GB762419A - Improvements in or relating to heat transfer apparatus of the rotary regenerative type - Google Patents

Abstract

762,419. Thermal regenerators. SVENSKA ROTOR MASKINER AKTIEBOLAG. June 29, 1954 [June 29, 1953], No. 18985/54. Class 64(1) A thermal regenerator having a rotor 12 carrying heat transfer material alternatively through a stream of'heating gas and a stream of air to be heated' is provided with a cleaning device comprising a pivotally mounted arm 24 having an end thereof free to move across an end face of the rotor, a timing device periodically interrupting movement of the cleaning device and means responsive to movement of the cleaning device for regulating the rotational speed of the rotor. Preferably the rotor is driven by a motor 36 (Fig. 2) the speed of which is regulated by the timing device 32 in response to movement of the cleaning device. The arrangement is such that during cleaning, as the arm 24 moves across the rotor end face, the rotor speed is changed, e.g. as indicated for zones 1, 2 and 3 in Fig. 1, so that the heat transfer elements all receive uniform cleaning treatment irrespective of their radial distance from the rotor axis. In the form shown the rotor driving motor 36 is operated by compressed air. Cleaning-fluid dispensing means are provided at the free end of the arm 24 which pivots on a hub 30 rotated by a motor 25 during the cleaning operation. The motor 25 is operated through a starter 27 by the timing device 32. As the hub 30 rotates, cams A and B operate switches 1, 2 and 3 in succession. Each switch, when open, actuates an associated time switch T1, T2 or T3 in the device 32 which turn controls the appropriate air valve 33, 34 or 35 determining the correct speed of the motor 36 and hence of the rotor 12 and also causes an intermittent movement of the arm across the rotor end face. When the cleaning operation is complete by movement of the arm 24 over the rotor zones 1, 2 and 3 the selector switch 42 is moved to the "hand" position which causes the motor 25 to rotate the hub 30 to return the arm 30 to its original position with cam A adjacent to switch 1. Normal working is resumed by moving switch 42 to the off position and operating a switch 50 which opens an air valve 48 allowing a full air flow to the rotor driving motor 36. An air by-pass 29A normally remains closed by a solenoid-operated valve 46 but on a power failure the valve opens to allow full air flow to the air motor 36.