Integral separator start-up system for a vapor generator with constant pressure furnace circuitry

Claim 1

A vapor generating system for use in a power plant having a steam turbine and a condenser connected in a series flow relationship; said system comprising a vapor generating section for receiving a heat exchange fluid and applying heat to said fluid; a superheating section for applying additional heat to said fluid; fluid flow circuitry directly connecting said vapor generating section to said superheating section; a pressure control section connected directly in said fluid flow circuitry in a series flow relation with said vapor generating section and said superheating section for receiving said fluid from said vapor generating section and controlling the pressure of said fluid; and separation means connected directly in said fluid flow circuitry between said pressure control section and said superheating section in a series flow relation therewith for separating said fluid into a liquid and a vapor and passing the vapor to said superheating section; said pressure control section including a plurality of conduits connected in a parallel fluid flow relationship, at least one of said conduits adapted to receive fluid from said furnace section during start-up and full load operation of said vapor generating section, and valve means disposed in at least one of said other conduits for selectively controlling the fluid pressure in said furnace after a predetermined amount of heat has been added to said fluid; said separation means comprising a plurality of separators connected in a parallel relationship and adapted to receive fluid from said conduits during start-up and full load operation of said vapor generating section.