Abstract:
An improved vapor generator and control system includes a vaporization chamber for generating superheated vapor from liquid therein and at least one input connectable to liquid supply and adjustable control for controlling input of liquid into the vaporization chamber whereby output of superheated vapor is controllable while the system is in operation. A method for fabricating vapor generators includes the steps of providing at least two separate parts of a vapor generator, fastening the parts together to form a vapor generator defining a vaporization chamber and providing a capability to connect input control for control of input of liquid to the vaporization chamber. A method for cleaning selected objects comprises the steps of generating superheated vapor and controlling output of superheated vapor terms of volume and/or pressure and/or direction by adjustably controlling in an ongoing manner volume, pressure, and velocity of the liquid being subjected to vaporization. A method of propulsion comprises the steps of generating superheated vapor and adjustably controlling output of superheated vapor to provide propulsion.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to superheated vapor generators and systems for delivering superheated vapor flows as well as methods of fabrication and use of such superheated vapor generators and systems for providing desired flows of superheated vapor including substantially continuous flows. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Prior patents include U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,009 (the &#39;009 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,556 (the &#39;556 patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,037 (the &#39;037 patent) owned by the inventor and applicant herein, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/484,019 owned by the applicant and inventor herein for Superheated Vapor Generator and Control System and Method, and co-pending U.S. Pat. Application No. 60/200,423 all incorporated by reference herein, references cited in connection with aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,037 including U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,505,656; 2,753,212; 2,861,838; 2,983,450; 3,039,454; 3,218,741; 3,718,805 and 3,721,802, and patents cited in connection with said U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,556 including U.S. Pat. Nos. 377,228; 2,652,645; 3,436,852; 3,119,004; 3,869,815; 4,255,646; 3,508,354; 3,823,497; and 2,576,976. 
     The aforesaid references in the main refer to apparatus and methods for generating steam from liquid drawn from a reservoir. 
     The &#39;037 patent discloses apparatus for generating superheated steam or other vapor from liquid drawn from a self-contained reservoir and includes means in the form of a nozzle for directing superheated steam or other vapor to desired locations. The &#39;556 patent discloses improvements relative to the &#39;037 patent. Said co-pending application discloses further improvements. 
     Equipment disclosed in the aforesaid patents and co-pending application is employable for effecting, among other things, cleaning and/or sterilization. This apparatus has proved highly useful for such purposes. In operation, such equipment provides flows of superheated vapor upon activation of a control member. Volume and pressure of such flows have been primarily determined by the volume and duration of the input flow of liquid supplied to the vapor generator and by the size of the outlet from the vapor generator. 
     In many applications, precision control of volume and/or pressure of output vapor would promote efficiency, economy and useability. In a particular case, for example, small or microminialurized equipment such as medical canulas, needles and the like, may be too fragile to withstand forceful streams of superheated cleaning vapor without danger of damage or breakage. Because of inability to perform proper cleaning of such vital and fragile devices many of them are discarded after one usage with an obvious substantial waste of resources. 
     Similar consideration apply to other small parts and components such as those in microelectronics, weapons, whose location, size or fragility may be such as to place severe limitations on the force of cleaning streams which can be applied without risk of damage. 
     Further applications for controlled emission superheated vapor output streams include propulsion among many others. 
     Therefore, there has been a felt but unfulfilled need for devices and methods providing superheated vapor generators having output whose output pressure and volume are controllable with substantial precision. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved superheated vapor generator defines an internal vaporizing chamber having input and output ports with means connectable to at least one of said ports to adjust and control input of liquid and output of superheated vapor. 
     A method for fabricating a superheated vapor generator in accordance with the invention includes the steps of providing at least two sections secureable together to define an enclosed interior space, and providing at least one adjustable valve member for at least input of liquid and output of superheated vapor, and further including the step of fastening said at least two sections together. The wall portion of the vaporization chamber may have any desired arbitrary surface configuration and in particular embodiments may be substantially smooth, etched, grooved, or including perforations of arbitrary cross-section or irregularities such as crack-like openings among other configurations in accordance with the invention. 
     A method of employing a superheated vapor generator system with controllable output includes adjusting the output for use for cleaning and sterilization including application to small, inaccessible, or fragile surfaces to be cleaned or sterilized and further includes adjustment such that output may be employed for propulsion among other applications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system, partially simplified in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section through the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a section of a vapor generator member in accordance with the invention taken along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a method in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a method for employing the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , inclusive, a superheated vapor generator and control system  10  includes a base  12  forming the bottom of a housing  14 . The housing  14  together with base  12  functions as a container for system  10 . The top and sides of housing  14  are fastened to base  12  by conventional means and are removable to permit access to the interior of system  10 . Details of particular aspects of system  10  are fully disclosed and described in the &#39;556 patent incorporated by reference herein; thus, common features will be described in summary fashion herein. 
     Controls of system  10  are disposed upon a portion of housing  14  comprising a control panel  16  and a power switch  18 , controlling drawing of power from an external source, i.e., whether the system  10  is “On” or “Off”. 
     Disposed upon control panel  16  are a removable line fuse holder  20  and a white power light  22 , to indicate power in system  10 . Also disposed on control panel  16  is a manual vapor heating switch  24  for controlling the generation of steam and/or superheated vapor. An amber vapor generator light  26  is disposed on control panel  16  as an indicator of the operation of thermostatic regulation of a vapor generator. 
     A footswitch receptacle  28  is disposed in panel  16  and accommodates a foot switch (not shown) for controlling superheated vapor production. A power line  30  is accommodated in a fitting  32  attached to panel  16  around a slot  34  for passage therethrough of power line  30 . 
     An amber heating chamber light  36  is positioned on panel  16  adjacent power light  22  and is electrically connected as described in the &#39;556 patent to remain on while current is being drawn for heating. A liquid pick-up tube inlet  38  is defined in control panel  16  to receive a liquid pick-up tube  40 . A fluid control valve  41  shown schematically is connected to tube  40 . Valve  41  is of conventional type such as a ball-cock having a valve control  43  movable to adjust the flow of fluid therethrough. Valve  41  may be, as shown, disposed outside housing  14  or within housing  14  in accordance with the invention as depicted hereinbelow in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
     Valve  41  may be electronic as opposed to mechanical in accordance with the invention. 
     At the top of housing  14  is disposed a carrying handle  42  secured by fasteners  44  to housing  14 . In a rear panel  46  of housing  14 , an aperture  48  is defined; secured on both sides of aperture  48  is a gasket-type fitting  50 . Aperture  48  and gasket  50  accommodate and receive a vapor exit pipe connector  52 . A quick disconnect connector member  54  is disposed at an outer end of pipe  52  and is connectable to an outlet control member in the form of a directional control valve  63  (shown schematically) is connected with wand  56  and connector  54 . Valve  63  defines a first exit port  65  and a second exit port  67  operable by a vapor control switch  69  a vapor control member or wand  56 , the latter including a grip handle  58  in which is disposed a vapor control switch  59  operable by a vapor control push button  60 . A tube  62  extends outwardly from control member handle  58 . A vapor control power connector  64  is mounted in rear panel  46 . A support plate  66  is fastened to base  12 , which in turn rests upon feet  68 . 
     A mounting plate  70  is fastened to support  66 . Fastened to mounting plate  70  is a pump  72 , which includes a cylinder  74  receiving a piston  76  reciprocating within cylinder  74 . Piston  74  is pivotably connected to a rod  78  which with a pivoting member  80  at the opposite end of the rod forms pivotable connection between the rod  78  and piston  76 . A substantially square cam  82  is pivotably attached to pivot member  80  and pivots and is rotatable on a shaft  84  mounted and pivotably journalled in plate  70 . 
     An electric motor  86  is mounted upon mounting plate  70  and rotates shaft  84 . Electric motor  86  is wired to withstand heat generated in system  10 . Cam  82  is rotated by shaft  84 , which in turn rotates on a sleeve in pivot member  80 . An inlet fitting  88  accommodates inflow of liquid from inlet port  38  through inlet conduit  40 . A first check valve  90  is connected to inlet fitting  88 . As noted above, valve  41  may be connected to inlet fitting  88  as opposed to being connected to tube  40 . Check valve  90  not only blocks backflow and prevents intake of solids into the apparatus but also affects the liquid content of superheated vapor produced by system  10 . 
     A fitting  92  is connected to check valve  90  and accommodates flow of liquid therethrough to a T-fitting  94 . T-fitting  94  is connected to the fluid intake inlet  88 . Connected to T-fitting  94  is a second check valve  100  which in turn is connected to fitting  96 . Check valve  100  is identical to check valve  90 . 
     From fitting  96  fluid passes through a fitting  104  which is connectable to a tube  106 , depicted as coiled for economy of space utilization. Tube  106  leads into a superheated vapor generator  120 . A sleeve  107  is secured to tube  106  at its point of entry into generator  120 . Sleeve  107  is preferably composed of aluminum and is welded to tube  106 . Sleeve  107  preferably extends above the top surface of generator  120  and is secured to generator  120  at an exterior weld  109  and an interior weld  111 . 
     A male connector  110  is fastened to a screw  112  mounted in panel  16  and connected to vapor switch  24 . A bracket  114  fastened to plate  12  provides support and mounting for vapor generator  108 . 
     Electric gear motor  86  is secured by a fastener  115  to mounting bracket  70 . Electric gear motor  86  is of conventional type and drives pump  72  by means of cam  82  journalled on shaft  84  which in turn is driven by motor  86 . A pair of buffer members  113  upon motor  106  are in contact with bracket  70  for the purpose of minimizing the effect of vibration upon the structure. 
     Vapor generator  120  comprises metal castings in two parts welded together at  122  defining a vaporization chamber  126 . Generator  120  is detachably positioned within housing  14  and is secured thereto at bracket  114  as noted hereinabove, and rests on washers  124  between plate  66  and bracket  114 . The bottom section of vapor generator  120  is longer to allow room for a heating element  132  described in full in the &#39;556 patent. As depicted, chamber  126  is substantially spherical; however, other configurations may be employed in accordance with the invention. In the depicted configuration, the periphery of chamber  126  is referred to on occasion as a wall  125 . In other configurations in accordance with the invention such periphery may comprise more than one wall. 
     The peripheral interior surface of wall  125  of chamber  126  is cut in a plurality of ridges and grooves  127 ,  127 ′ respectively. The depth of the grooves  127 ′ and the height of the ridges  127  are irregular, with the height and depth in a preferred embodiment varying substantially randomly between 0.0030-0.0050 inch. The ridges and grooves  127  are in the form of substantially concentric circles about an axis of generator  120 . 
     In addition, cross-grain ridges and grooves are defined in wall  125  of chamber  126  and denoted by numerals  128 ,  128 ′, respectively. Cross-grain ridges and grooves  128 ,  128 ′ are, like the ridges and grooves  127 ,  127 ′ of random and irregular dimensions. Ridges and grooves  128 ,  128 ′ in the preferred embodiment vary randomly between 0.0020-0.0050 inch. It has been found that the groove and ridge configuration together with the irregularities in the depth of the grooves and the height of the ridges provides improved efficiency of vapor generation as, for example, more rapid vaporization with comparable or smaller energy consumption. 
     Disposed within chamber  126  are a plurality of thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b . In the particular embodiment depicted and described, thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b  are shown as two in number, for purpose of specificity. In accordance with the invention the number of thermal elements may range from one (1) to whatever number may be desired. Thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b  may be but need not be in contact with surface  125 . Thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b  may be but need not be attached to wall  125 . 
     Thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b  may be of arbitrary shape and size and are depicted as generally cylindrical and tubular for sake of particularity. Elements  129   a ,  129   b  are composed of thermally conductive material. 
     Preferably, thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b  are composed of the same material as wall  125  of the interior of chamber  126 . In this manner, electrolysis between thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b  on the one hand and interior surface of wall  125  on the other hand, is avoided. 
     To the extent that dissimilar metals can be mated without electrolysis such metals may be employed with advantage as, for example, stainless steel for surface  125  and aluminum for thermal elements  129   a ,  129   b , and vice versa. 
     In accordance with the invention, the shape and surface of the interior surface of wall  125  of chamber  126  may be selected as appropriate for particular applications. 
     Defined in generator  120  is a receptacle  130  for receiving and accommodating a heating element cartridge  132 . Alternatively, heating elements may be cast-in upon fabrication of the generator  120 . Means for heating generator  120 , such as heater band elements, solar power, or chemical, among others, may be employed in accordance with the invention. Heating cartridge  132  is affixed in receptacle  130  by means of cement of conventional type which is resistant to high temperatures. Receptacle  130  is open at both ends, traversing the length of generator  120 . At a receiving end, receptacle  130  defines an aperture  134  which is dimensioned to receive cartridge  132 . At its opposite end, receptacle  130  opens to an aperture  136  that is preferably smaller than aperture  134 . Aperture  136  is dimensioned to accommodate a pin or tamping member (not shown) for thrusting through receptacle  130  to the base of cartridge  132  thereby ejecting cartridge  132  when desired. Thus, a spent or broken cartridge can be removed for repair or replacement in an economical, cost-efficient, and expeditious manner. 
     Heating cartridge  132  is of generally cylindrical configuration. Cartridge  132  defines an included volume  138  which contains a coil of resistance wire  140 . An outer sheath  142  of heating cartridge  132  is fabricated of high temperature alloy of conventional type. One end of heating cartridge  132  is closed by end plate  144 ; adjoining the opposite end of heating cartridge  132  is a terminal block  146 . Terminal block  146  comprises a bracket for supporting a pair of leads  150 ,  152 . Leads,  150 ,  152  are enclosed in temperature insulation sheaths  154 ,  156 , respectively. Sheaths  154 ,  156  may be of standard material such as high temperature fiberglass for the purpose of protecting against the elevated temperatures produced by heating cartridge  132 . Heating cartridge  132  has a seal  158  substantially flush with the end of cartridge  142  and comprising thermally insulated material such as epoxy or cement. 
     The entire generator  120  is sheathed in insulated material such as fiberglass (not shown). The heat generated is such that the entire generator normally heats to 500° F. A first thermostat  160  is positioned in thermal contact with generator  120 ; thermostat  160  is preferably set to turn off at approximately 500° F., plus or minus ten percent (10%). Electrical terminals  164  accommodate wires (not shown) connecting to the electrical system of system  10  so as to turn off the power to the heating element  132  when the desired temperature is reached. Preferably thermostat  160  is flush mounted to the generator  120  as, for example, by screwing the thermostat into a slot together with conventional means (not shown) to prevent slippage of thermostat  160 . 
     A second thermostat  166  is depicted as positioned approximately 90° along the circumference of generator  120  from first thermostat  160 . Other positions, of course, may be employed in accordance with the invention. Second thermostat  166  is mounted in generator  120  and has a pair of electrical terminals  168  connectable to the electrical system of the apparatus. As fully described hereinbelow, second thermostat  166  is set to cut off current to the heating cartridge  132  in the event of failure of first thermostat  160  such that the temperature of the chamber  126  shall not exceed 550° F. Thermostatic control of generator temperature is described and depicted herein for specificity, such temperature control being capable of being carried out, for example, by such means as a circuit card connected to sensor apparatus such as a thermocouple, in accordance with the invention. 
     The electrical circuitry for control of system  10  is depicted and described in detail in the &#39;556 patent. Power switch  18  controls the on/off condition of the entire system. Switch  24  is a manual vapor generator switch which as noted above is mounted on control panel  16 . Wand switch  192  is actuated by push button  60  and like switch  24  controls vapor generation but is contained in the wand  56  for case of operation of the device. Switches  24 ,  192  control the on/off condition of pump motor  72 . A terminal block  202  is fastened to base plate  12  and contains terminals  204  which provide electrical connections for the electrical circuitry of system  10 . 
     A spark suppressor  206  is depicted as being connected with first thermostat  160  and second thermostat  166 . The purpose of spark suppressor  206  is to prevent the respective thermostats from arcing. In the event that the spark suppressor  206  and the first thermostat  160  should fail, creating the danger of overheating and destruction of the unit, the second thermostat  166  at 550° F. will cut off. A thermofuse  207  cuts in upon failure of the second thermostat  166  and, will break the generator circuit at 650° F. 
     Red light  26  is connected to be on when the first thermostat  160  has cut out while the second thermostat  166  continues to operate, thus notifying the operator of a change in condition in the system. 
     White light  22  is illuminated when power switch  18  is closed (i.e., when the power switch is turned on). The amber light  36  is on when heating element  132  is drawing current. Light  36  remains on so long as heating element  132  draws current. When light  36  goes out, this indicates that generator  120  has reached its operating temperature. A foot jack switch control  208  is connected to and mounted upon foot switch receptacle  28  on panel  16  and performs the same function as switches  24 ,  192 . Removable power line fuse  20  is depicted as in series with power switch  18 . A relay arrangement may be employed to supply current to the heating element immediately upon actuation of any of the vapor control switches so as to maintain, in conjunction with the thermostats, a substantially constant power supply and temperature for vapor generation. 
     Heating cartridge  132  preferably delivers substantially 1000 watts of power to maintain temperature of the vapor generator  120  at 500° F. Other power delivery rates and operating temperatures, higher and lower, may be employed in accordance with the invention. The motor RPM is substantially equal to 366 and the pump delivery rate is preferably 4.9 gallons per hour. Other motor RPM and pump delivery rates may be employed in accordance with the invention. 
     In operation, system  10  is connected by hose  40  to source of liquid (not shown). The liquid may be any of a broad range related to the purposes for which the system  10  is to be used. In a typical cleaning context in which the system is employed to loosen and dissolve dirt as on machinery or circuit boards or in corners of a room, 100% undiluted water, distilled or deionized, may be employed. Additives such as detergents or disinfectants may be employed provided that they are stable at the operating temperatures of the system. The proportions of additives and water may be varied depending on the application. The solution may contain vaporizers, emulsifiers, degreasers, oxidants, alkalis, deodorizers, antiseptics, germicides, or the like. In addition, the liquid may comprise humidifiers, fresheners, and other reagents which the user may wish to impart to the air or to a surface or object. 
     Valve  41  is adjustable to control the intake of fluid into vapor generator  120 . For particular applications, this intake may be increased or decreased depending on the volume, mass and pressure desired for the output of vapor generator  120 . 
     For example, in connection with cleaning/sterilization of small fragile parts and components, such as medical canulas, needles and the like, the amount of fluid intake would be adjusted to supply an output flow of relatively small pressure and volume in order to avoid damage to the fragile parts under cleaning. 
     As a further example, substantial pressure and volume can be supplied at the output by adjusting valve  41  so that a relatively large volume of fluid will enter vapor generator  120 . Such large output pressure and volume may be employed, for example, for propulsion of a motor, projectile or the like. 
     Particular applications of the system include cleaning of equipment, circuit boards and/or surfaces and spaces such as rooms in connection with maintenance or janitorial work. Valve  56  provides the capability for precise direction of the vapor flow even to small objectives and in particular allows impingement of the vapor into small, confined, or relatively inaccessible objects or spaces. Apparatus in accordance with the invention provides a general purpose cleaning capability with particular applicability to remote or relatively inaccessible areas, objects and small parts. 
     The invention may be employed in connection with burnishing or cleaning of small parts such as time-piece apparatus, in connection with metal plating, printing and photo-engraving, lapidary and stone cutting activity, manufacture and/or repair of electronic components, removal of such things as wallpaper, labels and the like, in connection with dry-cleaning, sanitizing and sterilizing of eating implements, in connection with optical and optometric laboratory and office work, with jewelry, dental and medical offices and operating theatres, miniature instrument manufacture and repair, and biological and analytic laboratories, among many other applications. Use of apparatus in accordance with the invention is particularly advantageous in that its flexibility permits cleaning of parts to be accomplished with a minimum of disassembly, degreasing and decontamination whereby cleaning is made environmentally compatible. 
     A particularly useful application of the invention is in connection with the cleaning and maintenance of military equipment, including weapons and related items. This has become timely in view of the current emphasis on repair and maintenance as opposed to acquisition of new items. 
     In particular applications, additional attachments such as a Luer lock fitting may be employed to adapt the device for directing superheated vapor at selected objectives—in the case of the Luer fitting—small medical devices such as canulas which are nested into the Luer fitting, as a preliminary to cleaning/sterilization. 
     The operator sets switch  62  to open a selected one of ports  58 , 60  facing toward the object to receive superheated vapor, which issues from the selected port, shown herein as port  60 . Ports  58 ,  60  are depicted as arranged to direct output vapor in substantially perpendicular directions from to other, other numbers and arrangements of ports being employable in accordance with the invention. The superheated vapor such as steam, is “dry”, i.e., having a high proportion of gas as opposed to content of fluid droplets. This has a favorable effect in that the amount of liquid included in the vapor is so small that the residue does not interfere with further cleaning and does not require a cleanup, the amount of fluid residue being so small that it can normally be readily removed by a cloth or paper towel. Pooling of liquid is virtually eliminated. The material removed by a towel in the form of a residue is easily disposed of, particularly in eases where any removed contaminants are non-hazardous or non-toxic. 
     Ports  58 ,  60  may function to provide pressure relief for each other, i.e., if pressure exceeds a desirable level at one port, the other may be opened to reduce the pressure acceptably. In accordance with the invention ports  58 , 60  and switch  62  may be connected so as to provide automatic pressure relief (i.e., a safety valve arrangement). 
     By use of the invention, the operator gains the capability of precisely directing relatively dry vapor to the object targeted. The invention produces a jet of superheated vapor of a temperature of approximately 500° F. at the nozzle. 
     Superheated vapor can be controlled to issue at a range of pressures from as low as a few atmospheres to relatively high pressure, approximately 120-200 and higher psi to at least 300+ psi and higher. As a result of this pressure range, the superheated vapor impringes upon, and into such relatively hard-to-reach spaces as portholes, crevices, and the like such pressure range being greater than available with prior devices as well as being employable for low-pressure applications as well as super-high pressure uses. 
     In addition, output of superheated vapor from ports  58 , 60  results in longer and higher-volume output streams. Application of heat causes contaminants to soften, liquefy, and generally decompose or disengage from the surfaces on which they are disposed. This applies to such normally hard-to-clean substances as grease, oil, grime, paste, glue, and carbon. For removal of tenacious contaminants, heat applied by the invention initiates cleaning. Then a cleaner or emulsifier may be applied in conventional fashion at which point a further flow of superheated vapor from the invention completes removal of the contaminant. 
     Other applications for the invention are, among others, lubrication, particularly of relatively inaccessible and small parts. Lubrication applied in this manner is a most effective type of hot lubrication in that the surface having been first cleaned by use of the invention in a cleaning mode, the lubricant can be applied by disposing lubricant on the now clean, heated parts by conventional means and then subjecting the parts to a flow of superheated vapor, causing the lubricant to be dispersed evenly throughout and upon the object to be lubricated. 
     Applications include cleaning of small parts such as microelectronics, miniaturized components, weapons and the like. 
     Applications also comprise propulsion, including propulsion in various atmospheres and environments such as low-gravitational or non-gravitational as well as employment in conjunction with robotics in hostile (or non-hostile) environments. 
     The vapor output pressure control due to use of adjustable input affords greater flexibility and effectiveness for system  10 . Output superheated vapor may be employed in a longer stream than previously feasible or with greater contact effectiveness at previous stream lengths, or a combination of these, as well as providing the capability of producing streams having greater widths and the like, much as in the variable stream patterns available with conventional garden hoses and nozzles. 
     A method for fabricating superheated vapor generator system with a capacity of variable output pressure and volumes in accordance with the invention is depicted in  FIG. 5 . Two separate, preferably semi-cylindrical parts are provided. One part may have a longer axial extent than the other for purposes of accommodating a heating cartridge—or a cast-in heating element—and providing sufficient heat dissipative area to prevent undue heat and temperature build-up. The parts have hollow sections comprising the vaporization chamber. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5  the hollow interior section of the parts may be either cast or machined to define a series of ridges and grooves of randomly varying heights and depths in a manner such that they are concentric or helical about the longitudinal axis of the part. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , radial grooves are then machined or cast in the parts such grooves also having varying depths and heights. The radial grooves may be 10-12 in number, and other quantities may be utilized as well in accordance with the invention. Full details of this procedure are specified in the &#39;556 patent. 
     The parts are then welded together and may be fastened within a housing of a system in accordance with the invention. The completed superheated vapor generator is then coupled to a fluid pump with variable fluid flow at the generator input and at its output to a controlled valve for directing the superheated vapor. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , a superheated vapor generator system is employed to provide output flow of controlled and desired character. Input liquid flow is adjusted to produce desired pressure/volume output of superheated vapor. The output flow is controlled and directed by output control such as a valve. 
     There have therefore been provided an improved vapor generator and control system. Though a preferred embodiment has been described and depicted herein, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims to be filed pursuant to law and interpreted in light of the specification and drawings.