Patent ID: 8358919
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: F22B

Abstract:
1. A superheated steam generator comprising: an upright, containment vessel for protectively enclosing internal components; a first stage heater comprising plurality of first stage steam tanks radially spaced apart about the periphery of a center, each first stage steam tank housed within a first stage casing, each first stage steam tank having a top, a bottom, and a cylindrical periphery; first stage slack accommodating means for mounting each first stage steam tank within its corresponding first stage casing; at least one serpentine, electric resistive heating element disposed within each first stage casing abutting at least a portion of said first stage steam tank bottom and periphery; a liquid heat transfer medium disposed within each first stage casing for distributing heat in response to electric heating; a steam tank shroud disposed concentrically within said containment vessel around said first stage heater; a second stage heater comprising a second stage steam tank housed within a second stage casing, the second stage heater disposed within said shroud at said center, and said second stage heater surrounded by said first stage heater, the second stage steam tank housed within a second stage casing, the second stage steam tank having a top, a bottom, and a cylindrical periphery; second stage slack accommodating means for mounting said second stage steam tank within said second stage casing; at least one serpentine, electric resistive heating element within said second stage casing abutting at least a portion of said second stage steam tank bottom and periphery; a liquid heat transfer medium disposed within said second stage casing for distributing heat in response to electric heating; an annular region defined between said containment vessel and said steam tank shroud comprising insulation; means for supplying water to said first stage steam tanks; manifold means for conducting steam outputted by said first stage steam tanks to said second stage steam tank; a discharge assembly for outputting superheated steam from said steam generator; and, means for conducting superheated steam outputted by said second stage heater to said discharge assembly.