US3882925A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for condensing steam
Assignee: Ecodyne Corp
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Filing: 1974-06-17
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1994-06-17
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for attaining an even distribution of steam following through the heat exchange tubes of an air cooled steam condenser. The method resides in the return of the cooling air, which has passed across initial lengths of the heat exchange tubes, back across the tubes to give an opposite temperature differential in the succeeding tube lengths so as to mollify the temperature effects which cause a maldistribution of the steam in the condenser. A preferred embodiment is disclosed which includes partitions and return hoods separating the heat exchange tubes along their lengths into air flow directing passages. The cooling air is directed sequentially through these passages, changing flow direction as it passes from one passage to the next.
Inventors
- 👤 Ferdinand V Huber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:18
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28B; F28B1/00; F28B1/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for condensing steam in an air cooled steam condenser having a plurality of substantially identical heat exchange tubes arranged in a plurality of generally parallel rows, comprising the steps of: passing steam through each of said tubes at substantially the same flow rate; and passing cooling air across the initial lengths of the heat exchange tubes in one direction and then back across succeeding lengths of the heat exchange tubes in an opposite direction so as to mollify the effects of temperature differential of the cooling air as it passes from one row of tubes to the next.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for condensing steam in an air cooled steam condenser having a plurality of substantially identical heat exchange tubes arranged in a plurality of generally parallel rows, comprising the steps of: passing steam through each of said tubes at substantially the same flow rate; and passing cooling air across the initial lengths of the heat exchange tubes in one direction and then back across succeeding lengths of the heat exchange tubes in an opposite direction so as to mollify the effects of temperature differential of the cooling air as it passes from one row of tubes to the next.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the cooling air makes at least two passes in each direction across succeeding lengths of the heat exchange tubes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as defined in claim 2 including the step of boosting the cooling air flow across the heat exchange tubes after it has passed across at least the initial lengths of the tubes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
153 words
In a steam condenser of a type in which a plurality of substantially identical heat exchange tubes are arranged in a plurality of generally parallel rows, exTending between and communicating with a steam inlet header and a condensate outlet header; and in which the rows of tubes extend transversely of and at spaced intervals perpendicular to the direction of air flow of cooling air that passes over and around the rows of the tubes to condense steam flowing through the tubes from the inlet header; the improvement including partition means arranged across said rows of heat exchange tubes for directing the passage of cooling air across the initial lengths of said tubes in one direction and then back across succeeding lengths of said tubes in an opposite direction so as to mollify the effects of temperature differential of the cooling air as it passes from one row of said tubes to the next.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
153 words
In a steam condenser of a type in which a plurality of substantially identical heat exchange tubes are arranged in a plurality of generally parallel rows, exTending between and communicating with a steam inlet header and a condensate outlet header; and in which the rows of tubes extend transversely of and at spaced intervals perpendicular to the direction of air flow of cooling air that passes over and around the rows of the tubes to condense steam flowing through the tubes from the inlet header; the improvement including partition means arranged across said rows of heat exchange tubes for directing the passage of cooling air across the initial lengths of said tubes in one direction and then back across succeeding lengths of said tubes in an opposite direction so as to mollify the effects of temperature differential of the cooling air as it passes from one row of said tubes to the next.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said partition means directs the cooling air at least twice in each direction across succeeding lengths of said tubes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 including booster means for increasing the cooling air flow across said tubes after it has passed across at least the initial lengths of said tubes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
92 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said partition means includes a plurality of spaced partition sections extending perpendicular to said tubes and dividing same into substantially equal lengths, alternate partition sections extending downward to contact a floor section of said condenser and the other partition sections being spaced from said floor section, and return hood sections connecting the upper edges of said other partition sections and spaced above said alternate partition sections so as to cause the flow of cooling air to pass over and then under adjacent partition sections.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |