CN114761749A

CN114761749A - Advanced large-scale on-site installation type air-cooled industrial steam condenser

Info

Publication number: CN114761749A
Application number: CN202080074669.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·W·比格勒; J-P·利伯特; M·胡贝尔; T·艾思罗; W·塞克斯顿; B·希尔德布兰特
Original assignee: Evapco Inc
Current assignee: Evapco Inc
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2022-07-15
Also published as: CA3154277A1; KR20220056870A; JP2022547603A; ZA202204165B; BR112022004589A2; AU2020347054A1; EP4028706A1; MX2022003073A; WO2021050105A1; EP4028706A4

Abstract

A large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser has heat exchanger panels independently encased and supported in heat exchange frame sections. A bottom valve cover extends along the bottom length of each heat exchanger panel for delivering steam to the bottom ends of the condenser tubes in the heat exchanger panel and for receiving condensate formed in these same tubes. The top of the tube is connected to a top valve cover. Uncondensed vapor and non-condensables are drawn from the condenser tube into the top valve cap. A steam distribution manifold is suspended from the heat exchange frame portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange panels and below the heat exchange plate center point and delivers steam to each heat exchange panel through a single steam inlet located at the center point of each bottom valve cover.

Description

Advanced large-scale on-site installation formula air-cooled industrial steam condenser

Technical Field

The invention relates to a large-scale air-cooled industrial steam condenser installed on site.

Background

A typical large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser consists of a heat exchange bundle disposed in an a-frame arrangement above large fans, one for each fan. Each bundle typically contains 35-45 vertically oriented flat finned tubes; each tube was about 11 meters long and about 200 millimeters high, with semicircular leading and trailing edges and an outer width of 18-22 millimeters. Each a-frame typically holds 5 to 7 tube bundles per side.

The typical a-frame ACC described above also includes a first stage or "primary" condenser tube bundle (sometimes referred to as a K-bundle, used as a kondenssor) and a second stage or "secondary" condenser tube bundle (sometimes referred to as a D-bundle, used as a fractionator). Approximately 80% to 90% of the heat exchanger bundles are first stage or primary condensers. The vapor enters the top of the primary condenser tube bundle and the condensate and some vapor exits the bottom. In the first stage, the vapor and condensate travel down the heat exchanger tube bundle, a process commonly referred to as the co-current condensation stage. The first stage configuration has thermal efficiency; however, it does not provide a means of removing non-condensable gases. To purge non-condensable gases out of the first stage tube bundle, 10% to 20% of the heat exchanger tube bundles are configured as second stage or secondary condensers, typically distributed between the primary condensers, with steam being drawn from a lower condensing manifold. In this arrangement, steam and non-condensable gases flow through the first stage condenser as they are drawn into the bottom of the secondary condenser. As the gas mixture flows upward through the secondary condenser, the remaining vapor condenses, causing the non-condensable gases to collect at the top and the condensate to drain to the bottom. This process is commonly referred to as the countercurrent condensation stage. The top of the secondary condenser is attached to a vacuum manifold that exhausts the non-condensable gases from the system.

Variants of standard prior art ACC arrangements have been disclosed, for example in US 2015/0204611 and US 2015/0330709. These applications show the same finned tubes but greatly shortened and then arranged in a series of small a-frames, typically 5 to 6 a-frames per fan. Part of the logic is to reduce the steam side pressure drop, which has less impact on overall capacity in summer conditions but greater impact in winter conditions. Another part of the logic is to weld the overhead steam manifold piping to each tube bundle at the factory and transport them together, saving expensive on-site welding labor. The net effect of this arrangement of attaching the steam manifold at the factory and transporting it with the tube bundle is that the tube length is reduced to accommodate the manifold in the transport vessel.

Other variants of standard prior art ACC arrangements have been disclosed, for example in US 2017/0363357 and US 2017/0363358. These applications disclose a novel tube structure for an ACC having a cross-sectional height of 10mm or less. US 2017/0363357 also discloses a novel ACC arrangement with a heat exchanger tube bundle in which the primary condenser tube bundle is arranged horizontally along the longitudinal axis of the tube bundle and the secondary tube bundle is arranged parallel to the transverse axis. US 2017/0363358 discloses an ACC arrangement in which all tube bundles are secondary tube bundles.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention presented herein is a new and improved design of large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condensers for power plants and the like, which provides significant improvements and advantages over prior art ACCs.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger panel is constituted by an integral secondary condenser portion located in the centre of the heat exchanger panel, flanking a primary condenser portion which may be identical to each other or may be different. A bottom valve cover extends along the bottom length of the heat exchanger panel and is connected to the bottom side of the bottom tube sheet for delivering steam to the bottom end of the primary condenser tube. In this arrangement, the first stage of condensation occurs in a counter-current operation. The top of the tube is connected to a top tubesheet, which is connected at its top side to a top valve cover. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables flow from the primary condenser tubes into the top valve head and toward the center of the heat exchanger panel where they enter the top of the tubes of the secondary condenser section. In this arrangement, the second stage of condensation occurs in co-current operation. Non-condensables and condensate flow out of the bottom of the secondary tube into an internal secondary chamber located within the bottom valve cover. Non-condensables and condensate are discharged from the bottom valve cover secondary chamber through an outlet nozzle, and condensate is discharged and delivered to water collected from the primary condenser section.

According to an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger panel may be configured as a single stage condenser heat exchange panel, wherein all tubes of the heat exchanger panel receive steam from the bottom valve cover and deliver condensate to the bottom valve cover, while non-condensables are vented through the top valve cover. More specifically, the bottom valve cover extends along the bottom length of the heat exchanger panel, connecting to the underside of the bottom tubesheet, as in the multi-stage embodiment, but in the single-stage embodiment, the bottom valve cover delivers steam to the bottoms of all of the tubes in the heat exchanger panel. As with the multi-stage embodiment, the top of all of the tubes are connected to a top tubesheet, which is connected at its top to a top valve cover. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables flow from all tubes in the heat exchanger panels into the top valve head and are withdrawn from the top valve head for further processing. Condensate flows out of the bottom of all tubes, into the bottom valve cover, and into the vapor distribution manifold.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, each heat exchanger panel may be independently installed into and supported in the heat exchange section frame. According to one embodiment, in an arrangement similar to an a-frame or V-frame type arrangement, adjacent panels may be inclined in opposite directions with respect to the vertical, although preferably there is no relationship or interaction between adjacent panels. According to another embodiment, each heat exchange panel may be vertically oriented with an optional air deflector or seal at an angle between each adjacent panel. According to another embodiment, all heat exchange panels may be inclined at an angle to the vertical, all in the same direction. According to yet another embodiment, all heat exchange panels of one side of the heat exchange portion may be inclined in one direction with respect to the vertical direction, and all heat exchange panels of the other side of the heat exchange portion may be inclined in the opposite direction with respect to the vertical direction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each unit or module of the ACC has a plenum section module with a single large fan to create airflow over all heat exchange panels in the same module.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the plenum section module may include a plurality of longitudinal fan decks arranged above the fan deck frame, each fan deck having a plurality of fans. According to various aspects of this embodiment, the fan decks may be aligned such that their longitudinal axes are parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange panels in the same ACC module.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lower steam distribution manifold extends under a plurality of ACC units/modules in a row and the heat exchange panels of each unit or module of the ACC are fed by a single riser pipe which delivers its steam to a dedicated upper steam distribution manifold, preferably comprising a large horizontal cylinder closed at both ends, which is suspended under the heat exchange section support frame, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panels, and under the central point of each heat exchanger panel. An upper steam distribution manifold supplies steam to the bottom valve head of each heat exchanger panel at a single location at the center point of each panel.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the heat exchange module frame and the heat exchange plates of each unit are pre-assembled on the ground. The heat exchange module frame is then supported on an assembly fixture having a height just sufficient to suspend the upper steam distribution manifold from the underside of the heat exchange module frame. In addition, plenum sections, including the fan decks and fan sets of the respective heat exchange modules, are also assembled at the floor. In turn or simultaneously, the understructure of the respective heat exchange module may be assembled in its final position. The heat exchange module from which the upper steam distribution manifold is suspended can then be lifted in its entirety and placed on top of the substructure, followed by similar lifting and placement of the completed plenum section subassembly.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper steam distribution manifolds for a plurality of units are combined into a single overhead steam manifold that is suspended from and extends along the length of a plurality of condenser modules. According to this embodiment, the lower steam manifold and riser are eliminated and the overhead steam manifold is fed directly from the turbine exhaust duct, which is itself elevated to the level of the overhead steam manifold. An elevated steam distribution manifold supplies steam to the bottom valve cover of each heat exchanger panel at a single location at the center point of the panel.

This new ACC design may be used with tubes having prior art cross-sectional configurations and areas (e.g., 200mm x 18-22 mm). Alternatively, this new ACC design may be used with tubes (200mm x 10mm or less) having the design described in US 2017/0363357 and US 2017/0363358, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

According to another alternative embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with 100mm x 5mm to 7mm tubes with offset fins.

According to another embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention can be used with either 200mm 5mm-7mm tubes or 200mm 17-20mm tubes, preferably having "arrow" type fins arranged at 5-12 fins per inch (fpi), preferably 9-12 fins per inch, and most preferably 9.8 fins per inch.

According to another embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention can be used with a 120mm by 5mm-7mm tube having "arrow" type fins arranged with 9.8 fins per inch. According to a further embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with a 140mm x 5mm-7mm tube having "arrow" type fins arranged with 9.8 fins per inch. While the 120mm and 140mm configurations do not produce exactly the same capacity increase as the 200mm configuration, both the 120mm and 140mm configurations reduce material and weight compared to the 200mm design.

For the disclosure of the above-described arrow-type fin structure, the disclosure of U.S. application No. 15/425,454, filed on 6/2/2017, is incorporated herein in its entirety.

According to yet another embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with tubes having "louvered" fins, which perform substantially the same as offset fins, and which are more easily obtained and manufactured.

The description herein of fin types and sizes is not intended to limit the present invention. The inventive tubes described herein may be used with any type of fin without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser connected to an industrial steam production facility, having: a single or multiple condenser channels, each condenser channel comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section; the plenum section having a single or multiple fans drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in the heat exchanger section; and each heat exchanger panel has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis; each heat exchanger panel has a plurality of tubes; the top valve cover is connected with the top end of each pipe and is in fluid communication with the top valve cover; a bottom valve cap connected to and in fluid communication with the bottom end of at least a subset of the tubes; the bottom valve cap has a single steam inlet; each condenser channel includes a vapor distribution manifold depending from the heat exchanger section, disposed along an axis perpendicular to the heat exchanger panel longitudinal axis at a midpoint of the heat exchanger panel, and extending the length of the condenser channel below the plurality of heat exchanger panels; the steam distribution manifold includes a cylinder having a first end and a second end, the cylinder being closed at the second end remote from the first end, the cylinder having a plurality of connections at a top surface thereof, each connection being adapted to connect to a respective single steam inlet.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel includes a single condenser stage, wherein all of the tubes in the heat exchanger panel receive steam from the bottom ends of the tubes.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted, air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein a top valve cover is configured to receive non-condensable gases and optionally non-condensed steam from the condenser tubes and not provide steam to the tubes.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel includes: a secondary condenser section, a primary condenser section, and a top valve cover; a top valve cap connected to and in fluid communication with a top end of each tube in the secondary condenser section and the primary condenser section; a primary bottom valve cap connected to and in fluid communication with the bottom end of each tube of the primary condenser section; an internal secondary chamber within a bottom valve cap is connected to and in fluid communication with the bottom end of each tube of the secondary condenser section; the secondary bottom valve cap is connected to a top side of the primary bottom valve caps, each of the primary bottom valve caps having a single valve stem inlet.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel includes two primary condenser sections flanking the secondary section.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein a secondary condenser section is centrally located along the heat exchange panel and is flanked on each end by a primary condenser section.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the steam distribution manifold cylinder is attached at a first end to a turbine exhaust duct.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the steam distribution manifold is closed at both ends and has a single connection to the steam riser pipe at the bottom surface.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each of the heat exchanger panels is independently suspended from the frame of the heat exchanger section by a plurality of flexible suspension supports.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser in which all of the heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented vertically.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction, at the same angle to the vertical.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser in which all of the heat exchange panels on one side of a single heat exchanger section are inclined in one direction relative to the vertical and all of the heat exchange panels on the other side of the single heat exchanger section are inclined in the opposite direction relative to the vertical.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, the air plenum section including a single fan disposed on a fan deck frame and drawing air over all of the heat exchanger panels in the heat exchanger section.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted, air-cooled industrial steam condenser, the plenum portion including a plurality of fan deck trays disposed on a fan deck frame, each of the fan deck trays including a plurality of fans.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser in which the air drawn in each fan spans no more than two heat exchange panels.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each of the flexible suspension supports includes a central rod connected at each end to a connecting sleeve; and wherein one connection sleeve of each flexible suspension support is connected to the heat exchanger section frame and the second connection sleeve of each flexible suspension support is connected to the tube sheet of the heat exchanger panel.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have a length of 2.0m to 2.8m, a cross-sectional height of 120mm, and a cross-sectional width of 4-10 mm.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the tube has a cross-sectional width of 5.2-7 mm.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the tube has a cross-sectional width of 6.0 mm.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 9 to 10mm and a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 18mm to 20mm, spanning the space between and contacting adjacent tubes, the fins having a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of assembling a large field-mounted air cooled condenser, including the steps of: assembling a heat exchange section including a heat exchange section frame and the heat exchanger panel on the ground; supporting the heat exchange section at a height from ground level sufficient only to suspend the steam distribution manifold section directly beneath and adjacent to the heat exchanger panel; assembling a plenum section having a fan deck and a fan assembly at ground level; raising and placing the assembled heat exchange section and steam distribution manifold section on top of the respective understructures; attaching adjacent steam distribution manifold portions to each other; and, raising and placing the assembled plenum section on top of the heat exchange section.

There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser, optionally connected to an industrial steam production facility, including: a single or multiple condenser channels, each condenser channel comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section; the plenum section having a single or multiple fans drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in the heat exchanger section; and each heat exchanger panel has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis; each heat exchanger panel comprises a plurality of condenser tubes and a top and bottom valve cover, the top valve cover is connected with and in fluid communication with the top end of each of the plurality of condenser tubes; the bottom valve cover is connected with the bottom end of each condensing pipe in the plurality of condensing pipes and is in fluid communication with the condensing pipes; each said bottom valve cover having a single steam inlet; each condenser channel having a single vapor distribution manifold depending from and directly adjacent to the bottom side of the heat exchange section, disposed along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panel at a midpoint of the heat exchanger panel, and extending the length of the condenser channel; the steam distribution manifold includes a cylinder attached at a first end to a turbine exhaust pipe and closed at a second end remote from the first end; the cylinder has a plurality of connectors on its top surface adapted to connect to the inlet of the bottom valve cap.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heat exchange section of a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded close-up view of the heat exchange section of a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser of the prior art showing the orientation of the tubes relative to the steam distribution manifold.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a two-stage heat exchanger panel according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the heat exchanger panel shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger panel of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger plate shown in fig. 3, taken along the line C-C.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger panel shown in FIG. 3 taken along line D-D.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger panel shown in fig. 3 taken along line E-E.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a two-stage heat exchanger panel and an upper steam distribution manifold according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 9.

Fig. 10B is an alternative embodiment to the embodiment shown in fig. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a bottom valve cover of the type shown in FIG. 9 having a flat shield plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bottom valve cover of the type shown in FIG. 9 having a curved shield plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13A is a side view of a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser with a new steam delivery and distribution configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13B is a top view of the large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser shown in fig. 13A.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged side view of one unit of the large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser shown in fig. 13A and 13B.

Fig. 15 is a further enlarged side view of one unit of the large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of fig. 13A, 13B and 14.

FIG. 16 is a front view of an upper vapor distribution manifold and its connection to a heat exchanger panel, including an optional condenser tube from a secondary bottom valve cover (in the case of a two-stage condenser panel), according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 17 is a further enlarged side view of one unit of the large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of fig. 13-15, showing end views of two pairs of heat exchanger panels.

FIG. 18A is a set of engineering drawings showing the boom in a cold position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18B is a set of engineering drawings showing the boom of FIG. 18A in a hot position.

FIG. 19A is a set of engineering drawings showing the boom in a cold position according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19B is a set of engineering drawings showing the boom of FIG. 18A in a hot position.

FIG. 20A shows a top perspective view of a single preassembled condenser module including an upper steam distribution manifold suspended therefrom.

FIG. 20B shows a bottom perspective view of a single preassembled condenser module including an upper steam distribution manifold suspended therefrom.

Fig. 21A shows a top perspective view of a fan deck and fan (plenum) subassembly of a corresponding single unit of the condenser module shown in fig. 20A and 20B.

Fig. 21B shows a bottom perspective view of the fan deck and fan (plenum) subassembly of a corresponding single unit of the condenser module shown in fig. 20A and 20B.

Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of the tower of a respective single unit of the condenser module shown in fig. 20A and 20B.

FIG. 23 shows the preassembled condenser module of FIGS. 20A and 20B lifted and placed on the tower of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 shows the fan deck and fan (plenum) subassembly of FIGS. 21A and 21B installed and placed on top of the tower section and condenser module of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser with an elevated steam distribution manifold directly connected to the turbine steam piping, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser with an elevated steam distribution manifold directly connected to the turbine steam piping, according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is an end view of the embodiment of fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which all of the heat exchange panels in the heat exchange module are vertically oriented and an air deflecting seal is located between each pair of adjacent panels.

Fig. 29 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which all heat exchange panels of one side of the heat exchange module are inclined in one direction with respect to the vertical direction, and all heat exchange panels of the other side of the heat exchange module are inclined in the opposite direction with respect to the vertical direction.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a fan deck tray in which each plenum section module supports a plurality of fan deck trays, each fan deck tray supporting a plurality of fans, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the fan plate includes a plurality of fan deck trays supported on a fan plate structure above the heat exchange module, wherein each fan deck tray includes a plurality of fans, and the fan deck trays are arranged with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange panel.

Fig. 32 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the fan plate includes a plurality of fan deck trays supported on a fan plate structure above the heat exchange module, wherein each fan deck tray includes a plurality of fans, and the fan deck trays are arranged with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange panel.

Fig. 33 shows an example of the type of fan that may be used in the fan deck disk embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a side view of a single stage heat exchanger panel and an upper steam distribution manifold according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a top view of a large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser with an elevated steam distribution manifold connected to the ground turbine exhaust piping by end risers, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 36 is an elevation view of the embodiment of fig. 35 taken along section a-a.

Fig. 37 is an elevation view of the embodiment of fig. 35 taken along section B-B.

Features in the drawings are numbered with the following reference numerals:

2 Heat exchanger panel 12 Top valve Cap

4 bottom tube sheet of primary condenser section 14

6 Secondary condenser section 15 lifting/support Angle

7 tube 16 bottom valve cover

8 condensation tube bundle 18 valve rod inlet/condensation outlet

10 top tube sheet 20 shield

21 perforating 50 hanging bracket

22 fan-shaped side 54 boom

24 Secondary bottom bonnet 56 hanger sleeve

26 nozzle (for secondary bottom valve cover) 58 hanger retaining plate or knob

27 ACC condenser module (unit) 60 hanger groove

28 upper steam manifold 62 lower structural module

29Y-shaped nozzle 64 air chamber part module

30 riser (LSM to USM) 66 overhead steam distribution manifold

31 turbine exhaust duct 68 overhead turbine exhaust duct

32 lower steam distribution manifold 70 air deflection seal

Aisle/row 72 fan deck tray for 34 ACC units

36 (Heat exchange section) frame 74 Small Fan

37 heat exchange module 76 ground turbine exhaust pipe

40 deflection yoke 78 end riser (GLTED to ESDM)

42 condensate pipe

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 3-8, a heat exchanger panel 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention includes two primary condenser sections 4 flanking an integral and centrally located secondary condenser section 6. Each heat exchanger panel 2 consists of a plurality of individual condenser bundles 8, a first subset of the condenser bundles 8 constituting the centrally located secondary portion 6 and a second subset of the different condenser bundles 8 constituting the primary portions 4 of each flank. The dimensions and configuration of the tubes 7 of the primary and secondary sections are preferably the same. At their top, all the tubes 7 of the primary and secondary sections 4, 6 are connected to a top tube sheet 10, on which top tube sheet 10a hollow top valve cover 12 is mounted, the top valve cover 12 extending along the length of the top of the heat exchanger panel 2. The bottoms of all the tubes 7 of the primary and secondary sections 4, 6 are connected to a bottom tube sheet 14, which bottom tube sheet 14 forms the top of a bottom valve cover 16. The bottom valve cover 16 likewise extends along the length of the heat exchanger panel 2. The bottom valve cover 16 is in direct fluid communication with the tube 7 of the primary portion 4, but not with the tube of the secondary portion 6. The bottom valve cover 16 is fitted with a single steam inlet/condensation outlet 18 at a central point of its length; the steam inlet/condensate outlet 18 receives all steam for the heat exchanger panel 2 and serves as an outlet for condensate collected from the primary section 4. The bottom of the bottom valve cover 16 is preferably inclined downwardly at an angle between 1 and 5 degrees, preferably at an angle of about 3 degrees relative to the horizontal from the ends of the valve cover 16 toward the steam inlet/condensate outlet 18 in the middle of the heat exchanger panel 2. According to a preferred embodiment and referring to fig. 9-12, the bottom valve cover 16 may include a shield 20 to isolate the flow of condensate from the flow of steam. The shield plate 20 may have perforations 21 and/or have scalloped edges 22 or other openings or configurations to allow condensate falling on top of the shield plate 20 to enter the space below the shield plate and flow below the shield plate to the inlet/outlet 18. The shield plate 20 is fixed at an angle close to horizontal (between horizontal and laterally 12 degrees from horizontal) as viewed from the end of the bottom valve cover 16 to maximize the cross-section provided by the bottom valve cover 16 for steam flow. The shield plate 20 may be flat as shown in fig. 11 or curved as shown in fig. 12. The top tube sheet 10 and the bottom tube sheet 14 may be provided with lifting/support corners 15 for lifting and/or supporting the heat exchanger 2.

An internal secondary chamber or secondary base valve cover 24 is provided within the base valve cover 16, in direct fluid connection with only the tube 7 of the secondary portion 6, and extends the length of the secondary portion 6, but preferably does not exceed the length of the secondary portion 6. The secondary bottom valve cover 24 is provided with nozzles 26 for withdrawing non-condensables and condensate.

According to the alternative single-stage condenser embodiment shown in fig. 34, there is no secondary section or secondary bottom valve cover, and the bottom valve cover 16 is in direct fluid communication with all of the tubes in the heat exchange panel 2. According to this embodiment, the bottom valve cover 16 extends along the bottom length of the heat exchanger panel 2 connected to the bottom side of the bottom tube sheet 14. The bottom valve cap 16 delivers the vapor to the bottom end of all the tubes of the condenser bundle 8 in the heat exchanger panel 2. The top of all tubes are connected to a top tubesheet 10, which top tubesheet 10 is connected at its top to a top valve cover 12. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables flow from all tubes 7 in the heat exchanger panel 2 into the top valve closure 12 and are withdrawn from the top valve closure 12 for further processing. Condensate flows out of the bottom of all tubes 7, into bottom valve cover 16, and then into the vapor distribution manifold.

The steam inlet/condensate outlet 18 for the heat exchanger panel 2 and the steam inlet/condensate outlet 18 for all heat exchanger panels in the same ACC unit/module 27 are connected to a large drum or upper steam distribution manifold 28 suspended below the heat exchanger panel 2 and extending at their mid-point, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panel 2. See, e.g., fig. 13-15, 20A, and 20B. An upper steam distribution manifold 28 extends across the width of the unit/module 27 and is closed at both ends. At its bottom center, the upper steam distribution manifold 28 is connected to a single riser 30, which riser 30 is connected at its bottom to a lower steam distribution manifold 32. The upper steam distribution manifold 28 is fitted with Y-shaped nozzles 29, at a position below the centre point of each heat exchanger plate 2 through the top surface of the upper steam distribution manifold 28, which Y-shaped nozzles 29 are connected to the steam inlet/condensation outlets 18 at the bottom of each pair of adjacent heat exchanger panels 2.

According to this configuration, each unit 27 of the ACC receives steam from a single riser 30. A single riser 30 delivers steam to a single upper steam distribution manifold 28, which upper steam distribution manifold 28 is suspended directly below the centre point of each heat exchanger panel 2; and the upper steam distribution manifold 28 delivers steam to each heat exchanger panel 2 in the unit 27 through the single steam inlet/condensate outlet 18.

Thus, steam from the industrial process travels along the turbine exhaust duct 31, which is located at or near the ground, or at any one or more elevations suitable for field layout. As steam duct 31 approaches the ACC of the present invention, it splits into a plurality of sub-ducts (lower steam distribution manifold 32), one for each channel (row of cells) 34 of the ACC. Each lower steam distribution manifold 32 runs below its respective channel in unit 34 and extends a single riser 30 upwardly at a central point of each unit 27. See, e.g., fig. 13A and 13B. A single riser 30 is connected to the bottom of the upper steam distribution manifold 28, and the upper steam distribution manifold 28 is suspended from the frame 36 of the condenser module 37, as shown in fig. 13-15. The upper steam distribution manifold 28 delivers steam to a pair of bonnet inlet/outlet ports 18 of each pair of adjacent heat exchanger panels 2 through a plurality of Y-shaped nozzles 29, fig. 15-17. The steam travels along the bottom valve cover 16 and up through the tubes 7 of the primary section 4 and condenses as the air flows over the finned tubes 7 of the primary condenser section 4. The condensate flows down along the same conduit 7 in the primary section 4, counter-currently to the steam, collects in the bottom valve cover 16 and finally flows back to the condensate collection tank (not shown) through the upper steam distribution manifold 28, the lower steam distribution manifold 32 and the turbine exhaust pipe 31. According to a preferred embodiment, the connection between the bottom valve cover 16 and the upper vapor distribution manifold 28 may be provided with a deflector shield 40 to separate the draining/descending condensate from the incoming vapor.

The uncondensed vapour and non-condensables are collected in the top valve cover 12 and sucked to the centre of the heat exchanger panel 2 where they travel along the tubes 7 of the secondary portion 6 and join the condensate formed therein. Non-condensables are drawn into a secondary bottom valve cover 24 located within the bottom valve cover 16 and discharged through an outlet nozzle 26. Additional condensate formed in the secondary section 6 collects in the secondary bottom valve cover 24 and also flows through the outlet nozzle 26 and then through the condensate pipe 42 to the upper steam distribution manifold 28 to join with the water collected from the primary condenser section 4.

According to another feature of the invention, the heat exchanger panel 2 is suspended from the frame 36 of the condenser module 37 by a plurality of flexible hangers 50, the flexible hangers 50 allowing the heat exchanger panel 2 to expand and contract based on thermal load and weather. Fig. 17 shows how the hanger 50 is connected to the frame 36 of the condenser module 37, and fig. 18A, 18B, 19A and 19B show details of two embodiments of the hanger. According to each embodiment, the hanger 50 is configured to allow the heat exchanger panel 2 to expand or contract while providing support for its weight. Four hangers 50 are used per heat exchanger panel 2. According to one embodiment, the hanger 50 is comprised of a rod 54 having a sleeve 56 at each end of the rod 54. The sleeves 56 are provided on the rod 54 and are prevented from falling off the respective ends by a fixed disc or knob 58 at each end of the rod 54, the fixed discs or knobs 58 being disposed in correspondingly shaped recesses 60 on the inner surface of the respective sleeves; but the grooves 60 do not extend to the end of the sleeve. One end of the hanger 50 is connected to the frame 36 of the condenser module 37 and the other end of the hanger is attached to a lifting/support corner 15 or other attachment point on the top tube sheet 10 or the bottom tube sheet 14. The sleeve 56 is preferably adjustable to allow the correct hanger length to be set during construction. Once set, the movement of the heat exchanger panel 2 is accommodated by the ball joints at the top and bottom of the hanger 50 and the angular displacement of the hanger 50.

The heat exchange panels 2 may be individually mounted into the heat exchange module frame 36 and supported therein. The heat exchange panel 2 may be supported in a heat exchange module frame 36 according to any of a variety of configurations. Fig. 13-17, 23-27 show the heat exchange plates 2 supported independently in the heat exchange module frame 36, with adjacent heat exchange panels 2 inclined in opposite directions with respect to the vertical. Fig. 28 shows an alternative embodiment in which each heat exchange panel 2 is supported independently in the heat exchange module, each heat exchange panel is oriented vertically, and an optional air deflector seal 70 is positioned on the incline between the bottom of one heat exchange panel 2 and the top of the adjacent heat exchange panel 2. Fig. 29 shows a further alternative embodiment in which each heat exchange panel 2 on one side of the heat exchange module is inclined in one direction relative to the vertical and each heat exchange panel 2 on the other side of the heat exchange module is inclined in the opposite direction relative to the vertical, with an optional air deflecting seal 70 positioned vertically between each pair of adjacent heat exchange panels 2.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 25-27, instead of a plurality of upper steam distribution manifolds 28, lower steam manifolds 32, and risers 30, the air-cooled condenser of the present invention may alternatively have a plurality of overhead steam distribution manifolds 66, with the overhead steam distribution manifolds 66 connected directly to overhead turbine steam piping 68; wherein each elevated steam distribution manifold extends along a length and feeds the heat exchange panels of the plurality of heat exchange modules along the channels/rows 34 of the condenser unit 27. The overhead steam distribution manifold 66 may be suspended from the heat exchange module frame in the same manner that the upper steam distribution manifold 28 is suspended from the heat exchange module frame. Likewise, the elevated steam distribution manifold 66 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panel and is connected to the heat exchanger panel at its central point by a plurality of Y-shaped nozzles, connected to a pair of valve cover inlet/outlet ports of each pair of adjacent heat exchanger panels. According to this embodiment, the lower steam manifold 32 and riser 30 are eliminated, and the overhead steam manifold is fed directly from the turbine exhaust duct, which is itself elevated to the level of the overhead steam manifold.

According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 35-37, a plurality of overhead steam distribution manifolds 66 may be connected to a surface turbine exhaust pipe 76 by end risers 78.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ACC of the invention is constructed in a modular manner. According to various embodiments, the infrastructure 62, the condenser module 37, and the plenum portion 64 can be separated on the floor and assembled at the same time. According to one embodiment, the heat exchange module frame may be lifted onto the pole substructure just high enough to suspend the upper steam distribution manifold 28 from the underside of the heat exchange module frame. The heat exchanger panel 2 is then lowered and attached to the frame 36 and the upper steam distribution manifold 28 of the condenser module 37, preferably at or just above ground level, see fig. 20A and 20B. Once completed, the assembled condenser module 37 with attached upper steam distribution manifold 28 may be lifted and placed on top of a corresponding completed substructure 62 (fig. 22 and 23).

The plenum section 64 (including the plenum section frame, the fan deck supported on the plenum section frame, the fan(s) and the fan shroud (s)) of each ACC module 27 may be assembled at ground level with a single large fan, as shown, for example, in fig. 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 21B and 24-29; alternatively, it may be assembled with a plurality of elongate fan deck trays 72 (also on the ground), each fan deck supporting a plurality of smaller fans 74 in a row, as shown in fig. 30-32. Each fan deck tray 72 is preferably sized to fit within a standard shipping container. Thus, the fan 74 may be attached to the fan deck tray 72 at the factory and shipped to the final assembly location. An example of the fan 74 is shown in fig. 33. According to various embodiments, the fan motor may be NEMA standard or electronically commutated. According to a preferred aspect of the multiple fan deck plate embodiment, the suction of air in each fan spans no more than two heat exchange panels, fan replacement is significantly simplified, and the loss of one or even more fans does not create a significant difference in performance.

The completed respective plenum section 64 (fig. 21A and 21B or fig. 31 and 32) is then lifted for placement on top of the condenser module 37 (fig. 24). Alternatively, the plenum section frame (without any fans or fan deck trays) may be lifted to the top of the condenser module 37; and after placing the plenum section frame on top of the condenser module 37, the fan deck plate 72 may be lifted to the top of the frame of the plenum section 64. While the assembly described herein is described as being performed on grade, the assembly of the various modules may be performed in their final positions if planning and construction solutions allow.

Each feature and alternative embodiment herein is intended and intended to work with and be used in combination with each other feature and embodiment described herein, except for embodiments incompatible therewith. That is, each heat exchange module arrangement described herein (e.g., single stage, multi-stage) and each heat exchange panel arrangement described herein (e.g., all vertical, all inclined in a single direction, each inclined in alternating directions), and each tube type and each fin type described herein, each steam manifold arrangement described herein, and each fan arrangement (single fan, multi-fan) are intended for each combination of embodiments with which they are compatible, for use with various ACC assemblies; also, the inventors regard their invention not to be limited to the exemplary combination of embodiments reflected in the description and drawings for illustrative purposes.

Claims

1. A large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser connected to an industrial steam production facility, comprising:

a single or multiple condenser channels, each condenser channel comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section; the plenum section having a single or multiple fans drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in the heat exchanger section; and each heat exchanger panel has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis;

each heat exchanger panel comprises a plurality of tubes, a top valve cover and a bottom valve cover; the top valve cover is connected and fluidly communicated to the top end of each pipe; the bottom valve cover is connected and fluidly communicated to the bottom end of at least a portion of the tubes; the bottom valve cap has a single steam inlet;

each condenser channel includes a vapor distribution manifold depending from the heat exchanger section, arranged perpendicular to the axis of the heat exchanger panel longitudinal axis at the heat exchanger panel midpoint, and extending the length of the condenser channel below a plurality of heat exchanger panels; the steam distribution manifold includes a cylinder having a first end and a second end, the cylinder being closed at the second end remote from the first end, the cylinder having a plurality of connections at a top surface thereof, each connection adapted to connect to a respective single steam inlet.

2. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises a single condenser stage, wherein all tubes in a heat exchanger panel receive steam from bottom ends of the tubes.

3. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises: a secondary condenser section, a primary condenser section, and a top valve cover connected to and fluidly connected to the top end of each of the tubes in the secondary condenser section and the primary condenser section; a primary bottom valve cap connected to and fluidly connected to the bottom end of each tube of the primary condenser section; an internal secondary chamber within the bottom valve cover connected to and communicating with the bottom end of each tube of the secondary condenser section; the secondary bottom valve cover is connected to a top side of the primary bottom valve covers, each having a single valve stem inlet.

4. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 3, wherein each heat exchanger panel includes two primary condenser sections flanking the secondary section.

5. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 4, wherein the secondary condenser section is centrally located along the heat exchange panel and flanked on each end by a primary condenser section.

6. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the steam distribution manifold cylinder is attached at a first end to a turbine exhaust duct.

7. The large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the steam distribution manifold is closed at both ends and has a single connection at a bottom surface to a steam riser.

8. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein each of the heat exchanger panels is independently suspended from the frame of the heat exchanger section by a plurality of flexible suspension supports.

9. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 1-8 wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction.

10. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 1-8, wherein all heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented vertically.

11. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 1-8 wherein all heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction, at the same angle to the vertical.

12. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 1-8 wherein all of the heat exchange panels on one side of a single heat exchanger section are inclined in one direction relative to vertical and all of the heat exchange panels on the other side of the single heat exchanger section are inclined in the opposite direction relative to vertical.

13. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the air plenum section comprises a single fan disposed on a fan deck frame, the fan drawing air onto all heat exchanger panels in the heat exchange section.

14. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the plenum portion comprises a plurality of fan deck trays disposed on a fan deck frame, each fan deck tray comprising a plurality of fans.

15. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 14 wherein each fan draws air across no more than two heat exchange panels.

16. The large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 8, wherein each of the flexible suspension supports includes a central rod connected at each end to a connecting sleeve; and wherein one connection sleeve of each flexible suspension support is connected to the heat exchanger section frame and the second connection sleeve of each flexible suspension bracket is connected to the tube sheet of the heat exchanger panel.

17. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1 wherein the plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel are 2.0 to 2.8m in length, 120mm in cross-sectional height and 4-10mm in cross-sectional width.

18. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 17 wherein the tube has a cross-sectional width of 5.2-7 mm.

19. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 18, wherein the tube has a cross-sectional width of 6 mm.

20. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 9 to 10mm and a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

21. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 3 wherein the plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 18mm to 20mm, spanning the space between adjacent tubes and contacting adjacent tubes, the fins having a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

22. A method of assembling a large field-installable air-cooled condenser of claim 1, comprising:

assembling a heat exchange section including a heat exchange section frame and the heat exchanger panel on the ground;

supporting the heat exchange section at a height from ground level only sufficient to suspend the steam distribution manifold section directly beneath and adjacent to the heat exchanger panel;

assembling a plenum section having a fan deck and a fan assembly at ground level;

raising the assembled heat exchange section and steam distribution manifold section and placing them on top of the respective understructures;

attaching adjacent steam distribution manifold portions to each other; and (c) and (d),

the assembled plenum section is raised and placed on top of the heat exchange section.

23. A large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser connected to an industrial steam production facility, comprising:

a single or a plurality of condenser channels, each condenser channel comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section; the plenum section having a single or multiple fans that draw air and pass the air over multiple heat exchanger panels supported in the heat exchanger section; and each heat exchanger panel has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis;

each heat exchanger panel comprises: a plurality of condenser tubes and a top valve cap connected and fluidly connected to a top end of each of the plurality of condenser tubes; a bottom valve cap connected to and fluidly connected to a bottom end of each condenser tube of the plurality of condenser tubes, each bottom valve cap having a single vapor inlet;

each condenser channel includes a vapor distribution manifold suspended from and directly adjacent to the bottom side of the heat exchanger section, disposed along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panel at a midpoint of the heat exchanger panel, and extending the length of the condenser channel; the steam distribution manifold includes a cylinder attached at a first end to a turbine exhaust pipe and closed at a second end remote from the first end; the cylinder has a plurality of connectors on its top surface, each connector adapted to connect to an inlet of the bottom valve cap.

24. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 23, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises a single condenser stage wherein all tubes in a heat exchanger panel receive steam from bottom ends of the tubes.

25. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 23, wherein the top valve cover is configured to receive non-condensable gases from the condenser tube.

26. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 23, wherein each of the heat exchanger panels is suspended from the condenser module frame by a plurality of flexible suspension supports.

27. The large field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 26, wherein each of the flexible suspension supports includes a central rod connected at each end to a connecting sleeve; and wherein one attachment sleeve of each flexible suspension support is connected to the condenser module frame and the second attachment sleeve of each flexible suspension support is connected to the tube sheet of the heat exchanger panel.

28. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 23, wherein the plurality of condenser tubes are 2.0m to 2.8m in length, 120mm in cross-sectional height, and 4-10mm in cross-sectional width.

29. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 28, wherein the cross-sectional width of the condenser tube is 5.2-7 mm.

30. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 29, wherein the cross-sectional width of the condenser tube is 6 mm.

31. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 23 wherein the plurality of condenser tubes have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 9 to 10mm and a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

32. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 23 wherein the plurality of condenser tubes have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes having a height of 18mm to 20mm spanning the space between and contacting adjacent tubes, the fins having a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

33. A method of assembling a large field-installable air-cooled condenser of claim 23, comprising:

supporting the heat exchange section at a height from ground level sufficient only to suspend the steam distribution manifold section directly beneath and adjacent to the heat exchanger panel;

interconnecting adjacent steam distribution manifold portions; and

34. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 23-32, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchange section are oriented in the same direction.

35. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 23-32, wherein all heat exchange panels in a single heat exchange section are oriented vertically.

36. The large field-installable, air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 23-32, wherein all heat exchange panels in a single heat exchange section are oriented in the same direction, at the same angle to vertical.

37. The large field installation air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein all heat exchange panels on one side of a single heat exchange section are inclined in one direction relative to vertical and all heat exchange panels on the other side of the single heat exchange section are inclined in the opposite direction relative to vertical.

38. The large field-installable air-cooled industrial steam condenser of any one of claims 23-32, wherein the plenum portion comprises a plurality of fan deck trays disposed on a fan deck frame, each fan deck tray comprising a plurality of fans, each fan drawing air across no more than two heat exchange panels.

39. The large scale field-mounted air-cooled industrial steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the top valve cover is configured to receive non-condensable gases from the condenser tube.