Steam Dryness Measurement Using Condensate Flow Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for monitoring steam quality, such as throttling calorimeters and thermometric/volumetric methods, are inefficient and require significant user intervention, lacking the ability to accurately determine steam dryness levels with high sensitivity and low energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a flow measurement device, condenser, and condensate sensing device that measures and calculates steam dryness levels by comparing actual and expected condensate collection values, allowing for automated and precise determination of steam dryness without substantial user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional methods (throttling calorimeter, separating calorimeter, thermometric/volumetric method) are used to monitor steam quality, then steam dryness level can be determined, but the methods require significant user intervention and lack automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of steam dryness level determinationVSAvoiduser intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement by automatically condensing steam samples and detecting condensate volume without requiring user intervention. The microcontroller automatically controls the solenoid valve, timing the condensate collection process and calculating dryness levels based on measured values, making the system self-sufficient and automated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with electronic and automated systems. The solenoid valve electronically controls steam flow, the microcontroller automatically timing and calculations, and the optical sensor detects condensate volume, substituting manual mechanical measurement processes with automated electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional monitoring methods are used, then steam quality can be assessed, but energy consumption is high and sensitivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity of steam dryness level determinationVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses partial action by condensing only small steam samples (e.g., 0.1-1 mL) rather than large volumes, and performs measurements at discrete intervals rather than continuously. This partial measurement approach achieves sufficient precision for detecting dryness level changes while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous full-scale monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct steam property measurement to condensate volume measurement after condensation. By measuring the volume of condensed liquid rather than directly measuring steam properties, the system achieves higher sensitivity in detecting dryness level changes with lower energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If steam dryness level is not properly monitored, then equipment may operate without intervention, but equipment performance and longevity are affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment performance and longevityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by continuously monitoring steam dryness levels and comparing them against acceptable ranges. When the dryness level falls outside the acceptable range, the system can trigger alerts or control actions to correct the steam quality, ensuring equipment receives proper steam and maintaining both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables high-sensitivity, low-energy consumption, and automated determination of steam dryness levels, suitable for periodic monitoring and minimizing equipment damage by ensuring proper steam quality.

Implementation Method 1

a condenser for producing condensate from the steam from the steam source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS12571720B2Apparatus for and method of determining dryness level of steam

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 T J B SYST LTD

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus (20), for determining a dryness level of steam from a steam source (22), comprising:a flow measurement device (24) for measuring a flow of the steam from the steam source (22);a condenser (26) for producing condensate from the steam from the steam source (22); anda condensate sensing device (30) configured to:measure a collection value of condensate produced from the steam from the steam source (22);obtain a mass flow rate from the measured flow of the steam from the steam source (22);use the obtained mass flow rate to determine an expected collection value of condensate produced from steam of a known dryness level, or use the obtained mass flow rate to determine an expected collection value of steam from the steam source based on a known dryness level;determine a dryness level of the steam from the steam source (22) by comparing the measured collection value and the expected collection value.