Abstract: Methods are provided for monitoring particulate flow distribution throughout particulate collection systems that employ collection vessels such as hoppers and feeders. The collection vessels are positioned in a grid pattern, and the amount of particulate collected from a given collection vessel is recorded as associated with that collection vessel's position in the grid, so that the particulate flow distribution can be analyzed. By analyzing the flow distribution, faults in the collection system can be discovered and addressed. Methods are also provided to ensure proper functioning of the emptying of particular collection systems employing hoppers that discharge particulate into feeders.

Abstract: An improved rapper control system for an electrostatic precipitator for adjusting the power supplied to electromagnetic impact rappers to compensate for known effects of temperature variations on the magnetic coil of the rapper. An ambient temperature sensor is located in the vicinity of the rapper and supplies information to a computational-control unit which regulates the voltage and current supplied to the rapper coil or the duration that the power is supplied to the rapper coil in relationship to temperature changes about the rapper coil, to compensate for such temperature changes. Feedback circuits which measure current in the rapper coil may be coupled with the control unit to maintain a constant current flow through the rapper coil.

Abstract: A processor controlled supervisory apparatus for a liquid level controller of a feedwater heater obtains DCA characteristics and breakpoints thereof in a programmed manner. A plurality of DCA characteristics are obtained for a plurality of load conditions, and the breakpoints and other operating parameters are stored in a database correlating operation parameters with load conditions. Equations describing the relationship between the parameters and the load conditions are determined by the programmed processor and additional data points determined therefrom to provide load-responsive control for liquid level setpoint. A retrofitting apparatus retrofits the inventive supervisory control apparatus onto existing liquid level controllers.

Abstract: A sampler for sampling granular material moving through a pipe includes a housing which is mounted on the pipe, and a probe having an open front end and a hollow rearwardly divergent interior movably mounted within the housing. A pair of pneumatic cylinders selectively move the probe between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position within the pipe. A pneumatic vibrator is mounted on the probe for selectively vibrating the probe providing for penetration of the granular material within the pipe and for moving samples of the material through the probe. Various resilient and abrasion resistant materials seal the probe to the housing, and a plurality of rollers are mounted within the housing for stabilizing and guiding the moving probe. A gate is movably mounted on a pneumatic cylinder for closing the open front end of the probe when the probe is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging tubes in a modern high temperature steam generator by the application of high frequency shock energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatic vibrator, a connecting shaft connected at one end to the vibrator by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the vibrator to the shaft, a base plate for distributing the high frequency shock energy over a relatively large area encompassing portions of at least a plurality of tubes, the base plate being connected to the other end of the connection shaft by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the shaft to the base plate, and the base plate being secured in position adjacent the tubes for the transmission of high frequency shock energy from the base plate to the tubes while allowing for thermal expansion of the tubes during operation of the steam generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging tubes in a modern high temperature steam generator by the application of high frequency shock energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatic vibrator, a connecting shaft connected at one end to the vibrator by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the vibrator to the shaft, a base plate for distributing the high frequency shock energy over a relatively large area encompassing portions of at least a plurality of tubes, the base plate being connected to the other end of the connection shaft by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the shaft to the base plate, and the base plate being secured in position adjacent the tubes for the transmission of high frequency shock energy from the base plate to the tubes while allowing for thermal expansion of the tubes during operation of the steam generator.