Abstract A fluorocarbon compound possessing a low-specific heat and a low-latent heat of vaporization is forced in the liquid state through a heat exchanger and heated to within 50* F. of, but not exceeding its critical temperature, while being maintained at a pressure exceeding its vapor pressure, to produce a liquid containing vaporous nuclei which is then injected through a nozzle or other pressure-reducing device tangentially into an expansion chamber, which chamber is at a pressure below the liquids'' vapor pressure, whereby a portion of the liquid evaporates and separates from the remaining liquid. The vapor fraction is withdrawn from the chamber to drive a vapor engine, the engine''s exhaust vapor is condensed to a liquid which is then raised in pressure and mixed with the liquid fraction from the separation chamber and recirculated through the heat exchanger.
The method of claim 1 wherein said liquid has a critical temperature of 200* to 600* F., a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of 0* to 250* F. and a heat of vaporization at room temperature of 20 to 300 B.t.u. per pound.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said liquid has a critical pressure of 400 to 1,000 pounds per square inch absolute.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said liquid is a fluorocarbon compound.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said liquid is heated to its nucleating temperature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said liquid is heated to a temperature of within 40* F. of its critical temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the pressure of said liquid during the heating thereof exceeds the critical pressure thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said heated liquid is expanded to a pressure between 10 and 200 pounds per square inch less than that of said pressurized heated liquid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said heated liquid is projected tangentially into an expansion chamber to reduce the pressure thereof and produce a vortex enhancing the separation of the liquid and vapor fractions.