US1810375A - Condenser - Google Patents

Description

June 16, 1931. J. H. SMITH 1,810,375.

CONDENSER Filed May 29, 1930 2 Sheets-3heet 1 INVENTOR .J. H. EMH'H.

ATTORNEY J1me 1931. J. H.SMITH J 1,810,375

commusrm Filed May 29, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 6;

WITNESSES INVENTOR J. H. SMH'H.

M 0%. M F: Q. ATTORNEY Patented June 16, 1931 I I UNITED JOHN. H. summon LANSDOWNE, rnnnsvnvmrn, nssrenon. 'r o wnsrmerrocsn Emcrmc a umcrac'runmc comm,

"P rENr orFlCE i A communities or :rn'mvsnvnnu I 'connmtsna Application med any as, 1980. semi no. 457,325.

end of the tube to the discharge-end. In

My invention relates to apparatus for condenslng gaseous media an particularly to steam condensers of the multiple pass type and has for an object to provide ap aratus of the character designated which s all be so constructed and arranged as to effectively utilize the entire cooling surface of the apparatus inorder that it may operate ate very hi h heat transfer rate.

It has for a furtfierobject to provide a condenser of the multiple ass type which shall be so constructed an arranged as to provide for improving longitudinal distri- 'bution of steam to the respective passes of a condenser having a multiple pass tube nest.

These and other objects are efiected by m invention, as will be a parent from the 0 lowing description an claims taken in con nection with the accompanying drawings, forming-a part of'thls application, 111

which:

Fig-11s a view, msectional elevation, ofone form of condenser arranged 1n accordance with my invention;

, on the line IL-II of sectional view, taken ig. 1;

Fig. 3-is a view,- in-sectional elevation, of another embodiment of my invention wherein a considerable portion of the first pass of Fig. 2 is a transve the tube nest is utilized. primarily for coolline VI'VI of Fig. 4; and

ing air and other non-condensable vapors;

ig. 4 1s a view, in sectional elevation, of

myinvention as applied to a condenser ofthe radial flow type; a

Fig. 5 vis a transverse, sectional view through the condenser shell and is taken on the line VV of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view through the water box and is taken on the particularly to apparatus'of the-surface type intendedrprimarily for condensing steam and still more other words, the entrant end f the tube may be termed the cold end while-the discharge end may be termed the: relatively warm end. As a result of these difierences in temperature, difierent heat heads prevail.

within the condenser shell structure; the region near the entrant .end of. the tube nest having a relatively high heat head and the region near the discharge end ofthe tube nest a relatively low heat head.

In condensers of the multiple pass type, such as for example, two pass condensers,

the cooling water ordinarily circulates lonprevails at one end of the condenser withregard to the first pass tubes and at the opposite end of the condenser, with regard .to' the second pass tubes. The regions of 'lowheat head created by the respective passes of the tube nest also prevail at op--= posite longitudinal ends of the condenser.

As eretofore constructed, the. condenser shell first of all admits the steam to be condensed to the second pass tube nest; and

there is a natural'tendency revailing in the inlet portion of the shell or the steam to flow in the direction of the region of high heat head. In other words, more steam flows-to the cold end of the second pass and less steam to the warm end. Thisaflords,

an ideal condition inasmuch as the steamis distributed longitudinally over the tube nest inproportion to its condensing capacity. However, in condensers as. heretofore constructed, this desired condition does not ob tain with the'first pass. This is-caused by the fact that very little distance intervenes between the tubesof thefirst and second pass and, although the heat heads of the of the first pass first pass are the reverse order of the second pass, nevertheless, the steam enters the first pass with the same manii'e'r'of distribution as the second pass. In other words, more steam is distributed to the warm end of the first pass and less steam to the cold end, a condition which is fundamentally wrong.

I have, therefore, conceived the idea of so arranging the condenser that the tubes of the first pass are separated from the tubes of the second pass, transversely, a suflicientdistance so that the steam leaving the second pass may before entering the first pass, redistribute itself in accordance with the changed locations of the heat heads in the first pass. In this way, proper longitudinal distribution, heretofore applicable only to the second pass, is made applicable to the first ass. As a result, the entire tube surface more effectivel utilized.

Referring now to igs. 1 and 2. I show a condenser having a shell 10 provided with an inlet 11 for steam to be condensed. Provided at each end of the shell structure are end tube sheets 12 and 13 and, extending longitudinally between the end tube sheets 12 and 13, is a tube nest, generally represented at 14. In the present embodiment, the condenser is of the downflow type in that the lower ortion of the tube nest substantially fills t e shell structure and the steam admitted through the inlet 11 enters the tube nest mostly through the upper surface of the latter. ,4

The tube nest 14 is divided into a firstpass 15 and a second pass 16, the two passes being separated by a longitudinally-extendin distribution space 17 hereinafter referre to in more detail. Associated with the end tube sheet 12 is a water box 18 provided with a lower inlet connection 19 and an upper outlet connection 21. The water box 18 is arranged for two pass circulation of cooling water through the tubenest, and, hence, is provided with a central division wall 22 having a flange 23 abutting the tube sheet 12 and forming a substantially fluid-tight joint therewith. Associated with the tube sheet 13 at the other end of the tube nest is a return water box 24 arranged to receive the cooling water discharged from the first pass 15 and to direct it to the entrant end of the second pass 16.

For supporting the tube nest intermediate of the end tube sheets 12 and 13, suitable, longitudinally-spaced intermediate tube support sheets 25 are provided which, as shown particularly in Fig. 2, are divided into transversely spaced upper and second pass sections 26 and lower and first pass sections 7. The lower sections 27 are further subdivided into upper and lower sections 28 and 29 which extend transversely of and are supported by the condenser shell. The sections 28 and 29 are staggered longitudinally,

so as to afford longitudinal circulation of gaseous media through the first pass of the tube nest.

Extending longitudinally between the intermediate tube sheet sections 28 as well as the adjacent end tube sheets 12 and 13 is an -inverted V-shaped hood 30 which prevents condensate from raining down into a centrally-disposed, triangular-shaped portion 31 of the first pass of the tube nest. The portion 31 of the first ass of the tube nest may be said to constltute the air cooler through which gaseous media may circulate longitudinally owing to the staggered relation of the intermediate tube support sheet sections 28 and 29. Air and other non-condensable gases are finally removed from the condenser through an outlet conduit 32 which connects with the hood 30 at the entrant end of the first pass 15. In this way, the air is removed from the condenser at minimum temperature. In order that condensate may be removed from the condenser at as high a temperature as possible, the condensate outlet 33 is preferably located at the opposite end of the shell structure. that is, at the end adjacent the discharge or warm end of the first pass 15.

In operation, steam is admitted to the inlet 11 and, first of all. enters the second pass 16 of the tube nest. However, as stated heretofore, the end 13 of the second pass 16 is relatively cold while the end 12 is relatively warm so that a region of high heat head prevails at the end 13 of the second pass and a region of low heat head at the end 12. Consequently, the steam in the spacious inlet 11 has a natural tendency to flow toward the end 13 so that more steam to be condensed is allotted to the cold end 13 and less to the warm end 14. This is a condition which is theoretically ideal and which has obtained in mostcondensers of the prior art.

In passing through the second pass 16, some of the steam is condensed and falls downwardly to the bottom of the shell structure from which it is drained through the condensate outlet. 33. However, the remaining portion of the steam enters the distribution space. 17. As stated heretofore, the volume of the distribution space 17 is such that the steam entering therein may redistribute itself longitudinally in accordance with the reversed locations of the high and low heat heads in the first pass. In other words. the distribution space allows some of the steam to flow in the direction of the tube sheet 12 and more steam is. therefore. distributed to the cold end of the first pass and less to the warm end.

Referring. at this time. to the condensers of the prior art. applicant wishes to emphasize that. as thesecondmisers have heretofore been constructed, the distance inter- I the order of 18 inches.

from redistributing itself longitudinally.

In accordance with my invention, I prefer to make this distance of such ample proportions that the longitudinal velocity of vapor fiow through the passage 17 will be no higher than the velocity of the steam lea-v ing the second pass of the tube nest or en tering the first pass. In accordance with my invention, the distance intervening between the first and second passes may be of However, the latter figure may vary considerably as it is dependent upon the amount of tube surface of the condenser. the lengthof the tube nest. the width of the tube nest. the velocity of the steam through the condenser, etc, I

It will. therefore. be apparent that, by means of the distribution passageway 17. more steam is directed to the cold end 12 of the first pass and less steam to the warm end 13. Condensate created in the first pass commingles with the condensate created in the second pass and is drained through the outlet 33 while the non-condcnsable gaseous media travels longitudinally through the first pass in a somewhat tortuous path. as defined by the tube sheet sections 28 and 29, and is finally removed through the outlet 32. As the outlet 32 is adjacent to that portion of the condenser wherein the cooling water first enters, it is evident that the air and other non-condensable gaseous media are removed at minimum temperature.

Referring now to Fig. 3, I show an embodiment of my invention wherein a considerable portion of the first pass of the tube nest is set aside primarily for cooling the air and other non-condensable gaseous In thisembodnnent. I provide, in'

media. the longitudinal distribution space 17, a batfie 35 which extends transversely across the full width of the tube nest and which. longitudinally, slopes downwardly in the distribution space 17 from the end tube sheet 12 toward that intermediate tube sheet 25 which is disposed adjacent to the end 13 ot' the condenser. The first pass 15 of the tube nest is supported by sectional tube sheets 3(3. 37 and ifilarranged to atlord longitudinal circulation of gaseous incdia through the first passot the tube nest to an air or non-comlensablev gas outlet 39 located adjacent to the end I! of the condenser.

In operation, steam is admitted through the inlet 11 and is distributed to the second pass of the tube nest 14 in the same manner as the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. That portion of the steam which is not condensed in the second pass of the tube nest enters the distribution space 17 and is directed by the bafiie 85 to the end 13 of the first pass, which end serves as an entrance chamber for the air cooler, that is, that portion of the tube nest disposed below the baflie 35. The bafile 35,'in this embodiment, isolates the cooler from the second pass so that all uncondensed "and non-condensable media from the second pass flow naturally to the end 13 of the first pass as this is the exposed zone of thenext highest heat head. Uncondensed gaseous media then flows longitu'dinally through the portion of the first pass disposed below the bafile 35 to the outlet 39, thus traversing the coldest portion.

second pass into the entrant portion of the cooler embodied in the first pass and represented by that portion of the tube nest which is disposed below the bafile 35. The arrangement shown in Fig. 3 provides for very effective cooling ofthi l air and noncondensable gaseous media priorto their removal from the condenser. It will, therefore, be apparent that. by the aid of a distribution space such as 17, a very substantial portion of the first pass of the tube nest may be utilized primarily for cooling purposes.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 7, inclusive, I show still another embodiment of my invention wherein the condenserl is of the radial flow type. In this embodiment, the tube nest is divided into a lower first pass 41 having a. width substantially less than that of the interior of the shell structure 10 and having its upper surface preferably formed in the shape of a semi-circle. Surrounding the first pass 41 on three sides thereof is'a crescent-shaped second pass tube nest section 42 which is so spaced from the f rst pass as to form an intervening, longi tudinally-extending distribution space 43, which also is substantially crescent-shaped. The outer contour of the second pass 42 is so spaced from the interior of the shell structure as to form. with the latter, an intervening steam delivery space 44 surrounding the outer'periphery of the first pass tube nest section. As shown in Fig. 6, thewater hon 19 is provided with a division wall 50 so shaped as to direct the cooling water. from the inlet 19 into the first pass section of the tube ncstand to receive cooling water from the second pass section of the tube nest and to discharge it to the outlet 21.

, condensed while the temperature 0 For supporting the tube nest intermediate of the and tube sheets 12 and 13, suitable intermediate tube supporting sheets 45 are rovided which sheets, as shown particuarly in iig. 7 are provided with suitable openings 46 located in the longitudinal dis- I tribution space 43. The openings 46 are of such substantial flow-area as not to interfere with the free longitudinal circulation of gaseous media in the distribution space 43. The first pass section 41 of the tube nest is so formed as to embody a longitudinally-extending cavity or core space 47 arrangii to permit aseous media which has not 11 condense in the tube nest to enter the core space 47 and to flow toward an air at the cold or cooling water entrant end 0 the first pass of the tube nest, is a cupshgped baflle 51 for directin the gaseous m is from the core space racIially outward into surrounding portions of the tube nest before the same enters the entrant portion 52 of the air ofi'talre 48. That portion of the tube nest which surrounds the cup-shaped baflie 51 and the entrant portion 52 of the oiftake 48 may be said to constitute an air cooling section and in order that condensate may be prevented from raining down into this portion of the tube nest, an arcuate bafile 53 is disposed above the cold or cooling water entrant end of the first pass of the tube nest.

In operation, steam enters the shell structure through the inlet 11 and surrounds the second pass 42 of the tube nest in the steam delivery space 44. The steam then travels in substantially radial directions through the section 42- of the tube nest and enters the intermediate distribution space 43. As in the previous embodiments, the distribution space 43 has such ample, transverse flow-area as will permit the steam to redistribute itself longitudinall before entering the first pass section 41 of the tube nest.

he steam entering the first pass 41 of the tube nest travels inwardly toward the core space 47 and the uncondensed gases finally enter the core space 47 and flow longitudinally toward the ofi'take 48. However, before enterin the entrant portion 52 of the ofi'take 48, these gases are deflected into the tube nest by the bafile 51 so that, when they eventually reach the air offtake 48, their condensable component has been com letely their non-condensable components has been reduced to a minimum. Condensate formed in all ortions of the tube nest drains downwar ly to the bottom of the shell structure and is discharged through the outlet 33.

From the fore oing description, it will be apparent that I ave evolved a novel form of multi-pass condenser wherein suitable distribution spaces are provided in order that as the steam approac es successive passes of the tube nest, it may redistribute itself to suit the changed locations of the heat heads. As a result, condensers so constructed make more effective use of the entire coolin surface of the tube nest. While I have s own my invention as being applicable to condensers of the two-pass type, nevertheless it is to be understood that my invention is equally applicable to condensers wherein the tube nest embodies more than two passes.

While I have shown my invention in three forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications, without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are imposed by the nor art or as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure, a tube nest extending longitudinally through the shell structure and embodying first and second passes, water boxes associated with the ends of the tube nest and providing for the circulation of cooling water through the first pass of the tube nest and thence through the second pass of the tube nest, an inlet rovided in the shell structure for distri uting gaseous media to be condensed to one of the passes of the tube nest, longitudinally-extending pgssageway means of substantial flow area tween the passes for distributing gaseous media to the other pass of the tube nest, and means communicating with the interior of the shell structure near the entrant end of that ass in which the cooling water is first circu ated for removing non-condensable gaseous media from the shell structure.

2. A condenser as claimed in claim 1 and including condensate outlet means connecting with the shell structure at the end thereof adjacent the discharge end of that pass in which the cooling water is first circulated.

3. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure having an inlet for aseous media to be condensed and an out et for condensate, a tube nest extending longitudinally throu h the shell structure, water boxes associate with the ends of the tube nest and providing for circulating cooling water through the tube nest in a plurality of passes, a passageway means extending longitudinally through the shell structure and separating adjacent passes of the tube nest for affording unrestricted longitudinal distribution of gaseous media between the asses, and means communicating with the interior of the shell structure near the en- ,trant end of that pass of the tube nest in which the cooling water is first circulated for removing non-condensable gaseous media from the shell structure.

4. A condenser as claimed inclaim 3 wherein the adjacent passes of the tube nest are separated at least 10 inches apart.

5. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure having an inlet for gaseous media to be condensed, a tube nest extending lon itudinally through the shell struc-* ture and divided, transversely, into first and second passes, one of said passes being disposed relatively near the inlet and the other of said asses being disposed relatively removed rom the inlet, water boxes associated with the ends of the tube nestand providing for circulating coolin water through the first pass and the. secon pass in series, passageway means separating the asses of the tube nest for aflording longitu inal distribution of steam to the pass removed from the inlet, and means for withdrawing noncondensable gaseous media from near the cooling water entrant'end of'the pass removed from the inlet.

6. In a condenser, the combination of 'a shell structure having an inlet for gaseous media to be condensed, a tube nest extending lon itudinally through the shell structure an divided, transversely, into first and second passes, a water box associated-with one end of the tube nest and arranged to supply cooling water to the first pass of the tube nest and to receive cooling water from the second pass of the tube nest, a water box associated'with'the other end of the tube nest for receiving the water from the first pass and for directing it to the second pass, passageway means intervening between the passes of the tube nest and providing for unrestricted circulation of gaseous media in a direction from the cooling water entrant end of the second pass toward the cooling water entrant end of the first pass, and means communicating with the interior of the shell structure for removing air from the entrant end of the first ass. p 7. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure, a tube nest extending longitudinally through the shell structure and embodying first and second passes, tube sheets located at each end and intermediate of the ends of the tube nest for supporting the latter, water boxes associated with the end tube sheets and providing for the circulation of'cooling water through the first pass of the tube nest and thence through the second pass of the tube nest, an inlet provided in the shell'structure for distributing gaseous media to be condensed to one of the passes of the tube nest, longitudinally-extending passageway means separating the passes of the tube nest, said passage sway means including openings ofsubstantial flow-area provided in the intermediate tube supporting sheets, and means communicating with the interior of the shell structure near the entrant end of the pass in which the cooling water is first circulated for removing non-condensablegaseous media from the shell structure.

8. In a condenser, the combination ofa shell structure having an inlet for gaseous media to be condensed, a tube nest extending lon itudinally through the shell structure and divided, transversely, into "first and second passes said first pass being disposed adjacent to the side of the .shell structure remote from the inlet and said second pass extending about the exposed periphery of the first ass and defining, with the interior of the s .ell structure, a longitudinally-extending steam delive space surrounding a substantial portion 0 the second pass, longitudinally-extending passageway means separating the first and second passes and providing a second longitudinally-extending steam delivery space, means forcirculating cooling water through the passes of the tube nest in series, and means communicating with the interior of the shell structure for withdrawing air from an interior portion of the'first pass and from the cooling water entrant end thereof.

9. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure havin an inlet for gaseous media to be condense a first pass group of coolin tubes extending longitudinally throng the shell structure and disposed adjacent to the side of the shell structure remote from the inlet, said first pass group being formed with a substantially semi-circular periphery on the entrant side thereof, asubstantially crescent-shaped second pass roup of cooling tubes extending longitudinally through the shell structure between the inlet and the first pass group and so spaced from the latter as to form a substantially crescentshaped, longitudinally-extending passageway for the longitudinal distribution of gaseous media to the second pass group, means for conveying cooling water through the first passgrou and the second pass group in series, an means communicating with the interior of the shell structure for removing non-condensable gaseous media from the cooling water entrant end of the first pass group.

10. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure having an inlet for gaseous media to be condensed, a substantiall circular tube nest extending longitudlnally through the shell structure, an'inner group of tubes and an outer group of tubes ema m o wbodied in the tube nest and spaced from each other so as to form an intervenin distribuztion space surrounding a substantial ortion and providin for the circulation of cooling water throng the two groups of tubes in series, and means communicating with the interior of the shell structure for withdrawing non-condensable gaseous media from the inner group of tubes and from the cooling water entrant end thereof.

11. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure havin an inlet for aseous media to be condense and an outlet or condensate, a tube nest extending longitudinally throu h the shell structure, water boxes associate with the ends of the tube nest and providing for circulating cooling water through the tube nest in a plurality of passes, passageway means extending longitudinally through the shellstructure and separatin adjacent passes of the tube nest for afi'or in unrestricted longitudinal distribution o gaseous media between the asses, passageway means embodied in the rst of the asses of the tube nest for afiording longitu inal circulation of gaseous media in a direction from the coolin water discharge end of said pass towar the cooling water entrant end thereof, and air outlet means connecting with the interior of the shell structure near the entrant end of the first pass of the tube nest.

12. A condenser as claimed in claim 11 and embodyin means for directing gaseous media circulating through the passageway means in the first pass over portions of the coolin tubes in the first pass.

13. n a condenser, the combination of a shell structure, a tube nest extending longitudinally through the shell structure and embodying first and second asses, tube sheets located at each end and intermediate of the ends of the tube nest for supporting the latter, water boxes associated with the end-tube sheets and providing for the circulation of cooling water through the first pass of the tube nest and thence through the second pass of the tube nest, an inlet provided in the shell structure for distributin gaseous media to be condensed to the second pa of the tube nest, longitudinally-extending passageway means separating the passes of the tube nest for distributing gaseous media to the first pass of the tube nest, said passageway means including openings of substantial flow-area provided in the intermediate tube supporting sheets, passagepassageway means including openings provided in the intermediate tube supporting 1 sheets, and air outlet means connecting wit the interior of the shell structure near the entrant end of the first pass of the tube nest. nest.

14. A condenser as claimed in claim 13 and embodying bafile means dis osed within the first pass of the'tube nest or directing gaseous media circulating through the passageway means in the first pass over portions of the cooling tubes in the first pass.

15. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure havin an inlet for aseous media to be condense and an outlet or condensate, a tube nest extending longitudinally through the shell structure, water boxes associated with the ends of the tube nest and providing for circulating cooling water through the tube nestin a plurality of passes, passageway means extending longitudinally through the shell structure and separatin adjacent passes of the tube nest for atlordin unrestricted longitudinal distribution 0% passes, a longitudinally-extending cavity gaseous media between the embodied in the first pass of the tube nest,

and air withdrawal means connecting with the cavity near the end thereof adjacent to the cooling water entrant end of the first pass of the tube nest.

16. In a condenser, the combination of 'a shell structure havin an inlet for aseous media to be condense and an outlet or condensate, a tube nest extending longitudinally through the shell structure, water boxes associated with the ends of the tube nest and I providing for circulating cooling water through the tube nest in a plurality of passes, passageway means extending longitudinally through the shell structure and separatin adjacent passes of the tube nest for afior in unrestricted longitudinal distribution o gaseous media between the passes, a core space extending longitudinally through the first pass of the tube nest for affording longitudlnal circulation of gaseous media in adirection from the cooling water discharge end of said pass toward the cooling water entrant end thereof, bafile means disposed in the core space for deflectin gaseous media from the core space towar surrounding portions of the first pass of the tube nest, and air withdrawal means connecting with the core space near the end thereof adjacent the cooling water entrant end of the first pass of the tube nest.

17. In a condenser, the combination of a shell structure, a tube nest ext-ending longi tudinally through the shell structure and embodyingfirst and second passes, tube sheets located'at each end andintermediate of the ends of the tube nest for supporting p the latter, water boxes associated with the end tube sheets and providing for the circulation of cooling water through the first pass of the tube nest and thence through the second pass of the tube nest, an inlet provided in the shell structure for distributing gaseous media to be condensed to the second pass of the tube nest, longitudinall -extending passageway means separating t 1e passes I of the tube nest for distributing gaseous media to the first pass of the tube nest, said passageway meansincluding openings of substantial flow-area provided in the intermediate tube supporting sheets, a cavity extending longitudinally through the first pass of the tube nest for affording longitudinal circulation of gaseous media in a direction from the cooling water discharge end of said pass toward thercooling water entrant end thereof, said cavity including openings provided in the intermediate tube supporting sheets, bafiie means disposed in the cavity for deflecting gaseous media from the cavity over surrounding portions of the first pass of the tube, nest, and air outlet means connecting with the interior of the shell structure near the cooling water entrant end of the first pass of the tube nest.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 23rd day of May,

J OHN H. SMITH.

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