A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower
By designing a steam recovery device in an open cooling tower, water vapor is condensed into liquid water using a gas collection and heat exchange mechanism. This solves the problems of increased water replenishment and water quality degradation caused by the evaporation of circulating water, and achieves economical and efficient water quality assurance and pipeline protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Open-type cooling towers cause a large amount of circulating water to evaporate during the evaporation heat dissipation process, increasing the amount of water to be replenished and the cost of purification, reducing water quality, and increasing the risk of pipe corrosion.
Design a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower. Water vapor is collected by a gas collection mechanism, condensed into liquid water by a heat exchange mechanism in a condensation chamber, and then returned to the cold water pool. The separated gas is discharged. The condensation efficiency is improved by utilizing gravity and the position setting of the heat exchange mechanism.
It reduces the amount of water replenishment, lowers purification costs, ensures the quality of circulating water, and reduces the risk of pipe corrosion, thus possessing good economic and practical value.
Smart Images

Figure CN224552196U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial circulating water systems, and in particular to a steam recovery device for open cooling towers. Background Technology
[0002] The process of heat dissipation through water return in an open cooling tower can be simply described as follows: the circulating hot water, after heat exchange with heat exchange equipment such as water coolers, is lifted to the cooling tower by residual pressure for cooling. The cooled water enters the cold water pool from the water pool under the tower through pipes, and then is pressurized by the circulating cold water pump and transported to various devices for recycling.
[0003] However, the main heat dissipation method of open cooling towers is evaporative cooling. While evaporative cooling removes excess heat, it also evaporates a large amount of circulating water, leading to an increase in the amount of water replenished into the circulating water system. Replenishing with external water sources will cause the concentration factor of the circulating water to decrease and the conductivity of the circulating water to increase, ultimately leading to an increase in the frequency of circulating water replacement. The added water needs to be purified. Moreover, if the water quality is not replaced in time, it will accelerate the corrosion rate of the pipes, reduce the quality of the circulating water, and create a vicious cycle. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing open-type cooling towers where there is significant evaporation loss of circulating water, and to provide a steam recovery device for open-type cooling towers.
[0005] This utility model provides a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower, comprising: A condensing chamber is provided with a condensing chamber, an air inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a liquid outlet. The air inlet, the exhaust outlet, and the liquid outlet are respectively connected to the condensing chamber. The exhaust outlet and the air inlet are both located on the top side of the condensing chamber, and the liquid outlet is located on the bottom side of the condensing chamber. A heat exchange mechanism is provided at the top of the condensation chamber, the heat exchange mechanism is connected to the condensation chamber body, and the heat exchange mechanism is located between the air inlet and the exhaust port; A gas collecting mechanism is connected to the condensation chamber and communicates with the air inlet.
[0006] This invention discloses a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower. It collects water vapor released from the air via a gas collection mechanism, allowing the water vapor to enter a condensation chamber. Through a heat exchange mechanism within the condensation chamber, the water vapor condenses into liquid water, which is then discharged into the cold water pool of the open cooling tower through a drain port. This achieves water recycling, reduces water replenishment, and lowers water purification costs. The gas separated from the water vapor is discharged through an exhaust port. Since the condensate is pure water, its return to the cold water pool for replenishment ensures the quality of the circulating water and reduces the risk of corrosion and perforation in the circulating water pipes. By placing the exhaust port and air inlet on the top side of the condensation chamber and the drain port on the bottom side, gravity facilitates gas-liquid separation, making it easier to discharge the condensed water. Positioning the heat exchange mechanism between the air inlet and exhaust port increases the contact probability between the water vapor and the heat exchange mechanism, thereby improving the efficiency of water vapor condensation.
[0007] Preferably, the air inlet is located at the top of the condensing cavity, the exhaust port is located on the side wall of the condensing cavity, and the air collection mechanism is connected to the top of the condensing cavity.
[0008] The gas collecting mechanism is placed at the top of the condensation chamber, making it easier for the gas collecting mechanism to collect water vapor in the air above the condensation chamber.
[0009] Preferably, the condensation chamber is provided with a gas guide pipe, which is connected to the air inlet, and the opening of the gas guide pipe is arranged opposite to the exhaust port.
[0010] The water vapor changes its flow direction by passing through the gas guide pipe, so that the gas can fully contact the heat exchange mechanism.
[0011] Preferably, the gas collection mechanism includes a pipe body, a fan component is provided inside the pipe body, the fan component is connected to the pipe body, the pipe body is connected to the condensation chamber, and the pipe body is in communication with the air inlet.
[0012] The fan rotates, causing the gas to flow into the condensation chamber, thereby drawing water vapor into the condensation chamber.
[0013] Preferably, a gas collecting hood is provided at the end of the tube body away from the condensation cavity, and the gas collecting hood is funnel-shaped.
[0014] The vent is funnel-shaped to prevent the immediate collection of water vapor. The water vapor is cooled by the air, reducing the heat exchange pressure of the heat exchange system.
[0015] Preferably, the heat exchange mechanism includes a liquid cooling radiator and a liquid cooling unit. The liquid cooling radiator is provided with a cold liquid inlet pipe and a cold liquid outlet pipe. The liquid cooling radiator is located at the top of the condensation chamber and connected to the condensation chamber body. The liquid cooling radiator is located between the air inlet and the air outlet. The cold liquid inlet pipe and the cold liquid outlet pipe respectively pass through the condensation chamber body. The liquid cooling unit is connected to the cold liquid inlet pipe and the liquid cooling unit is connected to the cold liquid outlet pipe.
[0016] The liquid cooling unit cools the liquid and circulates it to maintain a low temperature in the liquid cooling radiator, ensuring that water vapor can quickly condense into liquid water after contacting the liquid cooling radiator.
[0017] Preferably, the cold liquid inlet pipe and the cold liquid outlet pipe respectively penetrate the top of the condensing chamber, the cold liquid inlet pipe is located on the side of the condensing chamber closer to the air inlet, and the cold liquid outlet pipe is located on the side of the condensing chamber closer to the exhaust port.
[0018] By placing the coolant inlet pipe on the side of the condensing chamber closer to the air inlet and the coolant outlet pipe on the side of the condensing chamber closer to the exhaust outlet, the side of the liquid cooler radiator closer to the air inlet has a lower temperature, which allows water vapor to condense quickly.
[0019] Preferably, the liquid cooling radiator is provided with a plurality of vertical heat-conducting metal pillars, adjacent heat-conducting metal pillars are spaced apart, and the plurality of heat-conducting metal pillars are arranged in an array.
[0020] The contact area with water vapor is increased by using several heat-conducting metal pillars, which allows the water vapor to condense quickly. The heat-conducting metal pillars are set vertically so that the condensate on the heat-conducting metal pillars can drip down quickly under the action of gravity.
[0021] Preferably, the condensation chamber is provided with an exhaust pipe and a drain pipe, the exhaust pipe being connected to the exhaust port and the drain pipe being connected to the drain port.
[0022] The exhaust pipe keeps the discharged gas away from the condensation chamber, preventing the discharged gas from interfering with the gas collection mechanism's collection of water vapor; the drain pipe allows for adjustment of the drain position.
[0023] Preferably, the bottom of the condensation chamber is constructed as an inclined surface, and the drain outlet is located at the lowest point of the inclined surface.
[0024] By utilizing the inclined surface, liquid water can more easily reach the drain outlet and be discharged under the influence of gravity.
[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model provides a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower. A gas collection mechanism collects water vapor escaping from the air, allowing it to enter a condensation chamber. Through a heat exchange mechanism within the condensation chamber, the water vapor condenses into liquid water, which is then discharged into the cold water pool of the open cooling tower through a drain port. This achieves water recycling, reduces water replenishment, and lowers water purification costs. The gas separated from the water vapor is discharged through an exhaust port. Since the condensate is pure water, its return to the cold water pool for replenishment ensures the quality of the circulating water and reduces the risk of corrosion and perforation in the circulating water pipes. By placing both the exhaust port and the air inlet on the top side of the condensation chamber and the drain port on the bottom side, gravity facilitates gas-liquid separation, making it easier to discharge the condensed water. By placing the heat exchange mechanism between the air inlet and the exhaust port, the contact probability between the water vapor and the heat exchange mechanism is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of water vapor condensation. 2. This utility model provides a steam recovery device for open cooling towers. It collects water vapor escaping from the air, condenses it into liquid water, and replenishes the circulating water in the open cooling tower, reducing the amount of water needed to replenish the open cooling tower and lowering the cost of water purification. The condensed water is pure water, ensuring the quality of the circulating water and reducing the risk of corrosion and perforation of the circulating water pipes in the open cooling tower. It has good economic and practical value. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the condensation chamber of a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling radiator of a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the condensation cavity of a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.
[0027] Marked in the image: 1-Condensing chamber, 11-Condensing chamber, 12-Air inlet, 13-Exhaust port, 14-Liquid drain port, 15-Inclined surface, 2-Gas collection mechanism, 21-Pipe body, 22-Fan component, 23-Gas collection hood, 3-Liquid drain pipe, 4-Exhaust pipe, 51-Liquid cooling unit, 52-Cold liquid inlet pipe, 53-Cold liquid outlet pipe, 54-Liquid cooling radiator, 55-Heat-conducting metal column, 6-Gas guide pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.
[0031] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.
[0032] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.
[0033] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.
[0034] Example 1 like Figures 1-4 As shown, a steam recovery device for an open cooling tower is specifically composed of a condensing chamber 1, a heat exchange mechanism, and a gas collection mechanism 2. The condensing chamber 1 has a condensing chamber 11, an air inlet 12, an exhaust port 13, and a liquid outlet 14. The air inlet 12, exhaust port 13, and liquid outlet 14 are respectively connected to the condensing chamber 11. The liquid condensed in the condensing chamber 11 is discharged through the liquid outlet 14, and the gas separated from water is discharged through the exhaust port 13. The exhaust port 13 and the air inlet 12 are both located on the top side of the condensing chamber 11, and the liquid outlet 14 is located on the bottom side of the condensing chamber 11. The heat exchange mechanism is located on the top of the condensing chamber 11 and is connected to the condensing chamber 1. The heat exchange mechanism is located between the air inlet 12 and the exhaust port 13, and condenses the water vapor above the condensing chamber 11 through the heat exchange mechanism. The gas collection mechanism 2 is connected to the condensing chamber 1 and is connected to the air inlet 12.
[0035] Water vapor escaping from the air is collected by a gas collection mechanism and enters the condensation chamber 11. The water vapor condenses into liquid water through a heat exchange mechanism within the condensation chamber 11. This liquid water is then discharged into the cold water pool of the open cooling tower through the drain port 14, thus achieving water recycling, reducing water replenishment, and lowering water purification costs. The gas separated from the water vapor is discharged through the exhaust port 13. Since the condensate is pure water, its return to the cold water pool for replenishment ensures the quality of the circulating water and reduces the risk of corrosion and perforation in the circulating water pipes. The exhaust port 13 and the air inlet 12 are both located on the top side of the condensation chamber 11, while the drain port 14 is located on the bottom side. Gravity facilitates gas-liquid separation, making it easier to discharge the condensed water. By placing the heat exchange mechanism between the air inlet 12 and the exhaust port 13, the contact probability between the water vapor and the heat exchange mechanism is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of water vapor condensation.
[0036] Specifically, water vapor is collected by the gas collecting mechanism 2 and enters the condensing chamber 11. The gas flows from the inlet 12 to the outlet 13 in the condensing chamber 11. During the gas flow, the heat of the water vapor is carried away by the heat exchange mechanism through the contact heat exchange mechanism, so that the water vapor condenses into droplets. The droplets fall to the bottom of the condensing chamber 11 under the action of gravity.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, the air inlet 12 is located at the top of the condensing cavity 1, the exhaust port 13 is located on the side wall of the condensing cavity 1, and the air collection mechanism 2 is connected to the top of the condensing cavity 1. Specifically, in order to facilitate the collection of water vapor, the air collection mechanism 2 is set at the top of the condensing cavity 1, which makes it easier to collect water vapor above the condensing cavity 1 and improves the water vapor collection efficiency.
[0038] In an optional embodiment, a gas guide pipe 6 is provided inside the condensing chamber 11. The gas guide pipe 6 is connected to the air inlet 12, and the outlet of the gas guide pipe is opposite to the exhaust port 13. Specifically, the gas guide pipe 6 is a 90-degree bend, and the inner diameter of the gas guide pipe 6 is the same as the diameter of the air inlet 12, so that the end of the gas guide pipe 6 is connected to the air inlet 12, and the outlet of the gas guide pipe 6 is oriented towards the exhaust port 13, thereby limiting the flow direction of the gas in the condensing chamber 11 and increasing the contact area between the gas and the heat exchange mechanism.
[0039] In an optional embodiment, the gas collection mechanism 2 includes a pipe body 21, a fan component 22 is provided inside the pipe body 21, the fan component 22 is connected to the pipe body 21, the pipe body 21 is connected to the condensing chamber 1, and the pipe body 21 is connected to the air inlet 12. Specifically, the inner diameter of the pipe body 21 is the same as the size of the air inlet 12, and the pipe body 21 is aligned and connected to the air inlet 12. The fan component 22 is provided inside the pipe body 21. When the fan component 22 rotates, it will cause the airflow to flow through the pipe body 21 into the condensing chamber 11, thereby allowing water vapor to enter the condensing chamber 11.
[0040] In an optional embodiment, a gas collecting hood 23 is provided at the end of the tube body 21 away from the condensing cavity 1. The gas collecting hood 23 is funnel-shaped. The gas collecting hood 23 can reduce the high-temperature water vapor generated in time from entering the condensing cavity 11, reduce the heat exchange pressure of the heat exchange mechanism, and dissipate heat by contacting the air during the rise of the water vapor.
[0041] In one or more embodiments, the heat exchange mechanism includes a liquid cooling radiator 54 and a liquid cooling unit 51. The liquid cooling radiator 54 is provided with a cold liquid inlet pipe 52 and a cold liquid outlet pipe 53. The liquid cooling radiator 54 is located at the top of the condensing chamber 11 and is connected to the condensing chamber 1. The liquid cooling radiator 54 is located between the air inlet 12 and the air outlet 13. The cold liquid inlet pipe 52 and the cold liquid outlet pipe 53 respectively penetrate the condensing chamber 1. The liquid cooling unit 51 is connected to the cold liquid inlet pipe 52 and the liquid cooling unit 51 is connected to the cold liquid outlet pipe 53. Specifically, the liquid cooling unit 51 has a heat exchange chamber, a pump, and a heat exchange module. The heat exchange module is connected to a control unit for adjusting the power of the heat exchange module. The heat exchange module is set in the heat exchange chamber to control the temperature of the coolant. The liquid cooling radiator 54 has a liquid cooling chamber. The coolant inlet pipe 52 and the coolant outlet pipe 53 are respectively connected to the liquid cooling chamber. The pump pushes the coolant to circulate the coolant in the heat exchange chamber and the liquid cooling chamber. Specifically, the liquid cooling radiator 54 is a cavity made of thermally conductive metal.
[0042] In an optional embodiment, the cold liquid inlet pipe 52 and the cold liquid outlet pipe 53 respectively penetrate the top of the condensing cavity 1. The cold liquid inlet pipe 52 is located on the side of the condensing cavity 1 near the air inlet 12, and the cold liquid outlet pipe 53 is located on the side of the condensing cavity 1 near the exhaust port 13. Specifically, the cold liquid temperature at the liquid inlet pipe is relatively low, and water vapor can be quickly cooled and condensed after entering the liquid cooling cavity and contacting the liquid cooling radiator 54.
[0043] In an optional embodiment, the liquid cooling radiator 54 is provided with a plurality of vertical heat-conducting metal pillars 55, adjacent heat-conducting metal pillars 55 are spaced apart, and the plurality of heat-conducting metal pillars 55 are arranged in an array. Specifically, the heat-conducting metal pillars 55 are made of brass, are cylindrical, have a diameter of three millimeters, and are spaced three centimeters apart from adjacent heat-conducting metal pillars 55.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, the condensation chamber 1 is provided with an exhaust pipe 4 and a drain pipe 3. The exhaust pipe 4 is connected to the exhaust port 13, and the drain pipe 3 is connected to the drain port 14. Specifically, the exhaust position is changed by the exhaust pipe 4 to avoid the exhaust gas interfering with the operation of the gas collection mechanism 2; the drain pipe 3 extends to the cold water pool of the open cooling tower for draining.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the condensation chamber 11 is constructed as an inclined surface 15, and the drain port 14 is located at the lowest point of the inclined surface 15 to facilitate the discharge of liquid water from the condensation chamber 11.
[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower, characterized in that, include: A condensing chamber (1) is provided with a condensing chamber (11), an air inlet (12), an exhaust outlet (13) and a liquid outlet (14). The air inlet (12), the exhaust outlet (13) and the liquid outlet (14) are respectively connected to the condensing chamber (11). The exhaust outlet (13) and the air inlet (12) are both located on the top side of the condensing chamber (11), and the liquid outlet (14) is located on the bottom side of the condensing chamber (11). A heat exchange mechanism is provided at the top of the condensing chamber (11), the heat exchange mechanism is connected to the condensing chamber body (1), and the heat exchange mechanism is located between the air inlet (12) and the exhaust port (13). The gas collecting mechanism (2) is connected to the condensation cavity (1) and is connected to the air inlet (12).
2. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet (12) is located at the top of the condensing chamber (1), the exhaust port (13) is located on the side wall of the condensing chamber (1), and the air collection mechanism (2) is connected to the top of the condensing chamber (1).
3. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 2, characterized in that, The condensation chamber (11) is provided with a gas guide pipe (6), which is connected to the air inlet (12), and the opening of the gas guide pipe is opposite to the exhaust port (13).
4. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas collection mechanism (2) includes a pipe body (21), a fan component (22) is provided inside the pipe body (21), the fan component (22) is connected to the pipe body (21), the pipe body (21) is connected to the condensation chamber (1), and the pipe body (21) is connected to the air inlet (12).
5. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the tube (21) away from the condenser cavity (1) is provided with a gas collecting hood (23), which is horn-shaped.
6. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange mechanism includes a liquid cooling radiator (54) and a liquid cooling unit (51). The liquid cooling radiator (54) is provided with a cold liquid inlet pipe (52) and a cold liquid outlet pipe (53). The liquid cooling radiator (54) is located at the top of the condensing chamber (11). The liquid cooling radiator (54) is connected to the condensing chamber (1) and is located between the air inlet (12) and the exhaust port (13). The cold liquid inlet pipe (52) and the cold liquid outlet pipe (53) respectively penetrate the condensing chamber (1). The liquid cooling unit (51) is connected to the cold liquid inlet pipe (52) and the liquid cooling unit (51) is connected to the cold liquid outlet pipe (53).
7. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cold liquid inlet pipe (52) and the cold liquid outlet pipe (53) respectively penetrate the top of the condensing chamber (1). The cold liquid inlet pipe (52) is located on the side of the condensing chamber (1) near the air inlet (12), and the cold liquid outlet pipe (53) is located on the side of the condensing chamber (1) near the exhaust port (13).
8. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid cooling radiator (54) is provided with a number of vertical heat-conducting metal pillars (55), and the adjacent heat-conducting metal pillars (55) are spaced apart, and the number of heat-conducting metal pillars (55) are arranged in an array.
9. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation chamber (1) is provided with an exhaust pipe (4) and a drain pipe (3). The exhaust pipe (4) is connected to the exhaust port (13), and the drain pipe (3) is connected to the drain port (14).
10. A steam recovery device for an open cooling tower according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The bottom of the condensation chamber (11) is constructed as an inclined surface (15), and the drain port (14) is located at the lowest point of the inclined surface (15).