Abstract This invention describes a unitary structure which can be used interchangeably as an evaporator or as a condenser in a refrigerating system, or in a heat pump system. It comprises generally a pressure vessel, a diffusion means across the internal cross-section area between the ends of the vessel for the purpose of blocking direct flow of liquid refrigerant through the vessel and for distributing the flow of gaseous refrigerant around the periphery of the vessel. There is at least one helical coil of pipe inside the chamber adjacent the wall thereof, for the purpose of carrying heat from or to the vessel. First pipe means are provided for the passage of liquid refrigerant into or out of the vessel at one end, and second pipe means are provided at the other end for the passage of gaseous refrigerant into or out of the vessel.
In a heat pump system using a condensible refrigerant, an improved evaporator-condenser device comprising: a. a pressure vessel; b. diffusion means placed across the cross section of said chamber intermediate the ends thereof to block direct flow of liquid refrigerant to the compressor and also to circumferentially distribute the flow of gaseous refrigerant, said diffusion means forming two chambers, a first liquid chamber, and a second gas chamber; c. at least one helical coil of pipe comprising at least one layer of turns adjacent the outer wall of said vessel in said first chamber for passage of heat transfer liquid, and means to flow said liquid through said pipe; d. first pipe means for the passage of liquid refrigerant inserted into said first chamber of said vessel near a first end thereof; and e. second pipe means for passage of gaseous refrigerant inserted into said second chamber of said vessel near the second end thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a heat pump system using a condensible refrigerant, an improved evaporator-condenser device comprising: a. a pressure vessel; b. diffusion means placed across the cross section of said chamber intermediate the ends thereof to block direct flow of liquid refrigerant to the compressor and also to circumferentially distribute the flow of gaseous refrigerant, said diffusion means forming two chambers, a first liquid chamber, and a second gas chamber; c. at least one helical coil of pipe comprising at least one layer of turns adjacent the outer wall of said vessel in said first chamber for passage of heat transfer liquid, and means to flow said liquid through said pipe; d. first pipe means for the passage of liquid refrigerant inserted into said first chamber of said vessel near a first end thereof; and e. second pipe means for passage of gaseous refrigerant inserted into said second chamber of said vessel near the second end thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The evaporator-condenser as in claim 1 in which said first and second pipes are larger than capillary pipes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The evaporator-condenser as in claim 1 in which said first pipe is a capillary and said second pipe is larger than capillary size.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The evaporator-condenser as in claim 1 in which the axis of said vessel is vertical and said diffusion means has apertures completely around its periphery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The evaporator-condenser as in claim 1 in which the axis of said vessel is horizontal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The evaporator-condenser as in claim 5 in which said diffusion means has apertures extending only around part of its periphery.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The evaporator-condenser as in claim 1 in which said helical coil of pipe is constructed with the surface of said pipe knurled to form a plurality of small pyramidal surfaces, including at the apices of said pyramids a plurality of sharp points.