Abstract: A structural strut having at least one surface of generally U-shaped cross section and being formed with a pair of upstanding side walls having opposed tapers. The side wall tapers of the strut shift or skew the neutral axis of the member in proportion to the relative side wall dimensions. In this manner, the strut may be used to comprise a load bearing member having a neutral axis selectively slanted to a position maximizing structural loading efficiency and interconnection. The ends of the strut are further formed of substantially planar construction for flat abutment and welded attachment to cross members of a truss thereby eliminating conventional gusset plates. The structural strut may also be constructed from a pair of such U-shaped channel sections secured back-to-back with the tapering flanges complementally positioned opposite one another for selectively shifting the neutral axis of the resulting I-beam.

Abstract: The device of the present invention utilizes a unitized scheme to erect a sulphur dioxide scrubber tower wherein a set of factory built constituent subunits are joined at location to produce a single functional unit. The functional units themselves preferably are adaptable for parallel grouping as necessary to insure the treatment capacity required for the emission rate of any given application or where otherwise appropriate for other process reasons.The temporary strength and rigidity necessary to maintain a subunit's critical geometric integrity throughout construction, transportation and erection processes is provided by a reusable exoskeletal support cradle. Preferably each subunit is initially constructed upon such a cradle. Alternatively, subunits are constructed in jigs at the factory and transferred to the support cradles before shipping to the construction site.

Abstract: A distribution duct for a reactor which can be easily fabricated. The duct has an elongated back plate and an elongated perforated front plate made up of flat segments separated by elongated angular breaks, and two flat marginal edge portions on the opposite sides thereof, the marginal edge portions being in flush engagement with, and secured to the back plate adjacent to the sides thereof, the flat segments defining with the back plate a flow chamber.

Abstract: Novel quick opening removable tray sections or deck plates for trays of fluid contact vessels having foldable closures or covers adapted to rest upon frame members which coact to form perimeters of one or more polygonal, preferably quadrangular, complementary openings in each tray. Each cover has at least a pair of closure panels hingedly connected at their adjacent inner margins. Opposed outer lateral or side margins of closure panels, which overlie complementary lateral or side frame members in spaced relationship, extend in the same general direction as their adjacent inner margins. At least one of opposed outer lateral margins is slidably confined whereby cover is removable upon elevating closure panels at their hinged inner margins and simultaneously sliding said outer lateral panel margins toward each other and out of confinement so as to permit folding of said cover.