Liquid piston compression systems for compressing steam

An apparatus for compressing steam, comprising:

• first and second compression chambers, each said chamber containing a quantity of compressing liquid, said liquid defining in each chamber a liquid level and a space above said liquid level;
• unidirectional flow means in fluid communication with each said chamber, said flow means including a low pressure steam inflow conduit and a high pressure steam outflow conduit;
• means for displacing the compressing liquid in said first chamber outwardly to thereby lower said liquid level therein and induce a suction stroke for admitting steam into said space in said first chamber, and simultaneously for displacing the compressing liquid in said second chamber inwardly to thereby raise said liquid level therein and induce a compression stroke for compressing steam in said second chamber;
• means for reversing the displacement in cyclic fashion to thereby induce a compression stroke in said first chamber and a suction stroke in said second chamber;
• means for desuperheating said steam during said compression strokes, said means including a separate water spray positioned in said space of each said chamber;
• and
• wherein said steam inflow conduit admits low pressure steam during said suction stroke, and wherein said steam outflow conduit releases high pressure steam during said compression stroke.