DEVICE FOR SUPERHEATING STEAM

摘要

The present invention relates to a heating device for submersion within a tank of water to boil the water to produce steam, and for superheating the steam, comprising an outer sleeve (12); an inner sleeve (14) partially disposed through the outer sleeve and having a proximal end, and a distal end in the form of an outlet port (14c), the inner sleeve (14) further defining a vapor chamber (14a); a heating element (16) disposed within the vapor chamber and in electrical communication with an external electrical power supply, the heating element (16) adapted to produce heat in response to electrical energy from the power supply; a steam inlet tube (26) extending outwardly from the inner tube and in fluid communication with the vapor chamber; and a one way valve (22) disposed within the vapor chamber adjacent the outlet port (14c), the valve (22) adapted to selectively gate the flow of vapor from within the vapor chamber through the outlet port; wherein the heating device is configured to heat the water within the tank to a boil to produce steam, the steam inlet tube (26) adapted to direct the steam into the vapor chamber (14a) wherein the steam is superheated through direct contact with the heating element producing vapor, the vapor generating sufficient pressure to open the valve and exit the heating device through the outlet port (14c).