U.S. patent application number 16/148171 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for steam dispersion system.
The applicant listed for this patent is DRI-STEEM Corporation. Invention is credited to David Michael Baird, Joseph T. Haag, Mark Allen Kirkwold, James Michael Lundgreen.
Application Number | 20190301757 16/148171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53181977 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190301757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lundgreen; James Michael ;
et al. |
October 3, 2019 |
STEAM DISPERSION SYSTEM
Abstract
A steam dispersion system for building humidification is
disclosed. At least a portion of the steam dispersion system is
comprised of a flexible material that is collapsible for changing
the outer dimension of the portion comprised of the flexible
material from a greater, higher-pressure, size, to a smaller,
lower-pressure, size.
Inventors: |
Lundgreen; James Michael;
(Lakeville, MN) ; Baird; David Michael;
(Bloomington, MN) ; Haag; Joseph T.; (Delano,
MN) ; Kirkwold; Mark Allen; (Shakopee, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DRI-STEEM Corporation |
Eden Prairie |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53181977 |
Appl. No.: |
16/148171 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14555110 |
Nov 26, 2014 |
10088180 |
|
|
16148171 |
|
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|
61908947 |
Nov 26, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/0236 20130101;
F24F 13/0218 20130101; F24F 6/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 6/18 20060101
F24F006/18 |
Claims
1. A steam dispersion system for building humidification, the
system comprising: at least a portion comprised of a flexible
material that is collapsible for changing the outer dimension of
the portion comprised of the flexible material from a greater,
higher-pressure, size, to a smaller, lower-pressure, size.
2. A steam dispersion system according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible material is permeable to steam so as to define a plurality
of steam dispersion points.
3. A steam dispersion system according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible material is impermeable to steam.
4. A steam dispersion system according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible material is a fabric material.
5. A steam dispersion system according to claim 4, wherein the
fabric material is either a woven or a non-woven fabric
material.
6. A steam dispersion system according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible material is a metallic material.
7. A steam dispersion system according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible material is a non-metallic material.
8. A steam dispersion system according to claim 7, wherein the
non-metallic material is a polymeric material.
9. A steam dispersion system for building humidification, the
system comprising: at least a portion comprised of a flexible
material, wherein the steam dispersion system includes a
reinforcing support structure configured to generally maintain the
shape of the portion comprised of the flexible material.
10. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
flexible material is rigid enough itself to define the reinforcing
support structure.
11. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
portion comprised of the flexible material surrounds the
reinforcement support structure.
12. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
portion comprised of the flexible material defines an inner face
and an outer face, the steam delivered by the steam dispersion
system configured to flow from the inner face toward the outer
face, wherein the reinforcing support structure surrounds the outer
face.
13. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, further
comprising a wicking material surrounding the portion comprised of
the flexible material.
14. A steam dispersion system according to claim 12, further
comprising a wicking material surrounding the portion comprised of
the flexible material.
15. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
reinforcing support structure is defined by a metallic mesh having
a generally open skeletal structure.
16. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
flexible material is a fabric material.
17. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
flexible material is a metallic material.
18. A steam dispersion system according to claim 9, wherein the
flexible material is a non-metallic material.
19. A steam dispersion system for building humidification, the
system comprising: a steam source; a manifold directly
communicating with the steam source through a steam conduit, the
manifold configured to evenly distribute the steam provided from
the steam source; wherein a majority of the manifold is comprised
of a non-metallic material.
20. A steam dispersion system according to claim 19, wherein the
manifold does not include a steam dispersion tube and wherein the
non-metallic material is permeable to steam so as to define a
plurality of steam delivery points.
21. A steam dispersion system according to claim 19, wherein at
least one steam dispersion tube extends from the manifold.
22. A steam dispersion system according to claim 20, wherein the
manifold defines a generally spherical shape.
23. A steam dispersion system according to claim 20, wherein the
manifold defines a generally cylindrical ring shape.
24. A steam dispersion system according to claim 20, wherein the
manifold defines a generally tubular shape.
25. A steam dispersion system according to claim 19, wherein the
non-metallic material of the manifold is permeable to steam so as
to define a plurality of steam dispersion points.
26. A steam dispersion system according to claim 19, wherein the
non-metallic material of the manifold is impermeable to steam.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/555,110, filed Nov. 26, 2014; which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/908,947, filed
on Nov. 26, 2013, which applications are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The principles disclosed herein relate generally to the
field of steam dispersion humidification. Particularly, the
disclosure relates to a system that utilizes flexible materials in
the construction of the steam dispersion components such as the
tubes and headers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In steam dispersion, either pressurized steam from a boiler
or un-pressurized steam from an atmospheric steam generator is
often used to humidify spaces within buildings. The steam is piped
to a steam dispersion device which distributes the steam into an
air duct, air handling unit (AHU) or open space. According to a
conventional system, the steam dispersion device may consist of a
manifold (referred to as a header) to which may be attached a row
of stainless steel tubes.
[0004] Steam is normally discharged from a steam source as dry gas
or vapor. When steam enters a steam dispersion system and mixes
with cooler duct air, condensation takes place in the form of water
particles. Within a certain distance, the water particles become
absorbed by the air stream within the duct. The distance wherein
water particles are completely absorbed is called absorption
distance. Alternatively, there is the distance wherein water
particles or droplets no longer form on duct equipment (except high
efficiency air filters, for example). This is known as the
non-wetting distance. Absorption distance is typically longer than
non-wetting distance. Before the water particles are absorbed into
the air within the non-wetting distance and ultimately the
absorption distance, the water particles collect on duct equipment.
The collection of water particles may adversely affect the life of
such equipment. Thus, a short non-wetting or absorption distance is
desirable.
[0005] To achieve a short non-wetting or absorption distance, steam
dispersion systems may utilize multiple, closely spaced, stainless
steel, dispersion tubes. The number of tubes and their space are
based on needed non-wetting or absorption distance. The dispersion
tubes can get very hot (e.g., around 212.degree. F. on outer
surface). When a large number of tubes get hot, they heat the
surrounding duct air. This ultimately reduces the effect of the
cooling and humidification process, thus resulting in wasted
energy. Moreover, cool air (e.g. at 50-70.degree. F.) that flows
around the hot dispersion tubes causes a portion of the steam
within the dispersion tubes to condense and form condensate. The
condensate is often drained out of the steam dispersion system,
thus wasting water. Stainless steel tubes are conventionally
perforated with holes or provided with nozzles to prevent
condensate from exiting (spitting). Moreover, perforated tubes may
be better at evenly distributing steam to promote rapid absorption
into the air.
[0006] However, even perforating stainless steel tubes cannot
combat many of the disadvantages associated with a typical steam
dispersion device. Cool air flowing across the hot dispersion tubes
still causes some steam to condense within the dispersion tubes,
which is drained out of the device and exits the AHU, wasting
water. The dispersion system still heats the air, increasing
cooling costs. Static air pressure drop across the dispersion
device is always a problem, increasing fan horsepower year round,
even when the dispersion device is not used. Rigid stainless steel
tubes, headers, and frames may be costly from both a material and
shipping perspective. Insulation may be added to the dispersion
tubes to reduce condensate and heat gain, however, leading to
increased costs and static air pressure drop.
[0007] The contradiction that is always present in steam dispersion
systems is that short absorption distances require more dispersion
tubes, thus creating more condensate, heat gain, and static air
pressure drop and designing a system that reduces condensate, heat
gain, and static air pressure drop requires the use of fewer tubes,
which, however, lead to longer absorption distances.
[0008] What is needed in the art is a steam dispersion device that
will simultaneously provide short absorption distances, reduced
condensate, reduced heat gain and static air pressure drop while
achieving a reduction in material, storage, shipping, handling, and
installation costs.
SUMMARY
[0009] The principles disclosed herein relate to a steam dispersion
system that utilizes flexible materials in the construction of
steam dispersion components such as tubes, headers, and frame.
[0010] According to one particular aspect, the materials from which
the steam dispersion components are constructed may be non-metallic
materials such as polymeric materials.
[0011] According to another particular aspect, the materials from
which the steam dispersion components are constructed may be fabric
materials.
[0012] According to one particular aspect, the materials may
include woven or non-woven materials.
[0013] If formed from fabric materials, the fabric materials may be
woven or non-woven fabric materials.
[0014] It should be noted that even though non-metallic materials
may provide certain advantages, the inventive aspects of the
disclosure are fully applicable to metallic materials. Certain
metallic materials such as metallic fabrics or fabrics that include
metallic components may provide the inventive features of the steam
dispersion systems discussed herein and are contemplated.
[0015] According to one particular aspect, if the material forming
the portion of the steam dispersion system is fabric material, the
fabric material may be of a characteristic that allows steam to
exit through the fibers of the fabric material.
[0016] According to another particular aspect, the material that
makes up at least a portion of the steam dispersion tube is
configured to deflate or collapse in response to drops in steam
pressure across the steam dispersion system.
[0017] According to another particular aspect, the material making
up portions of the steam dispersion system is impermeable to steam
but is perforated with apertures through which the steam can
exit.
[0018] According to another particular aspect, the material is both
permeable to steam and is perforated with apertures through which
the steam can exit.
[0019] According to another particular aspect, the material is
impermeable to steam but is perforated with apertures that can
change in cross-dimensional size through which the steam can exit.
The cross-dimensional size can increase or decrease in response to
changes in the steam load to maintain a constant pressure within
the dispersion system.
[0020] According to another particular aspect, the flexible
material forming at least a portion of the steam dispersion system
may be wrapped around a reinforcing support structure, which can
help the flexible portion maintain its shape regardless of steam
pressure within the steam dispersion system. A portion of the steam
that condenses may wet the flexible material and wick into it. The
condensate that has wicked into the flexible material may
eventually evaporate into the air.
[0021] In other embodiments, the reinforcing support structure may
be provided on an outer surface of the portion comprised of the
flexible material.
[0022] According to another particular aspect, the portions of the
steam dispersion system comprised of the flexible material may
include the manifold and not just the steam dispersion tubes.
[0023] According to another aspect, the disclosure is related to a
steam dispersion system comprising at least a portion comprised of
a flexible material that is collapsible for changing the outer
dimension of the portion comprised of the flexible material from a
greater, higher-pressure size to a smaller, lower-pressure,
size.
[0024] According to another aspect, the disclosure is related to a
steam dispersion system comprising at least a portion comprised of
a flexible material, wherein the steam dispersion system includes a
reinforcing support structure configured to generally maintain the
shape of the portion comprised of the flexible material.
[0025] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is related
to a steam dispersion system comprising a steam source, a manifold
directly communicating with the steam source through a steam
conduit, the manifold configured to evenly distribute the steam
provided from the steam source, wherein a majority of the manifold
is comprised of a non-metallic material.
[0026] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth
in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate
to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only
and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which
the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam
dispersion system having features that are examples of inventive
aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system includes steam
dispersion tubes made from a flexible material;
[0028] FIG. 1B illustrates the steam dispersion system of FIG. 1A
with the steam dispersion tubes in a deflated configuration due to
lack of steam pressure;
[0029] FIG. 2A is a close-up perspective view of one of the steam
dispersion tubes in FIG. 1A, wherein the steam dispersion tube is
illustrated in an inflated configuration;
[0030] FIG. 2B is a close-up perspective view of the steam
dispersion tube of FIG. 2B, with the tube shown in a deflated
configuration;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment
of a steam dispersion tube configured for use with the system shown
in FIGS. 1A-1B, the tube shown in an inflated configuration,
wherein the material of the tube is impermeable to steam but
includes a plurality of apertures for exiting the steam
therefrom;
[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates the steam dispersion tube of FIG. 3A in
a deflated configuration;
[0033] FIG. 4A is a close-up perspective view of yet another
embodiment of a steam dispersion tube configured for use with the
system shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the tube shown in an inflated
configuration, wherein the material of the tube is permeable to
steam and also includes a plurality of apertures for exiting the
steam therefrom;
[0034] FIG. 4B illustrates the steam dispersion tube of FIG. 4A in
a deflated configuration;
[0035] FIG. 5A is a close-up perspective view of one of the
apertures shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, wherein the apertures can
change in cross-dimensional size in response to steam pressure, the
aperture shown in a higher-pressure condition;
[0036] FIG. 5B illustrates the aperture of FIG. 5A in a
lower-pressure condition;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reinforcing support
structure that may be used to support one of the steam dispersion
tubes used in the system of FIGS. 1A-1B, wherein the reinforcing
support structure is configured to generally maintain the shape of
the steam dispersion tube and wherein the reinforcing support
structure may be used within the steam dispersion tube or on the
exterior of the steam dispersion tube;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another steam dispersion
tube configured for use with the system shown in FIGS. 1A-1B,
wherein the flexible material of the steam dispersion tube is
supported with an internally located reinforcing support structure
and also includes a wicking material surrounding the tube;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
steam dispersion system having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system includes a manifold
defining a spherical shape having at least a portion comprised of a
flexible, fabric, or non-metallic material, wherein the manifold
communicates directly with a steam source, the manifold configured
to evenly distribute the steam provided from the steam source;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
steam dispersion system having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system includes a manifold
defining a cylindrical ring shape having at least a portion
comprised of flexible, fabric, or non-metallic material, wherein
the manifold communicates directly with a steam source, the
manifold configured to evenly distribute the steam provided from
the steam source; and
[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
steam dispersion system having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system includes a manifold
defining a tubular shape having at least a portion comprised of
flexible, fabric, or non-metallic material, wherein the manifold
communicates directly with a steam source and does not include a
steam dispersion tube extending therefrom, the manifold configured
to evenly distribute the steam provided from the steam source.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The principles disclosed herein relate to steam dispersion
systems that utilize flexible materials in the construction of
steam dispersion components such as tubes, headers, and frames.
According to one particular aspect, the materials from which the
steam dispersion components are constructed may be non-metallic
materials such as polymeric materials. According to another
particular aspect, the materials from which the steam dispersion
components are constructed may be fabric materials. According to
one particular aspect, the materials may include woven or non-woven
materials. If formed from fabric materials, the fabric materials
may be woven or non-woven fabric materials. Fabrics may include
materials that are produced by knitting, weaving, or felting of
fibers. Fabrics may include materials that are non-woven fabrics or
fabric-like materials made from long fibers, bonded together by
chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Fabric materials
may include materials such as felt, which is neither woven nor
knitted.
[0043] For example, using a fabric material, such as polyester, in
place of steel to construct a portion of a steam dispersion system
presents many advantages. For example, polyester fabric is not as
thermally conductive as steel. As a result, less condensate may
form and less heat will be lost to air. In fact, testing has shown
that polyester fabric dispersion tubes produce less condensate and
heat gain than steel tubes and even less than steel tubes that have
been insulated with materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride
fluoropolymer ("PVDF"). Furthermore, as steam enters a fabric steam
dispersion system, a portion of the steam that condenses will wet
the fabric and wick into it. The remainder of the steam exits
through the pores of the fabric membrane. The condensate that has
wicked into the fabric will eventually evaporate into the air.
Since the fabric membrane is uniformly permeable to air, the steam
can exit evenly and with more contact than what a limited quantity
perforation can provide. Thus, a fabric steam dispersion system may
not only be more energy efficient than a steel constructed
component (due to a reduction in condensate and heat loss) but the
permeable fabric membrane is likely to result in shorter absorption
distances. Testing has shown that the spaces between the fibers in
the fabric essentially function as hundreds or thousands of
apertures per square inch of fabric for dispersion of steam.
[0044] There are additional advantages that fabric or flexible
materials present when compared to conventional rigid stainless
steel steam dispersion systems. The rigidity of steel results in a
system whereby static air pressure drops across the dispersion
tube. This necessitates the need for constant fan horsepower, even
when not humidifying. In contrast, the fabric material may be
flexible and may provide the ability to collapse or deflate the
component when steam pressure drops, reducing the system's
obstruction to airflow and thus reducing the fan horsepower.
[0045] Furthermore, materials such as fabric materials can be
manufactured into various shapes outside of the conventional,
cylindrical tubes that are formed by conventional manufacturing
techniques. Fabric materials can be manufactured into shapes that
optimize steam dispersion as will be described in further detail
below. Thus, a fabric based steam dispersion system can optimize
steam dispersion while also minimizing static air pressure
drops.
[0046] Furthermore, materials such as fabric materials may be much
more cost efficient alternative to metals such as stainless steel
generally costing only a fraction of the price. Additionally,
fabric materials generally weigh much less and can be collapsed,
folded, or rolled to minimize size and volume of the overall
component. This allows for convenient storing, handling, and
shipping. Installation costs may also potentially be reduced. In
sharp contrast, rigid metal based components such as stainless
steel tubes, headers, and frames may be more expensive and
difficult to store, handle, and transport because of their weight
and size.
[0047] It should be noted that even though non-metallic materials
may provide certain advantages as noted above, the inventive
aspects of the disclosure are fully applicable to metallic
materials. Certain metallic materials such as metallic fabrics or
fabrics that include metallic components or fibers may provide the
advantages discussed above with respect to the inventive aspects of
the steam dispersion systems discussed herein. Metallic materials
that may provide the flexibility, the permeability, or the lack of
thermal conductivity desired for the steam dispersion systems of
the present disclosure are certainly contemplated.
[0048] An embodiment of a steam dispersion system 10 having
features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with
the principles of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS.
1A-1B.
[0049] In the depicted embodiment, the steam dispersion system 10
includes a steam dispersion apparatus 12 configured to receive
humidification steam from a steam source 14. The steam dispersion
apparatus 12 shown includes a plurality of steam dispersion tubes
20 extending from a steam manifold 18. In the embodiment shown, the
steam dispersion apparatus 12 includes three steam dispersion tubes
20 extending out of the manifold 18, wherein at least portions of
the steam dispersion tubes 20 comprise of a flexible material 22 as
discussed above. The steam dispersion tubes 20 extend between the
manifold 18 and a bracket 24 that may be used to mount the tubes 20
in a duct 26. The manifold 18, along with the bracket 24, may
define a frame 28 of the steam dispersion system 10. It should be
noted that the steam dispersion tubes 20 may be mounted to the air
duct 26 in other various ways.
[0050] The steam source 14 may be a boiler or another steam source
such as an electric or gas humidifier. The steam source 14 provides
pressurized steam towards the manifold 18 of the steam dispersion
apparatus 12. In the depicted example, each of the tubes 20
communicates with the manifold 18 for receiving pressurized steam.
The steam tubes 20, in turn, disperse the steam to the atmosphere
at atmospheric pressure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1A-1B, the manifold 18 is depicted as a header 30, which is a
manifold designed to distribute pressure evenly among the tubes
protruding therefrom.
[0051] In a system such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, the
steam supplied by the steam source 14 is piped through the system
10 at a pressure generally higher than atmospheric pressure, which
is normally the pressure at the point where the steam exits the
header 30 and meets duct air. The pressure created by the flowing
steam within the tubes 20 causes the steam dispersion tubes 20 to
inflate and take a tubular shape, as illustrated in the examples
depicted in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A.
[0052] If the flexible material is a fabric material or a
fiber-based material, the steam can exit the steam dispersion tubes
20 through tiny pores 32 defined between the fibers of the material
22, as illustrated in FIG. 2A.
[0053] When the flow of steam is ceased, leading to reduced
pressure inside the tubes 20, the material 22 of the tubes 20 is
configured to deflate/collapse. Thus, the flexible portions of the
tubes 20 are configured as collapsible structures wherein the outer
dimension O thereof can change from a greater, higher-pressure,
size, to a smaller, lower-pressure, size. FIG. 1B illustrate the
tubes 20 in a collapsed condition.
[0054] Now referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a close-up perspective view of
one of the steam dispersion tubes 20 in FIG. 1A is illustrated. In
FIG. 2A, the steam dispersion tube 20 is illustrated in an inflated
configuration and in FIG. 2B, the tube 20 is shown in a deflated
configuration. The version of the tube 20 illustrated in FIGS.
2A-2B is permeable to steam. In the depicted embodiment, the
flexible material is a fabric material that defines pores 32
between the fibers making up the fabric material 22.
[0055] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a close-up perspective view of yet
another steam dispersion tube 120 usable with the system 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, wherein the material 122 of the tube is
impermeable to steam. The tube 120 includes a plurality of
apertures 133 formed in the material 122 for exiting the steam. In
this manner, the tube 120 still provides the advantage of
collapsibility when the pressure is reduced.
[0056] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a close-up perspective view of yet
another steam dispersion tube 220 usable with the system 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein the material 222 of the
tube is permeable to steam and also includes a plurality of
apertures 133 similar to the version of the tube 120 shown in FIGS.
3A-3B. Similar to the tubes 20, 120 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and
3B, the tube 220 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B is collapsible for changing
the outer dimension O of the portion of the tube 220 comprised of
the material 222 from a greater, higher-pressure, size, to a
smaller, lower-pressure, size.
[0057] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate close-up perspective views of one
of the apertures 133 in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, wherein the apertures 133
are configured to change in cross-dimensional size in response to
steam pressure. In FIG. 5A, the aperture 133 is shown in a
higher-pressure condition and FIG. 5B illustrates the aperture 133
in a lower-pressure condition. The variability of the
cross-dimensional size of the apertures 133 may accommodate a
larger range of steam loads.
[0058] In certain embodiments, it might be useful to provide
rigidity for the portions of the steam dispersion system 10 that
are comprised of flexible materials and not allow for
collapsibility. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reinforcing
support structure 34 that may be used to support one of the steam
dispersion tubes 20, 120, 220 used in the system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1B,
wherein the reinforcing support structure 34 is configured to
generally maintain the shape of the flexible steam dispersion tube
and wherein the reinforcing support structure 34 may be used within
the steam dispersion tube or on the exterior of the steam
dispersion tube. In the version illustrated in FIG. 6, the
reinforcing support structure 34 is defined by a metallic mesh 36
having a generally open skeletal structure so as to not interfere
with the steam dispersion properties of the flexible material. The
metallic mesh 36 may be a structure that is removable from the
flexible portion of the steam dispersion tube 20, 120, 220. In this
manner, the flexible material may still be collapsible for storage
or transport reasons and the mesh 36 provided during the mounting
of the flexible portion to an air duct 26.
[0059] As noted above, in certain embodiments, the portion of the
steam dispersion system comprised of the non-metallic material such
as the steam dispersion tube 20, 120, 220 may surround the
reinforcement support structure 34. In other embodiments, the
reinforcing support structure 34 may surround the portion of the
steam dispersion tube comprised of the flexible material. For
example, in a steam dispersion tube 20, 120, 220 that defines an
inner face 38 and an outer face 40 wherein the steam flows from the
inner face 38 toward the outer face 40, the reinforcing support
structure 34 may surround the outer face 40.
[0060] It should be understood that in yet other embodiments
wherein rigidity of the steam dispersion structures is desired, the
fabric or non-metallic material of the dispersion system 10 may be
rigid enough itself to define the reinforcing support structure and
may retain its shape even during a low-pressure condition. Such
materials may still be collapsible under a load for storage and
transport reasons. However, they may be designed to retain their
shape when mounted in an HVAC environment such as an air duct 26
and under operating pressures.
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a steam dispersion
tube 320 configured for use with the system 10 shown in FIGS.
1A-1B. In the version in FIG. 7, the material 322 of the steam
dispersion tube is supported with an internally located reinforcing
support structure 34 and also includes a wicking material 42
surrounding portion 322 of the tube 320. As noted above, as steam
enters the steam dispersion system, a portion of the steam that
condenses will tend to wet the non-metallic material 322 and wick
into it. The remainder of the steam exits through the pores 332 of
the membrane 322. The condensate that has wicked into the material
322 will eventually evaporate into the air. The wicking material 42
surrounding material 322 facilitates this process. An example of a
wicking material 43 could be swamp cooler media.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, although in the previous
examples of steam dispersion systems 10, only the steam dispersion
tubes 20, 120, 220, 320 of the system 10 are shown to be comprised
of flexible, fabric, or non-metallic materials, in other
embodiments, such materials can be used to construct essentially
the entire steam dispersion system. For example, according to
certain embodiments, a manifold that communicates directly with the
steam source, such as a header, may be constructed from a flexible,
a fabric (e.g., non-metallic or metallic), or a non-metallic
material wherein steam dispersion would occur through the material
without the need for additional tubes extending from the header.
According to certain embodiments, a majority of the manifold may be
comprised of such a material.
[0063] The material that may be used on any portion of a steam
carrying apparatus or system may be permeable to steam (with or
without additional apertures larger than those defined by fibers of
a fabric if the material is a fibrous material) or impermeable to
steam with additional apertures.
[0064] And, although in the FIG. 7, a wicking type material 42 has
been shown to be used only on a steam dispersion tube, the wicking
material 42 can be included on other portions of the steam
dispersion system, such as the header. The wicking material 42 can
be provided on any portion of any steam carrying apparatus or
system.
[0065] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam
dispersion system 410 having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system 410 includes a
manifold 418 defining a spherical shape having at least a portion
comprised of a fabric (e.g., non-metallic or metallic), a flexible,
or a non-metallic material 422, wherein the manifold 418
communicates directly with a steam source 414. The spherical shape
of the manifold 418 is configured to evenly distribute the steam
provided from the steam source 414. In the example embodiment, the
spherical shaped manifold may be attached to the air duct 26 via
cables 50. Other attachment methods are possible.
[0066] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
steam dispersion system 510 having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system 510 includes a
manifold 518 defining a cylindrical ring shape having at least a
portion comprised of a material 522 similar to material 422
discussed above. The ring shape of the manifold 518 is configured
to evenly distribute the steam provided from the steam source 514.
The ring shaped manifold 518 can also be attached to the air duct
26 via cables 50.
[0067] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
steam dispersion system 610 having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, wherein the steam dispersion system 610 includes a
conventional tubular type manifold design 618 extending across the
air duct 26. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, unlike a
conventional header that might extend across an air duct 26 and
support a plurality of tubes, the manifold 618 does not include a
steam dispersion tube extending therefrom and is comprised of a
material 622 similar to materials 422, 522 to evenly distribute the
steam provided from the steam source 614. The tubular manifold 618
may extend horizontally or vertically within the air duct 26 and
may be attached to the walls of the air duct 26 via various means
known in the art.
[0068] It should be noted that the portions of the steam dispersion
systems supplying steam to the manifolds of the illustrated systems
may include one or more steam sources. For example, the
humidification steam supplied to the manifolds may be generated by
a boiler or an electric or gas humidifier which operates under low
pressure (e.g., less than 1 psi.). In other embodiments, the
humidification steam supplied to the manifolds may be operated at
higher pressures, such as between about 2 psi and 60 psi. In other
embodiments, the humidification steam source may be run at higher
than 60 psi. As noted above, the humidification steam that is
inside the manifold is normally at about atmospheric pressure at
the point the steam is exposed to the duct air.
[0069] The above specification, examples and data provide a
complete description of the inventive features of the disclosure.
Many embodiments of the disclosure can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope thereof.
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