Steam generation system with a separator circuit

Abstract

A separator circuit for a steam generation system. The separator circuit comprises a steamer connection tube and a liquid bin tube that extends vertically between a steam outlet for providing steam to a cavity of a cooking appliance and a recirculation tube for routing condensation back into the provided steam generation system. A slide tube is sloped downwardly from the steamer connection tube to the liquid bin tube for gravitationally accelerating condensation from the steamer connection tube through the liquid bin tube and into the recirculation tube. A vortex section is located between the slide tube and the liquid bin tube and includes a choke wall. The choke wall extends from a first end decreasing a cross-sectional flow path of the vortex section to a second end in a direction of the liquid bin tube.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A separator circuit for a steam generation system, the separator circuit comprising:
 a steamer connection tube;   a liquid bin tube;   a slide tube sloped downwardly from the steamer connection tube to the liquid bin tube for gravitationally accelerating condensation from the steamer connection tube; and   a vortex section located between the slide tube and the liquid bin tube and including a choke wall, wherein the choke wall extends from a first end decreasing a cross-sectional flow path of the vortex section to a second end in a direction of the liquid bin tube.   
     
     
         2 . The separator circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid bin tube includes an interior wall defining a first circumference and the vortex section includes an inner wall defining a second circumference, wherein the first circumference and the second circumference each share a coextensive circumference surface. 
     
     
         3 . The separator circuit of  claim 2 , wherein the choke wall is at least partially located on a surface of the second circumference that is opposite the coextensive circumference surface. 
     
     
         4 . The separator circuit of  claim 3 , wherein the choke wall defines an angle of deflection relative to the inner wall of the vortex section that is acute. 
     
     
         5 . The separator circuit of  claim 4 , wherein the angle of deflection is positioned relative to the interior wall of the liquid bin tube such that liquid traveling at the angle of deflection contacts the interior wall at a contact angle and the contact angle is obtuse relative to a direction of travel of the liquid. 
     
     
         6 . The separator circuit of  claim 5 , wherein the second end of the choke wall is positioned within 90° or less of the coextensive circumference surface relative to the second circumference. 
     
     
         7 . The separator circuit of  claim 2 , wherein the first circumference is smaller than the second circumference. 
     
     
         8 . The separator circuit of  claim 2 , wherein the choke wall is substantially planar. 
     
     
         9 . The separator circuit of  claim 8 , wherein the choke wall extends between an upper end and a lower end and wherein a surface of the choke wall between the upper end and the lower end is parallel with an axis extending through a center of the second circumference. 
     
     
         10 . The separator circuit of  claim 8 , wherein the choke wall extends between an upper end and a lower end and wherein a surface of the choke wall between the upper end and the lower end is oblique with an axis extending through a center of the second circumference. 
     
     
         11 . The separator circuit of  claim 2 , wherein the choke wall is substantially non-planar. 
     
     
         12 . The separator circuit of  claim 11 , wherein the choke wall extends between an upper end and a lower end and wherein a surface of the choke wall between the upper end and the lower end defines a curved surface. 
     
     
         13 . The separator circuit of  claim 12 , wherein the upper end and the lower end are relatively disposed substantially parallel to an axis extending through a center of the second circumference. 
     
     
         14 . The separator circuit of  claim 12 , wherein the upper end and the lower end are relatively disposed substantially oblique to an axis extending through a center of the second circumference. 
     
     
         15 . A separator circuit for a steam generation system, the separator circuit comprising:
 a liquid bin tube;   a vortex section connected to the liquid bin tube and including a choke wall; and   the choke wall extending from a first end decreasing a cross-sectional flow path of the vortex section to a second end in a direction of the liquid bin tube, wherein the liquid bin tube includes an interior wall defining a first circumference and the vortex section includes an inner wall defining a second circumference, and wherein the first circumference and the second circumference each share a coextensive circumference surface.   
     
     
         16 . The separator circuit of  claim 15 , wherein the choke wall is at least partially located on a surface of the second circumference that is opposite the coextensive circumference surface. 
     
     
         17 . The separator circuit of  claim 16 , wherein the choke wall defines an angle of deflection that deflects condensation within 20° or less of the coextensive circumference surface relative to the second circumference. 
     
     
         18 . The separator circuit of  claim 17 , wherein the angle of deflection is acute relative to the inner wall of the vortex section. 
     
     
         19 . A separator circuit for a steam generation system, the separator circuit comprising:
 a steamer connection tube;   a liquid bin tube extending vertically between a steam outlet for providing steam to a cavity of a cooking appliance and a recirculation tube for routing condensation back into the provided steam generation system;   a slide tube sloped downwardly from the steamer connection tube to the liquid bin tube for gravitationally accelerating condensation from the steamer connection tube through the liquid bin tube and into the recirculation tube; and   a vortex section located between the slide tube and the liquid bin tube and including a choke wall, wherein the choke wall extends from a first end decreasing a cross-sectional flow path of the vortex section to a second end in a direction of the liquid bin tube.   
     
     
         20 . The separator circuit of  claim 19 , wherein the liquid bin tube includes a funnel section connected to the recirculation tube.