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US 8,167,278 B2Granted
Angled diffuser and steam injection heater assembly
AssigneeProsonix Limited
InventorBruce A. Cincotta
Life of this patent
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AssigneeProsonix Limited
InventorBruce A. Cincotta
Estimating the term…
An improved configuration for an in-line direct contact diffuser-type steam injection heater provides for a diffuser whereby steam flow is controlled using an angled sonic diffuser and plug arrangement. The steam flow is controlled by means of a steam plug which selectively exposes holes through which the steam passes. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration provides for a diffuser that had been angled approximately 30° from vertical to facilitate better mixing of the steam with the fluid. The precise angle may be altered depending on the fluid characteristics. A more durable end seal is also used. The end seal is a piston ring which prevents problems associated with the use of elastomeric rings of existing art. A more uniform diameter plug with linear travel is also an improvement over the prior art.
An angled diffuser for use within a direct contact steam injection heater assembly, the assembly comprising a liquid chamber, the liquid chamber comprising a fluid inlet, a combined fluid and steam outlet, and a steam inlet aperture disposed between the fluid inlet and the combined fluid and steam outlet, the liquid chamber defining an axial linear liquid flow path through the liquid chamber, the diffuser comprising:
For use with a direct contact steam injection heater assembly that comprises a liquid chamber, the liquid chamber comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid and steam outlet, and a steam inlet aperture disposed therebetween, an angled diffuser comprising:
A direct contact steam injection heater assembly comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.