MX2014001813A - Steam generator system. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for generating steam from an electrolytic solution includes a steam generating tank, a flow producing device, an electric current measuring device, and a controller. The steam generating tank includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to contact the electrolytic solution when the electrolytic solution is provided in the steam generating tank. Electrical current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolytic solution. The electrical current heats the electrolytic solution to produce the steam. The controller is connected to the flow producing device to to turn on and turn off provision of the electrolytic solution to said steam generating tank based on the electrical current measured by the electric current measuring device.

Description

SYSTEM. STEAM GENERATOR Field of the Invention This patent application relates generally to a steam generating system. More specifically, it relates to a system for generating steam by passing a current through water. More specifically still, it relates to a system for supplying a predetermined amount of steam, intermittent amounts of steam, or a continuous quantity of steam.

Background of the Invention In applications that use steam, the need for rapid steam generation and replacement is often necessary to accelerate the work being done by steam. Different jobs to be carried out by the steam may require a certain amount of steam, intermittent amounts of steam or a continuous amount of steam. Cooking food is one of those applications, where it is necessary to provide a continuous amount of steam to cook quickly or reheat food volumes in the quantities needed to serve large numbers of people, such as in a restaurant or for a banquet. In other applications, when portions of food are to be reheated for individual rations, such as sandwich meats, short vapor discharges in small quantities, repeated at intervals, are preferable. When you are going to make one - - function during a specific period of time, a certain amount of steam is often preferable.

In the generation of steam by an element of electrical resistance, electrical energy must first heat an element of electrical resistance; then its container and then the water that is going to be used to produce the steam. An electrical resistance element is generally enclosed in a sheath or sheath of metal or other material, which is heated by the resistance element when the element is immersed in water to generate steam. A delay in heating the water to sufficient temperature to generate steam occurs due to the conduction of the heat through the layers of material, and then to the water molecules.

In attempts to accelerate the generation of steam, electrical elements of excessive size are frequently formed and fed with excess energy, in order to rapidly heat the pods, so that the pod can then heat the water, which generally causes a excessive use of energy. When steam is required in a device with electrical resistance elements, full power is applied to the element; In this way, the temperatures of the surface of the element and its sheath or sheath, become much hotter than water and heat transfer is faster. When steam is no longer needed, the energy of the resistance element is cut off; however, the heat of the resistance element and the container of it is still transferred to the water and is wasted. In this way, more energy is used than necessary if a direct application of energy were provided for heating, right in the amount of energy needed to supply the amount of steam needed to perform the required work.

Other problems are created by heating the element and its sheath to a temperature much hotter than the water to be heated. Dissolved solids, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium, are percuelllan outside the water, and these particles adhere to the surface of the element sheath, forming a layer of deposits called limestone incrustation, on the surface of heat transfer . These limestone scale deposits become another layer of heat transfer and further reduce the rate of heat transfer. The limestone incrustation then causes more energy to be used for the required work. Limestone incrustation is also an important factor that creates maintenance and service requirements for steam generation devices.

In steam continuous training applications, steam generators are used that have storage for a quantity of water. The size of the reservoir for storing water is based on the maximum amount of steam generation needed in a period of time. The generation of steam then requires heating all that mass of stored water to temperatures close to steam generation in order to provide the required amount of steam as quickly as possible. It is necessary to heat all that amount of water in continuous steam production applications to counteract the time needed to convert the water into steam in a continuous supply that uses elements of electrical resistance. Energy is wasted heating all the water supply stored. After the water in the heated tank is heated to generate steam, new water is supplied to the water storage, which cools the entire amount of water. When new water is added, the temperature of the entire amount of water is reduced and must be reheated to the desired maintenance temperature, wasting energy again.

Attempts to accelerate the generation of steam in a steam generator with water storage have included the use of a pressurized housing, in which the water can be heated and maintained at a higher temperature, so that its use to release steam quickly bring the superheated water to steam. The devices with generation of steam and water under pressure are generally complex, heavy, due to the weight of their components and due to the supply of stored water, and susceptible to episodes of service and maintenance. A large amount of energy is spent in reheating and maintaining the water supply at a temperature ready to produce steam.

In an alternative method of generating steam, which serves the need for rapid steam generation devices, a nozzle supplies a small amount of water as a spray against a hot surface, where it instantly converts to steam. In that way, a small amount of steam is produced almost instantaneously, and is then used for the desired application. Additional amounts of water are sprayed against the hot surface, intermittently, to provide additional amounts of steam for the intended purpose. The hot surface is heated by an electric element Jacketed, or in some cases, water is sprayed directly on an electrical element, enclosed in a sheath. This method of steam generation provides an intermittent amount of steam, but not a continuous amount of steam. In this solution, the amount of vapor that can be created at one time is limited first by the amount of water contained in said spray, and then by the surface temperature of the surface on which the water is sprayed. Repeated sprinkling can create additional steam, but spraying should be delayed until the heated surface has had a chance to recover a suitable temperature to rapidly convert more water to steam, limiting the amount of steam that can be generated. In some cases, the electrical element provided to heat a surface or provided as an evaporation surface, increases in size to allow a faster recovery, in order to quickly convert more water to steam in a given time, wasting energy.

In cases where the need for steam is often not predictable, the heated surface is maintained in a hot surface condition so that it is ready for steam production when required; This also wastes energy. In this solution, the dissolved solids from the water supply are released to the heated surface, when the water is rapidly converted to steam. The dissolved solids form a lime scale coating on the evaporation surface, causing it to become less efficient in heat transfer. This results in the need for additional energy to heat the surface and additional time in order to reach a temperature capable of generating steam. These conditions result in a reduction in the amount of steam that can be generated and the speed at which the steam can be generated. The accumulation of lime on the surface eventually leads to the need to maintain or repair.

Due to the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved steam generating system to rapidly create steam by direct conversion of electrical energy to heat in the water molecules and in controlled sequences, to supply a determining amount of water. steam, intermittent amounts of steam or a continuous amount of steam.

Summary of the Invention One aspect of the present patent application is a system for generating steam from an electrolytic solution. The system includes a steam generation tank, a flow producing device, an electric current measuring device and a controller. The steam generation tank includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to make contact with the electrolytic solution, when the electrolytic solution is provided in the steam generation tank. The electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode, through the electrolytic solution. The electric current heats the electrolyte solution to produce the vapor. The controller is connected to flow producing device for connecting and disconnecting the provision of the electrolytic solution to the steam generation tank, based on the electric current measured by the electric current measuring device.

Another aspect of the present patent application is a system for generating steam from an electrolyte solution. The system includes a steam generation tank. The steam generation tank includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in contact with the electrolytic solution when the electrolytic solution is supplied to the steam generation tank and when the first and second electrodes are connected to an AC electrical power source. The electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolytic solution. The electric current heats the electrolyte solution to produce the vapor. The flow of the electric current stops automatically when all the electrolytic solution of the steam generation tank has been converted to steam.

Brief Description of the Figures of the Invention The above aspects and advantages, and others, of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a steam generating system.

Figure 2 is a block diagram that includes a mode of a control circuit for controlling the steam generating system of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a steam generation tank.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the steam generation tank of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a steam generation tank.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the steam generation tank of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a filter.

Figure 8 is an exploded three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a steam generation tank and its electrical and mechanical connectors; Y Figure 9 is a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a steam generation system.

Detailed description of the invention One embodiment of the present patent application provides a system for rapidly creating steam. The electric current passing through an electrolytic solution of water heats the electrolytic solution to the boiling point to supply a predetermined amount of steam, intermittent amounts of steam or a continuous quantity of steam. The electrolytic solution has an ionic content sufficient for a high current to flow to provide rapid ohmic heating. The electrolytic solution is received in a generation tank of steam, where it is put in contact with the electrodes. A control system controls the production of steam in a continuous, intermittent or predetermined amount. In one embodiment, a water tank supplies the electrolytic solution for conversion to steam in the steam generation tank. In one embodiment, a pump is used to flow the electrolytic solution from the reservoir to the steam generation tank.

The current flowing between the electrodes in the steam generation tank is controlled by the combination of the ionic content added to the water, the level of the electrolytic solution in the steam generation tank and the operation of a phase angle controller and a current sensor of an electrical circuit.

In one embodiment, the ionic content of the water is adjusted before it is used for steam generation. In another embodiment, tap water, with its inherent conductive impurities, is used for the generation of steam.

In one embodiment, power is provided to operate the steam generation system only when steam is required for an appliance that uses steam. The energy can be omitted to keep the steam or water heated. In one embodiment, the generation of steam is controlled by the replacement of an amount of electrolytic solution to the steam generation tank. One embodiment of the present patent application can produce a fixed amount of steam, determined by an amount of electrolytic solution provided to the steam generation tank and in contact with the electrodes of the steam generation tank, until it has completely converted that amount to steam.

The system can also be operated to provide a small amount of steam intermittently. The system can also be operated to provide a continuous amount of steam, through the continuous supply of the electrolytic solution.

Applicants hereby found that the energy conversion was effected with great efficiency. They also found that the system consumes energy only when water is present in the steam generation tank, and that it switches off automatically when all the electrolytic solution has been converted to steam, because that way the circuit is interrupted. They also found that steam production stops quickly when the power supply to the electrodes is disconnected. As there are no surfaces that are hotter than the electrolytic solution in the steam generation tank and the steam generated in the tank, the limestone scale is avoided, thus avoiding regular maintenance or repair. In this configuration, applicants hereby found that, together with the steam condensate flowing to a collection tray in the compartment that uses the steam, there is also the salt and solids that precipitate. In other configurations, salt and solids may be discharged out of the steam generation tank with a rinse with running water or with a chemical substance.

In another embodiment, steam is generated for a cooking appliance. One mode is lightweight and requires very few connections to use it and can be connected to a particular device when required. steam. Several of the modes are in a ready steam condition, with no electricity consumption, until steam is needed.

In the steam generating system 10, the electrolytic solution 11 is received by the steam generation tank 17 to produce steam in a continuous, intermittent or in a predetermined amount, as determined by a control system 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 1. Steam is rapidly created by direct conversion of electrical energy to heat in the electrolytic solution that is to become vapor. The steam generation system 10 also includes the reservoir 13, the filter 12, the pump 14 and the check valve 15.

In one embodiment, the pump 14 is replaced by another type of flow controller device. In one of those embodiments, the flow of the electrolytic solution 11 to the steam generation tank 17 is by gravity feed and the flow controller is an electrically controlled valve. In this mode the controller 21, which would otherwise connect and disconnect the pump 14, opens and closes the valve to inject electrolytic solution from the reservoir 13 to the steam generation tank 17. Although in the rest of the description in this patent application it is called the pump flow controller device 14, it is to be understood that the gravity feed and the valve scheme or other similar scheme will be equally well used.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the reservoir 13 maintains a supply of electrolytic solution 11. In an alternative embodiment, a connection could be provided for the electrolytic solution supply 11 for the continuous supply, instead of, or in addition to, the reservoir 13. The reservoir 13 can be made of a blow molded or injection molded plastic, or it can be of another material suitable for the storage of an electrolytic solution of water.

The electrolytic solution 11 is adjusted in ionic content by passing the water through the filter 12. The filter 12 is constructed in such a way as to direct the flow of water through a series of holes and through an ionic material that adds a content ionic to water, as it passes through the filter 12. The applicant made the filter 12 by loading table salt into a gauze bag and inserting the bag into a filter housing. To remove chlorine and other impurities from the water, the applicant loaded coal into another gauze bag and also inserted that bag into the filter housing. As the water runs through the filter 12 towards the reservoir 13, the water flow is controlled by the size of the hole in the filter housing. The hole size is set to allow a suitable residence time for the water with the salt, so as to obtain the desired dissolved ion content for the electrolytic solution 11 flowing out through the filter discharge holes, towards the deposit 13.

In another embodiment, the applicants simply added salt to the tank and then filled the tank with water, thereby obtaining sufficient residence time for the salt to dissolve and the desired concentration of about one quarter of the salt to be obtained. - - teaspoon of salt per gallon (3.78 liters) for the tank containing about 2 gallons (7.56 liters) of electrolyte solution 11.

By means of any of these techniques the ionic content of the electrolytic solution 11 is adjusted by adding an amount of sodium chloride in an approximate proportion of about 0.75 gram per gallon (3.78 liters) of water. The addition of an ionic material to water is described in U.S. Patent Publication, assigned the same as the present one, No. 2010/0040352 Rapid Liquid Heatin, incorporated herein by means of this reference.

The ionic content may include one or more potable ionic elements, such as sodium chloride. A carbon filter element may be included to remove chlorine and other impurities from the water entering the steam generating system. The amount of sodium chloride and the amount of dissolved solids present in the electrolytic solution 11 will determine the conductivity of the electrolytic solution 11, the current flow in the electrolytic solution 11 and the heating regime and the generation of steam by the solution electrolyte 11 The reservoir 13 is connected to the pump 14, which in turn is connected to a unidirectional check valve 15, connected to the steam generation tank 17, as shown in figure 1. The pump 14 is controlled by connection signals and disconnection, received from the control system 16. The longer the control system 16 has the pump 14 connected, the more water will be pumped into the steam generation tank 17, and the higher the level of water in contact with the electrodes will be. at 17 steam generation tank. The check valve 15 allows the flow to the steam generation tank 17, but prevents the steam generated in the steam generation tank 17 from flowing back to the pump 14. The outlet of the steam generation tank 17 is directed to a steam chamber 19, such as a cooking appliance, a compartment or other device that uses steam. The connections between the components that allow water and steam to flow can include pipes, tubes or other suitable structural components. Also illustrated are connected to the steam generation tank 17 of Figure 1, junction boxes for receiving a positive AC power line and a neutral AC power line, for connection to the electrodes in the generation tank 17 steam.

Figure 2 illustrates an electrical circuit mode 20 used with the embodiment of Figure 1. The electrical circuit 20 controls the operation of the pump 14 and monitors and controls the current flow between the electrodes in the steam generation tank 17. In one mode, the current is controlled to prevent it from exceeding a fixed point of current load. Also included is a circuit breaker, which would interrupt the current flow in case the current exceeds its preset disconnection value. In one embodiment, the current remains relatively high, close to, but not exceeding, the current limit of the predetermined disconnection value of the circuit breaker, in order to very quickly generate the desired amount of steam, without interruption. The amount of dissolved solids and sodium chloride in the water could easily reach a level where it could be obtain a current load limit and surpass it, if other controls are not available.

In one embodiment, electrical circuit 20 is connected to pin 26, such as a 120 V 20 A NEMA 5-20P, to be plugged into a wall outlet. However, it will be appreciated that other power supplies, such as 208, 220, 240 and 440 volts, can be used. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the current sensor 22, such as that sold by Digi-key Corporation, South Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA, is located on the controller 21, where the current sensor 22 reads the level of current that is being supplied to the steam generation tank 17, and is programmed to supply power to the pump 14 based on the current level programmed in the controller 21. The interface with the controller 21 allows an operator to timely set the operation. A start and stop control is also provided. For a 120 volt system, for example, the circuit breaker current is 20 A and the maximum operating current would be set to 15 amps from the factory. Similarly, for higher voltage systems a corresponding circuit breaker and maximum operating current are provided.

In one embodiment, when the current sensor 22 senses that the current flow to the electrodes of the steam generation tank 17 has dropped below a set point for normal operation, such as 14 amps, the controller 21 activates the pump 14. The pump 14 then supplies electrolytic solution 11 to the steam generation tank 17, which raises the level of electrolytic solution 11 in the steam generation tank 17, which increases the area of the submerged electrodes, lowers the resistance and increases the electric current flowing between the electrodes in the steam generation tank 17. When the electric current flowing through the gap 37 between the electrodes rises to a preset level, as determined by the current sensor 22, the controller interrupts the supply to the pump 14, which cuts the flow of the solution from electrolyte 11 to steam generation tank 17 and stops the rise in the electric current.

In this embodiment, since the controller 21 is preset so that the steam generation tank operates with a specified level of current flow between the electrodes, to maximize the steam generation rate, the current sensor 22 and the pump 14 works together to adjust and maintain a current level close to the maximum fixed point, such as 14 amps for a 20 amp system. This scheme allows a variation in the ionic content of the electrolytic solution, such as the excessive ionization of the water, adjusting the level of water that is in contact with the electrodes in the steam generation tank 17, to maintain the pre-established level of flow of current and steam generation. Adjusting the level of electrolytic solution 11 in the steam generation tank 17 allows the resistance of the electrolytic solution 11 to remain constant, even if the resistivity of the electrolytic solution 11 varies. When the current falls below a preset level, for example, 14 amps, the controller 21 connects the pump 14 and when the current reaches again at the level of 14 amps, the controller 21 disconnects the pump 14. In this way the level of electrolytic solution 11 in the steam generation tank is adjusted to obtain the preset current even if the electrolyte concentration varies. In one embodiment, the pump 14 switches on and off several times per minute. In one embodiment, the controller 21 provides that the current sensor 22 checks the current flow every 3 seconds; and if the measured current is below the fixed point of 14 amps, the controller 21 connects the pump 14 and keeps the pump 14 connected until the current reaches the fixed point of 14 amps. When the pump 14 is running, the current sensor 22 continuously monitors the current, so that the controller 21 can disconnect the pump 14 at any time. Although in this example the current sensor checks the current every 3 seconds, the interval for checking the current and the fixed point of the current can be set to other values.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the current sensor 22 is also wired to the phase angle controller 24, such as the SSRMAN-1P SSR-mounted phase angle control module, obtainable from Nu. Ave Technologies, Inc., Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA The power supplied is one of the potential variables to determine the current flow. The phase angle controller 24 operates to prevent the RMS current and controls that the level of electrolytic solution 11 in the steam generation tank 17 allows the maintenance of a high working current. However, at that peak current level, Small variations can cause it to go beyond a fixed point of circuit breaker and cause the circuit breaker to open and disconnect the electricity, which would stop the production of steam. Alternatively, an operator can add too much electrolyte, which would increase the conductivity to the point where the line voltage would allow the current to exceed the fixed point of the circuit breaker. The phase angle controller 24, in conjunction with the current sensor 22, recognizes that the RMS current is approaching the fixed point and limits the current by disconnecting the current flow for part of each AC cycle. Therefore, the high current flow is maintained, but without exceeding the fixed point limit. The operation of the current sensor 22 and of the phase angle controller 24 to adjust the RMS current, together with the control over the ionic content of the electrolytic solution 11, provides a high level of current near the maximum current, without going further. beyond the maximum current limit.

In a mode of use of the steam generating system, by controlling the amount and frequency of flow of the electrolytic solution 11 to the steam generation tank 17, the steam generating system 10 can generate a continuous supply of steam. In this embodiment, the controller 21 pumps the electrolytic solution 11 at a frequency sufficient to maintain a constant amount of water in the steam generation tank 17, as the steam is generated. In another embodiment, electrolytic solution 11 may be added at time intervals, such as every ninety seconds, to provide an intermittent supply of steam. In another modality, a specific amount is generated - - of steam supplying a quantity of water to the steam generation tank 17, such as a tenth of a liter of electrolytic solution 11, and steam is generated until that amount of electrolytic solution is completely exhausted, without being replaced.

When the electrolytic solution 11 is supplied to the steam generation tank 17, the water will look for a common level between the electrodes. The current will only flow between the positive and neutral electrodes, when a connection is made between the electrodes by the electrolytic solution 11 that is present. In this way, the generation of steam will cease when all the electrolytic solution 11 evaporates to steam and no more water is provided or when the electric power supply to the electrodes is disconnected or otherwise eliminated.

In one embodiment, no energy is supplied to keep the electrolytic solution 11 warm, in order to save energy. This embodiment takes advantage of the fact that only a small amount of electrolyte solution 11 may be necessary to supply the desired amount of steam at any time, and the conversion of a small amount of electrolytic solution 11 to steam in the generation tank 17 Steam is very fast. For example, a few milliliters of electrolytic solution may be added to the steam generation tank 17. The applicants found that said small volume of water at room temperature was converted to steam by the steam generating system within 3 seconds. Speed is accelerated because the steam generating system of the present application provides a very large amount of energy electrical that passes through a relatively small amount of electrolytic solution. For example, with a 120-volt power supply that provides 14 amps of RMS current, 1680 watts are supplied, providing 5040 joule of power in 3 seconds. This is enough energy to raise the temperature and boil 8 mL of water, from 20 ° C, in those 3 seconds. A steam generation tank 17 can be continuously filled with electrolytic solution 11, then the steam generation tank 17 can supply steam continuously, without any delay.

When steam is generated between the electrodes of the steam generation tank 17, the steam bubbles to the steam chamber in the steam generating tank 17 or to an appliance using the steam. In one embodiment, no steam valve is provided, since the steam supply is determined by the amount of electrolytic solution provided to the steam generation tank 17 and by operation of the control system 16.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate one embodiment of the tank 30 of steam generation which receives the electrolytic solution 48 and outputs the vapor 49. The steam generation tank 30 includes the jacket 31 which consists of metallic material, such as titanium or other conductive and non-corrosive material, such as graphite. In one embodiment, the jacket 31 is cylindrical in shape and is connected to the neutral line 43 of the electrical circuit 20. The jacket 31 is equipped with a first end cap 32 and a second end cap 33, each of which, preferably , is constructed of a non-conductive material, such as polypropylene, to form a sealed, water-tight interior space. In one embodiment, the jacket 31 is also the outer surface of the steam generation tank 30.

In this embodiment, the first end cap 32 is equipped with an inlet fitting 38 for receiving the electrolytic solution 48. The first end cap 32 also has an outlet fitting 39, for outputting the steam 49 to supply it for its purpose, such how to heat food. The inlet fitting 38 and the outlet fitting 39 can be made of a tubular structure with picks, which is adapted to receive and fluidly connect a hose, tube or other transfer means, with a pipe clamp or other device adjuster.

In this embodiment, the second end cap 33 is also equipped with an electrical attachment 41 to receive the positive energy line 42 of the electrical circuit 20. The positive energy line 42 extends into the channel 34, along the lower surface of the second end cap 33, which is not connected to the interior space filled with fluid. Alternatively, the positive energy line 42 can be extended within an opening, inside the second end cap 33. The electrical attachment 41 can include a screw, which allows the transfer of the electrical connection to the positive electrode 40, in the interior space of tank 30 of steam generation. The end cap 33 also includes the cover 45, formed of a non-conductive material, such as polycarbonate, installed on the electrical connection of the electrical attachment 41 and the positive energy line 42. The electrode positive 40 is in electrical connection with electric attachment 41 and is located within the interior space of steam generation tank 30. The positive electrode 40 is sealed along a lower end with a silicone seal ring 46, of toroidal shape. In one embodiment, the positive electrode 40 is made of a graphite material. Alternatively, other conductive materials, such as stainless steel or titanium can be used. In one embodiment, both electrodes 31, 40 were manufactured from a graphite material. The separation 37 between the outer circumference of the positive electrode 40 and the inner circumference of the conductive jacket 31 contains the electrolytic solution 48 so that current flows between them.

The interior space of the steam generation tank 30 includes a bottom space, having the positive electrode 40, the gap 37 and a portion of the jacket 31; and a head space that serves as an expansion chamber 36, as shown in Figure 4. In an operation mode of the steam generation tank 30, the electrolytic solution 48 is fed into the interior space of the steam generation tank 30 in the separation 37 between the positive electrode 40 and the conductive jacket 31. The height of the electrolytic solution 48 in this separation is adjustable and may vary during the operation, as described here above. With the electrolytic solution 48 in the separation 37 and in electrical contact with the positive electrode 40 and the conductive jacket 31, the current flows between the electrodes 31, 40, creating heat that boils the electrolytic solution 48 to create the vapor 49.

The space above the positive electrode 40 in the interior space of the steam generation tank 30 serves as an expansion chamber 36 for the electrolytic solution 48 to vaporize to steam 49, which, due to confinement, creates pressure that forces the steam 49 to exit from exit 39 and enter chamber 19 or another receptacle to which you want the steam to go. The expansion chamber 36 has a volume sufficient to provide sufficient steam 49 to maintain a continuous supply of steam 49, if desired. Alternatively, an intermittent or specified amount of steam can be provided.

The variables in the generation of steam are the size of the separation 37 between the conductive jacket 31 and the positive conductive electrode 40; the height or level of the electrolyte solution 48 in the separation 37; the conductance and resistance of the electrolytic solution 48 in the separation 37, and the applied electrical voltage. In one embodiment, adjusting the level of the electrolyte solution 48 which is in contact with the positive electrode 40 and the conductive jacket 31, is a method for adjusting and controlling the current flow and the speed of steam generation. In another embodiment a current sensor is used to sense the current, and when the current falls below a fixed point, such as 14 amps, the controller 21 connects the pump 14, which drives additional electrolytic solution to flow towards the separation 37 of tank 17 of steam generation. The electrolyte solution 11 continues to flow until the current sensor 22 measures that the current has been increased to the fixed point, 14 amps. At that point, the controller 21 turns off the pump 14. In one embodiment, a Once the pump 14 is turned off, no current measurement is taken by the current sensor, until a designated time has elapsed, such as 3 seconds. In this mode, pump 14, at most, can be turned on every 3 seconds. In one embodiment, the separation 37 between the positive electrode 40 and the conductive jacket 31 is 1 / inch (6.35 mm); the height of the positive electrode 40 is about 1/3 of the height of the interior space in the steam generation tank 30, and the total height of this interior space is approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm). However, it will be appreciated that various alternative modalities, shapes and sizes can be used.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of steam generation tank 50. Steam generation tank 50 includes housing 51, constructed of a non-electrically conductive material, such as polypropylene. It can be made of any material that does not conduct electric current or of a material, such as a metal, that is coated with a non-conductive material, for example, steel coated with PTFE. The housing 51 includes side walls 52 and a bottom 53 to form a rectangular box shape and a rectangular interior space. Other forms can be used. The housing 51 has an open top that is closed with a steam housing 55 and sealed with the gasket 56. The steam housing 55 is secured by fasteners 57 to the seal housing 51, sealed in a water-tight manner . The housing 51 includes the inlet pipe 65 and the discharge pipe 66 of the steam supply.

The housing 51 usually includes a first - - electrode 60 and a second electrode 61. The housing 51 may also include a third electrode 62. The housing 51 may also include a fourth electrode 63. The electrodes 60-63 are made of an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, titanium or a graphite material. In one embodiment, the electrodes 60-63 are evenly spaced and rectangular in shape, as a plate. The third electrode 62 and the fourth electrode 63 can be electrically connected to the electrodes 60 and 61. In one embodiment, the first electrode 60 and the third electrode 62 are connected to an arm (i.e., the positive) of the power supply , and the second electrode 61 and the fourth electrode 63 are connected to the second arm (ie, the negative or neutral) of the power supply, for example, of 120 volts.

The specific shapes and sizes of the electrodes can be varied to suit the size and shape of the steam housing 51, and at the same time be configured to allow the electrolyte solution to make contact with all the electrodes 60-63. In one embodiment, slot 64 is provided to allow liquid to flow between electrodes 60-63; where the slot 64 would generally be located along a lower edge of the electrodes 61. 62. The space between the electrodes can be adjusted to facilitate the flow of current through the electrolyte solution 11 in an efficient manner. In this embodiment, the electric current is provided by a power cord and a plug 69, similar to the other modes. Alternatively, a physical wiring connector. An electrical connection box 68 is provided adjacent the housing 51 to receive the electrical cables 67 to receive the control commands from the control system 16, and to provide connection from the power cord and the pin 69, to the electrodes 60- 63 The filter 70 includes the base housing 71 and the water filter cover 74 for sealing the base housing 71 after the filter material containers 72, 73 are inserted, as shown in Figure 7. The filter material is packaged in individual replaceable containers 72, 73, such as the gauze bags of table salt and charcoal described here further back. One embodiment includes at least one replaceable container 72 of ionic material, such as table salt and a replaceable container 73 of an alternative filter material, such as charcoal or other carbon. The filter cover 74 includes communication holes 75 which control the flow of the inlet water and the exit electrolyte solution through the filter 70.

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the steam generation tank 80, and its connectors, which can be used to supply steam to an appliance in need of steam, such as a clothes washer with steam. The steam generation tank 80 includes the housing 81, made of a heat resistant plastic, such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the housing 81 is formed of a clear or semitransparent, heat resistant material. The housing 81 can have different shapes, such as the tubular shape of Figure 8. In one embodiment, the generation tank 80 - - The vapor has sealing end caps 82, 85, which are fixed by means of threads at each end of the housing 81 and in the removable caps 82, 85. Arranged within the housing 81 there is a first removable electrode 90 and a second removable electrode 91. The first removable electrode 90 and second removable electrode 91 are made of a conductive material, such as graphite, and are positioned so that the electrolyte solution makes contact with each electrode 90, 91, likewise, when the housing 81 is located in a vertical position, as shown in figure 8.

The first end cap 82 includes electrode sinks and a communication port 83 for vapor to exit and for connection to the steam supply line 92. The communication port 83 may have a toothed attachment. In one embodiment, the first end cap 82 has an internal ring-shaped gasket to seal against vapor or water leakage. Mounted on the second end cap 85 is an internal electrode mounting plate 86 with respect to, and electrically separated from, the second end cap 85. The electrode mounting plate 86 includes second mounting caps 87 for receiving the electrode ends 90, 91 in the form of a pencil, and to provide electrical contact with the electrodes 90, 91. The second end cap 85 includes a gasket that provides a watertight and water tight seal, when the end cap 85 is threaded into the housing 81. The electrode assembly plate 86 and the mounting caps 87 remain stationary when the second end cap 85 is rotated to complete a thread seal.

As illustrated in Figure 8, one embodiment of the power supply line 95 includes a two-part structure. The first connector 97 has a male component and a second connector 98, a female component for separating the steam generation tank 80 from the electrical outlet 99. The electrical outlet 99 extends from the wall outlet to the second connector 98. When the second connector 98 is connected to the first connector 97, electric current can flow to the electrodes 90, 91, through the electrical connection within the mounting caps 87. The water that is inside the housing 81 then boils to make steam, which is transferred to the appliance through the supply line 92. In one embodiment, the supply line 92 is connected to an appliance via a quick connect coupling 93. Other additional electrodes may be included within the housing. The first and second connectors 97, 98 may include a safety pawl to prevent accidental uncoupling. They can also include a non-conductive shield.

In one embodiment for its use, no control system is provided for the embodiment of figure 8. An operator can put the table salt and fill the housing 81 with tap water, up to a filling line, in a drain. Then the operator can plug the steam generator system into a wall outlet and let it produce steam and operate until all the water is used up. In many places, the system would work with tap water and generate steam even without the addition of table salt, due to dissolved solids in the ordinary tap water.

Figure 9 illustrates another system mode steam generator 10 of the present patent application, which can be sold to consumers for cooking or other activities that require a constant, intermittent or predetermined steam supply.

The reservoir 100 of the steam generating system 10 of Figure 9 is made of a clear, separable and washable material, such as a plastic, and can be separated from the control box 101. The control box 101 includes a generation tank of steam, such as the steam generation tank 30 shown in Figures 3, 4. Said steam generation tank 30, inside the control box 101, is vertical and is fed by means of the tank 100. The box control 101 also includes the circuits of the control system 16 which is illustrated in figure 2. The control box 101 may also include an on / off indicator 102, and various other indicators, an on / off switch and a knob for setting the operating time, which is connected to the controller 21. The steam generator system 10 also includes the condensate trap tray 103 that is removable from below the vap receiver compartment 104. or. Steam from the steam generation tank is vaporized in the control box 101, passes into the receiving compartment 104 and into the steam chamber 107, which can receive various food items or items other than food therein. The steam receiver compartment 104 and the steam chamber 107 include a hinged lid 105 with a handle 106. In this embodiment, the steam chamber 107 includes a plurality of openings 108, along one or more surfaces, which allows that the steam from the steam receiver compartment 104 travels through them to the steam chamber 107. The steam condensate drips downward towards the tray 103 which traps the condensate.

Although the methods and systems described have been shown and described in relation to the illustrated modes, various changes can be made therein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims (21)

1. - A system for generating steam from an electrolytic solution, comprising a generation tank 5 steam, a flow producing device, an electric current measuring device and a controller; wherein the steam generation tank includes a first electrode and a second electrode; where the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to make contact with the? electrolytic solution when the electrolytic solution is supplied to the steam generation tank; where the electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolytic solution, and where the electric current heats the electrolyte solution 5 to produce the vapor; and wherein the controller is connected to the flow producing device for connecting and disconnecting the provision of the electrolytic solution to the steam generation tank, based on the electric current measured by the electric current measuring device.

2. - The system according to claim 1, wherein the flow producing device includes a pump.

3. - The system according to claim 1, 5 further comprising a deposit; where the deposit is for storing the electrolytic solution; where the flow producing device is connected to supply the electrolytic solution from the tank to the heating tank.

4. The system according to claim 1, which further comprises a device for supplying ionic content to water to provide the electrolytic solution.

5. - The system according to claim 4, wherein the device for supplying ionic content includes a filter housing having a source of electrolytic ions; where the water passing through the filter housing with ionic supply receives the ionic content.

6. - The system according to claim 1, further comprising a power source for electrical power, connected to feed a current to pass between the first electrode and the second electrode.

7. - The system according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve connected between the flow producing device and the steam generation tank.

8. - The system according to claim 1, further comprising a device connected to receive steam from the steam generation tank; where the device is to use the steam produced in the steam generation tank.

9. - The system according to claim 1, wherein the steam generation tank includes a first end cap and a second end cap; wherein the first electrode includes a tubular cover having a first end and a second end; wherein the tubular cover includes a conductive material; wherein the first end cap is fixed to the first end of the tubular cover; where the second end cap is attached to the second end of the tubular cover; where the first end cap and the second end cap are both formed of a non-conductive material.

10. - The system according to claim 9, wherein the second electrode is located inside the tubular cover; where the first electrode has an internal diameter, and where the second electrode has an outer diameter; wherein the outer diameter of the second electrode is smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular cover, so that a separation is formed between the first electrode and the tubular cover to receive the electrolytic solution; where the current that passes between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the electrolytic solution that is in the separation, to heat the electrolytic solution.

11. - The system according to claim 10, wherein the steam generation tank includes an expansion chamber; wherein the expansion chamber extends above at least one of the group formed by the first electrode and the second electrode, to receive the vapor generated from the heating of the electrolytic solution.

12. - The system according to claim 10, wherein the second electrode has a circular shape in cross section.

13. - The steam generating system according to claim 1, wherein the heating tank comprises a housing and a cover; where the accommodation includes side walls and a bottom; wherein the housing is formed of a non-conductive material; where the lid is removably connectable in the housing; wherein the cap includes a peripheral packing between the cap and the housing to form a watertight seal.

14. - The system according to claim 13, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode have a rectangular shape.

15. - The system according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the group formed by the first electrode and the second electrode includes a groove along a lower edge to allow passage of the electrolyte solution.

16. - A system for generating steam from an electrolytic solution, comprising a steam generation tank; wherein the steam generation tank includes a first electrode and a second electrode; wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to make contact with the electrolytic solution when the electrolytic solution is supplied to the steam generation tank and when the first and second electrodes are connected to an AC electrical power source; where the electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolytic solution; and where the electric current heats the electrolyte solution to produce steam; where the flow of electric current ceases automatically when all the electrolytic solution in the steam generation tank has been converted to steam.

17. - The system according to claim 16, wherein there is not provided an electronic controller that regulates the electric current between the first electrode and the second electrode.

18. - The system according to claim 16, wherein control over the operation is provided exclusively by at least one of the group consisting of: connecting and disconnecting the AC electric power source to provide current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode while the electrolytic solution remains in the steam generation tank.

19. - The system according to claim 16, comprising a power line, a quick connect coupling and an artifact; where the appliance is connected to receive steam from the steam generation tank through the feed line and the quick connect coupling; where the device is to use the steam produced in the steam generation tank.

20. - The system according to claim 16, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are in the form of a pencil.

21. - The system according to claim 16, wherein the electrolytic solution includes at least one of the group formed by tap water with conductive impurities contained in the tap water, and tap water plus added table salt the water. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system for generating steam from an electrolytic solution includes a steam generation tank, a flow producing device, an electric current measuring device and a controller. The steam generation tank includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to make contact with the electrolytic solution when the electrolytic solution is supplied to the steam generation tank. The electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolytic solution. The electric current heats the electrolyte solution to produce the vapor. The controller is connected to the flow producing device to connect and disconnect the provision of the electrolytic solution to the steam generation tank, based on the electric current measured by the electric current measuring device.