US 4,252,087 A · Rapid response steam generating apparatus and method

Abstract

Provided is a steam generating system effective to rapidly and momentarily respond to a drop in steam pressure when utilized in connection with a steam-operated device. Super-heated steam is passed from a heating unit to a vaporization chamber in which a liquid-saturated cartridge is positioned and through which super-heated steam is passed. In addition, a heat storage and liquid supply means are provided above the cartridge whereby, upon a drop in pressure in the generating system, steam is rapidly raised to a desired, predetermined pressure. Steam in the system is recycled through a superheating chamber and is conveyed back into the vaporization chamber, this for a duration in which the steam pressure is below the set predetermined level. Control means are provided to regulate ratio of fuel, typically powdered fuel, and air, typically oxygen or oxygen-rich air. Also controlled is the rate of vaporization and the recirculation of steam in the heating unit.

Claims49

Dependent claims

A rapid response steam generator, comprising:

a first chamber for super-heating steam;
a second chamber for vaporizing liquid by the super-heated steam from the super-heating chamber;
means to artificially expand the surface area of said liquid to be vaporized in said vaporization chamber;
a combustion chamber for the combustion of fuel for generating heat for heating the super-heating chamber, the combustion chamber having inlet means for the supply of fuel and gaseous substance;
first passage means to provide a flow of steam from said super-heating chamber to the vaporization chamber;
second passage means to provide a flow of steam from said vaporization chamber to said super-heating chamber;
first control means to regulate the rate of vaporization in said vaporization chamber;
second control means to regulate the supply of fuel and gaseous substance to said super-heating chamber;
liquid-storage means;
liquid injection means for the supply of liquid from said liquid-storage means to said vaporization chamber prior to vaporization of said liquid;
and
steam discharge means accociated with said vaporization chamber.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rapid response steam generating apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Rapid response steam generating apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49