Superheated Steam Recycling Apparatus with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superheated steam recycling apparatuses fail to effectively utilize used steam, leading to significant calorific loss and inefficiencies in generating superheated steam, as they discharge used steam without proper recycling and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A superheated steam recycling apparatus that includes a superheated steam generating part, steam supply and return flow paths, a flowmeter to control steam flow rates, and additional devices like heating, air removal, and steam-water separation to maintain steam temperature and purity, allowing used steam to be recycled and reused efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If used steam is discharged without recycling, then the system is simple to operate, but calorific loss is significant and energy efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers used steam by introducing a steam return flow path that channels spent steam back to the superheated steam generating part, converting it into fresh superheated steam for reuse. This eliminates direct discharge and recovers the thermal energy contained in the used steam, directly addressing the calorific loss problem while adding a dedicated recovery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the flow rate of used steam returning to the superheated steam generating part is measured by a flowmeter, and this measured flow rate is used to control the steam supply flow path. This closed-loop control optimizes the recycling process and maintains energy efficiency while managing system complexity through automated regulation.
2Loss of energy
If used steam is recycled without flow control, then energy recovery is maximized, but the heat quantity needed to generate superheated steam cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flowmeter to measure the actual flow rate of used steam returning to the superheated steam generating part, and uses this measurement to control the steam supply flow path. This feedback-based flow control optimizes the balance between energy recovery and the heat quantity required for steam generation, minimizing energy waste while maintaining efficient operation through automated regulation.
3Productivity
If steam flow rate is not controlled, then the system is easier to operate, but energy efficiency and heat utilization are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flowmeter that continuously monitors the flow rate of used steam returning to the superheated steam generating part, and uses this information to automatically control the steam supply flow path. This automated feedback control optimizes energy efficiency by ensuring the correct amount of steam is supplied and recycled, while the system maintains ease of operation through hands-free automated regulation rather than requiring manual intervention.
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 apparatus effectively recycles used superheated steam, minimizing calorific loss and reducing the heat quantity needed to generate superheated steam, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and preventing steam state changes that cause inefficiencies and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a flowmeter that is provided in the steam return flow path to measure a flow rate of the used steam returned to the superheated steam generating part
Implementation Method 2
a heating device that is provided in the steam return flow path to perform heating such that the used steam keeps a temperature equal to or more than the boiling point from the superheated steam utilization part to the superheated steam generating part
Implementation Method 3
a steam-water separating device that is provided in the steam return flow path to separate water from steam
Implementation Method 4
an air removing device that is provided in the steam return flow path to remove air from the used steam
Implementation Method 5
a superheated steam generating part that generates superheated steam
Implementation Method 6
latent heat necessary for a state change from water at boiling point to steam at boiling point is the largest
Implementation Method 7
superheated steam processing apparatuses that use superheated steam to wash, dry, and sterilize processing objects
Data Source
AI summary
A superheated steam recycling apparatus includes a superheated steam generating part; a steam supply flow path for supplying saturated steam to the superheated steam generating part; a superheated steam utilization part that is supplied with superheated steam generated by the superheated steam generating part; a steam return flow path for returning used steam having passed through the superheated steam utilization part to the superheated steam generating part; and a flowmeter that measures a flow rate of the used steam returned to the superheated steam generating part, and on the basis of the difference between a desired flow rate of the superheated steam to be generated by the superheated steam generating part and the flow rate of the used steam obtained by the flowmeter, controls a flow rate of the saturated steam to be supplied to the superheated steam generating part through the steam supply flow path.