperatures, the amount of heating is proportional to the flow of anesthetic to the chamber.

Abstract: An air cooling device including a first water spray device, an air cooling part including a filler wherein cooling water sprayed from the first water spray device is brought into direct contact with intake air so that the intake air is cooled by the sprayed water through heat exchange therebetween on the surface of the filler, a first water reservoir that receives and reserves the water dropped from the filler and a cooling tower for rapidly cooling water to be sprayed in the air cooling part to a steady state condition prior to starting of an electrical apparata coupled to the air cooling device and to be cooled thereby. In the cooling tower, water from the first reservoir is sprayed into a second filler and thereby evaporatively cooled. The cooled water is collected in a second water reservoir and circulated therefrom to the first water spray device by means of a pump.

Abstract: A wet surface air cooling system is disclosed and includes a primary cooling unit having a bundle of heat exchanger tubes. Water is directed over the bundle of heat exchanger tubes and is collected in a collection basin. A secondary cooling tower is provided and a closed circulatory loop draws a portion of the water from the collection basin and directs the water to the secondary cooling tower to increase the cooling capacity of the system. The secondary cooling tower is rendered operative automatically upon sensing a particular temperature of the water in the circulation system of the primary cooling unit.

Abstract: In a system for delivering vapor from a container partially filled with liquid to be vaporized by bubbling a carrier gas therethrough, the flow of the vapor is precisely regulated by a controller so as to provide a uniform mass flow rate of vapor. The controller is programmed to receive signals representing the sensing of the total gaseous pressure, temperature and liquid level in the container and to use the signals in a computation according to the following formula:m*=AF.sub.c (1+B.DELTA.T-C.DELTA.P-DF.sub.c +E.DELTA.L)whereinm*=Approximate vapor mass flowF.sub.c =Carrier gas mass flow.DELTA.T=Temperature variation from nominal (T-T.sub.o).DELTA.P=Pressure variation from nominal=(P-P.sub.o).DELTA.L=Charge in liquid level=-.intg.m*dtA,B and C=Positive constants computed for each chemical and nominal operating conditions; andD and E=Positive or negative constants computed for each chemical and nominal operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a biological sewage purification plant wherein the water to be treated is aerated in a tank containing bacteria by means of a rotating impeller or the like, characterized in that a heating medium, preferably steam, is fed onto the surface of the water to maintain it at the optimum temperature for facilitating decomposition by bacteria without excessive heating and resultant destruction of the bacteria.

Abstract: A system for precisely controlling the mass flow rate of vapor from a bubbler by a carrier gas stream.

Abstract: A container of water is mounted on a motor vehicle and a means for dispensing that water into a passenger compartment of said vehicle is provided. The water will be delivered in the form of vapor. An electrical circuit is formed with a humidity sensing device within the passenger compartment for purposes of actuating the vapor forming and dispensing apparatus. When actuated, water is permitted to flow by gravity from the water container to a heating vessel, where the vapor is formed, from which the vapor may flow through a valved outlet tube to a vehicle heating duct.

Abstract: A container of water is mounted on a motor vehicle and a means for dispensing that water into a passenger compartment of said vehicle is provided. The water will be delivered in the form of vapor. An electrical circuit is formed with a humidity sensing device within the passenger compartment for purposes of actuating the vapor forming and dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A carburettor or other mixture generator 1 for an internal combustion engine has a mixing chamber 3 which is surrounded by a tubular wall 2 and delimited at its ends by a throttle valve 4 and a choke 5. The wall 2 is double-skinned with a water heating chamber 10 between the skins. In order to heat the wall 2 and prevent the condensation of liquid fuel upon it, water from a cooling water circuit of the engine to which the carburettor is fitted is circulated through the chamber 10 under the control of a thermally operated valve 21. Since the cooling water will no heat the carburettor until the engine itself has become heated, the carburettor is also provided with electrical heating for cold starting purposes. The chamber 10 is raised so that when the engine cooling water pump is not operating the chamber 10 is empty and the inside skin 9 of the wall 2 is made of electric resistance heating material.

Abstract: A closed chamber is provided for containing evaporative liquid fuel for a combustion engine and fuel supply structure is operatively associated with the chamber for maintaining a predetermined general level of liquid fuel in the chamber. The chamber includes engine induction air inlet structure opening thereinto below the aforementioned liquid level and a vaporized fuel and air outlet opening outwardly of the chamber from a level above the predetermined liquid fuel level. Duct structure is provided including an inlet portion communicated with the vaporized fuel and air outlet and an outlet end for communication with the induction passags of a combustion engine. Further, an air conditioner evaporator-type heat exchanger is provided and liquid fuel conduit and pump structure is operatively associated with the chamber and heat exchanger for circulating fuel within the chamber through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A float chamber means for a carburetor having a heating element provided in its float chamber for selectively heating liquid fuel contained in the float chamber so that highly volatile components included in the fuel are vaporized in the float chamber and released from the liquid fuel before it enters into fuel passages provided in the carburetor thereby avoiding percolation due to abnormal vaporization of fuel in those fuel passages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor in an internal combustion engine, which device includes a fuel pump adapted for forcibly supplying the necessary amount of fuel into the carburetor and for recirculating an extra amount of fuel to the fuel tank. A heat pipe is, on one end thereof, arranged to touch the fuel in the carburetor and, on the other end thereof, to touch the recirculated fuel. The heat pipe operates to remove the heat of the hot fuel in the carburetor and to transfer the heat to the recirculated cool fuel. Thus the evaporation of the fuel in the carburetor can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A humidifier for respirators includes a vessel having a tubular passage therethrough which is connected at one end to the inhalation line and the opposite end to the line leading to the patient. Water is circulated from a storage tank to a water chamber defined around the tubular member and the tubular member is made of a material which defines an evaporation surface which is impervious to water but pervious to water vapor so that the inhalation air becomes moistened when it is passed through the tubular member. The water which is circulated is circulated from a storage tank which is maintained at a predetermined level by the gravity of feed of water from a closed container which is mounted above the storage tank. The water in the storage tank is advantageously heated before it is circulated.

Abstract: A method of controlling the delivery-point temperature and vapor level of a gas which is conveyed through a delivery line from a heater/humidifier to a delivery point. The method is particularly applicable to apparatus for use in the medical field and it involves heating and humidifying the gas to a temperature T.sub.1 and to a vapor level W.sub.1 of less than 100% saturation, and controlling the temperature of the gas in the delivery line to provide for a lower temperature T.sub.2 which corresponds to a selected higher vapor level W.sub.2 at the delivery point.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying a gas stream comprises a transparent reservoir having a top cap and connected via a float controlled valve chamber beneath to a humidifying chamber. The valve maintains a desired water level in the humidification chamber which has a heated floor and gas inlet and outlet ports in its top. Gas flowing between the ports is humidified to a figure approaching 80% and has its temperature raised to a higher temperature than is required at a point of use. The humidified gas flows through a hose which controls the cooling of the humidified gas so that 100% saturation cannot occur until the gas reaches the outlet of the delivery hose at the point of use. The temperatures of the hose and humidification chamber are separately controlled by their own control loops. The float chamber, reservoir and humidification chamber are made of the transparent material and the float and humidification chambers share a common metallic base which is readily detachable for cleaning.

Abstract: An air humidifier for a surgical breathing machine has an evaporating chamber containing a temperature regulated low thermal mass heater. A water drip feed unit drips water onto a sheath of porous material of the heater at a predetermined rate. The water is substantially completely and instantaneously evaporated in the manner of a flash boiler to create an air temperature and relative humidity within predetermined limits. The heater temperature and water supply rate have manual adjustment means coupled together so that the predetermined limits are not exceeded. The evaporating chamber is tubular and of similar cross section to interconnecting conduits so as not unduly to interfere with pressure waves from the breathing machine.

Abstract: Precisely controlled permeation of a fluid into a carrier gas is provided in a temperature-controlled enclosure. A cylindrical housing has its side wall spaced from the side wall of a hollow cylindrical core contained therein to provide a thin flow passage therebetween for the carrier fluid. An electric heater coil is wound about the exterior of the housing to supply heat to the carrier fluid in the passage, and the core has a port at one end thereof for providing communication between the passage and the hollow interior of the core, in which a permeation tube is supported. The heater power output is controlled in response to a temperature sensor within the core so that the carrier fluid is heated and its temperature is precisely controlled. The exterior of the housing is insulated from ambient to maintain stable temperature conditions.

Abstract: In a humidifying and heating apparatus for respiratory gas, a transformer for inductively heating a humidifying liquid is provided in a housing having a socket, whilst a vessel for containing the liquid is made as a separable sterilizable or disposable unit through which the respiratory gas can be passed and which has a plug connector releasably engaged in the socket. The secondary transformer winding is in the form of a plate which is disposed in the plug connector and comprises an upper portion in contact with the liquid and a lower portion straddling the transformer core.

Abstract: A humidifier for conditioning fluid for delivery to a test chamber, such as an incubator, includes means for automatically regulating the quantity, level and temperature of a body of water through which mixed gases, such as air and CO.sub.2, are bubbled to entrain moisture in the gases. The water is heated to below its boiling point. The relative humidity of the saturated mixture delivered to the test chamber is usually at least 90% at temperatures between about 30.degree. - 60.degree.C.

Abstract: Air contaminated with combustible dust particles is removed and subjected to a high density air scrubber which safely removes the fine combustible dust particles from the contaminated air. The resulting water saturated, cleansed air is mixed with a continuously regulated amount of drier outside air until a desired absolute humidity is achieved, the regulation being responsive to the relative humidity changes within a work area in which the humidity is to be controlled. The air mixture is then conveyed into the work area which imparts a known temperature rise thereto. The temperature rise lowers the relative humidity of the air mixture to the desired level.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus ventilates room air with environmental air after the environmental air has been filtered, heated and humidified to appropriate levels. Environmental air is drawn into an intake duct, is passed successively through an air filter, an electric filament heater and is humidified by directing the air stream through a moving evaporator belt which is saturated with water from a water tank which is automatically controlled by a humidistat. The humidity level and temperature are automatically maintained by means of the humidistat and air temperature sensor.

Abstract: A humidifier includes an electric heating coil and a water receiving/steam generating coil both positioned in a steam generation zone of a housing. The heating coil functions to vaporize water flowing through the water receiving/steam generating coil into steam by raising the temperature within the steam generation zone to an operating temperature which is sufficiently high to kill bacteria entering the humidifier with the water. The water receiving/steam generating coil is formed from a material having substantial thermal expansion characteristics whereby the coil substantially expands as the temperature within the steam generation zone is raised and substantially contracts as the steam generation zone cools. The expansions and contractions of the coil dislodge sediment tending to form therein, and the sediment is flushed from the coil by the fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An upright type spray attemperator for regulating the temperature of upwardly flowing superheated vapor and comprising a vessel fitted with an inner sleeve having a side outlet at the upper end thereof and containing a deflector adjacent the outlet to collect and return water droplets for further heating and wherein the outlet is formed of perforations sized to reduce the pressure of the steam passing therethrough so as induce flashing of any entrained water droplets and insure their complete vaporization.