Abstract: Method for calibrating a device for measuring back pressure in open-ended chemical reactor tubes, comprising the steps of: providing a device for measuring back pressure in open-ended chemical reactor tubes, including a frame member and a plurality of injector tubes mounted on the frame member with a spacing between the injector tubes; providing a test stand, comprising a frame member; a base supporting said frame member; and a plurality of calibration tubes mounted on the frame member, each of said calibration tubes having an open top and a dosed bottom, with a precision orifice in the dosed bottom to simulate the chemical reactor tubes to be tested; inserting the plurality of injector tubes into the respective calibration tubes; sealing between the injector tubes and the calibration tubes; sending gas through the injector tubes and taking a back pressure reading for each of the injector tubes; and generating correction factors for each injector tube to correct for variations in the back pressure readings.

Abstract: A device for marking a wire projecting from the tube of a shell and tube heat exchanger includes first and second legs which cooperate to form a tubular body with opposed openings for receiving the wire, and a hinge at a first end of the tubular body about which the body flexes to enable insertion of the wire into the openings.

Abstract: A device for injecting gas into a plurality of vertical tubes of a chemical reactor from the bottom. The present invention relates to a device for injecting gas into tubes in a chemical reactor, and more specifically for injecting gas into the bottom of the tubes. The gas may be injected for the purpose of pressure testing the tubes, for blowing out the tubes in order to clean them, or for other purposes.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing catalyst pellets from a hopper to a chemical reactor. The hopper receives and holds the catalyst pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the chemical reactor. The flow of the catalyst pellets is controlled so they flow into and through a conduit in a widely spaced-apart arrangement to the chemical reactor. This controlled, spaced-apart flow is created by providing a sieve between a hopper and the conduit having openings small enough that the catalyst pellets form bridges above the openings, and then repeatedly breaking up the bridges in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic unloading of particles from the vertical tubes of a chemical reactor automatically feeds a fish tape into the bottom of the vertical tube to contact and dislodge the particles and automatically retracts the fish tape to allow the particles to fall out of the tube.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pellets from a hopper to a desired delivery point. The hopper receives and holds the pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the desired delivery point. A fixed diameter opening is defined through which the pellets pass in order to reach a conduit that directs the pellets to the desired delivery point. A localized, direct mechanical force is imparted to pellets adjacent to the fixed diameter opening to break up bridges above the opening and allow the pellets to flow through the opening.

Abstract: A method for grit blasting tubes and for blowing swabs through tubes, automatically sensing that the swab has passed through the tube, and logging the event. Also, various methods are used for inserting the swabs into the tubes efficiently.

Abstract: A method for converting a watertight carrying case into a desk that includes mounting a bracket onto rearward projections from the case for permitting the case to serve as a desk without compromising its watertightness.

Abstract: A device and method for removing particles, such as catalyst, from a chemical reactor tube by inserting a hollow tube body into the bottom end of a vertical tube, sealing between the hollow tube body and the vertical tube, blowing a gas through the hollow tube body into the bottom of the vertical tube, and vacuuming the top of the vertical tube while continuing to introduce gas into the bottom of the vertical tube.

Abstract: A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.

Abstract: A device and method for loading catalyst pellets into reactor tubes of a chemical reactor. A direct mechanical force is applied to one or more pellets where bridging occurs that is different from the forces applied to the surrounding pellets in order to break up the bridge so as to allow catalyst particles to fall through an opening into the reactor tube.

Abstract: A dam arrangement is provided for confining catalyst and other particles. The dam can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations. In one embodiment, blocks are provided that are releasably secured to the top tubesheet by means of magnets, and sheets are secured to the blocks to create a dam. In another embodiment, the blocks are releasably secured to the tubesheet by fasteners which project into the tops of some of the tubes and then lock into those tubes.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing catalyst pellets from a hopper to a chemical reactor. The hopper receives and holds the catalyst pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the chemical reactor. The flow of the catalyst pellets is controlled so they flow into and through a conduit in a widely spaced-apart arrangement to the chemical reactor. This controlled, spaced-apart flow is created by providing a sieve between a hopper and the conduit having openings small enough that the catalyst pellets form bridges above the openings, and then repeatedly breaking up the bridges in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A method for marking a first tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a directional pointer into a second tube and directing the directional pointer toward the first tube.

Abstract: A device for injecting gas into a plurality of vertical tubes of a chemical reactor from the bottom.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pellets from a hopper to a desired delivery point. The hopper receives and holds the pellets at an elevation above the elevation of the desired delivery point. A fixed diameter opening is defined through which the pellets pass in order to reach a conduit that directs the pellets to the desired delivery point. A localized, direct mechanical force is imparted to pellets adjacent to the fixed diameter opening to break up bridges above the opening and allow the pellets to flow through the opening.

Abstract: A loading sleeve and method for loading pellets into chemical reactor tubes where the length of the loading sleeve is greater than the clearance above the upper tube sheet. The loading sleeve includes a rigid upper sleeve portion and a rigid lower sleeve portion extending downwardly from the upper sleeve portion and means for holding the upper and lower sleeve portions together in both an aligned position, in which their longitudinal axes are aligned, and in an unaligned position, in which the longitudinal axes are at a substantial angle relative to each other. The method includes bending the loading sleeve at a hinge means, inserting the lower portion of the loading sleeve into the chemical reactor tube, then straightening the loading sleeve and inserting the upper sleeve portion into the chemical reactor tube.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic unloading of particles from the vertical tubes of a chemical reactor automatically feeds a fish tape into the bottom of the vertical tube to contact and dislodge the particles and automatically retracts the fish tape to allow the particles to fall out of the tube.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring the elevation of particles in a vertical tube, including a reel, means for driving said the in forward and backward directions, a cable wound onto the reel and having a free end, a sensor mounted on the free end of the cable, the sensor including a particle contact portion, and trigger means responsive to the particle contact portion's contacting the particles in the tube.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.