Device and method to produce instant steam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam production units require long waiting times before becoming operational and often rely on batch processes with limited steam availability, necessitating additional waiting periods and the use of steam reservoirs that restrict steam volume and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A steam unit comprising a heating means, a peristaltic pump, and a control system that allows for rapid temperature regulation and pressure management, enabling instant steam production on demand without the need for a steam reservoir, with the system ready to provide steam within seconds of activation and capable of continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a steam reservoir or container is used to store hot steam, then steam availability is improved, but device complexity and waiting time are worsened due to batch operation requirements and additional boost time after each batch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous steam generation by continuously pumping water into the heating chamber and continuously generating steam, eliminating the batch operation mode. The control system maintains continuous water supply and heating to provide uninterrupted steam output, resolving the contradiction between steam availability and waiting time by making the steam production process continuous rather than intermittent
Solution Approach 2:
The control system pre-heats water and pre-regulates pumping parameters before steam demand occurs. The system maintains ready-to-pump water in the heating chamber and pre-sets optimal pumping rates and heating temperatures, so that steam can be generated immediately when needed without waiting for water heating or system warm-up, thus eliminating waiting time while ensuring steam availability
2Quantity of substance
If a steam reservoir is used to store hot steam, then steam volume is increased, but productivity is worsened due to batch processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous water pumping and continuous steam generation without batch interruptions. The control system regulates the pump to continuously supply water at optimized rates while the heating element continuously converts water to steam, providing uninterrupted steam output that eliminates the productivity losses associated with batch processing start-stop cycles and boost times
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts pumping parameters and heating power in real-time based on steam demand and system state. The pump rate and heating temperature are continuously optimized to maintain maximum efficient steam generation, allowing the system to adapt to varying demands while maintaining high productivity and continuous operation
3Device complexity
If preset pressure values are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened due to inability to control and adapt process parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts pumping parameters including pressure, flow rate, and timing based on real-time system conditions and steam demand. The system can adapt pressure values, pumping rates, and heating temperatures to match different application requirements, transforming the system from fixed preset operation to flexible adaptive control that responds to changing process needs
4Device complexity
If batch operation mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time is worsened due to additional waiting or boost time after each batch
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in continuous mode where water is continuously pumped into the heating chamber and steam is continuously generated and output. This eliminates the batch operation cycle entirely, removing the need for repeated heating phases and boost times that characterize batch processing, thereby eliminating time losses while maintaining simple operational control through automated continuous regulation
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
The solution enables rapid and continuous production of steam at desired temperatures and pressures, reducing waiting times and eliminating the need for steam reservoirs, allowing for efficient and immediate steam availability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means (5), wherein the heating means (5) is a fast element heater
Implementation Method 2
a peristaltic pump (2) which pumps water (15) from a water tank (1) into a water container (7) of the heating means (5)
Implementation Method 3
The target parameters are met in less than 13 to 18 seconds. B) The system is ready to release steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The Invention relates to a novel steam unit (8), a process to provide steam (11) and applications wherein such a novel steam unit (8) can be used.