GB753748A - Steam and water separator for a sea water evaporator - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0753748/III/1> <PICT:0753748/III/2> A separating chamber 18 for removing water droplets from the steam generated in a sea water evaporator comprises a dome 12 having a cylindrical side wall and provided at the base with a conical partition 23 through which the steam inlet conduit 21 protrudes, wherein a plate 33 depends from the top of the dome dividing the upper part of the chamber into two segments and has, at its lower edge, an inclined gutter 34, and the dry steam outlet conduit 30 passes through the side wall of the chamber at the opposite side of the plate to the gutter. The plate and gutter prevent the water which separates on the walls of the chamber from "creeping" along the walls towards conduit 30. Water which separates on the plate itself drains into gutter 34; and then overflows and runs down the side wall of the dome. In the embodiment shown, the separating chamber 18 is mounted on a primary separating chamber 16, and the latter is disposed above the boiler chamber (not shown). An external conduit 19 introduces wet steam from the boiler tangentially into the upper part of chamber 16. The steam whirls round the chamber 16, and much of the water entrained therein is thrown by centrifugal force against the shell 10. The water runs down the wall and over ring 20, and is then collected for return to the boiler. The relatively dry steam passes through the side opening 22 in conduit 21, and rises through the latter into chamber 18. The bottom end of conduit 21 is closed, and apron 24 is secured thereto. The apron covers the opening in ring 20, and prevents water splashing into the primary separating chamber. The apron also provides a surface for draining away water collected on conduit 21. The steam entering chamber 18 through conduit 21 has a whirling motion instituted in chamber 16. The longer end 35 of plate 33 is disposed to face the whirling stream of steam in the chamber. In whirling within chamber 18, substantially all of the remaining water is separated from the steam. The water runs down plate 33 and the side wall of the chamber; it then flows through perforate plate 25 into sump S on conical partition 23. Plate 25 prevents water from splashing from the sump into chamber 18. The water is drained from the sump by pipes 26, coupling 27, and pipe 28 which leads to the sea water supply vessel. The dry steam outlet conduit 30 is provided with a flared open end 31 which projects well into the dome in order to prevent water creepage along conduit 30. Specification 674,385 is referred to.