Abstract: A compensations duct assembly [100] is described that provides a gas tight connection between a backpass [9] of a furnace [3] and an air preheater pipe [10] having one end fixed relative to a floor. The compensation duct assembly [100] has an air preheater opening [133] that is connected to an air preheater duct [10]. A liquid seal [120] is employed to compensate for the movement due to thermal expansion between the backpass [9] and the compensation duct assembly [100]. The liquid seal [120] provides a gas tight connection under various conditions of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A compensations duct assembly [100] is described that provides a gas tight connection between a backpass [9] of a furnace [3] and an air preheater pipe [10] having one end fixed relative to a floor. The compensation duct assembly [100] has an air preheater opening [133] that is connected to an air preheater duct [10]. A liquid seal [120] is employed to compensate for the movement due to thermal expansion between the backpass [9] and the compensation duct assembly [100]. The liquid seal [120] provides a gas tight connection under various conditions of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooperation with an associated furnace having the capability of burning either coal or oil wherein the improvement includes a coutant having an opening in the bottom thereof. An extended ash hopper is disposed under the coutant. The hopper includes a portion that extends beyond the coutant and a furnace sidewall that abuts an end of the coutant. The ash hopper is generally registered with respect to the opening and the apparatus includes apparatus for conducting gases to be recirculated including a recirculation fan, a duct coupling the apparatus for conducting to the ash hopper; and apparatus for sealing the portion with respect to the duct. In some forms of the invention the duct enters the laterally extending portion through the top thereof. The apparatus for sealing may include first apparatus for receiving a liquid and apparatus for sealing includes at least a first plate fixed to and depending form the coutant.

Abstract: A boiler (10) made up of three separate sections consisting of (1) a bottom supported fluidized bed (12); (2) a top supported upper furnace portion (14); and (3) a vertical boiler section (24) in fluid communication with the furnace outlet. Seals (34, 36) are located between each of the three sections, so they can expand thermally relative to each other while preventing the surrounding atmosphere from exposure to the hot combustion gases. The seals consist of fluid cooled (48, 70) troughs (38, 60) containing sand (40, 62), with fluid cooled (48, 70) plates (42, 64) extending down into the sand.

Abstract: A maintenance platform is provided for gaining access to the upper area of the furnace (10) of a steam generator that can be quickly and easily assembled during a maintenance shutdown. The main beams (26) forming the framework of the platform are supported both from the furnace walls (42, 44) and also from the furnace roof (32, 34, 38). These beams, which are of considerable length, are stored outside of the furnace in a nearly vertical position when not in use, and are guided into the furnace by a plurality of rollers (40), so as to keep the beams in a single plane close to the outer furnace wall while they are being moved into the furnace.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative air heater assemby (20) wherein a gas damper (18) is mounted directly atop the gas inlet (41) to air heater rotor (30). In order to permit removal of heat transfer material element baskets (40), an access opening (52) is provided in the gas damper (18). Track means (60) for supporting and guiding a hoist (62) are disposed in the duct (26) above the access opening (52) in the gas damper. Element baskets (40) may be lifted from the rotor (30) by the hoist (62) upwardly through the access opening (52) in the gas damper for removal and replacement.