초록 ▼

A steam generation system employing a flash tank feeding low-pressure steam to a compressor controls surges in the compressor by calculating the amount of steam generated based on the temperature change and flow of water passing through the flash tank and modulates the flow rate in order to maintain

A steam generation system employing a flash tank feeding low-pressure steam to a compressor controls surges in the compressor by calculating the amount of steam generated based on the temperature change and flow of water passing through the flash tank and modulates the flow rate in order to maintain the steam flow above a surge limit. If increasing the water flow rate is incapable of producing enough steam to avoid surges, a recycle control recycles steam from the output of the compressor back to the flash tank. A further embodiment of the invention permits using an auxiliary source of low-pressure steam to augment the steam produced in the flash tank while maintaining the total steam flow at a level sufficient to avoid surges. The steam flow may alternatively be derived from the differential pressure between outlet and inlet of the compressor.

대표청구항 ▼

In an apparatus for producing a high temperature, high pressure vapor from a lower vapor and liquid source including a flash tank having a hot liquid inlet, a vapor outlet and a liquid outlet; a compressor inlet connected to the vapor outlet of the flash tank; a control system for preventing the occ

In an apparatus for producing a high temperature, high pressure vapor from a lower vapor and liquid source including a flash tank having a hot liquid inlet, a vapor outlet and a liquid outlet; a compressor inlet connected to the vapor outlet of the flash tank; a control system for preventing the occurence of vapor surge within the compressor comprising: an inlet liquid control valve positioned upstream from the flash tank hot liquid inlet; a recycle control valve positioned in a conduit connecting the compressor discharge with the compressor inlet whereby vapor may be recirculated through the compressor to avoid surge; and, a programmable controller having programmed therein a surge limit line and receiving further operating inputs with respect to flash tank vapor flow and compressor discharge pressure; said controller providing control signals to the inlet and recycle control valves whereby said inlet valve is opened a preselected amount prior to causing the recycle valve to open.