Monotube steam generator

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Herreshoff steam generator in a Peruvian torpedo boat of 1879 Peruvian torpedo boats.jpg
Herreshoff steam generator in a Peruvian torpedo boat of 1879

A monotube steam generator is a type of steam generator consisting of a single tube, usually in a multi-layer spiral, that forms a once-through steam generator (OTSG). The first of these was the Herreshoff steam generator of 1873. [1]

Contents

Principles

For the sake of efficiency, it is desirable to minimise the steam content of the generator. Heat can then be transferred efficiently into liquid water, rather than into low-density steam. Monotube steam generators may either boil gradually along their length, usually pumped circulation systems, [2] but where this boiling does not disrupt the circulation. Otherwise they can use the Benson supercritical system, where the pressure is sufficient to prevent boiling (within the heated volume) altogether. [3]

Examples

White steam car steam generator White steam car steam generator (Rankin Kennedy, Modern Engines, Vol III).jpg
White steam car steam generator

Examples of Monotube steam generators include:

Flash boilers

A flash boiler is a particular type of low-water-content monotube boiler. Modern use is confined to model steam boats but, historically, flash boilers were used in Gardner-Serpollet steam cars.

See also

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Flash boiler Water-tube boiler

A flash boiler is a type of water-tube boiler. The tubes are close together and water is pumped through them. A flash boiler differs from the type of monotube steam generator in which the tube is permanently filled with water. In a flash boiler, the tube is kept so hot that the water feed is quickly flashed into steam and superheated. Flash boilers had some use in automobiles in the 19th century and this use continued into the early 20th century.

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References

  1. Light Steam Power . XXIV (3): 157–159. July–September 1975.{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. Newest on Process Equipments (2012-11-25). "Boilers circulation systems: natural circulation and forced circulation". Enggcyclopedia. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-23. Retrieved 2008-10-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "Clayton Thermal Products UK - Steam Generators Principle of Operation". Archived from the original on 2012-02-09. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
  5. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-11-11. Retrieved 2012-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)