Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for cleaning the inside of a heat exchanger tube while the tube is in operation and for simultaneously enhancing the heat transfer rate across the tube wall. The method consists of positioning a rod containing a tube cleaner inside of the heat exchanger tube and moving the rod in a back and forth motion during operation of the heat exchanger tube. The tube cleaner is designed to scrape the inside wall of the heat exchanger tube and to create turbulence in the fluid near the tube wall thereby improving the heat transfer rate across the tube wall.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical, dual tube and plug device for on-line monitoring of performance losses due to reduced conductivity of a non condensing heat exchanger resulting from micro-bio fouling of the surfaces of said heat exchanger and for detecting change of heat transfer resistance of individual heat transfer tubes. The dual tube and plug assembly includes a first flow assembly tube and a second temperature assembly tube attached to the discharge end of a heat exchanger for providing accurate measurement of temperature and cooling water flow. The first flow assembly tube includes a tube having an inner chamber, including a flow sensor a temperature sensor for measuring discharge water temperature. The second temperature assembly tube plugs the inlet and the outlet of a heat transfer tube immediately adjacent to the flow assembly tube and includes a plurality of temperature sensors in the plugged empty heat transfer tube.

Abstract: System and method for detecting and locating leaks in a steam condenser while the condenser is on-line and operating in its normal capacity. A tracer gas is mixed with water and introduced into the tubes of the condenser through an injector which can be positioned selectively to direct the gas toward different ones of the tubes. The occurrence of a leak is detected by monitoring for the presence of the tracer gas in the condensation chamber, and the location of the leak is determined from the position of the injector when the leak occurs.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved removable closure assembly (28) for use in feedwater heater or other pressure vessels requiring periodic internal access thereto for service, etc. The closure assembly (28) includes an o-ring seal (54) seated in a groove (58) chamfered into the outer edge of one end of a cylindrical cover (30) disposed in the open end of the channel or casing (12) of the pressure vessel. A compression ring (56) is disposed between the cover (30) and a split retaining ring (36) which are drawn together by bolts (60). The compression ring (56) overlies the o-ring (54) and a portion of the cover (30) so that only a portion of the compression force is transmitted through the o-ring, whereby an effective seal is provided without undue deformation such that the closure assembly (28) can be readily disassembled and removed, if desired.

Abstract: A shell and tube type heat exchanger having one or more intermediate baffles through which the tubes pass, with the tubes being secured at the baffles to prevent or reduce the probability of potentially damaging vibrations. Each baffle comprises a plurality of parallel plates placed closely adjacent each other or sandwiched together and having clearance holes through which the tubes pass. Individual plates of a baffle are offset in different directions and secured in the offset position to secure the tubes by the opposing engagement of the edges of their clearance holes.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved removable closure assembly (28) for use in feedwater heaters or other pressure vessels requiring periodic internal access thereto for service, etc. The closure assembly (28) includes an o-ring seal (54) seated in a groove (58) chamfered into the outer edge of one end of a cylindrical cover (30) disposed in the open end of the channel or casing (12) of the pressure vessel. A compression ring (56) is disposed between the cover (30) and a split retaining ring (36). The compression ring (56) overlies the o-ring (54) and a portion of the cover (30) so that only a portion of the compression force is transmitted through the o-ring, whereby an effective seal is provided without undue deformation such that the closure assembly (28) can be readily disassembled and removed, if desired.