Claims:WE CLAIM
1. An arrangement to distribute steam inside a shell (101) of a steam inlet chamber, the arrangement comprising of:
a first plate (201) placed in between a U-bend portion of tubes (103) and a steam inlet nozzle (102);
a second plate (202) placed below the steam inlet nozzle (102) and welded to the inside surface of the shell (101); and
an opening (203) provided at the bottom of the first plate (201), wherein the opening (203) is between the first plate (201) and the second plate (202).

2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plate (201) is reinforced by a plurality of stiffeners (301) and a plate liner (302).

3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1-2, wherein the first plate (201) is welded along the inside circumference of the shell (101) with the support of the stiffeners (301).

4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second plate (202) is stainless steel and the second plate (202) is welded at a bottom of the shell (101) and faces the steam inlet nozzle (102) connection.

5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second plate (202) is rolled in a ciurcular arc shape.

6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein a gap is kept between the first plate (201) and the second plate (202).

7. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1-6, wherein at least two openings (203, 401) are provided between the first plate (201) and the shell (101).

8. The arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the two openings (203, 401) are provided at the top and bottom of the first plate (201).
, Description: AN ARRANGEMENT TO DISTRIBUTE STEAM INSIDE A SHELL OF A STEAM INLET CHAMBER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a steam inlet chamber in a De superheater. More specifically, the present invention relates to an arrangement to distribute steam inside a shell of a steam inlet chamber using multiple plates and an opening to divert the steam and to provide proper cross flow of steam across U-bends.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] De superheaters are designed with steam inlet connection after U-bend. The U-bends are subjected to direct steam impingement, which result in severe vibration of the U-tubes at the U-bend region.
[0004] Referring to Fig. 1, the steam enters the shell (101) with very high velocity from the top through a steam inlet nozzle (102) and impinges on shell ID at location directly below the steam inlet nozzle (102). Hence shell Internal Diametrical (shell made from Carbon Steel or alloy steel) surfaces are subjected to erosion due to continuous impingement of steam at this location.
[0005] Further from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, it is observed that proper guiding of steam across a U-bend portion of tubes (103) is not possible with this configuration. Therefore a part of steam directly passes through region-A without crossing the U-bend portion of tubes (103).
[0006] Furthermore, the steam in small quantities takes U-turn upwards from the impingement location on U-bend portion of tubes (103) and reaches region A (104) (located at the top portion of the entryway). Only a small quantity of steam reaches region B (105) (located at the bottom portion of the entryway) and takes U-turn upwards and reaches region A (104) via crossing all the U-bends. Hence, a proper cross flow of steam across the U-bend portion of tubes (103) cannot be established with this configuration which in turn deteriorates the heat transfer co-efficient.
[0007] Further, the steam inlet nozzle (102) kept after U-bend portion of tubes (103) creates severe flow induced vibrations of the U-bends (106). Therefore, the U-bend portion of the tubes are susceptible to mechanical damage. Furthermore, the direct steam impingement on shell ID (107) creates impingement induced erosion issues. Moreover with this configuration there is no control to ensure proper cross flow of steam across the U bends.
[0008] Referring to prior art US3795273A, it describes a feedwater heater that is capable of taking Steam as well as condensate inlet through separate nozzles. For the entry of flashing condensate it explains a flashing chamber, comprising of perforated nozzle projected inside the shell, a complete liner around the shell and dished end welded, a perforated horizontal plate, an arrangement of horizontal strips welded to the shell, an end plate overhung held by the extended tie rods. This results in excessive complex arrangement, manufacturing difficulty and results in pressure drop.
[0009] It is therby required to develop an arrangement to protect U-bend portion of tubes from direct steam impingement, to protect shell ID from impingement induced erosion and for guiding the steam to cross flow across the U-bends. Hence, the present invention has been introduced.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior arts.
[0011] It is a primary object of the present disclosure to ensure proper cross flow of steam across the U-bends.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an arrangement to distribute the steam in the specific directions.
[0013] It is still another object of the present disclosure to protect the U-bend portion of the tubes from direct steam impingement as the U-bend portion of the tubes is susceptible to mechanical damage.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an arrangement that requires minor investment and very less time for adaptation works.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.
[0017] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0018] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of an arrangement to distribute steam inside a shell of a steam inlet chamber, the arrangement comprising of a first plate placed in between a U-bend portion of tubes and a steam inlet nozzle, a second plate placed below the steam inlet nozzle and is welded to the inside surface of the shell and an opening is provided at the bottom of the first plate, wherein the opening is between the first plate and the second plate.
[0019] In an aspect of the invention, the first plate is reinforced by a plurality of stiffeners and a plate liner.
[0020] In an aspect of the invention, the first plate is welded along the inside circumference of the shell with the support of the stiffeners.
[0021] In an aspect of the invention, the second plate is stainless steel and is welded at a bottom of the shell and faces the steam inlet nozzle connection.
[0022] In an aspect of the invention, the second plate is rolled in a ciurcular arc shape.
[0023] In an aspect of the invention, a negligible gap is kept between the first plate and the second plate.
[0024] In another embodiment at least two openings are given between the first plate and the shell.
[0025] In an aspect of the invention, the two openings are available at the top and the bottom of the first plate.
[0026] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0028] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0030] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:-
[0031] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates the isometric view of a steam inlet after U-bend as disclosed according to the prior art;
[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates the disposition arrangement to distribute steam inside a shell of a steam inlet chamber according to the present disclosure;
[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates the different sectional views of the first plate according to the present disclosure;
[0035] Fig. 4 illustrates the disposition arrangement to distribute steam inside a shell of a steam inlet chamber according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] Fig. 5 illustrates the different sectional views of the first plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0037] Fig. 6 illustrates the different sectional views of the second plate in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0038] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
[0039] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0040] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0041] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0042] The invention is related to an arrangement for distributing the steam inside a shell (101) of a steam inlet chamber to protect U-bend portion of tubes from direct steam impingement.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 2, the arrangement is present inside the shell (101) of the steam inlet chamber of a De-Super heater. To accommodate the arrangement, the size of the steam inlet chamber is made a little longer. A first plate (201) is provided in between the U-bend portion of tubes (103) and the steam inlet nozzle (102). A plurality of stiffeners (301) and a plate liner (302) are attached on the first plate (201). The first plate (201) is welded along the inside circumference of the shell (101) with the support of the stiffeners (301). The stiffeners (301) are also welded to first plate (201) and the inside surface of the shell (101).
[0044] Further, a second plate (202) is welded on one side of the shell (101), adjacent to the first plate (201). The second plate (202) is for example a stainless steel liner plate. This second plate (202) is welded and rolled in a ciurcular arc shape and is placed below side the steam inlet nozzle (102), so that high velocity steam directly impinges on lining face of the second plate (202). It is ensured that a negligible gap is kept between the first plate (201) and the second plate (202).
[0045] The shell (101), a dished end (204), the first plate (201) and the second plate (202), together makes the closed confined space which provides space to reduce the inlet steam velocity and provide guidance of steam to have complete cross flow of steam across the baffles (205) that supports the tubes. The dished end (204) is a kind of formed head that is used as an end cover of the shell (101). Based on the design of the present disclosure, in order to distribute the steam for reducing the steam velocity, one or more window opening/s (203) is/are provided between the first plate (201) and the second plate (202). Therefore, an opening (203) is provided below the first plate (201) so that the velocity of the high velocity steam reduces while passing through the opening (203) after hitting the second plate (102).
[0046] Referring to Fig. 3, the cross sectional view of the first plate (201) is illustrated. The first plate is welded along the inside circumference of the shell (101). Since the opening (203) is provided, a gap at the bottom of the first plate (201) is visible. A Stainless Steel (SS) plate liner (302) is welded on one side the first plate (201). The welded side of the plate liner (302) is placed towards the steam inlet nozzle (102) connection, so that high velocity steam impinges on the liner plate (302).
[0047] In furtherance to that, in order to strengthen the first plate (201), the stiffeners (301) are also welded on the other side of the first plate (201). Hence, the first plate (201) is welded to the shell (101) from inside and is supported by stiffeners (301) that are bar shaped. The stiffeners (301) are attached to the inside surface of the shell (101).
[0048] Referring to Fig. 6, the cross sectional view of the second plate (202) is illustrated. The second plate (202) is welded to the inside surface of the shell (101). The second plate (202) is rolled to form a circular arc shape matching the inside surface of shell (101) and is made of stainless stell, which acts as an inside liner to shell. The SS liner povides protection to impingment errosion and flow accelerated corrosion. The steam is impinged from above through the steam inlet nozzle (102) and is ejected through the window opening (203). The window opening (203) is provided between the first plate (201) and the second plate (202).
[0049] In another embodiment referring to Fig. 4, more than one window opening (203, 401) is provided depending upon the requirement of the user. In this embodiment two windows openings (203, 401) are available, one at the bottom of the first plate (201) and the other at the top of the first plate (201). Therefore, in this case the steam moves and flows to the U-bend portion of tubes (103) from top and bottom.
[0050] In Fig. 5, the cross sectional view of the first plate (201) according to another embodiment is illustrated. The first plate (201) has gap on the top and bottom for letting the steam move in the top direction and the bottom direction. Then the steam enters to the U-bend portion of tubes (103) from the two windows openings (203, 401).
[0051] The material is given as example without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0052] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, defect free joint is obtained.
[0053] The present disclosure also provides that the present arrangement is compatible in properly guiding of steam across U-bend portion of tubes.
[0054] The present disclosure further provides that a significant amount of steam reaches region B and takes U turn upwards and reaches region A via crossing all the U bends.
[0055] The present disclosure also provides protection of U-bend tubes from direct steam impingement.
[0056] Lastly, there is an optimisation of space utilization in the manufacturing plant as single machine is used in the place of multiple machines.
[0057] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Also, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0058] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0059] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0060] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0061] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.
[0062] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0064] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0065] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.