GB143273A - An improved method of working apparatus for producing low vacuum in steam condensers - Google Patents

Abstract

143,273. Morison, D. B. June 10, 1916. Condenser systems. - In steam-condensing plant, the condenser a is evacuated by a steamjet air-ejector c in combination with a supplementary condenser r, which may serve as a feedheater, and an air-pump b or other air-discharging device, in such manner that the steam jet withdraws from the condenser substantially all the steam-air mixture the temperature of which would be, if it remained in the condenser, about or below the temperature of airless steam at the degree of vacuum prevailing in the zone of withdrawal. By this means the air-bed or " inactive " zone in the condenser is suppressed. A plant for withdrawing, in this manner, an amount of steam in excess of that ordinarily withdrawn comprises a condenser of reduced condensing-surface and a circulating-pump of reduced capacity, as compared' with present practice. The size of the plant is thus reduced, the power required to drive the circulating-pump is reduced, and the temperature of the condensate is increased. The plant may be arranged in the ordinary manner. It is preferred to use a wet-air pump b, e.g. an Edwards air-pump to which the air &c. is led by a pipe g, and the condensate bv a pipe d. The condensate normally flows to the air-pump b through a looped pipe f or water seal. By opening the valve e and closing the valve s, automatically or otherwise, the plant may be made to operate in the ordinary manner. The water used in the feed-heater r is condensate, derived by a pipe m from a compartment h on the discharge side of the air-pump. The heated water flows away through a seal n and then through pipes under the control of a valve p either into the upper part of the condenser or to the air-pump suction d. The water and the air &c. from the condenser f may also be led together through the same pipe to the pipe d. The condenser f may also be formed as a well on the pipe d, to which the steam is led by the means described in Specification 11690/10, [Class 64 (i), Heating liquids &c.], or as a receiver on the upper side of the pipe d, to which the whole of the condensate is led by an extension of the discharge end of the pipe f. The condenser f may also be integral with the air-pump, or the steam may be discharged direct to the suction receiver of the air-pump. The condenser a may be either a surface or a jet condenser.