US 5,666,910 A · Steam generator

Abstract

An open steam generator system is disclosed which comprises a substantially enclosed vessel having an opening for exhausting steam generated and an opening for draining residual water from the vessel. Within the vessel also is a heat exchange coil having a heat transfer fluid circulating through its runs. The vessel also includes an injector for spraying water onto the heating coil to form steam. The disclosed steam generator achieves tolerance for low water quality by minimizing surface areas in contact with water. In addition, the system promotes self-cleaning of heat exchange surfaces using thermal shock to dislodge scale deposits.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A steam generator apparatus comprising:

a vessel having walls defining an interior surface, said surface having a first opening adapted for exhausting steam generated within said vessel and a second opening adapted for draining residual water;
at least one substantially convoluted heating coil located within and substantially entirely spaced apart from and substantially only surrounded by said interior surface of said vessel, said heating coil comprising a series of runs, an inlet communicating through said vessel walls, and an outlet communicating through said vessel walls, said inlet and said outlet adapted to circulate a heat transfer fluid through said runs;
and,
an injector for distributing a quantity of water to be vaporized substantially into contact with said runs.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Steam generator

Life of this patent

Steam generator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11