Steam generation apparatus and kit for pipe clearing applications

Abstract

A portable, steam generating apparatus has a steam generator unit configured with a tank having an integral handle and flange, a fluid supply inlet, a steam outlet, and a valve disposed on the steam outlet operable between an open and closed position. The steam generator unit is adapted to receive a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure. A flexible conduit or hose is connected to the valve so as to control the delivery of steam by means of said flexible conduit means to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes. The steam generator unit can be heated by a heat source configured to heat fluid disposed in said tank to generate steam. A steam generating kit for clearing blockages in pipes includes the steam generating unit configured with a pressure release valve, a control valve, a flexible conduit, and a burner assembly for heating the fluid in the tank

1 . A portable, steam generating apparatus comprising in combination: 
 a steam generator unit adapted to clear blockages in pipes, said generator unit comprising: 
 a tank having an integral handle and a flange,  
 a fluid supply inlet,  
 a steam outlet; and  
 a valve disposed on the steam outlet operable between an open and closed position;  
   a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank;    a flexible conduit means connected to said valve; and    a heat source configured to apply heat to said steam generator unit so as to heat fluid disposed in said tank to generate steam; and    whereby said steam generator unit is made controllable by said valve disposed on the steam outlet to deliver steam by means of said flexible conduit means to clear blockages in pipes.    
   
   
       2 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said heat source is a propane burner configured with a stand, a fuel source, and a hose connecting said fuel source to said propane burner.  
   
   
       3 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , control means for controlling the supply of fuel to said propane burner, said control means disposed between said fuel source and a combustion chamber of said propane burner for igniting said combustible mixture therein.  
   
   
       4 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said heat source is an electric heating element powered by electric potential generating means.  
   
   
       5 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said electric heating element is disposed in said tank of said steam generating unit with electrical leads of said electric heating element and extending from said steam generating unit for connecting to said electric potential generating means.  
   
   
       6 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible conduit means is a hose made from one of a group of thermo-plastic or synthetic material temperature rated for steam applications.  
   
   
       7 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said valve disposed on the steam outlet is located between said outlet and said flexible conduit means so as to control the delivery of steam to the blockage.  
   
   
       8 . The portable, steam generating apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said steam generator unit is adapted to receive a pressure relief valve disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure in said tank.  
   
   
       9 . A kit adapted to clear blockages in a pipe, comprising: 
 a steam generating unit configured with a tank, a fluid input, a steam outlet, a pressure release valve and a control valve;    a flexible conduit temperature rated for supplying steam to the blockage; and    a heat source for heating fluid in said tank of said steam generating unit.    
   
   
       10 . A kit adapted to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes, comprising: 
 a steam generating unit configured with a tank, a fluid input, a steam outlet, a pressure release valve and a control valve;    a flexible conduit for supplying steam to the blockage; and    a heat source for heating the fluid in said tank wherein said heat source is a propane burner assembly configured with a stand, a fuel source, and a hose connecting said fuel source    
   
   
       11 . A kit adapted to clear blockages in underground sewage pipes, comprising: 
 a steam generating unit configured with a tank, a fluid input, a steam outlet, a pressure release valve and a control valve;    a flexible conduit for supplying steam to the blockage; and    a heat source for heating the fluid in said tank wherein said heat source further comprises a burner assembly of a butane grill tank.    
   
   
       12 . The kit as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said heat source is an electric heating element configured to be powered by electric potential generating means.  
   
   
       13 . The kit as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said electric heating element is disposed in said tank of said steam generating unit with electrical leads of said electric heating element and extending from said steam generating unit for connecting to said electric potential generating means.  
   
   
       14 . The kit as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said flexible conduit means is a hose made from one of a group of thermoplastic or synthetic material temperature rated for steam applications.  
   
   
       15 . The kit as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said control valve is disposed between said outlet and said flexible conduit so as to control the delivery of steam to the blockage.  
   
   
       16 . The kit as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said pressure release valve is disposed on said tank so as to safely release excess pressure from said tank.