Method and apparatus to improve performance of power plant steam surface condensers
US8689443B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49387
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention apparatus and method is practiced in large steam surface condensers and in one aspect comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed between the vertical tube bundles to drain the condensate from the upper bundle around the lower ones and thereby improve the heat transfer coefficient of the lower bundle(s). A second aspect of the invention apparatus comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed slightly below the lowest bundle to improve reheating of falling condensate up toward the saturation temperature of the condenser thereby reducing subcooling and the level of dissolved oxygen in that condensate. A third aspect of the invention apparatus comprises a partial hood retrofitted at the top of the central tubesheet air off-take entrance which is a unique element of the starburst/core pipe condenser design to thereby improve the air removal capability and consequently the performance of the condenser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.