U.S. patent application number 11/478808 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube.
Invention is credited to Rex Cheskaty, Paul Grandlinard, Warren A. Tase.
Application Number | 20060242829 11/478808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35539779 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060242829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tase; Warren A. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
Method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube
Abstract
A method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly
includes extruding a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly in a
single extruder. The jacketed steam distribution tube assembly
includes an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of
connecting members connecting the inner tube to the outer tube. The
inner tube, outer tube, and plurality of connecting members of the
jacketed steam distribution tube assembly are simultaneously
extruded such that the inner tube and plurality of connecting
members are simultaneously extruded within the outer tube in the
single extruder, thereby forming a jacketed steam distribution tube
assembly having a first predetermined length. The first
predetermined length of the jacketed steam distribution tube
assembly is then divided into a plurality of jacketed steam
distribution tube portions.
Inventors: |
Tase; Warren A.; (Three
Rivers, MI) ; Cheskaty; Rex; (Stuart, FL) ;
Grandlinard; Paul; (Mendon, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MACMILLAN SOBANSKI & TODD, LLC
ONE MARITIME PLAZA FIFTH FLOOR
720 WATER STREET
TOLEDO
OH
43604-1619
US
|
Family ID: |
35539779 |
Appl. No.: |
11/478808 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10887689 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
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11478808 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/888.048 ;
29/888.044 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49361 20150115;
B21C 23/085 20130101; Y10S 261/76 20130101; Y10T 29/49263 20150115;
Y10T 29/49879 20150115; Y10T 29/49256 20150115; Y10T 29/49389
20150115; Y10T 29/49945 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/888.048 ;
029/888.044 |
International
Class: |
B21K 1/18 20060101
B21K001/18 |
Claims
1. A method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly,
the method comprising: extruding in a single extruder, a jacketed
steam distribution tube assembly, the jacketed steam distribution
tube assembly including: an inner tube; an outer tube; and a
plurality of connecting members connecting the inner tube to the
outer tube, the inner tube, outer tube, and plurality of connecting
members of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly being
simultaneously extruded such that the inner tube and plurality of
connecting members are simultaneously extruded within the outer
tube in the single extruder, thereby forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly having a first predetermined length; and
dividing the first predetermined length of the jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly into a plurality of jacketed steam
distribution tube portions.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further
includes attaching a first cap to a first end of at least one of
the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly and the jacketed
steam distribution tube portions, and attaching a second cap to a
second end of the at least one of the jacketed steam distribution
tube assembly and the jacketed steam distribution tube
portions.
3. The method according to claim 2; wherein the plurality of
connecting members defines a first passageway and a second passage
way between the inner tube and the outer tube; wherein the first
cap seals a first end of the inner tube and fluidly connects the
first passageway to the second passageway; and wherein the second
cap defines a first steam inlet fluidly connected to the first
passageway, a steam outlet fluidly connected to the second
passageway, and a second steam inlet fluidly connected to the inner
tube.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube, the
outer tube, and the plurality of connecting members are formed from
metal.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the inner tube, the
outer tube, and the plurality of connecting members are formed from
aluminum.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
connecting members are formed longitudinally between the inner tube
and the outer tube.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of
connecting members comprise a pair of connecting members radially
disposed about 180 degrees apart.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube and the
outer tube are concentric.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/887,689, filed Jul. 9, 2004, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various embodiments of a steam distribution tube are
described herein. In particular, the embodiments described herein
relate to an improved method of forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube.
[0003] Steam humidification systems are commonly used to raise the
humidity level in airflow ducts. Typical untreated air in the
winter months has very low relative humidity, and it is desirable
to increase the level of humidity in commercial and industrial
facilities. This is particularly true for health care facilities
such as hospitals and nursing homes. High relative humidity is also
needed in industrial locations where static electricity is
especially undesirable, such as in facilities housing electronic
equipment, and in other industrial locations, such as fabric or
paper handling, where a material must be prevented from drying
out.
[0004] Steam humidification systems typically use dispersion tubes
that are supplied with steam and have numerous orifices to
discharge steam. Usually the dispersion tubes are positioned within
air handling systems such as heating, ventilating and air
conditioning (HVAC) ducts to discharge steam into the air flowing
through the ducts. Since the steam is warmer than the air flowing
through the HVAC ducts, the airflow in the ducts has a cooling
effect on the dispersion tubes. As the steam enters the dispersion
tubes, some of the steam is cooled to the extent that it condenses
into water. This is to be avoided because the water can be
discharged through the discharge orifices in liquid form along with
the steam in vaporous form. The result is undesirable dampness in
the HVAC duct and other equipment.
[0005] Designers of steam humidification systems know that the
tendency of steam to condense in the dispersion tube can be
counteracted by providing a heated jacket around the dispersion
tube to help maintain the dispersion tube warm enough so that
condensation does not occur. A flow of steam through the jacket
passageway keeps the dispersion tube from cooling off, thereby
minimizing condensation in the dispersion tube. Known steam
humidification systems also include a support structure attached
within the jacket for attaching the steam tubes and aligning each
of a plurality of orifices in the steam tube with each of a
plurality of discharge orifices in each jacket. The process of
manufacturing and assembling the dispersion tube and the support
structure within the jacket, and aligning the orifices of the steam
tube with the orifices of the jacket, increases the cost and
difficulty of manufacture of the steam humidification system. It
would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved method for
forming a jacketed manifold and/or a jacketed steam distribution
tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present application describes various embodiments of a
method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly. One
embodiment of the method includes simultaneously extruding an inner
tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of connecting members for
connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, thereby forming a
jacketed steam distribution tube assembly.
[0007] In another embodiment, a method of forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly includes forming an outer tube, forming
an inner tube, forming first and second connecting members
extending radially outward of the inner tube and connecting the
inner tube to the outer tube. A plurality of steam orifices are
then formed in the first connecting member, such that the steam
orifices extend between an inner surface of the inner tube and an
outer surface of the outer tube, thereby forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method of forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly includes extruding a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly in a single extruder. The jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly includes an inner tube, an outer tube,
and a plurality of connecting members connecting the inner tube to
the outer tube. The inner tube, outer tube, and plurality of
connecting members of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly
are simultaneously extruded such that the inner tube and plurality
of connecting members are simultaneously extruded within the outer
tube in the single extruder, thereby forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly having a first predetermined length. The
first predetermined length of the jacketed steam distribution tube
assembly is then divided into a plurality of jacketed steam
distribution tube portions.
[0009] Other advantages of the method of forming a jacketed steam
distribution tube assembly will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description, when read in light
of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view in elevation of steam
humidification system according to the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the
jacketed steam distribution tube assembly taken along line 2-2 of
FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the
jacketed steam distribution tube assembly taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly taken along line 4-4
of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly taken along line 5-5
of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, there is schematically illustrated
generally at 10 an exemplary embodiment of a steam humidification
system. The steam humidification system 10 includes a jacketed
steam distribution tube assembly 12 manufactured according the
methods described herein, and a steam conditioner 14. As best shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly 12
includes a body 16 having a first end 16A, a second end 16B, an
inner or distribution tube 18, an outer tube or jacket 20, and a
plurality of connecting members or webs 22, 24. The distribution
tube 18 and the jacket 20 can be formed having any suitable wall
thickness. Preferably, the distribution tube 18 and the jacket 20
are formed having a wall thickness within the range of from about
0.105 inch to about 0.115 inch. More preferably, the distribution
tube 18 and the jacket 20 are formed having a wall thickness about
0.110 inch.
[0016] The webs 22, 24 extend longitudinally and radially outward
of the distribution tube 18 to the jacket 20 and connect the
distribution tube 18 to the jacket 20, as best shown in FIGS. 3
through 5, inclusive. Preferably the body 16 comprises a first web
22 and a second web 24 disposed about 180 degrees apart. The webs
22, 24 are shown as having a substantially rectangular
cross-section. It will be understood however, that the webs 22, 24
can have any desired cross sectional shape. The webs 22, 24 are
further shown in FIG. 5 as having different widths w1, w2,
respectively. It will be understood however, that the webs 22, 24
can have any desired width.
[0017] An inside surface or fillet 25 is formed between the first
web 22 and the jacket 20, the first web 22 and the distribution
tube 18, the second web 24 and the jacket 20, and the second web 24
and the distribution tube 18. Preferably, the fillet 25 is formed
having a radius within the range of from about 0.057 inch to about
0.067 inch. More preferably, the fillet 25 has a radius of about
0.062 inch.
[0018] An orifice 26 is formed radially outwardly through the web
22, between an inner surface 28 of the distribution tube 18 and an
outer surface 30 of the jacket 20. Preferably, a plurality of
orifices 26 is formed radially outwardly through the web 22. More
preferably, the plurality of orifices 26 are linearly arrayed and
spaced apart throughout the length of the body 16. It will be
understood that the orifices 26 can be formed by any desired
method, such as for example, by drilling.
[0019] A condensate flow barrier tube 32 is preferably disposed in
each orifice 26, and extends inwardly from the jacket 20 to a point
inward of the inner surface 28 of the distribution tube 18.
Preferably, the condensate flow barrier tubes 32 are attached
within the orifices 26 with an interference fit. It will be
understood however, that the condensate flow barrier tubes 32 can
be attached to the orifices 26 by any other desired means. The
condensate flow barrier tubes 32 ensure that any condensed, liquid
water that may be formed within the distribution tube 18, is
trapped in a region R about the condensate flow barrier tube 32 and
prevented from exiting the distribution tube 18 through the
orifices 26. It will be further understood however, that if
desired, the body 16 can be formed without condensate flow barrier
tubes 32.
[0020] As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the webs 22, 24 form a
first passageway 34 and a second passageway 36 between the
distribution tube 18 and the jacket 20. As will be explained in
detail below, the first and second passageways 34 and 36 define
flow paths for steam. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5,
inclusive, the distribution tube 18 and the jacket 20 are
preferably substantially concentric, although such concentricity is
not required. Because the distribution tube 18 and the jacket 20
are substantially concentric, and because the webs 22, 24 are
disposed about 180 degrees apart, the first and second passageways
34 and 36 are substantially equal in size.
[0021] The distribution tube 18, jacket 20, and webs 22, 24 of the
body 16 of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly 12 are
preferably formed simultaneously. More preferably, the distribution
tube 18, jacket 20, and webs 22, 24 of the body 16 are formed by
extrusion. The body 16 can be formed from any desired metal, such
as aluminum, or any desired thermoplastic, such as polysulfone. It
will be understood however, that the body 16 can also be formed
from any other desired metals and non-metals. Preferably, virgin
aluminum is used. It has been shown that other types of aluminum,
such as non-virgin aluminum, recycled aluminum, or aluminum
containing other metals or alloys, performs unsatisfactorily during
the extrusion process.
[0022] The extrusion process can be performed using any desired
extruding machine. One example of such an extruding machine is a
2000 ton, 7 inch extrusion press manufactured by the Sutton
Division of SMS Eumuco, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa.
[0023] The body 16 can be extruded to a first predetermined length.
It will be understood that the first predetermined length of the
body 16 can be any desired length as required for storage and
shipping. Once extruded, the first predetermined length of the body
16 can be further divided into a plurality of jacketed steam
distribution portions. An example of such a jacketed steam
distribution portion is the body 16 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The jacketed steam distribution portions can be any desired
lengths, such as for example, within the range of from about one
foot to about 12 feet in length.
[0024] A first cap 38 is disposed at the first end 16A of the body
16 and includes a substantially cylindrical outer wall 40 and a
closed end 42. A substantially U-shaped mounting flange 44 extends
outwardly from a surface 42A of the closed end 42. If desired, the
flange 44 can include a plurality of apertures 46 for receiving
fasteners (not shown) for attaching the jacketed steam distribution
tube assembly 12 within a duct. An annular inner wall 48 is formed
radially inward of the outer wall 40. The inner and outer walls 48
and 40 define an annular passageway 50.
[0025] Preferably, the inner wall 48 of the first cap 38 is
attached to a first end 18A of the distribution tube 18. The outer
wall 40 of the first cap 38 is attached to a first end 20A of the
jacket 20. The first cap 38 can be attached to the first end 16A of
the body 16 by any desired method, such as by friction welding.
When the first cap 38 is attached to the first end 16A of the body
16, the closed end 42 of the first cap 38 seals the distribution
tube 18 and prevents the flow of steam therefrom. The annular
passageway 50 fluidly connects the first passageway 34 to the
second passageway 36.
[0026] A second cap or connector 52 is disposed at the second end
16B of the body 16 and includes a substantially cylindrical outer
wall 54, a first or open end 56, and a second end 58. An annular
inner wall 60 is formed radially inward of the outer wall 54. A
first steam inlet 62 and a steam outlet 64 are formed in the outer
wall 54. Preferably the first steam inlet 62 and the steam outlet
64 are formed about 180 degrees apart. A second steam inlet 66
extends outwardly from the second end 58.
[0027] The connector 52 can be attached to the second end 16B of
the body 16 by any desired method, such as by friction welding. The
second steam inlet 66 is preferably connected to a source of dry
steam, as will be described below. When the connector 52 is
attached to the second end 16B of the body 16, the second steam
inlet 66, the inner wall 60, and the distribution tube 18 define a
flow path for the dry steam, as illustrated by an arrow 100 in
FIGS. 1 through 3, inclusive. The first steam inlet 62 fluidly
connects the first passageway 34 to a source of steam 88. The steam
outlet 64 fluidly connects the second passageway 34 to the steam
conditioner 14.
[0028] The steam conditioner 14 is schematically illustrated in
FIG. 1 and provides a source of dry steam. The steam conditioner 14
includes a housing 70 having a housing inlet 72 and a housing
outlet 74. The housing 70 is formed from any desired material, such
as cast iron.
[0029] A separating chamber 76 is formed in a lower portion of the
housing 70. Preferably, the separating chamber 76 includes a
plurality of baffles 78 to reduce the velocity of, and separate any
condensate from, the steam. The interior walls of the separating
chamber 76 and the baffles 78 can have any desirable shape or
configuration. A drain 80 is formed in a lower surface of the
separating chamber 76 to allow condensate to flow out of the
separating chamber 76.
[0030] A drying chamber 82 is provided within the housing 70.
Preferably, the drying chamber 82 is disposed within the separating
chamber 76. A metering valve 84 is disposed between separating
chamber 76 and the drying chamber 82. A controller 86 controls
actuation of the metering valve 84.
[0031] In operation, steam moves (as illustrated by arrows 102 in
FIG. 1) from the source of steam 88 to the first steam inlet 62. If
desired, an in-line strainer 90 can be disposed between the source
of steam 88 and the first steam inlet 62 to remove particulate
matter from the steam. The steam then moves through the first
passageway 34, the annular passageway 50, and the second passageway
36 to the steam outlet 64.
[0032] The steam then moves through the separating chamber 76 (as
illustrated by arrows 104 in FIG. 1) wherein the baffles 78
condition the steam by reducing its velocity and maximizing the
separation of water droplets 92 therefrom. The steam then moves
through the metering valve 84 to the drying chamber 82.
[0033] The steam from the separating chamber 76 can carry
undesirable liquid mist or water droplets 92 (i.e. condensate). As
schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, the drying chamber 82 is
preferably surrounded by the steam of the separating chamber 76,
and the steam in the separating chamber 76 is preferably at supply
temperature. Any water droplets 92 in the steam entering the drying
chamber 82 can be re-evaporated, thereby providing dry steam. As
used herein, the term dry steam is defined as steam having
substantially no water droplets 92 therein. If desired, a silencing
material, such as a stainless steel silencing material (not shown)
can be disposed in the drying chamber 82 to absorb the noise of
steam moving through the metering valve 84, and through the drying
chamber 82. Dry steam then moves through the distribution tube 18
(as illustrated by the arrow 100 in FIG. 1) and outwardly through
the orifices 26.
[0034] The principle and mode of operation of the method of forming
a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly have been described in
its various embodiments. However, it should be noted that the
methods described herein may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically illustrated and described without departing from its
scope.
* * * * *