PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOSSES IN VOLATILE WORKING FLUID SYSTEMS

摘要

AMMANN-9-3 PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOSSES IN VOLATILE WORKING FLUID SYSTEMS A process and apparatus are disclosed for controlling losses in volatile working fluid systems. In accordance with the process, the object upon which a work operation is to be effected is sequentially moved from a first sealable chamber to a second such chamber and back to the first chamber. While in the second chamber the object is exposed to a working fluid vapor which elevates the temperature of the object to a level near the boiling point of the working fluid. Thereafter, while still in the second chamber, a substantial portion of the working fluid is drained from the object such that the sensible heat acquired by the object upon its elevation of temperature is sufficient to evaporate working fluid remaining on the object upon its removal to the first chamber. Upon removal of the object to the first chamber the object is thoroughly dried through control of the partial pressure of the working fluid vapor contained within the first chamber atmosphere. This control is effected by a closed devaporization loop coupled to the first chamber. In addition, any working fluid which may have been deposited on surfaces within the first chamber is revaporized by auxiliary heating means. Virtually all of this working fluid vapor is recovered by extended devaporization of the atmosphere. Throughout the process any pressure differentials which exist between an internal atmosphere within the first and second chambers and an external atmosphere are equalized by means of a snorkellike member.