Multi-Venturi structure in-line desuperheater

Abstract

A multi-venturi structural plate for a desuperheater may include a body disposed within a steam flow path, a plurality of venturi structures passing through the body, a peripheral flow path in the body, and a plurality of supply flow paths in the body. The body may include a liquid inlet configured to receive a liquid therein. The peripheral flow path may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet. Each of the plurality of supply flow paths may be in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path and an outlet end of the multi-venturi structural plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to steam conditioning equipment, and more particularly to desuperheaters, such as desuperheaters used in such steam conditioning equipment. Background Art

[0002] In the process and power industries, steam is used to perform mechanical work and as a heat transfer fluid. Unfortunately, the steam characteristics required for optimal implementation of these two functions are at opposite ends of the characteristic range; dry superheated steam is more suitable for mechanical work, while desuperheated steam close to the saturation point is more suitable for heat transfer. The conversion from the high end to the low end of the characteristic range involves steam conditioning.

[0003] A desuperheater is a device that reduces or controls the temperature of a superheated steam stream by injecting a controlled amount of coolant into the superheated steam stream. Some desuperheater devices employ a venturi form, which is capable of increasing the steam velocity, thereby creating a turbulent steam stream that aids in the mixing of the coolant with the steam. However, in a low-flow steam pipe, a single venturi may not be sufficient to increase the steam velocity to a level that provides adequate mixing as the steam passes through the venturi. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The applicant has created new and useful devices, systems, and methods for desuperheaters, such as those used in steam conditioning equipment. In at least one embodiment, a multi-venturi structural plate for a desuperheater may include a body, a plurality of venturi structures (venturi holes) disposed through the body, a peripheral flow path disposed in the body, a plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the body may be at least partially disposed within a steam flow path. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structural plate may include an inlet end upstream of the fluid at an outlet end. In at least one embodiment, the body may include a liquid inlet configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply source. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include a venturi structure inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the multi-venturi structural plate, a venturi structure outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-venturi structural plate, a radially inner surface, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths may include an inlet in fluid communication with a peripheral flow path and / or an outlet in fluid communication with an outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths may have a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths may include a plurality of supply flow paths in fluid communication with a radially inner surface of a respective one of the plurality of Venturi structures. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths may include a first set of supply flow paths in fluid communication with a radially inner surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures and a second set of supply flow paths in fluid communication with a radially inner surface of another corresponding Venturi structure of the plurality of Venturi structures.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be configured to direct a liquid around at least a portion of the perimeter of the body. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may include a groove disposed in an outer peripheral surface of the body. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be radially disposed between a central longitudinal axis of the multi-Venturi structured plate and an outer peripheral surface of the body. In at least one embodiment, the body may be circular. In at least one embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the body may be a radially outer surface of the body. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths may be transverse to the peripheral flow path. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be annular.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the body may include one or more circumferential flow paths having one or more outlets in fluid communication with an outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential flow path may be in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential flow path may be in fluid communication with all of the plurality of supply flow paths. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential flow path may be annular. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path and the circumferential flow path may have a common central longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the circumferential flow paths may surround one of the Venturi structures. In at least one embodiment, the body may include a plurality of circumferential flow paths. In at least one embodiment, each circumferential flow path may have one or more outlets in fluid communication with an outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate, such as through an inner surface of the Venturi structure. In at least one embodiment, each circumferential flow path may surround one or more of the Venturi structures.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the circumferential flow path may be different from the cross-sectional flow area of at least one of the peripheral flow path, one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the circumferential flow path may be equal to the cross-sectional flow area of one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths and / or the cross-sectional flow area of the circumferential flow path may be different from the cross-sectional flow area of another supply flow path of the plurality of supply flow paths.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include two or more venturi structures having flow paths of the same size. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include two or more venturi structures having flow paths of different sizes. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include a central venturi structure having a central longitudinal axis common with the multi-venturi structure plate and / or a plurality of peripheral venturi structures positioned radially outside the central venturi structure and / or the common central longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of peripheral venturi structures may be positioned radially inside the peripheral flow path. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of peripheral venturi structures may be positioned radially outside the circumferential flow path and / or the peripheral flow path.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the desuperheater may include a desuperheater body having a steam flow path from a steam inlet to a steam outlet, an injection chamber disposed in the steam flow path, a liquid supply pipe in fluid communication with the injection chamber, a multi-venturi structure plate disposed in the injection chamber, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a body having a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid supply pipe. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include an inlet end upstream of the fluid at the outlet end. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a plurality of venturi structures disposed through the body. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a peripheral flow path disposed in the body. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of venturi structures may have a venturi structure inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the multi-venturi structure plate, a venturi structure outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-venturi structure plate, a radially inner surface, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths may have an inlet in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path, an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-venturi structure plate, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the multi - Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can be manufactured using additive manufacturing or 3D printing. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi - Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include depositing material to form a disc shape, defining a body having a plurality of Venturi structures therethrough. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi - Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include building the body by continuing to deposit material, the deposited material defining an annular surrounding flow path in the body, an annular peripheral flow path outside the surrounding flow path in the body, a plurality of supply flow paths in the body and connected to the surrounding flow path and / or the peripheral flow path, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi - Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include completing the surrounding flow path, the peripheral flow path, and / or the supply flow path by continuing to deposit material. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi - Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include drilling a plurality of holes in one side of the body, wherein each hole intersects one of the supply flow paths.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi - Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include completing the surrounding flow path, the peripheral flow path, and / or the supply flow path by continuing to deposit material while defining a plurality of output ports through one side of the body. In at least one embodiment, each of the output ports can intersect one of the supply flow paths. In at least one embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to drilling, the flow paths can be completed by continuing to deposit material while defining the output ports. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is a side view of one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 is another perspective view of one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 is a front cross - sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective cross - sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6A side cross-sectional view taken along line AA of one of the multiple embodiments of the multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 along line AA of

[0020] Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view taken along line AA of another one of the multiple embodiments of the multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 along line AA of

[0021] Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view taken along line AA of yet another one of the multiple embodiments of the multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 along line AA of

[0022] Figure 9 A plane slice view taken along line BB of one of the multiple embodiments of the multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 along line BB of

[0023] Figure 10 A perspective cross-sectional view of another one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 11 A perspective cross-sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of the multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 12 A front cross-sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of the desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 13 A rear detailed view of one of the multiple embodiments of the Venturi structure for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 14 A side cross-sectional detail view of one of the multiple embodiments of the Venturi structure for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0028] The above-described drawings and the written description of the specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what the applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. Instead, the drawings and the written description are provided to teach those skilled in the art to implement and use the invention for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will understand that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the invention have been described or shown for purposes of clarity and understanding. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present invention will require many implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goals for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions can include and may not be limited to compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, which can vary depending on the specific implementation, location, and over time. While the efforts of the developer may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts will be routine tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to many and various modifications and alternative forms.

[0029] The use of singular terms, such as but not limited to "a", is not intended to limit the number of items. Additionally, the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "under", "over", "side", etc. in the written description are used to clearly and specifically refer to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention or the appended claims. The terms "comprising" and "such as" are illustrative rather than restrictive. The terms "couple", "coupled", "coupling", "coupler", and similar terms are used extensively herein and can include any method or means for fixing, joining, adhering, fastening, attaching, engaging, inserting into, forming on or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating one or more components together, such as mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly, with intervening elements, and can further include but not be limited to integrally forming one functional component with another functional component in an integral manner. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. Additionally, all parts and components of the present disclosure that can be physically embodied inherently include both imaginary and real features, whether or not such features are explicitly described herein, including but not limited to features such as axes, ends, inner and outer surfaces, internal spaces, top, bottom, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume, and density.

[0030] The applicant has created new and useful devices, systems, and methods for a desuperheater, such as those used in steam conditioning equipment. In at least one embodiment, a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present invention may include a body, a plurality of Venturi structures disposed through the body, a peripheral flow path disposed in the body, a plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the body may be at least partially disposed within a steam flow path such that steam flows through the Venturi structures, where the steam may be accelerated and mixed with cooling water. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of Venturi structures may be disposed across the steam flow path to accelerate the steam passing through the steam flow path and to provide sufficient mixing of the cooling water and the steam passing through the steam flow path. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of Venturi structures may provide sufficient mixing of the cooling water and the steam at relatively low steam flow rates and / or other steam flow rates.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a side view of one of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 is another perspective view of one of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 is along one of the multiple embodiments of a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure Figure 4 taken along line AA of the side cross-sectional view. Figure 7 is along another of the multiple embodiments of a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure Figure 4 taken along line AA of the side cross-sectional view. Figure 8 is along yet another of the multiple embodiments of a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure Figure 4 taken along line AA of the side cross-sectional view. Figure 9 is along one of the multiple embodiments of a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present invention Figure 4 taken along line BB of the planar cross-sectional view. Figure 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater according to the present invention. Figure 12 is a front cross-sectional view of one of the multiple embodiments of a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 13A rear detailed view of one of the multiple embodiments of the Venturi structure for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 14 A side cross-sectional detail view of one of the multiple embodiments of the Venturi structure for a desuperheater according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 - 14 Are described in combination with each other.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, a multi-Venturi structure plate 100 according to the present disclosure (such as for a desuperheater 200) may include one or more bodies 110, a plurality of Venturi structures 120 arranged to pass through the body 110, one or more peripheral flow paths 130 arranged in the body 110, a plurality of supply flow paths 140 arranged in the body 110, one or more liquid inlets 150 for receiving liquid from one or more liquid supply sources such as a pipe 250, one or more body roughings or outer rings 160 (the body 110 may be integrally, welded, press-fitted, or otherwise fixed to the outer ring 160), or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the body 110 may be at least partially arranged within one or more vapor flow paths 202. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 may include an inlet end 102 and an outlet end 104, with the inlet end 102 being fluid upstream of the outlet end 104. In at least one embodiment, one or more Venturi structures 120 may include a Venturi structure inlet 122 in fluid communication with the inlet end 102 of the plate 100, a Venturi structure outlet 124 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100, a radially inner surface 126, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path 130 may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet 150 for receiving liquid into the plate 100.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the one or more vapor flow paths 202 may include a steam flow path. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 according to the present disclosure may be used with superheated steam or in any other embodiment involving liquid-to-gas injection. For example, in at least one embodiment, any one or all of the vapor flow paths 202 may include a natural or other gas flow path. In at least one embodiment, the liquid may be water, for example where the vapor flow path 202 is a water vapor flow path.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the multi-Venturi structure plate 100 according to the present disclosure can reduce the flow area of the flow path 202 to a greater extent than a more conventional desuperheater, which may have a single Venturi structure, and can thus accelerate the steam fast enough as it passes through the plate 100 to provide sufficient mixing. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 according to the present disclosure can distribute the acceleration of the steam into the flow channels 202 rather than concentrating it (in a certain part), thereby improving the mixing of the steam with the cold liquid.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the supply flow paths 140 may include an inlet 142 in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path 130 and / or an outlet 144 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the supply flow paths 140 may have a plurality of outlets 144 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths 140 may include a plurality of supply flow paths 140 angled (e.g., perpendicular) to the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths 140 may include a plurality of supply flow paths 140 angled (e.g., perpendicular) to an angled portion of the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths 140 may include a plurality of supply flow paths 140 in fluid communication with the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths 140 may include a first set of supply flow paths 140 in fluid communication with the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures 129 and a second set of supply flow paths 140 in fluid communication with the radially inner surface 126 of another one of the plurality of Venturi structures 120.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the outlets 144 may be in fluid communication with the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the outlets 144 may be in fluid communication with the rear portion of the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the outlets 144 may be in fluid communication with the curved or inclined rear portion of the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, the outlet 144 may include a first set of outlets 144 in fluid communication with the radially inner surface 126 of a corresponding one of the plurality of venturi structures 129 and a second set of outlets 144 in fluid communication with the radially inner surface 126 of another corresponding venturi structure of the plurality of venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the outlets 144 may be in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the outlets 144 may include a nozzle to shape or control the liquid flow exiting therethrough.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path 130 may be configured to direct liquid around at least a portion of the perimeter of the body 110. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path 130 may include a groove disposed in the peripheral outer surface 112 of the body (such as between the body 100 and the outer ring 160). In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path 130 may be radially disposed between the central longitudinal axis 106 of the plate 100 and the peripheral outer surface 112 of the body 110. In at least one embodiment, the body 110 may be circular. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral outer surface 112 of the body 110 may be the radially outer surface 112 of the body 110. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths 140 may be transverse to the peripheral flow path 130. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be annular 130.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the body 110 may include one or more surrounding flow paths 170 having one or more outlets 144 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, the surrounding flow path 170 may be in fluid communication with any or all of the supply flow paths 140. In at least one embodiment, the surrounding flow path 170 may be annular. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path 130 and the surrounding flow path 170 may have a common central longitudinal axis, such as the central longitudinal axis 106 of the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, the surrounding flow path 170 may have a common central longitudinal axis with the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, the surrounding flow path 170 may be disposed at the center of the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, the surrounding flow path 170 may surround the central venturi structure 120a, which has a common central longitudinal axis with the plate 100. In at least one embodiment, the surrounding flow path 170 may surround any one or all of the plurality of peripheral venturi structures 120b. In at least one embodiment, the body 110 may include a plurality of surrounding flow paths 170. In at least one embodiment, each surrounding flow path 170 may have one or more outlets 144 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100, such as through the inner surface 126 of the venturi structure 120. In at least one embodiment, each surrounding flow path 170 may surround one or more of the venturi structures 120. In at least one embodiment, the body 110 may include one or more interconnecting flow paths 180 that fluidly connect any one or all of the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the liquid inlet 150, the surrounding flow path 170, or any combination thereof.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the surrounding flow path 170 may be different from the cross-sectional flow area of at least one of the peripheral flow path 130, one or more supply flow paths 140, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the surrounding flow path 170 may be equal to any one or all of the cross-sectional flow areas of the peripheral flow path 130, any or all of the cross-sectional flow areas of the supply flow paths 140. In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the surrounding flow path 170 may be the cross-sectional flow area of one or more supply flow paths 140 and different from the cross-sectional flow area of another supply flow path.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of Venturi structures 120 may include two or more Venturi structures 120 having flow paths of the same size. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of Venturi structures 120 may include two or more Venturi structures having flow paths of different sizes. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of Venturi structures 120 may include a central Venturi structure 120a having a common central longitudinal axis with the plate 100 and / or a plurality of peripheral Venturi structures 120b positioned radially outward of the central Venturi structure 120a and / or the common central longitudinal axis 106. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the peripheral Venturi structures 120b may be positioned radially inward of the peripheral flow path 130. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the peripheral Venturi structures 120b may be positioned radially outward of the surrounding flow path 170 and / or the peripheral flow path 130.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the Venturi structure 120, the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the outlet 144, the surrounding flow path 170, or any combination thereof may have a smooth or circular cross-section. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the Venturi structure 120, the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the outlet 144, the surrounding flow path 170, or any combination thereof may have a square or diamond cross-section. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the Venturi structure 120, the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the outlet 144, the surrounding flow path 170, or any combination thereof may have a rectangular or triangular cross-section.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the corners and / or edges of the Venturi structure inlet 122 and / or the Venturi structure outlet 124 may be rounded, angled, inclined, square, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the inner surface 126 of any one or all of the Venturi structures 120 may be circular, angled, inclined, conical, square, or any combination thereof. Although, for illustrative purposes, the openings or flow paths for steam or gas to flow through the plate 100 are generally described and shown herein as Venturi structures, in at least one embodiment, any one or all of the Venturi structures 120 may be absent, and such openings may alternatively be simple orifices or through-holes. Although Venturi structures 120 are generally expected to better serve the purposes of the embodiments of the present disclosure compared to through-holes, one or more through-holes may be used in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, either alone or in combination with one or more Venturi structures 120.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, a desuperheater 200 according to the present disclosure may include one or more desuperheater bodies 210 having one or more vapor flow paths 202 extending from a steam inlet 212 to a steam outlet 214, one or more injection chambers 220 disposed in the vapor flow path 202, one or more liquid supply pipes 250 in fluid communication with the injection chambers 220, one or more multi-Venturi structured plates 100 or any combination thereof disposed within the injection chambers 220. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 may include a body 110 having a liquid inlet 150 in fluid communication with the liquid supply pipe 250. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 may include an inlet end 102 upstream of the fluid at the outlet end 104. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 may include a plurality of Venturi structures 120 disposed through the body 110. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 may include one or more peripheral flow paths 130 disposed in the body 110. In at least one embodiment, the plate 100 may include a plurality of supply flow paths 140 disposed in the body 110. In at least one embodiment, the Venturi structure 120 may have a Venturi structure inlet 122 in fluid communication with the inlet end 102 of the plate 100, a Venturi structure outlet 124 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100, a radially inner surface 126, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path 130 may be in fluid communication with a liquid inlet 170. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths 140 may have an inlet 142 in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path 130, one or more outlets 144 in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100, or any combination thereof.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, a plate 100 according to the present disclosure, such as for use in a desuperheater 200, may be manufactured using additive manufacturing or three-dimensional printing. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a plate 100, such as for use in a desuperheater, may include depositing material to form a disk shape and defining a body 110 having a plurality of Venturi structures 120 therethrough. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a plate 100, such as for use in a desuperheater 200, may include building the body 110 by continuing to deposit material, wherein the deposited material defines an annular circumferential flow path 170 in the body 110, an annular peripheral flow path 130 in the body 110 outside the circumferential flow path 170, a plurality of supply flow paths 140 in the body 110 and connected to the circumferential flow path 170 and / or the peripheral flow path 130, or any combination thereof.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a multi-Venturi structural plate 100, such as for a desuperheater 200, may include completing the circumferential flow path 170, the peripheral flow path 130, and / or the supply flow path 140 by continuing to deposit material. In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a multi-Venturi structural plate 100, such as for a desuperheater 200, may include drilling a plurality of holes 144 in one side of the body 110, where each hole 144 intersects any one or more of the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the circumferential flow path 170, or any combination thereof, and serves as an outlet 144 providing fluid communication between the flow paths 130, 140, 170 and the outlet end 104 of the plate 100.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a multi-Venturi structural plate 100, such as for a desuperheater 200, may include completing the circumferential flow path 170, the peripheral flow path 130, and / or the supply flow path 140 by continuing to deposit material while defining a plurality of output holes or ports 144 through one side of the body 110. In at least one embodiment, each of the output ports 144 may intersect one or any combination of the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the circumferential flow path 170. In at least one embodiment, completing the flow paths 130, 140, 170 by continuing to deposit material while defining the output ports 144 may additionally or alternatively be used to drill the holes 144.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the outlet 144 may provide fluid communication between the outlet end 104 of the plate 100 and the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the circumferential flow path 170, or any combination thereof. For example, the outlet 144 may intersect any one or all of the peripheral flow path 130, the supply flow path 140, the circumferential flow path 170, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the outlet 144 may be in fluid communication with the outlet end 104 of the plate 100 directly or indirectly. For example, the outlet 144 may intersect the outlet end 104 of the plate 100, the Venturi structure outlet 124, the inner surface of the Venturi structure 120, or any combination thereof.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a multi-Venturi structural plate 100, such as for a desuperheater 200, can include welding or otherwise securing a body 110 to an outer ring 160, which can create an injection cavity 260 in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a desuperheater 200 can include welding or otherwise securing a liquid conduit 250 to the body 110 or the outer ring. In at least one embodiment, a method of fabricating a desuperheater 200 can include welding or otherwise securing a flange to the liquid conduit 250. In at least one embodiment, a desuperheater 200 according to the present disclosure can be bolted, welded, or otherwise secured within a steam flow path 202.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, a multi-Venturi structural plate for a desuperheater can include a body, a plurality of Venturi structures disposed through the body, a peripheral flow path disposed in the body, a plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the body can be at least partially disposed within a steam flow path. In at least one embodiment, the multi-Venturi structural plate can include an inlet end upstream of the fluid at an outlet end. In at least one embodiment, the body can include a liquid inlet configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of Venturi structures can include a Venturi structure inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the multi-Venturi structural plate, a Venturi structure outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structural plate, a radially inner surface, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path can be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths can include an inlet in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path and / or an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structural plate. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths can have a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structural plate. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths can include a plurality of supply flow paths in fluid communication with a radially inner surface of a respective one of the plurality of Venturi structures. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths can include a first set of supply flow paths in fluid communication with a radially inner surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures and a second set of supply flow paths in fluid communication with a radially inner surface of another corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be configured to direct a liquid around at least a portion of the perimeter of the body. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may include a groove disposed in the outer peripheral surface of the body. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be radially disposed between the central longitudinal axis of the multi-Venturi structure plate and the outer peripheral surface of the body. In at least one embodiment, the body may be circular. In at least one embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the body may be the radially outer surface of the body. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths may be transverse to the peripheral flow path. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be annular.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the body may include one or more circumferential flow paths having one or more outlets fluidly connected to the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential flow path may be fluidly connected to one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential flow path may be fluidly connected to all of the supply flow paths among the plurality of supply flow paths. In at least one embodiment, the circumferential flow path may be annular. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path and the circumferential flow path may have a common central longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, any one or all of the circumferential flow paths may surround one of the Venturi structures. In at least one embodiment, the body may include a plurality of circumferential flow paths. In at least one embodiment, each circumferential flow path may have one or more outlets fluidly connected to the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate, such as through the inner surface of the Venturi structure. In at least one embodiment, each circumferential flow path may surround one or more of the Venturi structures.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the circumferential flow path may be different from the cross-sectional flow area of at least one of the peripheral flow path, one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the circumferential flow path may be equal to the cross-sectional flow area of one or more of the supply flow paths among the plurality of supply flow paths and / or the cross-sectional flow area of the circumferential flow path may be different from the cross-sectional flow area of another supply flow path among the plurality of supply flow paths.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include two or more venturi structures having flow paths of the same size. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include two or more venturi structures having flow paths of different sizes. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of venturi structures may include a central venturi structure having a common central longitudinal axis with the multi-venturi structure plate and / or a plurality of peripheral venturi structures positioned radially outside the central venturi structure and / or the common central longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of peripheral venturi structures may be positioned radially inside a peripheral flow path. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of peripheral venturi structures may be positioned radially outside a surrounding flow path and / or a peripheral flow path.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the desuperheater may include a desuperheater body having a steam flow path from a steam inlet to a steam outlet, an injection chamber disposed in the steam flow path, a liquid supply pipe in fluid communication with the injection chamber, a multi-venturi structure plate disposed in the injection chamber, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a body having a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid supply pipe. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include an inlet end upstream of the fluid at the outlet end. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a plurality of venturi structures disposed through the body. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a peripheral flow path disposed in the body. In at least one embodiment, the multi-venturi structure plate may include a plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of venturi structures may have a venturi structure inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the multi-venturi structure plate, a venturi structure outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-venturi structure plate, a radially inner surface, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the peripheral flow path may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of supply flow paths may have an inlet in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path, an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-venturi structure plate, or any combination thereof.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can be manufactured using additive manufacturing or three-dimensional printing. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include depositing material to form a disk shape and defining a body having a plurality of Venturi structures therethrough. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include building the body by continuing to deposit material that defines an annular flow path through the body, an annular peripheral flow path outside the annular flow path in the body, a plurality of supply flow paths in the body and connected to the annular flow path and / or the peripheral flow path, or any combination thereof.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include completing the annular flow path, the peripheral flow path, and / or the supply flow path by continuing to deposit material. In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include drilling a plurality of holes in one side of the body, where each hole intersects one of the supply flow paths.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater can include completing the annular flow path, the peripheral flow path, and / or the supply flow path by continuing to deposit material while defining a plurality of output ports through one side of the body. In at least one embodiment, each of the output ports can intersect one of the supply flow paths. In at least one embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to drilling, the flow paths can be completed by continuing to deposit material while defining the output ports.

[0059] Other and further embodiments can be designed that utilize one or more aspects of the present disclosure without departing from the substance of the applicant's disclosure. For example, the apparatus, system, and method can be implemented for many different types and sizes in many different industries. Additionally, the various methods and embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice versa. Unless otherwise specifically restricted, the order of steps can occur in various orders. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interleaved with the described steps, and / or divided into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been functionally described and the elements can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions.

[0060] The present invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have benefited from the present disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention as conceived by the applicant, but rather, in accordance with patent law, the applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope or range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-Venturi structured plate for a desuperheater, the multi-Venturi structured plate comprising: a body having a liquid inlet configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply source; an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is upstream of the outlet end in terms of fluid flow; a plurality of Venturi structures disposed through the body, wherein each of the plurality of Venturi structures has a Venturi structure inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate, a Venturi structure outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate, and a radially inner surface; a peripheral flow path disposed in the body, wherein the peripheral flow path is in fluid communication with the liquid inlet; and a plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body; wherein each of the plurality of supply flow paths has an inlet in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path and an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate.

2. The multi-Venturi structured plate according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral flow path is disposed radially between the central longitudinal axis of the multi-Venturi structured plate and the peripheral outer surface of the body.

3. The multi-Venturi structured plate according to claim 1, further comprising an annular flow path having one or more outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structured plate, wherein the annular flow path is in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, and wherein the annular flow path surrounds one of the Venturi structures.

4. The multi-Venturi structured plate according to claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional flow area of the annular flow path is different from at least one of the cross-sectional flow areas of the peripheral flow path, one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, and combinations thereof.

5. The multi-Venturi structure plate according to claim 3, wherein, The cross-sectional flow area of the annular flow path is equal to the cross-sectional flow area of one of the plurality of supply flow paths.

6. The multi - Venturi structure plate according to claim 5, wherein, The cross-sectional flow area of the annular flow path is different from the cross-sectional flow area of another supply flow path among the plurality of supply flow paths.

7. The multi-Venturi structured plate according to claim 3, wherein the annular flow path is annular, and wherein the peripheral flow path and the annular flow path have a common central longitudinal axis.

8. The multi-Venturi structure plate according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of supply flow paths includes a plurality of supply flow paths in fluid communication with the radially inner surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures.

9. The multi-Venturi structure plate according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of supply flow paths includes a first group of supply flow paths in fluid communication with the radially inner surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures and a second group of supply flow paths in fluid communication with the radially inner surface of another corresponding one of the plurality of Venturi structures.

10. The multi-Venturi structured plate according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of Venturi structures includes a central Venturi structure having a common central longitudinal axis with the multi-Venturi structured plate, and a plurality of peripheral Venturi structures positioned radially outside the central Venturi structure.

11. The multi - Venturi structure plate according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of peripheral Venturi structures are positioned radially inward of the peripheral flow path.

12. The multi-Venturi structure plate according to claim 11, further comprising an annular flow path having one or more outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate, wherein the annular flow path is in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, and wherein the plurality of peripheral Venturi structures are positioned radially outside of the annular flow path.

13. The multi-Venturi structure plate according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral flow path is configured to direct liquid around at least a portion of the perimeter of the body.

14. The multi-Venturi structure plate according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of annular flow paths, each annular flow path having one or more outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate, wherein each annular flow path surrounds one of the Venturi structures.

15. A desuperheater, comprising: A desuperheater body having a steam inlet, a steam outlet, and a steam flow path from the steam inlet to the steam outlet; An injection chamber disposed in the steam flow path; A liquid supply pipe in fluid communication with the injection chamber; And A multi-Venturi structure plate disposed in the injection chamber, the multi-Venturi structure plate comprising A body having a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the liquid supply pipe; An inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is upstream in fluid of the outlet end; A plurality of Venturi structures disposed through the body, wherein each of the plurality of Venturi structures has a Venturi structure inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate, a Venturi structure outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate, and a radially inner surface; A peripheral flow path disposed in the body, wherein the peripheral flow path is in fluid communication with the liquid inlet; And A plurality of supply flow paths disposed in the body; Wherein each of the plurality of supply flow paths has an inlet in fluid communication with the peripheral flow path and an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate.

16. The desuperheater according to claim 15, further comprising an annular flow path having one or more outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structure plate, wherein the annular flow path is in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, and wherein the annular flow path surrounds one of the Venturi structures.

17. The desuperheater according to claim 15, wherein, The plurality of Venturi structures include a central Venturi structure having a common central longitudinal axis with the multi-Venturi structure plate, and a plurality of peripheral Venturi structures positioned radially outside of the central Venturi structure.

18. The desuperheater according to claim 17, wherein, The plurality of peripheral Venturi structures are positioned radially inward of the peripheral flow path.

19. The desuperheater according to claim 18 further comprises a surrounding flow path having one or more outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structural plate, wherein the surrounding flow path is in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of supply flow paths, and wherein the plurality of peripheral Venturi structures are positioned radially outside the surrounding flow path.

20. The desuperheater according to claim 15 further comprises a plurality of surrounding flow paths, each surrounding flow path having one or more outlets in fluid communication with the outlet end of the multi-Venturi structural plate, wherein each surrounding flow path surrounds one of the Venturi structures.

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