Abstract: A steam trap may include a processor and an electronic water sensor configured to determine a presence of water in the steam trap and transmit data regarding the presence of the water to the processor. The steam trap may further include an electronically actuatable valve configured to be driven by signals from the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing hot water in a hot water storage tank heating system has one or more temperature sensors, a mounting bracket, a computer implemented processing arrangement configured to receive the temperature sensor signals and an interface to communicate with a user or additional processors either locally or remotely.

Abstract: A mica water level gauge glass includes a steam tee fitting, a balance pipe, a water tee fitting, a steam connecting pipe, a water connecting pipe, a condensation tank, a longitudinal vertical gauge body, and a mica assembly. The gauge body includes a thermal compensation cavity, a steam-water cavity, an auxiliary heat confluence device, and a horizontal steam cavity. The exit points of the thermal compensation cavity arranged in the gauge body is lower than the point of the steam-water cavity exiting from the gauge body.

Abstract: Method for indirectly preheating a fluid upstream of a furnace, wherein the fluid is preheated by indirect heat exchange with fumes discharged from the furnace through a medium in a chamber, and wherein the flow rate of the medium in the chamber is adjusted on the basis of at least one of the following temperatures: the temperature of the discharged fumes, the temperature of the medium in the chamber, the temperature of the preheated fluid, and the temperature of the wall separating the discharged fumes from the medium in the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a cylinder valve deactivation mechanism in an engine system having cam-actuated valves. Movement of a latch pin of the deactivation mechanism is inferred from an induction current generated by a solenoid coupled to the latch pin, and the inferred movement is used to diagnose operation of cylinder valve deactivation mechanism. The inferred movement and a profile of the induction current is also used to estimate camshaft and crankshaft timing for improved cylinder fuel delivery in the absence of a camshaft sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods is described herein for detecting a water leak. In an example, a method for detecting a water leak can include receiving at a water monitoring system (WMS) one or more radio-frequency (RF) signals, converting the one or more RF signals to a direct-current (DC) voltage, storing the DC voltage at a storage element, configuring the WMS to monitor a water source for water, generating a control valve signal in response to detecting the water, and providing the control valve signal to a shutoff valve to cause the shutoff valve to cut-off the flow of the water to the water source.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for predicting explosions in a dissolving tank. The system includes acoustic emission sensors placed in or around the dissolving tank. By filtering the recorded frequencies to the range which is most sensitive for desired explosions “fingerprints,” it is possible to predict a smelt influx before the smelt influx occurs as well as program response actions to prevent compromising explosions.

Abstract: A system for detecting and stopping flooding from a residential water heating system. A central controller is coupled to one or more flooding sensors and one or more automatic valves. In response to the sensors' detecting water, the controller causes the automatic valves to close, shutting off flow of water into or out of the water heating system. Advanced modular galvanic sensors and low-voltage, high-torque automatic ball valves may be used to improve the energy efficiency and responsiveness of the system. When flooding is detected, a variety of visual and auditory signals are generated by the controller, providing advance warning to the blind, deaf, or elderly that flooding is occurring and prompt attention is required.

Abstract: A gasification reactor comprising a pressure vessel encasing a gasifier. Strain gauges are provided in the space between the gasifier tubular wall and the pressure vessel on one or more parts loaded by weight of slag within the gasifier, at the exterior surface of the gasifier tubular wall and/or coolant supply lines. Formation of slag deposits and/or pressure within the gasifier is monitored by measuring strain development in parts exposed to stress induced by weight of the slag deposits or induced by internal pressure, respectively.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a steam generation system is provided. Fluid flow is channeled from at least one first boiler within at least one conduit. Fluid flow is added within the conduit from at least one second boiler. At least one operating condition within the first and second boilers is detected. A fluid pressure set point and/or a fluid temperature set point for each boiler is determined based on the operating condition detected for each boiler. A fluid pressure and/or a fluid temperature is maintained within the first and second boiler to be approximately equal to the fluid pressure set point and the fluid temperature set point for each boiler, respectively, prior to fluid flow being channeled and/or during the channeling of fluid flow from the first boiler and/or the second boiler within the conduit to a steam process and/or at least one steam turbine engine.

Abstract: A magnetic liquid level gauge for measuring a boiler drum water level comprises an external cylinder body having a first upper portion and a first lower portion, and an internal cylinder body having a second upper portion and a second lower portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion are connected to the boiler drum through a steam side sampling pipe, the second lower portion is connected to a water portion of the boiler drum through the water side sampling pipe, the external cylinder body and the internal cylinder body define a steam heat tracing chamber therebetween. A float inside the internal cylinder body is connected to a magnetic component in a magnetic component cylinder body. A display indicator is connected to a magnetic transmitter and a boiler drum pressure transmitter. A waveguide tube is disposed outside the magnetic component cylinder body and connected to the magnetic transmitter.

Abstract: A temperature sensing sootblower that may be configured as a modification to an existing sootblower or a specially constructed sootblower that, in addition to its normal soot blowing functions, has the capability to measure the flue gas, lance tube, and/or cleaning fluid temperatures. One or more thermocouples or other temperature measuring devices are carried by the soot blower lance tube that is inserted into the boiler. This allows for the temperature of the flue gas, lance tube, and cleaning fluid to be measured as the sootblower lance tube is inserted into and retracted from the boiler. Multiple temperature measuring devices may be located on the sootblower lance to measure the temperature across heat transfer surfaces and at different locations along the lance tube. A data transfer device transmits the temperature measurements from the rotating thermocouple to a non-rotating data acquisition unit for use in boiler cleaning and other operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for a steam plant, the apparatus comprising: a sensor unit (110) associated with a component of the steam plant, the sensor unit (110) being configured to provide an output indicative of the operating condition of the component; wherein the sensor unit (110) has a plurality of operating modes, each operating mode having a different resource usage; the apparatus further comprising: a selector (130) for selecting one of the plurality of operating modes; wherein the operating mode is chosen based on a current operating condition of the steam plant. The invention also relates to a method of operating such an apparatus.

Abstract: A malfunction detection device for a hot water supplier has a tank temperature detection thermistor for detecting a hot water temperature of a hot water storage tank and is configured such that when the detected hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank is a reference temperature or higher, a relay provided at a tank printed circuit board stops power supply from a tank unit to a heat pump unit. A heat pump shutdown command is a standby power saving command for saving a standby power of the heat pump unit.

Abstract: A temperature sensing sootblower that may be configured as a modification to an existing sootblower or a specially constructed sootblower that, in addition to its normal soot blowing functions, has the capability to measure the flue gas, lance tube, and/or cleaning fluid temperatures. One or more thermocouples or other temperature measuring devices are carried by the sootblower lance tube that is inserted into the boiler. This allows for the temperature of the flue gas, lance tube, and cleaning fluid to be measured as the sootblower lance tube is inserted into and retracted from the boiler. Multiple temperature measuring devices may be located on the sootblower lance to measure the temperature across heat transfer surfaces and at different locations along the lance tube. A data transfer device transmits the temperature measurements from the rotating thermocouple to a non-rotating data acquisition unit for use in boiler cleaning and other operations.

Abstract: A monitoring module for connection to a diagnostic device having two or more light emitting sources for indicating operating fault conditions of an apparatus. The monitoring module feeds information signals to a communication link for reception at a remote location. The monitoring module is secured over a series of light emitting diodes of the diagnostic device and reproduces these for local access. The series of LED's indicate fault conditions of the apparatus which in this embodiment is a hot water heater. Accordingly, the operation of the hot water heater at its fault status can be monitored from a remote location and on site.

Abstract: A water feed controller which can provide for the addition of a preset fixed amount of water to be added after a low water condition is removed. This system provides for a preset fixed amount of water to be added to a boiler above the amount which triggers the low water condition. This generally inhibits excess cycling from the boiler operating at its minimum safe water level as well as inhibiting overfilling of the boiler. Further, there is discussed a water feed controller which can measure the amount of water added over a prior predetermined period (such as 30 days) which serves as a floating window of time so that a leak or other condition resulting in overly frequent filling can be detected quickly.

Abstract: A water heater performance monitoring device for monitoring whether a water heater is functioning optimally or whether it requires service. The device uses maximum heating rates taken from a plurality of measured heating rates to determine if the performance of the water heater has degraded from a threshold performance level. A water heater performance monitoring device can reduce the number of false alarms that occur regarding the need for water heater service by filtering out temporary factors, lasting less than a time cycle, which affect heating rate of water in the water heater. This can save users time and money by reducing unnecessary water heater inspections.

Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.

Abstract: A flood prevention system includes a double-latching solenoid valve that shuts off a water supply line in response to a moisture sensor detecting a leak in a plumbing system. The double-latching feature provides the solenoid's plunger with two positions of equilibrium. This minimizes electrical power consumption so that the flood prevention system can be battery operated. To minimize a buildup of hard water deposits, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm and is cycled periodically regardless of whether flooding occurs. The sensor includes multiple methods of mounting to a floor.

Abstract: A water heater is arranged with the hot water storage chamber R1 at the top and the combustion chamber R2 at the bottom within the body 11 which is a container. The combustion chamber R2 is equipped with the air supply inlet 13a, and the flame arrester 27 is provided at the air supply inlet 13a. Within the combustion chamber R2, the main burner 22 and the pilot burner 25 are provided, the changing state of flame of the pilot burner 25 is detected by the thermocouple 26, and a controller 41 closes an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the main gas passage, stops the combustion of the main burner 22 as well, and rings the alarm 44. In an alternate embodiment, a sensor burner 60 is used as a safety device to detect a state of flame of the sensor burner and to shut off fuel to the main gas burner.

Abstract: The flow rate of water into a pressurised steam boiler heated by a burner is controlled by monitoring the level of water in the boiler, monitoring the pressure of steam in the boiler and monitoring the firing rate of the boiler. The level of water in the boiler is measured by a pair of capacitance probes. By controlling the water flow with regard not only to variables relating to the boiler but also variables relating to the burner, it is possible to provide a better control of water flow. Also, by assessing variables relating both to the burner operation and the boiler operation, an assessment of the mass flow rate of steam from the boiler can be made without employing a steam flow meter.

Abstract: A probe for determining the heat flux in a direct-fired heater. The direct-fired heater is under a vacuum pressure. This vacuum pressure induces a small quantity of ambient air through a ceramic insulating tube and eventually into the heater. The induced air cools an absorber head and receptacle, causing heat to flow from a target to a base. The target is an outer surface of the absorber head exposed to radiant heat inside the direct-fired heater. The base is that portion of the absorber head and receptacle which has a surface exposed to cooling air within the ceramic tube. The vacuum pressure inside the heater causes ambient air to be induced into a second end of the ceramic tube. Air passages at a first end of the ceramic tube cause the induced air to flow past the base and into the heater. A thermocouple is fitted into a cylindrical slot inside the receptacle.

Abstract: A water shut-off system incorporates a water shut-off valve utilizing a pair of adjacently disposed electrodes, a transmitter and a receiving means. The water shut-off valve is in the form of a ball valve. A timing logic causes current to flow to a valve driving motor as electric pulses.