Horizontal Steam Condenser with Deflection for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor condenser designs integrated into columns face limitations due to pressure loss issues, particularly in high-vacuum applications, as they deflect vapor rising from the column, causing undesirable pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vapor space and a condensation space adjacent in the horizontal direction, where the vapor space is open at the bottom and the condensation space is closed, featuring a vertically aligned bundle of heat exchanger elements and deflection elements that redirect steam flow horizontally onto the heat exchanger elements, reducing pressure loss by minimizing deflection angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vapor is deflected at the top of the column to flow through the condenser, then condensation function is achieved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deflecting vapor flow to pass through the condenser (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by allowing vapor to flow freely upward and condensing it through heat exchange surfaces positioned in the vapor path without causing flow deflection. The condenser is integrated such that heat exchange surfaces extend into the vapor space, enabling condensation without disrupting the upward vapor flow pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal/vertical deflection-based condensation approach to a three-dimensional integration where heat exchange surfaces are positioned to intercept vapor flow in the vertical upward direction. The condenser components are arranged in multiple levels and orientations within the column, allowing vapor to be condensed along its natural upward path without dimensional deflection.
2Reliability
If vapor flow is deflected through the condenser, then condensation occurs, but turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than forcing vapor to change direction to reach condensation surfaces, the invention positions condensation surfaces to intercept vapor in its natural upward flow. The heat exchange surfaces are arranged to be perpendicular or at small angles to the vapor flow direction, minimizing turbulence generation while maintaining effective condensation.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact integrated condenser is used, then installation space is reduced, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser components are nested within the column structure, with heat exchange surfaces positioned concentrically or in layered arrangements within the vapor space. This nesting allows the condenser to occupy minimal additional volume while maintaining sufficient surface area for condensation without restricting vapor flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes three-dimensional space within the column by positioning heat exchange surfaces at multiple vertical levels and radial positions. This spatial distribution allows compact integration while maintaining open vapor flow paths, as the surfaces are arranged to intercept vapor without creating flow bottlenecks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly reduces pressure loss and expands the operational range of vapor condensation, especially in high-vacuum conditions, by ensuring efficient steam distribution and condensation without excessive turbulence, thus enhancing the condensation process within the column.
Implementation Method 1
at least one bundle of heat exchanger elements is arranged in a substantially vertically aligned manner in the condensation space
Implementation Method 2
Device and method for condensing steam in a vessel
Implementation Method 3
at least one deflection element is provided in the vapor space for deflecting the steam rising from below into the vapor space in the direction of the transition surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for condensing steam in a vessel comprising a steam chamber (10) and a condensation chamber (11) that are adjacent in a horizontal direction, wherein the steam chamber (10) is open at the bottom with a horizontal cross sectional area, the condensation chamber (11) is closed at the bottom by at least one tray element (14), and in the condensation chamber at least one bundle of heat-exchange elements (20) is arranged orientated substantially vertically, characterized in that, between steam chamber and condensation chamber, wall elements (40) are present which partially divide the two chambers from one another and define a vertical overflow surface from the steam chamber into the condensation chamber, and in that, in the steam chamber, at least one deflection element (30) is present for deflecting the steam ascending from the bottom into the steam chamber in the direction of the overflow surface, which, owing to its shape, causes a substantially horizontal steam flow through the overflow surface onto the heat-exchange elements.