Steam condensing apparatus

Apparatus for use in condensing steam from the turbine exhaust of a power plant or the like, comprising means for receiving steam from the turbine exhaust and dividing it into first and second branches, a steam condenser having an inlet for receiving steam from the first branch, a hot well to receive condensed steam, and an outlet from the hot well, means for returning condensate from the outlet to the power cycle, cooling tower means having a wet section and a dry section, the wet section including fill over which ambient air is caused to pass, an inlet having means for distributing a cooling medium over the fill, and an outlet including a water basin to collect the medium beneath the fill, means connecting the inlet and outlet of the wet tower section with tubes within the steam condenser for circulating said medium through the tubes in heat exchange relation with the steam, the dry section including a tube bundle over which ambient air is caused to pass, an inlet to the bundle for receiving steam from the second branch, and an outlet from the bundle, and means for introducing condensate from the bundle into the condenser and causing it to be intimately contacted by the steam therein.

Apparatus for use in condensing steam from the turbine exhaust of a power plant or the like, comprising means for receiving steam from the turbine exhaust and dividing it into first and second branches, a steam condenser having an inlet for receiving steam from the first branch, a hot well to receive condensed steam, and an outlet from the hot well, means for returning condensate from the outlet to the power cycle, cooling tower means having a wet section and a dry section, the wet section including fill over which ambient air is caused to pass, an inlet having means for distributing a cooling medium over the fill, and an outlet including a water basin to collect the medium beneath the fill, means connecting the inlet and outlet of the wet tower section with tubes within the steam condenser for circulating said medium through the tubes in heat exchange relation with the steam, the dry section including a tube handle over which ambient air is caused to pass, an inlet to the bundle for receiving steam from the second branch, and an outlet from the bundle, means for introducing the condensate into the condenser above the tubes so that it is caused to cascade thereover, when the wet tower is not operating during colder ambient temperatures, and for introducing the condensate into the condenser near the hot well, when the wet tower is operating during warmer ambient temperatures.