Abstract: A tube fin trimming machine adapted for clamping and cutting elongated finned structures, such as finned tubes. The trimming machine includes an elongated main frame having at least one guideway, support means attached to the baseplate and adapted for supporting the finned structure a carriage unit longitudinally movable relative to the main frame and guideway, and at least one cutting torch unit movably mounted on the carriage unit. Each cutting torch is mounted above an elongated fin and is moved both longitudinally and laterally relative to the fin, so as to provide a desired elongated tapered shape for the fin. This invention also includes a method for operation of the fin trimming machine to perform desired trimming operations on elongated finned structures, such as finned tubes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a roof of a water-steam cooled cyclonic separator. The fixture locates, supports, and restrains portions of the roof during welding operations. By continuing that restraint through a stress relief step, the method and apparatus address the problem of distortion that otherwise would occur during welding. The method and fixture provide good access to the roof during the welding operations and, in particular, allow for faster welding and welds of higher quality by maximizing the availability of "down hand" welding techniques. The fixture is a universal fixture, designed to accommodate roofs of varying geometries.