US4206013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Condenser vacuum load compensating system
Assignee: Offshore Power Systems
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Filing: 1977-11-30
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Granted: 1980-06-03
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Expires: 1997-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A condenser arrangement having a load bearing member hermetically coupled to the condenser's condensation chamber. Load transfer means are adapted to transfer the condenser vacuum load acting on the load bearing member to the turbine or turbine support in a manner to balance the condenser vacuum load acting on the turbine through the turbine exhaust. In the preferred arrangement means are provided to minimize contributions from the condensate to forces acting upon the load bearing member.
Inventors
- 👤 Jimmy R. Dickey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:13
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21D; G21D1/00; F; F01; F01D; F01D25/00; F01D25/28; F01K; F01K11/00; F01K11/02; G21C; G21C13/00; G21C13/02; G21C13/024; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30; Y10; Y10S; Y10S376/00; Y10S376/912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A steam turbine system comprising: a steam turbine having a steam inlet and outlet; means for resiliently supporting the turbine; a condenser having a steam inlet hermetically connected to the turbine steam outlet through an expandable coupling operable to communicate the turbine exhaust steam to a condensation chamber within the condenser through an expandable path; means for rigidly supporting the condenser; a load bearing member having a portion of a surface thereof hermetically communicating with the interior of the condensation chamber; and means for transmitting to the turbine forces acting on the load bearing member due to the vacuum generated from the condensation of steam within the condensation chamber, to a degree equal and in a direction opposite to the forces acting on the turbine from the vacuum load transmitted from the condensation chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A steam turbine system comprising: a steam turbine having a steam inlet and outlet; means for resiliently supporting the turbine; a condenser having a steam inlet hermetically connected to the turbine steam outlet through an expandable coupling operable to communicate the turbine exhaust steam to a condensation chamber within the condenser through an expandable path; means for rigidly supporting the condenser; a load bearing member having a portion of a surface thereof hermetically communicating with the interior of the condensation chamber; and means for transmitting to the turbine forces acting on the load bearing member due to the vacuum generated from the condensation of steam within the condensation chamber, to a degree equal and in a direction opposite to the forces acting on the turbine from the vacuum load transmitted from the condensation chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the turbine and condenser are mounted on a floating barge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The steam turbine system of claim 1 wherein the force transmitting means comprises: an expandable connector hermetically coupling the load bearing member to the interior of the condensation chamber; and means for rigidly connecting the load bearing member to the turbine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The steam turbine system of claim 3 wherein the means for rigidly connecting the load bearing member to the turbine couples the load bearing member to the turbine exterior of the condenser, through the turbine supports.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The turbine system of claim 3 wherein the means for rigidly connecting the load bearing member to the turbine couples the load bearing member through the condensation chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The turbine system of claim 1 wherein the surface area of the portion of the load bearing member communicating with the interior of the condensation chamber is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the condenser steam inlet opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The turbine system of claim 1 wherein the surface of the load bearing member communicating with the interior of the condensation chamber is in a plane parallel to the steam inlet opening.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The turbine system of claim 1 including means for substantially preventing the condensed steam from exerting a load on the load bearing member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
The turbine system of claim 8 wherein the prevention means comprises a second chamber formed in part by the load bearing member coupled through a connector to the condensation chamber, the second chamber being physically isolated from the condensed steam while maintaining gas communication with the interior of the condensation chamber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The turbine system of claim 9 wherein the connector includes an expansion coupling.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The turbine system of claim 9 wherein the communication between the second chamber and the condensation chamber is established through a stand pipe extending from the second chamber through the condensation chamber above the condensed steam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The turbine system of claim 11 wherein the force transmitting means includes a connecting member positioned within and extending through the stand pipe and rigidly coupling the load bearing member to the turbine.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The turbine system of claim 12 wherein the connecting member is longitudinally movable within the stand pipe.
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) | 1983-06-03 | 1983-12-03 | 1984-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-06-03 | 1987-12-03 | 1988-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-06-03 | 1991-12-03 | 1992-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |