US 7,600,394 B2
System and apparatus for complete condensation of multi-component working fluids
Alexander I. Kalina, Hillsborough, Calif. (US)
Assigned to Kalex, LLC, Belmont, Calif. (US)
Filed on Apr. 05, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/399,287.
Prior Publication US 2007/0234750 A1, Oct. 11, 2007
Int. Cl. F25J 1/00 (2006.01); F25B 39/04 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 62—606  [62/506; 165/DIG. 185; 165/DIG. 206] 28 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A condensation apparatus for condensing a multi-component fluid comprising:
a first heat exchange unit adapted to condense an in-coming multi-component fluid stream in counter-flow with a first coolant stream to form a condensate and a non-condensable vapor, where the multi-component fluid comprises a lower boiling point component and a higher boiling point component;
a first dividing valve adapted to divide a condensate stream into an out-going fully condensed multi-component fluid stream comprising a major portion of the condensate stream and an absorbent stream comprising a minor portion of the condensate stream;
a second heat exchange unit adapted to sub-cool the absorbent stream with a second coolant stream to form a sub-cooled absorbent stream; and
a pump adapted to pump the sub-cooled absorbent stream into the non-condensable vapor through a first sprayer, where the sub-cooled absorbent stream is sufficient to absorb an amount of non-condensable vapor reducing accumulation of non-condensable vapor in the apparatus and improving condensation stability and efficiency and where the apparatus completely condenses the incoming multi-component fluid to produce the out-going multi-component fluid.