Importance

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Abstract

A condensing vessel is shown generally at 100, and comprises a stationary outer chamber 102, and a rotating portion in the form of an inner rotating drum or chamber 104, both of which are generally cylindrical, and arranged concentrically. A steam inlet 128 is provided to the inner chamber 104, and a water outlet 130 is provided from the outer chamber 102. Water level sensors 132 are provided on the outer chamber 102 to provide a control signal to a water pump (not shown). The water pump withdraws water to a de-aerator, prior to returning the water to a hot well (not shown). The pump is regulated by a three-way valve which determines how much (if any) water is returned to chamber 102 and how much is directed to the de-aerator, in dependence upon the water level in chamber 102. In use, steam enters the inlet 128 from an exhaust of a steam turbine (not shown). The inner chamber 104 is rotating at a speed of several thousand rpm and contains a body of water 134 that rotates with the chamber 104 in the form of a rotating cylindrical wall of water. The first impeller 114 forces the steam down into the chamber 104 where it condenses into droplets of water and is thrown radially outwards towards the wall 108. Uncondensed steam cannot exit the inner chamber as to do so it would first have to pass through the water to be able to enter a gap, labelled G, between the annular plate 112 and the return flange 126. In effect the water in this gap acts as a self-regulating, high-pressure water seal.

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First Claim