Overflow Mixing Device for Steam Energy Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In steam utilization systems, especially in laundries, the thermal energy lost through overflow valves is not utilized effectively, leading to inefficiencies and material stress due to 'steam hammers' caused by pressure relief.
Innovation Solution
A steam utilization system with an overflow mixing device that reintroduces overflowing steam into a liquid reservoir, where it is mixed with condensate, allowing for energy recycling through a mixing chamber and an energy recovery device, ensuring optimal vapor and liquid matching and minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the overflow valve releases overpressure to the outside, then the safety function is ensured, but the thermal energy in the overflowing steam is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful loss of thermal energy through the overflow valve into a beneficial heating process. The overflowing steam is directed into a mixing chamber where it heats condensate, transforming the previously wasted energy into useful thermal energy for preheating feed water or other processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the thermal energy that would otherwise be discarded through the overflow valve. By capturing the overflowing steam and using it to heat condensate in the mixing chamber, the system recovers and reuses the thermal energy, improving overall system efficiency.
2Reliability
If the overflow valve opens at lower pressure than the safety valve, then the safety valve is protected, but steam hammers occur causing noise and material stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mixing chamber as an intermediary between the overflow valve and the external environment. The overflowing steam is directed into this chamber where it mixes with condensate, providing a controlled environment that prevents direct steam hammer effects while maintaining the pressure relief function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of steam condensing into water within the mixing chamber. The overflowing steam mixes with cooler condensate, causing partial condensation that reduces the steam's kinetic energy and prevents steam hammer effects while maintaining the safety pressure relief function.
3Temperature
If steam is used to heat tumble dryer and mangle first, then higher temperature requirements are met, but the thermal energy utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a continuous thermal energy utilization cycle where condensate from the high-temperature heating process is captured and reheated by overflowing steam in the mixing chamber. This continuous cycle ensures that thermal energy is repeatedly utilized rather than being lost, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining the required temperature levels for the tumble dryer and mangle.
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 system recycles thermal energy by heating the condensate to a high temperature, which can be reused, reducing energy loss and minimizing material stress from steam hammers, thus enhancing overall system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the steam flowing out through the overflow valve is mixed with the liquid flowing through the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
the overflow mixing device has a mixing chamber in which the steam flowing out through the overflow valve is mixed with the liquid flowing through the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
The liquid inlet is not connected to a cold liquid, but to an already warm liquid that is further heated by the steam introduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The plant (1) has a cylinder-shaped overflow mixing device (7) connected with a liquid line (6) or liquid reservoir (9) of a steam generator (2) via a liquid inlet (8) for supplying liquid into the overflow mixing device. The mixing device is connected with an overpressure steam line that contains an overflow valve (5), and is connected with an energy recycling device (12) via a liquid outlet (11). Mixture of steam with the liquid flowing through a mixing chamber (13) is provided in the mixing chamber, where the steam flows through the valve. The mixing device is thermally insulated.