GB967668A - Heat exchangers for use with steam condensers - Google Patents

Abstract

967,668. Condensing steam. LICENCIA TALALMANYOKAT ERTEKESITO VALLALAT. Dec. 20, 1960 [Dec. 31, 1959], No. 43705/60. Heading BIB. In a system for condensing steam by direct contact with water which has been cooled by passing it through a heat-exchanger over which a stream of atmospheric air is flowing in the direction of the arrows 1, the water withdrawn from the condenser (not shown) being then recirculated through the heat-exchanger and used for further condensation, the heat-exchanger comprises two groups 13, 14 of finned parallel tubes communicating at the top by a return chamber 5, one group of tubes being behind the other with respect to the air-stream. The conduit 2 leading the warm water to the exchanger and the conduit 3 leading the cooled water back to the condenser are each connected by valves to both connections 4 and 6 of the exchanger, the valves being adjusted so that the water flows up one group of tubes while being cooled by the air which has already passed over the group of tubes in which the direction of water-flow is downwards, or the valves may be adjusted so that the water flows in the reverse direction. A water-storage tank 15 is connected to the system by conduits 16 and 17, as shown. In one way of operating, the warm water enters the exchanger through valve 10 and connection 6, and the cooled water leaves the exchanger through connection 4 and valve 7; for valves 8, 9, 18 and 19 are all closed. In order to switch-over to the other way of operating, the valves are adjusted in a sequence that prevents the pressure in the exchanger from falling below the normal operating pressure, thereby ensuring that no air enters the exchanger. Valve 7 is closed and then valve 8 is opened : valve 10 is closed and finally valve 9 is opened. An apparatus is also described wherein the valves are operated by a hydraulic system employing high-pressure oil.