Abstract: A method of constructing a rotor assembly (12) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger wherein the rotor compartment (14) is formed of a plurality of prefabricated, shop-assembled subcompartments (20) which are shipped disassembled from the central rotor post (16) for final erection in the field. The method of the present invention maximizes shop welding in the horizontal downhand position and minimizes welding in the vertical up position both in the shop and in the field.

Abstract: A trunnion sealing means for a rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus. The sealing means is separated into two independent portions. The first portion is an air seal 34 that lies concentrically around a continuously moving trunnion 32. A supply of pressurized air is supplied thereto to preclude the leakage of fluid from the rotor of the rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus. A second portion of said seal comprises a spool 56 radially spaced from the trunnion and having walls that are permitted to move relatively only an insignificant amount not sufficient to abrade or otherwise harm a packing material 36 therein.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchange device has a rotor of heat absorbent element 19 that is exposed alternately to hot and cold fluid in order that heat from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing 22 including a sector plate 42 at opposite ends of the rotor that separates the hot from the cold fluid. The sector plate is forced to correspond to thermal distortion of the rotor to preclude fluid leakage therebetween. A unique fiber optic sensing device 58 utilizes a beam of infrared rays that detects excess clearance space between the rotor and the adjacent sector plate to actuate means that provides suitable corrective measures.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus in which a rotor of heat absorbent material is alternately exposed to a heating fluid and to a fluid to be heated. The rotor is surrounded by a housing having a sector plate at opposite ends thereof adapted to separate the heating fluid from the fluid to be heated. The apparatus is provided with control means that intermittently drives a sector plate into a sealing relationship with the adjacent edge of the rotor after which a predetermined reference point on the rotor activates a sensor to move the sector plate away from the rotor to permit freedom of movement therebetween.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor containing a mass of heat absorbent element that is slowly rotated about a vertical axis in order that the element may be alternately exposed to a heating fluid and to a fluid to be heated. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including a sector plate at opposite ends thereof adapted to separate the several fluids. The sector plate is divided into a plurality of radially adjacent sections, each of which is independently actuated into a preferred sealing relationship with the adjacent face of the rotor.