Patent ID: 6978740
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: A01F,F22B

Abstract:
1. In a direct-fired steam generator assembly including a steam generator body having a water jacket surrounding a combustion chamber, said combustion chamber having an inlet end for receiving a combustible fuel/air mixture for being ignited in said combustion chamber, said combustion chamber having an outlet for discharging hot combustion gases, a water injector coupled to said steam generator body and being located for metering water into said outlet end of the combustion chamber, a water pump coupled to the reservoir and to said water jacket for continuously supplying said water jacket with water, and a water return line arrangement coupled to said water jacket, the improvement comprising: a water control valve having an inlet coupled to said return line arrangement and having first and second outlets; a return water line coupled between said first outlet and said reservoir; an injector water line coupled between said second outlet and said water injector; and said water control valve being selectively operable to couple said return water line arrangement either to said reservoir or to said water injector.