Patent GB-229702-A (GB)
Title: Refrigerating machine of the absorption type
IPC: F25B17/00
Filed: 1925-02-21
Abstract: 229,702. Amundsen, I. June 20, 1924, [Convention date]. Refrigerating, absorption machines and processes for.-In a reversing system, comprising a generator-absorber 1, a condenser 2, and an evaporator 3, the intermittent flow of cooling- water to the generator-absorber is controlled by the varying level of water in the condenser tank 5 or other supply tank fitted with an automatic syphon 6, float valve or other form of intermittent outlet device. The supply of heating means to the generator-absorber may be controlled by the flow of cooling-water to the vessel 1 or directly by a float or equivalent means in the tank 5. Water enters the tank 5 through a pipe having a regulating-valve 8, and when the syphon 6 is primed flows down through a coil 4 in the vessel 1 to an outlet fitted with a regulating- valve 9. The control for the heating means may comprise a U-tube 7 containing mercury 10 and a layer of oil 13, the pressure of the cooling-water when flowing through the coil 4 serving to displace the mercury away from a contact 12 in the circuit of an electric heater 14 for the generatorabsorber. A manual switch 15 is provided in the circuit. Where gas or liquid fuel used, liquid in the U-tube 7 is adapted to close the end of the fuel supply pipe during the cooling period, a bye pass for a pilot flame being left open. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also the employment of a solid absorbent, constructions of generatorabsorber and evaporator, a modified control of the heating-means and safety devices for cutting- out the heating-means when the supply of cooling medium fails. The solid absorbent may be dry pulverised strontium chloride, calcium chloride, or other halogen compound. Ammonia or other substance such as methylamine may be used as the refrigerant. A catalyst such as iron oxide mav be added to the solid absorbent to increase the absorptive action, and the system is preferably operated so that the periods of generation and absorption are less than those required for complete separation or saturation. The generator-absorber 1, Fig. 1 (Cancelled), comprises a cylindrical vessel lined with insulating- material and fitted with superposed trays 6 on which the absorbent material is spread, the trays being supported by a central tube 3 fitted with an inner tube 4. The tubes are connected by longitudinal radial ribs 5 for facilitating heat transfer. The liquid for cooling the absorbent during the absorption period flows from a pipe 9 through the annular space between the! tubes 4, 3, and the heat for generation is applied in the interior of the inner tube 4. The refrigerant gas leaves and returns to the vessel 1 through the same passage 11, which is connected to a condensing coil 35 whose other end is connected to the evaporator 40. This evaporator comprises a reservoir 36 and a descending pipe 37 covered with insulating material, and an exposed ascending coil 38 opening into the reservoir above the highest level of liquefied refrigerant. A baffle 39 is fitted over the open end of the. pipe 38, or the end of the pipe is bent over, to deflect into the reservoir liquid flowing from the condenser or any unevaporated liquid rising through the coil 38. A modified form of generator-absorber is shown in Fig. 2 (Cancelled), consisting of a vessel 1 fitted with a central heating tube 14 and an annular cooling-jacket 15. The refrigerant enters and leaves through a perforated pipe 16 covered with a layer of asbestos pervious to the gas but impervious to the absorbent, which as in the first form is supported on trays 13. In a modification of the control for the heating means, the pressure of the cooling-water in a U-tube 21, Fig. 3 (Cancelled), acts upon the arm 33 of a switch through a diaphragm 31 and rod 32. A safety-device for the electrically-heated plant shown in Fig. 1 (Cancelled), comprises a U-tube 41 in the water tank 17, and contacts 43, 44 immersed in mercury in the tube. In the event of failure of the water supply to the tank the water pressure on the mercury becomes insufficient to maintain contact and the heating-circuit is opened, and cannot be closed by the normal automatic control. A safety device for use with gaseous fuel comprises an open-ended pipe 51, Fig. 5 (Cancelled), in the main water tank 17, into which projects the end of a pipe 49 through which the heating gas flows. The end of the pipe 49 is sealed while the water supply is normal, and gas flows to the burner through a pipe 54. When, however, the water supply fails, the end of the pipe 49 is unsealed and gas escapes up the pipe 51, where it is ignited by a platinum sponge device 53. Where oil fuel is used the oil may be stored in a partitioned part of the water tank, the outlet for oil being closed when the water supply fails. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.