CA2674437A1 - Water lifting device - Google Patents

Water lifting device Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2674437A1
CA2674437A1 CA 2674437 CA2674437A CA2674437A1 CA 2674437 A1 CA2674437 A1 CA 2674437A1 CA 2674437 CA2674437 CA 2674437 CA 2674437 A CA2674437 A CA 2674437A CA 2674437 A1 CA2674437 A1 CA 2674437A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
tank
water
steam
sprayer
anyone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2674437
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mohammed N. Alnassar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2674437 priority Critical patent/CA2674437A1/en
Publication of CA2674437A1 publication Critical patent/CA2674437A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04FPUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
    • F04F3/00Pumps using negative pressure acting directly on the liquid to be pumped

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Degasification And Air Bubble Elimination (AREA)

Abstract

A water lifting device that employs the principle of steam condensation in a vacuum tank. The vacuum tank receives waste steam, which is condensed by application of a fine spray of water.
The change in steam volume results in a pressure drop in the vacuum tank, thus allowing for water to be lifted into the tank.

Description

WATER LIFTING DEVICE
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to energy recovery from waste steam produced by manufacturing processes. More particularly, the present invention relates to the combined use of steam condensation and atmospheric pressure energy for lifting water from a lower level to a higher level.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
A number of electric and mechanical pumps have been designed to lift water from a first lower level to a second higher level. The majority of these pumps do not rely on the pressure differentials between reservoirs located at the two different levels. Instead, such pumps operate on pressure differences between input and output at the pump. Recently, some pumps have been designed to create a vacuum in a reservoir located at the second higher level.
This allows for the use of the subsequent atmospheric pressure differential in order to lift a body of water from the first lower level to the second higher level. However, these devices are not widely used due to the economic and energy costs involved. Consequently, conventional pumps often offer a viable alternative.

U.S. Patent No. 4,514,917 (issued to Bowen on May 7, 1985) discloses a vacuum pump attached to the top of an enclosed tank situated above a lower liquid level.
The vacuum pump is used sequentially to draw liquid from a lower level into the tank. Thereafter, the liquid is drained from the tank and directed for the operation of a low head turbine generator, irrigation, storage and other useful purposes.

There is thus a need to design a vacuum system for lifting a body of water that requires little expenditure of energy. In particular, none of the current water lift systems use recyclable energy in their operation. In particular, there is tremendous potential in the use of waste steam, as a source of recyclable energy. Given the impetus to improve efficiency and recycle energy, there is a need for a relatively inexpensive, efficient water lift system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention in its general form will first be described, and then its implementation will be detailed hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the invention, and the manner of its implementation. The invention in its broadest and more specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which conclude this Specification.

The present invention utilizes the principle of steam condensation in a sealed vacuum tank; the resulting pressure drop within the vacuum tank allows for water (at atmospheric pressure) at a first lower level to rise into the vacuum tank. The steam is obtained from waste steam expelled by manufacturing or power generation processes. As water rises, it acquires potential energy that can be harnessed in variety of ways, e.g. to generate electric power through the use of a low head flow turbine, or to pressurize water supply such as water towers in a water utility grid. The device can also be used to draw water at sea level in water desalination plants.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for lifting a body of water from a first lower level to a second higher level, the apparatus comprising: a vacuum tank set at the second higher level; a means for injecting steam into the tank, the means comprising a first valve for controlling steam flow into the tank; a first outlet means for releasing air and steam from the tank; the outlet means comprising a second valve for controlling steam and air flow out of the tank; a conduit for drawing water from the first lower level into the tank, the conduit attached to a third valve for controlling water flow into the tank; a sprayer for spraying the water into the steam in the tank; a means for initiating the sprayer; a second outlet means for releasing the water out of the tank, the second outlet means comprising a fourth valve for controlling water flow out of the tank; and a sequence control means for controlling the valves and the sprayer.
The steam is preferably injected into an upper portion of the tank and the means for releasing air and steam is preferably at a lower portion of the tank. The means for initiating the sprayer preferably comprises a pump that draws the water into the sprayer.
Furthermore, the apparatus preferably comprises one or more level sensors in the tank. In order to enhance the speed of steam condensation, the apparatus may further include a jet ejector.
Performance is enhanced by chemically treating the water during each cycle, so that algae or other impurities do not build up in the apparatus. Similarly, it is preferable to remove impurities in the water that may reduce the efficiency of the process. Another preferential feature is to de-aerate the water, as this enhances performance of the apparatus.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of lifting a body of water from a first lower level to a second higher level, the method comprising:
injecting steam through an inlet means at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure into a vacuum tank while expelling air from the tank through an outlet means until the tank is full of steam, the tank set at the second higher level; closing the inlet and outlet means; spraying fine droplets of water onto the steam to initiate condensation of the steam; and allowing water to rise from the first lower level through a conduit into the tank. The steam is preferably injected into an upper portion of the tank and the air is preferably expelled through a lower portion of the tank. It is preferable to initiate the spraying process by pumping a small amount of water from the first lower level. The method preferably comprises use of a jet ejector for enhancing rate of steam condensation. In addition, a sequence control means for controlling the valves, the pump and the sprayer can be employed.

Initially, steam enters into the top of the tank, filling the tank at a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. Air is expelled naturally through an outlet at the bottom of the tank. This occurs due to the natural stratification of steam and air caused by the density differentials between the two substances. Vacuum-like conditions are created subsequently when fine water droplets are introduced into the tank, causing the steam to condense rapidly.
The introduction of fine water droplets maximizes the contact surface of the water droplets with the steam, thereby allowing for the heat energy of the steam to disburse into a larger mass. As the steam condenses, a vacuum is created and water starts to rise from a first lower level (for example, in a lower tank) to fill the vacuum created in the vacuum tank. The vacuum tank can contain a level sensor which is connected to an electronic controller which automates the process of vacuum creation and water lifting.

The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the invention and some of its optional aspects. The invention may be further understood by the description which follows.
Wherever ranges of values are referenced within this specification, sub-ranges therein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated. Where characteristics are attributed to one or another variant of the invention, unless otherwise indicated, such characteristics are intended to apply to all other variants of the invention where such characteristics are appropriate or compatible with such other variants.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FICz 1 is a semi-diagrammatic view of a device embodying the present invention.

FIG 2 is a semi-diagrammatic view of a serial arrangement of the device shown in Fig. 1.
FIG 3 is a semi-diagrammatic view of a modification of the device shown in Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following is given by way of illustration only and is not to be considered limitative of this invention. Many apparent variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

As shown in Figure 1, the process begins with the entrance of waste steam through upper valve 3 into the vacuum tank 10. Air inside the vacuum tank 10 exits through lower valve 4. This happens due to the natural stratification of air and steam due to differing density. The pressure of the steam is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure.

Once the steam starts to vent at lower valve 4, both upper valve 3 and lower valve 4 are closed and valve 1 is opened, to allow for the entry of water. Valve 1 is connected to a conduit 20 that is attached to an reservoir 25 filled with water. The reservoir is 25 located at a level lower than the upper tank 10. For example, the reservoir 25 can be held at the level marked "elevation 0".

Initially, when valve 1 is opened, a pump (not shown) is activated to pump a small amount of water up the conduit 20 and onto the sprayer 7. The amount of water initially pumped is a small portion of the water needed to fill the upper reservoir 10. Sprayer 7 sprays fine droplets of water into the trapped steam. Use of a spray of fine water droplets maximizes the contact area between steam and water droplets. The latent heat of the steam transfers to the fine droplets of water and induces condensation of the steam to occur. At the same time, the pressure drops due to the change in the phase of the steam from gas to liquid. This reduction in pressure induces more water to enter from valve 1, and through sprayer 7. Once this process is initiated, the pump is turned off.

As more water enters the upper tank 10, the process of steam condensation accelerates and the pressure drops consequently. The process stops naturally once the vacuum tank 10 has been filled with water. However, the water level inside vacuum tank 10 can be monitored using level sensors 5 and 6, so that the spray valve 3 can be closed before the tank is completely filled. At this stage, valve 2 is opened to allow for the water in the vacuum tank 10 to exit for further lifting or to an adjacent holding area (not shown). As the water level in vacuum tank 10 drops, it triggers a level sensor 6 which shuts valve 2; then the process is repeated.

An automatic controller 8 is utilized in the process to activate and de-activate the various valves, sensors and controls described above.

Fig. 2 illustrates a serial connection of two devices. The first device 30 operates as described in Fig. 1. Valve 2 of the first device is connected to a conduit 45 that is connected to valve 1' of the second device 35. That is, the vacuum tank 10 of the first device 30 acts as a reservoir for the second device 35, which is located at a level higher than that of first device 30.

Fig. 3 illustrates an enhancement of the speed of the process shown in Fig. 1.
The steam entry is modified by use of a jet-ejector device 9 which takes pressurized steam and cools the steam trapped in the vacuum tank 10.
CONCLUSION
The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described and defined in the claims which now follow.
These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been provided herein.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for lifting a body of water from a first lower level to a second higher level, said apparatus comprising:

a) a vacuum tank set at said second higher level;

b) a means for injecting steam into said tank, said means comprising a first valve for controlling steam flow into said tank;

c) a first outlet means for releasing air and steam from said tank; said outlet means comprising a second valve for controlling steam and air flow out of said tank;

d) a conduit for drawing water from said first lower level into said tank, said conduit attached to a third valve for controlling water flow into said tank;

e) a sprayer for spraying said water into said steam in said tank;
f) a means for initiating said sprayer;

g) a second outlet means for releasing said water out of said tank, said second outlet means comprising a fourth valve for controlling water flow out of said tank; and h) a sequence control means for controlling said valves and said sprayer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water is de-aerated.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein impurities are removed from said water.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said water is treated chemically for removal of algae.
5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said steam is injected into an upper portion of said tank and said means for releasing air and steam is at a lower portion of said tank.
6. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein said means for initiating said sprayer comprises a pump that draws said water into said sprayer.
7 7. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1 to 6 further comprising one or more level sensors in said tank.
8. The apparatus of anyone of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a jet ejector.
9. A method of lifting a body of water from a first lower level to a second higher level, said method comprising:

a) injecting steam through an inlet means at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure into a vacuum tank while expelling air from said tank through an outlet means until said tank is full of steam, said tank set at said second higher level;

b) closing said inlet means and outlet means;

c) spraying fine droplets of water onto said steam to initiate condensation of said steam; and e) allowing water to rise from said first lower level through a conduit into said tank.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said water is de-aerated.
11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein impurities are removed from said water.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said water is treated chemically for removal of algae.
13. The method of anyone of claims 9 to 12 wherein said steam is injected into an upper portion of said tank and said air is expelled through a lower portion of said tank.
14. The method of anyone of claims 9 to 13, wherein spraying is initiated by pumping a small amount of water from said first lower level.
15. The method of anyone of claims 9 to 14, further comprising use of a jet ejector for enhancing rate of steam condensation.
16. The method of anyone of claims 9 to 15, further comprising a sequence control means for controlling said valves, said pump and said sprayer.
CA 2674437 2009-08-06 2009-08-06 Water lifting device Abandoned CA2674437A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2674437 CA2674437A1 (en) 2009-08-06 2009-08-06 Water lifting device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2674437 CA2674437A1 (en) 2009-08-06 2009-08-06 Water lifting device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2674437A1 true CA2674437A1 (en) 2009-10-22

Family

ID=41212325

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2674437 Abandoned CA2674437A1 (en) 2009-08-06 2009-08-06 Water lifting device

Country Status (1)

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CA (1) CA2674437A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104632725B (en) * 2013-11-07 2017-04-12 江苏大金激光科技有限公司 Mobile pneumatic water sucking machine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104632725B (en) * 2013-11-07 2017-04-12 江苏大金激光科技有限公司 Mobile pneumatic water sucking machine

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