Apparatus for separating water and steam in a nuclear steam generator

Centrifugal separating apparatus comprising a concentric inner and outer housing enclosing a swirling chamber through which a steam-water mixture is directed to separate the water from the steam. The inner housing encloses a first set of vanes that impart a rotary movement to the steam-water mixture accompanied by a centrifugal action sufficient to separate water from the steam and move it outward through perforations in the inner housing. A second set of inclined vanes in the space between the inner and outer housing members serve to swirl the water and remove residual steam therefrom before it is recirculated. 9 claims