US1814358A - Refrigeration apparatus - Google Patents

Description

July 14, 1931. L.. K. WRIGHT l REFRIGERATION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed March l. 1928 www@ S July 14, 1931. i., K. WRIGHT REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Filed March 1, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 14, 1931 ,PATENT oFFlcE LEONARD KAY WRIGHT, or LoNe'IsLAND, NEW YORK REFRIGERATION APPARATUS' Applieation lfiled March 1,

This invention relates to artificial refrigeration and pertains more specifically to a unit of the absorption type.

Heretofore many units of this general character have been proposed. In these prior structures, as a rule, there has been provided but one heating element or medium for the generator. As a result if this,v for any reason became inoperative the entire unit would cease'to function. v

Another disadvantage of certain of these lsuggested structures resides in the fact that they necessitate a gravity flow from the evaporating system tothe generatorabsorber side. Againothers are so designed that they operate properly only when the evaporating system is positioned below the level of the generator-absorber system. An

` obvious disadvantage of such assemblages 90 is that they are not adaptable to installation in certain plants where the space allocation is confined or restricted.

It is an object of this invention to provide a refrigeration unit which is eectively operable for any given position of the evapo- V rator.

Another object-is to provide a simplified and compact refrigerating unit.

1A further object 'is to devise a unit of the character referred to which comprehends a plurality of independent heating means for the generator.` i Yet another object is'to provide a portable unit of rugged construction requiring little or no servicing. 7

A further object is to provide av unit which may readily be coupled tofthe evaporating side of existing refrigeration plants, which will automatically -defrost the evapo- 40 rator coils through its intermittent action.

Another object is to provide a refrigera-l -tion apparatus which is substantially free from vibration.

A still further obje'ct is to provide a rel frigeration unit which is automatically and noiselessly operable, of great longevity, re-

quiririg no appreciable operating attention or cost.-

With these and other equally 'important objects n view the invention comprehends `tor and are joined to it by autogenous welds. These tubesare adapted tohouse electrical or of the generator.

1928. Serial No. 258,358.

the provision of associated generator-absorber, condenser-receiver elements, combined 1n a novel manner to make maximum utilization of presented space and to insure positive and efficient operation. p

To facilitate an -understanding of the underlying principles of the invention there is shown in the accompanying drawings one mechanical embodiment of it. In these the same reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of which;

Fig. l is a side elevation of the unit;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation thereof;

Fig. 3-is a transverse section taken on line 3-e3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional detail of a section of the generator-absorber;`

Fig. 5 is an elevation of the control panel;

Fig. 6 is a c liagrammatic representation ofthe relative'arrangement of the major elements of the unit;

Fig. 7 is a wiring diagram of the electric circuits employed; y

Fig. S is an enlarged longitudinal section of the condenser coil, when the condenser 4is of the water cooled type;

Fig. 9 is a cross section taken on line 9-9 of-Fig. 8.

As shown in Figure Gthe unit comprises a generator-absorber 1 vconnected through the fluid lines 2 to condenser coils 3. These coils communicate, through. an interposed valve'39, with a receiver tank 4. Operatively associated with thereceiver is a float chamber and an expansion coil `or evapo-y rator system 6. As shown, the discharge en'd ofthe expansion coil connects with the lower end of the condenser coil in a manner to bev .amplified hereinafter.

The generator-absorber comprises a cylindrical shell having conoidal ends 7 Positioned within this shell are hollow metallic tubes 8. As shown these project slightly beyond v the exterior surface of the genera- 95 resistance elements 9 which, when current flows through them, serve t0 heat the interi- Convoluted wit-hin the Y v generator area plurality of pipes 10 and 11.V

As shown, particularly in Fig. 3 these are mounted in abutting relation and preferably are joined, throughout their length, by a welded or fused connection. These pipes enter near the top of one end of the generator, as at 12 and 13, and leave the generator at the lower portion of the opposite end, as at 14 and 15. At the points Where these pipes enter and leave the generator they are welded to the ends of the latter so as to insure a rigid fluid tight connection having the same metallic texture as the generator body.

The coil 11 constitutes a heating system for the generator While the coil 10, conversely, constitutes a cooling system. In order to heat the material within the generator, during the volatilization cycle, the heating medium, such as superheated steam or other liquid or vapor, may be circulated through the coil 11 so as to conduct heat to the absorbent or adsorbent within the generator. During the absorbing portion of the refrigeration cycle, as is known, it is desirable that the material within the generator be cooled. This lowering of temperature not only checks and prevents volatilization of the refrigerant but it also abstracts exothermic heats of absorption. To obtain this desired heat abstraction a cooling medium, such as cold water or a brine, may be forced through the coil 10. It is particuylarly to be noted that the coils 10 and 11 are inclined downwardly toward their discharge ends. By reason of this slope the. liquid in coil 10 or condensed vapors in'coil `11 flow by gravity and are discharged from the container.

As has been indicated hereinbefore the coils 10 and 11 are joined together substantially throughout their length. By reason of this fact each pipe assists in the conduetionof heat to and from the absorbent or adsorbent. During the heating cycle, as will be understood, steam or other heating medium flows through the coil 11. During this time there is no flow of cooling medium through the coil 10. By reason of the fact that that pipe .of coil 11 is in metallic connection with the pipe 10 it serves, in effect, as an increased surface tending to conduct heat from the heating medium in pipe of coil l1 to the material within the container.

During the cooling cycle the cooling medium flows through coil l() but there is no flow of material through coil 11. During this portion of the cycle coil l1 serves as an increased conducting surface to facilitate the abstraction of heat from the absorbent or adsorbent. It will be appreciated then that each of the pipes of coils 10 and 11 subserves a dual function. Each serves as a fluid conduit and also as an increased conductive surface for the other pipe.

The lower ends of the coils 10 and 11 rest upon the heating tubes 8. It will be seen that these tubes serve to support the heating and cooling coils in their proper position within the generator. It is also to be noted that since helical coils 10 and 11 eX- tend an appreciable vertical distance and since they are in metallic connection with the heating tubes 8 they serve as heat conductive paths through a substantial body of the absorbent or adsorbent. This quick transmission of heat is a desideratum in a refrigerationsystem of the absorption type in which the generator-absorber is subjected to intermittent and relatively wide variations in telnperature. As the essential function of the pipes 10 and 11 is to conduct heat to and from the interior of the container it is within the scope of this invention to provide them with increased heat conducting surfaces such for instance as fins, spiral ribbons and the like.

It will be seen that thus far two independently operable heating units are provided for the generator. If desired, the material within the container 1 may be heated by closing a circuit (to be described hereinafter) which includes the resistance element 9. At the option of the operator this may, at any time, be disconnected by throwing a suitably positioned switch. If desired the absorbent or adsorbent may be heated by means of the steam coil. p

As has been intimated hereinbefore the invention comprehends the use of several distinct heating media for the generator. In

addition to an electric current or superheat-- ed steam, operating internally of the generator, other means, positioned externally of the generator may be employed. As

shown in Figs. 2 and 3 a fire pan 1G is welded, brazed, soldered or otherwise fastened or affixed to the bottom of the generator. The interior face of the pan may be covered with a refractory material 17, such for example as bauxite, magnesite, asbestos or argillaceous compositions. Projecting into the firing space, dened by the fire pan and subjacent section of the generator, is a nozzle 18. This is connected at its exterior end to the nebulizer 19 which in turn is in fluid connection with a fuel line 20. B

providing such a structure it will be understood that commercial fuels, such as fuel oil, gas, alcohol or the like may be employed.

If it is desired to use fuel oil the nebulizer 19 may be utilized; if natural, producer or water gas is used this nebulizer may be replaced by any conventional form of air mixer. It will be seen that the flame resulting from the combustion ofthe fuel employed will be projected against-the bottom of the generator and will be conducted to the material Within the generator to disengage or drive off the refrigerant from the adsorbent or absorbent. The refractory' lining serves '.mitted tothe generator by means of a suitably positioned port or opening which may also serve for the valve 23, which maybe of the rupture or spring.v loaded type and serve as a safety valve upon generation of undue pressure. When the generator is initially charged such a quantity is admitted f ated by any one of the means hereinbefore.

as will fill the generator almost completely full. It is highly desirable however to leave a gas or vapor space 24 (Fig. 4) above the body of the adsorbent or absorbent. Tapped linto the upper portion of the generator as at 25 are a plurality of eduction pipes 2G. As shown inFig. 4 these are inclined downwardly toward their discharge ends.l At the kinterior or open ends 27 the eduction pipes are providedv with a strip of filtering material 29, such for example as a fine mesh screen. The eduction pipes 2G -are welded to the container at the oint 25.

During the vaporizing cycle, heat generdescribed will cause volatilization of the refrigerant. The plurality of reti'culated tubings 21 will facilitate the upward passage of the vapors to the Vapor space 24; from 'here the vapors pass into the eduction pipes 26. It will be appreciated that the screen 29 willprevent the passage of any adsorbent which may have become entrained in the stream of gas. Similarly when the generator becomes an absorber, that is to say during the absorption cycle, vapors entering throughy the pipe 26 (in a manner to be amplified hereinafter) will pass overthe surface of the absorbent or adsorbent material. lSince this already has been cooled it possesses a decided affinity for the gas. The disseminatio-n or distribution of the gas through the absorbent material will be greatly facili; tated and accelerated b y the reticulated tubing lwhich in effect presents a plurality of channels or interstices through which the' vapors may flow.

Since the generator is subjected to strain incident upon intermittent heatingand generated pressures it is highly desirable to construct it of one piece. This may be accomplished inthe described structure by first forming the parts of the generator which are to constitute the whole and then joining these parts together by the use of a circumferential or longitudinal weld. lf desired, the supporting standards 30 may b welded `to the coil 10 and on assemblage, spot welded to the interior of the generator. By providing a construction of welded parts, a substantially uniform metallic texture is insured which minimizes the danger of unequal strain and consequent potential disruption of the parts. i

Preferably the generator, condenser coils and receiver are assembled as a permanent unit. To accomplish this the generator may be supported from a strap or hanger- 31 through the intermediacy of the supporting frames 32.

afforded bythe securing flange 36, formed upon each terminal of the strap 31. These. flanges may be fastened to the uprights 32 by bolts, rivets or any other suitable fastening means.

As has been indicated hereinbefore, the

generator, condenser and receiver are made up as a unified structure. As7 will appear from aninspection of Fig. 1 the eduction pipes 2G extend downwardly from the joint 25 and are formed into reverse bends to.

constitute the condenser coils 37. Therever possible, I prefer to lutilize the aerial condenser such as is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

As is therein showin-these are convoluted at their ends and are relatively closely spaced so` as to utilize to the maximum degree the space afforded between the generator and its supporting base structure. The effective surface of the condenser tubes or pipes may be increased by the use of fins or discs or spirally wound ribbon.

The lower end of each of the condenser coils 37 is joined, preferably by an autogenousweld to a single receiver inlet pipe 38. The coils, or coil, may be of pipe which may be of'any length, conforming to the space requirements of the particular installatiom and issecured at its lower end to a valve 39, the function of which will appear more fully hereinafter. From the valve 39 there extends a short pipe section 40 which is secured at its discharge ,end to the receiver tank 41.y

As shown, these frames are` flanged at their lower terminals to form foot The receiver tank 41, as shown particular- As will bev `stay 42 subserves a dual function.

`effective cooling air circulation.

perceived from an inspection of Fig. 2 this stay is flanged' at each end andthese flanges are secured by any suitable method, to the uprights 32. It will be appreciated that this It strengthens and rigidifies the supporting uprights and also serves to prevent vertical displacement, jarring or vibration of the receiver with respect to the frame. In order to fix the position of the `receiver with respect to the supporting structure segmental straps 43 are utilized. These straps are struck on an arc conforming to the radius of the curvature of the cylindrical section of the receiver.. At'each end the straps are bent radially of their circumference to form securing toes 44. `The lower toe may be fastened, as by bolts or the like to the channel iron 34, while the upper toe maybe spot welded, riveted or bolted to thel stay 42. That portion of the periphery of the receiver which is diametrically opposite the central portion of the strapy ab-uts its adjacent upright 32. It will be seen then, that by this structure the receiver 41 is held immovable with respect to the, support, since portions of the support abut the receiver at quadrantal sections.

The assemblage previously described comprehended an air cooled condenser. As'will be appreciated, during the heating cycle the temperature of the material within' the generator and of the metallic body of the generator will rise and as a. result the radiated heat will warm the adjacent air blanket. This will cause convective currents of cooling air to flow upwardly of .the'condenser coils. Vith the present structure, inasmuch asy the condenser coils are spaced from the fioor line, an upward draft of cooling air will flow over and cool the material within thev coils. The refrigerant vflowing in the eduction pipes 26 and coils 37 therefore will be subjected to a cooling action throughotlits sinuous course to the discharge end of the latter. There are. occasions when it is desirable to utilize a water cooled condenser, as for example when the apparatus is used in a warm climate or in those cases where the space is so-confined'that there can be no In such circumstances the coils 37 may be enclosed in a condenser box, connected to a source of water, brine or other cooling fluid., The desired cooling by this mediummay also be effected by positioning a spray or series of sprays above the condenser coil vand allowing the cooling medium to cascade over the` coils. If such a cooling system is used it is desirable to position several longitudinal sections of the cooling coil in staggered rela- I ftion to each other.

While these different cooling methods may be employedI prefer to utilize an apparatus which makes maximum use of the conductive area ofthe condenser pipe without necessitating the cumbersome structure of the condenser box. Such a preferred structure is shown in Fig. 8. This comprises a tube 45 which, for the greater part of its length, nests within a concentric external tube 46. At each end the tube section 46 is constricted and welded to the interior pipe or tube at the joint 47. Adjacent each of its ends the tube 46 is provided with a supply (or discharge) line 48. This is preferably welded to the pipe 46. It will be noted that the internal surface of the pipe 46 is substantially uniformly spaced over the exterior surface of the pipe 45 so as to define a fluid space 49. lVhen this condenser unit is connected with the generator one of the pipe sections 48 is welded or otherwise integrally connected to each of the eduction pipes 26 while the other pipe section is similarly connected to the discharge line 38.

In operation of this condenser the refrigerant iiows downwardly through the space 49 while a cooling Huid, such as water, flows in the countercurrent direction through the interior pipe 45. It will be appreciated that in this mode of operation the refrigerant is subjected to the action of two cooling media, that is to say the refrigerant is cooled internally by the water pipe 45 and externally by means of radiation and convection from the exterior surface of the pipe 46. It will be apparent that, if desired, this nested pipe structure may be used with a condenser box containing a pipe of cooling liquid.

The condenser has been described as comprising two coilsI 37. Itis manifest, however, that a single coil may be utilized or, if desired, a relatively large number of helical coils may b e employed'. In the latter case each coil may be connected to a. manifold which is in communication, through the eduction pipes or pipe 26, with the gener-y ator I Awish it to be clearly understood that all of these modifications of design and position are comprehended within the scope of the invention. A

In order to provide for assembling and charging the absorber, condenser and receiver as a yunit at the factory this system is provided with means fortemporarilyv sealing or closing it. To do this a vertical pipe section 50 is welded to the lowerend of the condenser coil-preferably at the confluence of the separate` condenser coils. Thislpipe, it will be understood, is to be connected to the suction line of theevaporating side or cooling coils. Connected to the end ofthe pipe section 50 is ashutoff valve 5l which, it will be understood, opens or closes vconnection between the unit and the evaporatin g side."' As will be noted from an inspection of Fig. 6, the pipe section 50, in effect, constitutes the discharge or suction end of the evaporating side 6. The condenser, receiver Vand evaporating portions are connected by means of a fluid line 52 (Fig. 6). As shown inFigs. 1 andr 2 this comprises a pipe section 53 which passes through the median portion and is welded to the wall of the receiver. terior end section is bent and extends downwardly to a pointclosely adjacent the bottom. The liquid line 53, communicating with this lower section, will draw off the fluid'. By reason of the low position of the inlet end the full hydrostatic head plus the gas pressure within the receiver is utilized to effectively force the liquid refrigerant through the intermediate pipesto the evaporating system. Secured to the exterior end of the pipe section 53, designated by the numeral 52, is a second shutoff valve 54, to the other end of which may be secured the pipe line 55 which, it will be understood, leads to the expansion valve 76 and the evaporating coils or system 6.

I have provided means, associated with the receiver chamber, to accurately register the liquid level of the latter independently of any surging or surface fluctuations. This comprises a Huid chamber designated generally by the numeral 56. This member is 'in open fluid communication with the receiver 41 by way of the upper Huid line 57 and thelower line 58. The upper line is welded to the upper portion of the receiver, preferably substantially at the highest point of the latter and extends horizontally to the fluid chamber 56. Pipe 58 is connected to the lower-most portion of the receiver and leads to and communicates with the bottom of the float chamber. It will be appreciated that the line 57 will insure an equalizationfof pressureupon the surfaces of the respective bodies of liquid in the two elements-.and hence, in conjunc-L tion with the line 58, will assure the maintenance of the same liquid level in each. Since liquid communication betweenthe receiver and float chamber is afforded by the restricted passage of pipe 58, the temporary variations of surface levels in the receiver, incident upon vibration or jarring, lwill not be transmitted to the float cham- Operating within the chamber 56 is a iioat mechanism which controls a mercury switch, described in detail in my co-pending application Serial No. 231,357. As set forth in that application, the switch operates intermittently, vdepending upon the liquid height in the receiver, to control the heating cycle and consequent formation of condensed refrigerant. This mechanism comprises a bulb or float 59 which is adapted to float on the surface of the liquefied refrigerant. The bulbis slidingly mounted on a The in- .respect to the condenser coils.

rod 60 which, as will be noted, is provided with limit beads 61 at .its upper andlowe portions. As the liquid in the receiver is' lowered, due to its discharge to the evap-` orating system, the surface level in the float chamber is correspondingly depressed. When the float reaches a predetermined low level it actuates the mercury switch 90 in a manner described in the copending appli cationsreferred to, to cause vaporization of the adsorbed or absorbed refrigerant and the replenishment of the receiver with condensed or liquefied refrigerant. Itis particularly to be noted that the receiver and flfaatpchamber are positioned subjacent with y By reason of this fact the temperature of the refrigerant withiii these containers will be maintained at the lowest degree of temperature available. A

The parts described in detail, that is to say the generator-absorber, condenser, receiver and float chamber together with the control panel and regulating valves are permanently associated as a unified structure. Since the float chamber is relativelysmall and since it may be'constructed of a light metal or alloy it may be supported in posimeans, to the supporting plate 62. As will be seen from an inspection of Fig. 1 the solenoid valves 65, 66, 67, 68 and 39 are mounted upon the plate 62. These valves all comprise acasing 69 from which extend the supporting legs 70. At their lower ends these legs may be flangedand apertured toreceive securing bolts or screws. These valves, as described 1n m copending application Serial No. 237,51 are of the'sole-y noid type having the coils 71 and 72 posi.

tioned at each end of a laterally movable core (not shown).` In operation, when one' of the solenoids is operated the internal member is moved longitudinally to open or close communication sbetweenthe'inlet liney 73 and discharge line 74 of valves 65,66 and 67. In the case of valve 39 the inlet line 38 and discharge line 40 are brought into fluid connection upon energizing of the solenoid. The solenoid valve 68 differs from the other valves in the fact that it comprises an electricv switch instead of a fluid line. This switch is connected in circuit with the resistance element positioned inter nally of the generator. The energizing of the solenoids of valve 68 actuates this switch -tion solely byl means of the pipes 57 and The panel board 63 is formed with a terminal horizontal flange 64 which is fastened, by any suitableto open or close the heating circuit. Operatively associated withl the Huid and switch valves is a solenoid operated automatic circuit breaker 75 described in detail in my copending application Serial No. 250,771, filed January 3l, 1928. In some cases I eliminate solenoid valve 68 entirely, depending upon my automatic circuit breaker 75 to perform the function.

Vhile it is preferable to mount the control panel directly upon the unit, it will of course be understood that it may be positioned in any desirable location either on the unit itself or at some point remote therefrom.

To assemble a complete refrigeration unit an evaporating system may be serially connected to the unit described. An example of such an installation is depicted schematically in Fig-6. An expansion valve 76 is connected on its inlet or liquid side to the line 55 and on its outlet or .discharge side to the evaporating coil or system 6. At the upper portion of the expansion coil there may be interposed a safety valve 77, similar in structure and function to the valve 23. The suction or discharge end 78 of the evaporating stage is connected, through the vertical pipe section 50, to the bottom of the condenserf- It will be observed that with such an arrangement, the expanded refrigerant :passes upwardly through the condenser. If desired, the return line from th'e 4evaporating stage may be directly connected to the generator. This latter arrangement may be obtained in the present structure by providing a by-pass connection from the line 78 to the generator.

The expansion valve, mentioned hereinbefore, is preferably of the temperature actuated type. This may comprise a diaphragm member responsive to temperature variations to actuate the valve system. If desired, however, the member may comprise a typical expansion valve controlled by a separate and appropriately positioned thermostat, or be of the manually set type.

lVhen it is desired .-to use a water cooled 'condenser in conjunction with a positively cooled generator the valve 67 may be of the three way or three port type through which the water continually passes out, either to the generator-absorber or to the condenser during the. cooling or heating cycles respectively.

It will be understood that when an external heating gas is employed to raise the temperature of the material in the generator it may be automatically ignited by utilizing a piece of spongy platinum or similar material. This may be suspended over the oriices of the burners in the usual manner so that when thel gas supply is turned on a flame will be lighted. If fuel oil is used a small pilot light may be employed.

The unit may be supplied with any desired type of pressure and temperature indicating devices, for example, the generatorabsorber may be fitted with a thermometer or pyrometer to indicate the temperature to which the material is raised during the heating cycle. This enables a careful check to prevent excessive heating and permits modifying adjustments of the, intensity of heat applied. Similarly a pressure gauge may be mounted on the receiver. The receiver may also be provided with a liquid level sight gauge so that the quantity and quality of the condensed refrigerant may be observed at any time. Likewise the evaporating stage may be provided withf a pressure. gauge so as to register the expansion pressure. It will be understoodl that all such indicating and checking devices are comprehended within the scope of the invention.

In Figure 5 is 'shown the preferred location of the switches connected to the various valves. The numeral 79 designates a device which is adapted to indicate the fact that the plant is in operation. Positioned at an outstanding or readily discernible place on the control panel is a main switch 80. Below the main switch are a series of switches 8l, 82, 83 and 84 which control the steam, oil, gas and electric resistance heating means respectively. Positioned below the fuel switch is a two line switch 85 which controls the water valve. The panel is also provided with suitable indicia 86 accurately designating the particular valves and, if desired, other indicia 87 which constitutes a brief description of the method of operating the device.

In Fig. 7 is shown circuit connections of the various coacting valves and switches. At 88 is shown a battery which is to be taken as typifying any suitable source of electric power. This is connected in series with the three contact mercury switch 90. One terminal (on) of the mercury switch is connected through a suitable conductor 89 to the similarly positioned solenoid coils of valves 65, 66, 67, 68, 39 and the circuit breaker 75 to the other terminal of the battery. Interposed in this line are the control switches 81, 85, 82, 84 and the main switch 80. The operation of the device will be appreciated from the described circuit. As` indicated on the panel, when it is desired to start the plant it is necessary only to turn on the switch for the fuel desired and turn ofl" all of the other fuel switches. Assuming that the material within the generaor is to be heated by steam this switch will be turned on as shown in Fig. 5 and the other switches turned to oft' position. If the condenser is water cooled the water switch is turned on and finally the main switch is turned to on position. Assuming that the refrigerant is atva low level in the receiver the mercury switch 90.will then be in the position shown in Fig. 7, that is in a position to close the circuit. In such circumstances current will flow from the battery 88 through the closed main switch 80, the left hand coil of the circuit breaker and the correspondingly positioned coil of valve 39. Since the Aswitches 84 and 82 have been previously closed the valves 68 and 66 will be cut out of the circuit and the current will be shunted directly to the water valve 67, flowing through the left hand coil of this valve. The current then flows through the left hand coil of valve 65, conductor 89 and the mercury-pool to the other terminal of the battery. y

The circuit breaker 75 is of the automatic type and is so designed that a current is allowed tol flow through it for a period of approximately one-half minute, at the end of which time the breakeracts and lmoves to the other contact During this interval the solenoids of valves 39, 67 and 65, becoming energized,'will move the valve stems to such a position as to open the valve. Opening of the valve 39 will allow passage of condensed refrigerant through the pipe 10 to the receiver. Actuation of valve 65 will allow passage of steam through the steam coil in the generator to cause vaporization of absorbed or adsorbed refrigerant and the actuation of valve 67 will permit the flow of water in heat exchange relationship with the condenser coils, thereby assisting in condensing and liquefying the refri erant Then the receiver has been lled `to its predetermined level the'float 59 actuates the mercury tube 90,`establishing another circuit so `that the circuit breaker will make contact with its second terminal to energize the right hand solenoid coils of valves 39, 68, 66, 67 and 65. Due to this the valves 39, 67 and 65 will close and will terminate'the heating cycle. `It will be understood kof course that since valves 68 and 66 have previously been closed the `energizing of their solenoid coils will have no effect. As has 'been disclosed hereinbefore the water valve 67 may be three way. If'l suchv a valve is used, upon energization of its right hand solenoid theivalve stem will be moved to a position toy open communication between' the inlet and the coil positioned in the generator. This causes a flow of coolingmedium through the generator to abstract heat there from and consequently will prepare 'the absorbent or adsorbent for a reception/of the, refrigerant vaporized in the expansioncycle.

When other fuels are used the operation of the device is substantially the s ame as that described. For example if the resistance ele- 'ment 9 is used as the heating means the switch will be turned to the on position to close the clrcuit between the source A lf an external heating is controlled by the valve 66. lIt will be understood, of course, that the unit may be provided'with separate gas, oil, or yalcohol supply lines in which case each line would be provided with a valve similar to valve 66. ln order to simplify the drawing but one external fuel supply line and valve has been shown. When one of these fuels is used the generator-absorber will be subjected to the action of direct and reverberated heat. This is conducted through the metallic shell to the material within the generator. It will be appreciated, at this point, that the tubes 8 coils 1() and 11 yand the metallic gauze tub ing will assist inthe rapid conduction of Iheat throughout the solid or liquid within the generator. 2

As has been indicated' hereinbefore the generatorlabsorber, condenser and receiver may be assembled and charged at the same factory. rlhe generator itselfmay be filled with the absorbent or adsorbent, admitting .l

this material through the aperture into which the valve 23 fits. After this material has been deposited within the generator the safety valve may be inserted in the generator and screwed tightly or welded in position. After extraction of airvcontained within the unit the predetermined quantity of refrigerant which, it will be understood, will vary in accordance with the dimensions of 'the apparatus, may be forced in through rating system 6. The`eonnections between the pipes 55 andf 78 and the valves 54 `and 51 respectively may be welded to insure a pressure tight fit. After this operation the valves arel then opened' to establish communication between the generator-absorber unit and the evaporator. .It will be observed `that the generator, receiver and condenser unit is adaptable, after installation, to an f evaporating system which has already been installed or with an entirely newinstallation. A major advantage of the provisions before shipment. 'Such a unit assemblage also facilitates factory installation, since, as has lbeen noted, it is necessary only to connect the lines 7 8 and 55 to the valves 51 vand 54. In large sized units where I. C; C. or other rulings forbid the transportation of vessels under pressure the plant may be.

charged after installation. Y

The apparatus is susceptible of use with wide variety of specihc refrigerants and adsorbent or absorbent agents. The refrigerant, for example, may be ammonia, sulphur dioxide, methyl or ethyl chloride` butane, carbon dioxide, methyl or ethyl ether, propane, methylamine and the like.

Similarly a wide variety of absorbent or adsorbent agents' may be used, depending on the particular refrigerant used. It may be, for example, water, activated silicious ma.- terial, silica gel, or other occulent colloids, ammonia nitrate, ammonia cyanite, calcium chloride, activated charcoal, carbon tetrachloride, alcohols and the like. It will be understood that Whatever particular refrigerant or absorbent agent is employed the essential operation of the device Will remain unchanged.

` The materials used for the construction of the elements of the structure may likewise vary considerably. It is desirable, of course, that the metal or alloy employed for the generator be of low corrodibility and relatively high tensile strength. Ihe rupture plate of the safety valve 23 is of a metal, such for example, as substantially pure silver, which varying with theeffective pressure surface and thickness has a tensile .strength approximating that of the maximum pressure which is to be employed.

While I have described a preferred mechanical embodiment of the invention it is to be understood that this is given primarily as an example, for since the essential features of the invention may be incorporated in other specific mechanical structures, which are susceptible of wide modifications, I do not intend to be limited to the particular device shown except as such limitations are clearly imposed` by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A generator-absorber comprising a container, abutting heating and cooling coils therein.

2. A generator-absorber comprising a container, a body of vapor absorbing material therein and a plurality of abutting coils in the material.

3. A generator-absorber comprising a container, a body of vapor absorbing mate- 5. A generator-absorber comprising a container having a heating coil and a cool ing coil therein, said coils being inclined downwardly from the inlets to the outlets and being in contact with each other substantially throughout their entire length.

6. A refrigerating apparatus comprising a generator-absorber, -a subjacent condenser and receiver, an evaporator, means to heat the generator, means to cool the condenser and means operated by the liquid in the receiver automatically controlling the heating and cooling means and circulation of refrigerant Within said apparatus.

7. A receiver for a refrigcrating unit comprising a container, an inlet line connected to the upper portion, a discharge line connected to the lower portion, a float chamber having an upper vapor line and a` lower liquid line connected respectively to high and low points on the receiver.

8. A refrigerating apparatus comprising' a generator, a condenser, a receiver, and an evaporator, means to heat the generator,l means operated by the level of the liquid in the receiver automatically controlling said heating means, said controlling means also governing the flow of thev liquid from the condenser tov the' receiver. i

9. A receiver having a refrigerating unit comprising a container, an inlet line ,connected to the upper, portion, a discharge line connected to the lower portion, and a float chamber of the same height as said container and communicating therewith at relatively high and low points thereof.

10. A receiver for a. refrigerating umtI comprising a container, an inlet line connected to the upper portion, a. discharge line connected to the lower portion, a float chamber communicating with said container at .relatively high and low points thereof, a float in said float chamber, and means associated with the said float for governing the How'of the liquid into said receiver.

In testimony whereof I athx my signature.

LEONARD KAY WRIGHT.

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