Samuel A Bell

US Patent:

43740723, Feb 15, 1983

Filed:

Aug 31, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/298086

Inventors:

Samuel W. Bell - Shawnee Mission KS

Assignee:

Marley Company - Mission KS

International Classification:

F04D 2954

US Classification:

261109

Abstract:

An improved recovery fan cylinder for mechanical draft water cooling towers is provided which is configured with an upper reflex angle recovery section above the fan blade which gives unexpected increases in velocity head recovery as compared with conventional frustoconoidal stacks. The reflex stack hereof includes first and second superposed portions above the blade which are respectively oriented so that the external surfaces thereof cooperatively define a reflex angle; in preferred forms, the lower portion lies at an angle of from about 15. degree. to 30. degree. relative to the central upright stack axis, whereas the upper portion is oriented at an angle of 0. degree. -10. degree. on the same basis. Test evidence demonstrates that the stack of the invention permits unexpected reductions in fan horsepower, as compared with typical prior art stacks.

US Patent:

41567064, May 29, 1979

Filed:

Jan 16, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/859828

Inventors:

Samuel W. Bell - Shawnee Mission KS
Verne S. Stevenson - Shawnee Mission KS

Assignee:

The Marley Cooling Tower Company - Mission KS

International Classification:

F28C 104
F15D 106

US Classification:

261109

Abstract:

Air moving mechanism is provided for equipment such as direct or indirect heat exchange cooling towers. Conventional cross-sectionally elliptical eased inlet structure leading to a fan opening or cylinder surrounding a rotary fan air mover is replaced by a much simpler, less costly, apertured airflow modifying baffle member which functions to define an invisible eased inlet for the fan. The specially shaped aperture in the baffle member is configured and arranged relative to the fan cylinder inlet to cause air removed from the tower casing and directed toward the fan to follow a transition path between the baffle member and fan opening or cylinder which generally conforms to and substantially fills the opening or cylinder inlet around the entire circumference thereof. In those instances where air enters the tower casing on one side, or on opposed sides of the fan structure only, the orifice in the baffle is formed of somewhat rectangular shape with edge portions thereof aligned with the air inlet sections of the tower in greater spaced relationship from the axis of the fan opening or cylinder than the remaining edge portions of the aperture to compensate for the more radial airflow patterns toward the cylinder or opening from the parts of the tower which receive ambient air as contrasted with the axially oriented airflow toward the fan cylinder or opening from the closed parts of the tower casing.