GB414552A - Cooling means for metal vapour rectifiers - Google Patents

Abstract

414,552. Metallic - vapour rectifiers. ENGLISH ELECTRIC CO., Ltd., 28, Kingsway, London. Oct. 30, 1933, No. 30144. Convention date, Oct. 29, 1932. [Class 39 (i).] A metal-vapour rectifier is provided with a closed circulating system for cooling one part thereof and with means for passing air over some part of the system and over another part of the rectifier which is cooled solely by air. Independent circulating cooling systems 2, 3, 4, Fig. 1, cooled by air 1, are provided respectively for the cathode 5, mercury-vapour evacuating pump 6 and the rectifier container 7. The air is adapted to cool directly the anodes 8. Different cooling media, such as acetaldehyde, an ethylamine, or an aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. toluene, may be used in the various systems, and oil is used for cooling the container. In a modification, the air 1, Fig. 2, is adapted to cool the system 9 which is provided for the container 7 and is in heat exchange relationship with the system 10, which is provided for the cathode 5, pump 6 and the annular coolers within the rectifier and comprises a refrigerating machine, condenser 11 and expansion chamber 12. In a further modification, a main circulating system is provided for the container from which medium is adapted to circulate through the refrigerator, the coolers for the cathode and pump and through the annular coolers. The refrigerator may be controlled thermostatically in dependence upon the temperature of the air or by means responsive to the load. Heated cooling medium may be used to heat relatively cold parts of the rectifier or to heat a vehicle when the plant is mounted thereon. The temperature of the upper part of the container and of the anodes may be higher than that of other parts. To facilitate starting, the rectifier may be heated by changing the external connections of the refrigerator so that the circulating fluid is brought into contact with the warmer side thereof.