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The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, PA, wishes to construct a cloud
vortex into which the children can walk.  The parameters are shown
below.  They are looking for help in answering the questions. 

 

WARM WATER VAPER CLOUD

Objective:       

*        To generate a visible warm water vapor cloud.

*        The cloud must be of a low enough temperature that a person
could stand in it.

*        The objective of the cloud is to create a raising column of
mist within a tall (about 30') glass sculpture structure.

*        The shape of the glass sculpture will generate a vortex cloud.

*        The system wants to be as passive as possible.

*        The system wants to be as low maintenance as possible.

Site parameters:

*        Park near Children's Museum of Pittsburgh PA 

*        Weather                                   Ambient Temp. 0 F to
90 F degrees 

                                                            Humidity 10%
to 95%

*        A shallow concrete heated vessel below a grating.

Both about 15' in diameter.

The concrete would be heated to the temperature needed to create the
cloud and prevent it from freezing in the winter.

*        Steam Condensate lines are available near by.

                                                            Pressure
7 to 13 PSI

                                                            Temp
140F to 160F

                                                            Size
6"

                                                            Depth
3' to 6'

Questions:      

*        What are the parameters needed to generate the warm water vapor
cloud.

*        What temperature should the concrete be heated to?

*        What should the depth of hot water be?

*        What might the evaporation rate be?  (For flow rate of Steam
Condensate)

*        What distance above the hot water should the grating be in
order to have a safe temperature for the grating (bare feet) or a person
standing in the cloud?

*        Should there be make up air brought in below the grating? How
big?

 

 

Michael C. Driver PhD

Director of Information Services

Materials Research Society

724 779 3004 x401

 


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