Fluid mixing apparatus having a condensing tube array

Abstract

A fluid mixing apparatus for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid and to prevent acoustic hammer effects, utilizing a condensing tube array. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a direct steam injection process heater is provided, having a first body for introducing a first fluid, generally a liquid or slurry, a second body for introducing a second fluid, generally steam, an orifice plate disposed between the two bodies, and a valve member for movement to and away from the orifice plate. The orifice plate has a plurality of frusto-conical holes which are engaged preferably by an equal number of complementary-configured, conically-tipped pins mounted onto the valve member. An actuator moves the valve member relative to the orifice plate such that the pins penetrate and partially or wholly obscure the holes, thus regulating the flow of the second fluid through the holes. The mixing area of the first body is equipped with a condensing tube array, having a plurality of condensing tubes rigidly secured in relation to each other by a plurality of retaining rings and secured in the first body by a plurality of studs. The condensing tubes are preferably arranged such that their longitudinal axes coincide with the longitudinal axes of the pins and the center points of the holes, and such that an annular space exists between the entrance end of the condensing tube and the face of the orifice plate.