Steam dispersion system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam dispersion systems face challenges in efficiently draining condensate without requiring access to both ends of the steam header, leading to potential accumulation and increased installation costs.

Innovation Solution

An internal steam re-direction feature within the header redirects steam flow approximately 180 degrees back towards the steam inlet, allowing the condensate drain to be located on the same side as the steam inlet, using a hollow pipe with orifices and deflectors to enhance steam distribution and control back pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the condensate drain is located on the opposite end of the header from the steam inlet, then condensate is effectively drained without accumulation, but access to both ends of the header is required for piping installation, increasing installation costs and potentially reducing active dispersion area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensate drainage effectivenessVSAvoidpiping installation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the condensate drain on the same side as the steam inlet rather than the opposite end. This is made possible by introducing a steam re-direction structure that redirects steam flow 180 degrees back toward the inlet side, creating a flow pattern that pushes condensate toward the drain location on the inlet side, thus resolving the contradiction between drainage effectiveness and installation ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The steam re-direction structure acts as an intermediary element within the header that modifies steam flow direction. This intermediary structure enables the steam flow to redirect and push condensate toward the drain on the inlet side, allowing the drain to be positioned on the same side as the steam inlet while maintaining effective condensate removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an external condensate drain pipe is installed underneath the header and sloped back to the steam inlet side, then condensate can be drained to the inlet side, but this increases cost and requires space underneath the header which reduces active steam dispersion area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensate drainage capabilityVSAvoidactive steam dispersion area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the steam re-direction structure inside the header, with the re-direction structure containing internal features such as hollow pipes or deflectors. This nested arrangement achieves condensate drainage to the inlet side without requiring external piping underneath the header, thus preserving the active steam dispersion area while maintaining drainage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using external space underneath the header for drain piping, the patent solves the drainage problem by creating a three-dimensional flow pattern within the header using the re-direction structure. The steam flow is redirected in another dimension (180 degrees back toward inlet), pushing condensate to the drain on the inlet side without occupying external space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Effectively drains condensate without accumulating in the header or entering the airstream, reducing installation costs and optimizing AHU space usage by allowing same-side piping.

Implementation Method 1

an internal feature or structure within the header which re-directs the flow of the entering steam approximately 180 degrees back towards the steam inlet. The drain port can be located on the same side as the steam inlet since the condensate is pushed towards the drain by the re-directed steam flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam flow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

Orifices that penetrate the hollow structure or pipe allow some of the steam to exit to enhance uniform steam distribution within the header and control back pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrifice flow:

Implementation Method 3

Cool air flowing across the dispersion tubes of the steam dispersion system panel causes some of the steam within the dispersion tubes to condense

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS20250341324A1Steam dispersion system

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 DRI STEEM CORP

AI summary

A steam dispersion system includes a header defining a first end and a second end, a plurality of steam dispersion tubes extending upwardly from the header, a condensate drain outlet located at the first end, a hollow pipe positioned within the header, the pipe defining a length extending in a direction generally from the first end to the second end, the pipe defining a main humidification steam inlet located at the first end and a main steam outlet that is within the header. The hollow pipe is configured to receive steam flowing in from the main steam inlet toward the main steam outlet. The pipe may define a plurality of orifices along the length thereof for allowing steam flowing through the pipe to enter the header for distribution through the dispersion tubes. A steam re-direction structure directs steam flow leaving through the main steam outlet back toward the first end of the header.