System and method for multi-level vacuum generation and storage
US11225954B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B41/06
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum generation system and method utilizes a dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation system to evacuate a vacuum storage. Saturated steam of higher than ambient pressure is inserted into a condensation cylinder with two chambers separated by a movable piston. Steam moves the piston to fill one chamber while expel gaseous content and condensate out of the other chamber. Steam is then condensed to a rough vacuum (RV) state by cooling. By repeated operations of inserting and condensing steam in each chamber alternatively, a sustained vacuum generation is achieved. A multi-level vacuum storage is also disclosed with a high vacuum (HV) storage placed inside a rough vacuum (RV) storage to reduce leakage as well as mechanical stresses. The vacuum generation system and method is extended for creating a prime mover or actuator to drive vacuum pumps maximizing thermal energy usage for increased vacuuming capacity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.