Inventors:
Thaddeus J. Mielnik - Erie PA
Kenneth J. Fisher - Erie PA
Mahesh C. Aggarwal - Erie PA
Assignee:
American Sterilizer Company - Erie PA
International Classification:
A61L 206
Abstract:
A system and method for recycling first and second quantities of process heat from a vapor having substantially the total initial process heat where the vapor is channeled from at least one apparatus in which a process having a vapor utilization phase is practiced. The preferred embodiment of the system comprises at least one steam sterilizer, apparatus for channeling steam having substantially the total process heat from one of the sterilizers to a first phase change material where the first quantity of heat is absorbed by the first phase change material and water, having the second quantity of heat, is yielded. A fluid, preferably a refrigerant, is passed through the first phase change material for transfer of the first quantity of heat to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is then compressed in a compressor to provide a sufficient quantity of additional heat to raise the heat content of the refrigerant above the initial process heat. The compressed refrigerant is passed through a boiler where the first quantity of heat is transferred to water having the second quantity of heat and a sufficient quantity of additional heat is added from an additional heat source to form steam having the total process heat.