Compact water vaporizer for dynamic steam generation and uniform temperature control
US7258081B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28D2021/0043
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A compact cylindrical vaporizer for simultaneous reduction of a reformate stream temperature and generation of a process stream is disclosed. The vaporizer utilizes counter flowing nested tubular portions that spiral between an outer section of the vaporizer and a central section of the vaporizer. The return spiral has a larger cross-sectional area than the inward spiral to accommodate a higher volumetric flow rate of the water flowing there through as it vaporizes while keeping the fluid velocity below erosion design constraints. The counter spiraling flow provides a substantially uniform spatial temperature profile of a reformate stream flowing on the exterior of the tubular portions. The vaporizer can be sized to be substantially the same as that of an upstream reactor to minimize velocity losses and pressure drops in the reformate stream flowing there through. A plurality of fins are positioned between the opposing tubular portion to enhance the heat transfer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.