Abstract: A probe which mounts in a liquid container has a conductance electrode containing a temperature sensor. A conductance control circuit is coupled to the probe to control an output relay in accordance with predetermined impedance conditions at the probe, and a temperature limit control circuit also controls the output relay in accordance with predetermined temperature conditions at the probe.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has a plurality of bottom end legs which hold the bottom end of the heater a few inches above the floor, and a fuel burner positioned directly above a combustion air inlet in the bottom end of the heater body. To assure that all combustion air delivered to the burner is taken from a height at least 18" above the floor, a bottom end portion of the water heater is positioned within a floor supported, horizontally enlarged drain pan which vertically extends to at least 18" above the floor. In one embodiment thereof, the drain pan has an open top through which combustion air enters and is drawn downwardly to the bottom air inlet of the heater, and in another embodiment the drain pan top is closed off and combustion air is ducted into the pan from a remote, higher location. The pan has an outlet fitting which may be connected to a pipe or hose to drain away any water leaking from the water heater, or from closely adjacent piping and/or fittings connected thereto.

Abstract: A condenser structure wherein both ends of at least one tube, which is physically located among the other (numerous) tubes of the condenser's tube bundles, is not connected to the inlet water box nor to the outlet water box; instead, this tube is provided with separate inlet and outlet connections. The separate inlet connection is preferably provided with a separately-controlled admixture of water treatment chemicals. Also disclosed is an innovative method of operating a steam condenser. One or more tubes, which are physically located among the other (numerous) tubes of the condenser, are isolated to provide a real-time test loop. The tube thus isolated is chosen to be among the tubes with the highest heat load, so that this tube provides a worst-case proxy for scaling in the other condenser tubes. The isolated tube is frequently inspected for scaling (e.g.

Abstract: A method of blanketing a boiler with nitrogen to reduce the level of oxygen dissolved in water in the boiler. The method includes the steps of creating a nitrogen blanket in the boiler, then preserving the nitrogen blanket during the subsequent filling of the boiler, and providing sufficient contact in the boiler between the water and the nitrogen to maximize the reduction of the level of oxygen dissolved in the water.

Abstract: There is provided a system for blocking the inflow of water to an appliance such as a hot water tank in the event of a leak in the appliance or water supply thereto. A low voltage current solenoid selectively blocks said inflow in response to a leak. No current is drawn during normal operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A safeguard arrangement for a plant, which comprises a plant auxiliary provided with a lid and so designed that the lid is opened for maintenance of the inside thereof, switching means installed on a piping connected to said plant auxiliary, and driving means to give a driving output to the switching means in response to an opening or closing instruction signal for said switching means, and which is employed when operations for maintenance of the aforesaid plant auxiliary are executed, is provided additionally with lid opening detecting means to detect the opening of the lid of the afore-said plant auxiliary or the release of locking means thereof, in gearing with either of them, and checking means to check the opening of the aforesaid switching means on the basis of the opening instruction signal for the switching means when it is detected by said lid opening detecting means that the lid is opened or to be opened.

Abstract: A suppression chamber in a nuclear reactor containment includes a heat exchanger disposed in a gas space above water in the suppression chamber. A gravity-driven pool contains a supply of make-up water that is gravity fed to the heat exchanger through a conventional level-maintaining valve such as a float valve. A top header in the heat exchanger includes a free surface area for permitting separation of steam from water, thereby permitting venting of vapor only, while retaining the liquid coolant in the heat exchanger. A downcomer tube permits return of excess water to a lower location for further use in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is normally sealed, whereby internal surfaces in the heat exchanger require only a small amount of low-volatility corrosion inhibitors to prevent corrosion on internal surfaces thereof. Locating the heat exchanger in the gas space in the suppression chamber reduces the amount of corrosion on its external surfaces.

Abstract: In a steam generation system in which cold water is introduced into steam as an incident of equipment start-up, condensation shock is substantially reduced by having a diffusion plate in a generator discharge line leading to the steam conduit. The diffusion plate breaks up the flow of water into a plurality of steams thereby substantially increasing the surface area of the water to provide enhanced heat transfer and reduced condensation shock.

Abstract: A water proof sheet slopes into a built-in shallow basin under a water device to collect any water leaking from the water tank in the device. Water sensitive elevated low voltage contacts in the basin are electrically connected to a relay. Conductors from the relay connect to shut-offs in the cold water supply, the hot water outflow and the power supply. Additional conductors connect from the relay to a valve on the outflow pipe to drain the tank and to a signal device. Alternatively, a water pump may be used instead of the valve on the outflow pipe to pump water to a distant drain, when there is no drain below the tank level into which to empty the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-relief device in a PFBC power plant with a combustor (12) enclosed in a pressure vessel (10). The device is intended to limit the pressure difference between the combustor (12) and the surrounding space (22) in the pressure vessel (10) and to initiate pressure relief of the pressure vessel (10) out into the atmosphere. Via a conduit (54) with a rupture disc (56), the combustor (12) communicates with one or more blow-off valves (42). If the rupture disc (56) bursts, a sensor (62) indicates this and effects opening of the blow-off valve (42) via signal processing and operating equipment (64). Between the rupture disc (56) and the combustor (12) a perforated diaphragm (60) is provided. In the space between this diaphragm and the rupture disc (56) a layer of particulate, heat-insulating material (58) is provided, which restricts the heating of the rupture disc (56).

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve apparatus having water inlet and outlet pipes, means for maintaining water which may have ruptured from a water storage tank in a water containment area, a float within the water containment area, a float-rod attached to the float which has a triangular gear attached to the other end of the float-rod. The triangular gear interacts with a circular gear when the float-rod is raised causing the circular gear to rotate away from the valve housing pulling a rod which causes a metal strip to be pulled over the water outlet pipe preventing water from being delivered from the valve housing to the ruptured water storage tank. The on/off switch of a water pump may also be connected to the float-rod such that the water pump is turned on when the float-rod is turned on pumping water out of the water containment area.

Abstract: An automatic tube circumference scanning apparatus automatically performs inspections, repairs and other operation on a group of tubes arrayed in a narrow space and extending in horizontal directions. The apparatus includes an upper support/traverse section mounted on an upper tube in the group of tubes so as to be able to travel along a tube axis and to stop and grip the upper tube, a lower support/traverse section mounted on a lower tube so as to be able to travel, stop and grip the lower tube, a flexible rail extending vertically between the upper and lower support/traverse sections and fixed thereto, and a probe scanning section mounted on the flexible rail so as to be able to move up and down and which grips any arbitrary tube between the aforementioned upper and lower tubes for making a probe scan around such tube.

Abstract: A depressurization apparatus which utilizes a plurality of rupturable discs connected to lines that communicate with a conduit conveying hot gas from a pressurized fluid bed reactor to a turbine. Whenever depressurization is required due to excessive pressure in the conduit or for another reason, one or more rupturable discs are electrically fired to vent the gas to atmosphere. A separate isolation valve is provided for each disc, and can be closed to facilitate the replacement of a ruptured disc without having to shutdown the reactor.

Abstract: An overheating and scaling control device for a fluid heating apparatus, such as a domestic water heater, removes the hot fluid in the heater when demand ceases. A piston (46) mobile within a case (28) separates the latter into two compartments (32, 36) respectively connected to the cold water supply pipe (16) and to the hot water discharge pipe (22). In operation, the pressure in pipe (16) is higher than the pressure in pipe (22) and piston (46) is moved to the left. On stopping, the pressures are equal in both pipes and spring (40) moves piston (46) to the right. Cold water is fed into the exchanger tube (20), so that the hot water contained in the latter is discharged into pipe (38) and compartment (36).

Abstract: Thermal expansion from the heating up of a pressure vessel in the form of elongated cylinder for containing a nuclear reaction is used to produce motion, beginning at a certain limit temperature, which is used to actuate a lever mechanism to open a safety valve which serves also for relief against overpressure. The thermal expansion of the pressure vessel itself may be used as the actuating force or an elongated rod-in-tube differential expansion device located between the pressure vessel and a nearby adjacent wall may be used to actuate the lever mechanism.

Abstract: A safety device for subcritical natural and forced circulation boilers wherein the differential between downcomer fluid temperature and drum saturation temperature is measured and the trend of the differential is determined by computer means on a continuous basis. If the differential approaches a defined limit in its trend in a defined time interval or the furnace tube temperature increases instantaneously, the heat source for the boiler is diminished.

Abstract: A steam generator in which the heat-carrying fluid is a liquid metal and the detection of leakages is carried out by sampling the liquid metal. The end of the steam generator through which the liquid metal enters comprises a tube plate (2), a thermal protection plate (10) and a hollow flow sill (22) constituting the end part of the bundle case (4). Tubes (20) for protecting the tubes (3) of the bundle are placed around each of the tubes (3) between the protection plate (10) and the tube plate (2), the space (17) between these two plates being closed on its periphery by a sleeve (15). The hollow sill (22) communicates with the space (17) through tubes (27) and with the inner volume or the bundle case (4). A liquid metal take-off device (31, 32) is placed in the hollow sill (22). The invention applies in particular to steam generators of fast neutron nuclear reactors cooled with liquid sodium.

Abstract: Thermal degredation of elastomeric pads (74, 76) in a vibration isolating mount (40) intended for use in a high temperature environment such as posed by a boiler (26) is avoided with a construction including an inner annular element (42) secured to the boiler (26) and having an axial face (52) directed toward the boiler (26), an intermediate annular element having a face (72) facing, but axially spaced from the face (52) and radial projections (64) extending radially outwardly of the periphery of the element (42). An outer element (54) has portions (55) aligned with the projections (64). Elastomeric pads (74) extend between the intermediate and the outer elements while pads (76) extend between the intermediate and inner elements with the intermediate elements shading the pads (74, 76) from radiant energy emanating from the boiler (26).

Abstract: A probe (10) for scanning the interior of a curved conduit (28) has a carrier (12) with a rotatable portion (12b). Sensor means (18) are secured to the rotatable portion (12b) and are aligned with respect to the curvature of the conduit by means of an elongated flat strip (20), secured to the rotatable portion (12b) and extending longitudinally therefrom. Driving means (14) is provided to urge the probe (10) longitudinally through the conduit (28).

Abstract: A mechanical feeding mechanism for delivering plugs seriatum from a cylindrical delivery chute having upper and lower latching mechanisms. Each of the upper and lower latching mechanisms are movable from a latching position wherein the latching mechanism engages a plug in the chute and an unlatching position. Linkage mechanism connects the upper and lower latching mechanisms such that when one of the latching mechanisms is in the unlatching position the other latching mechanism is biased toward the latching position.

Abstract: A safety control circuit for an electric combination cleaner includes an on-delay relay (18) operatively coupled with the motor start relay (16) together with an off-delay relay (40) operatively coupled with the start switch (30) and the pump motor relay to provide automatic predetermined time delays upon start-up and shutdown to avoid overheating and thus damage to the equipment.

Abstract: A cartridge boiler designed for use in multiples in a furnace, each cartridge boiler having a vertically oriented cylindrical drum top and bottom with hemispherical end caps, with a plurality of free-expansion boiler tubes having internal feed water supply tubes depending in a cluster through the bottom end cap. The supply tubes are gravity fed by an open feed water pan within the drum, the feed water supply being controlled by a boiler level monitoring device. The boilers are used in multiples to generate the steam required, the relative small size of individual cartridge boiler being designed to minimize fabrication costs by minimizing drum diameters, and maximize system performance by allowing select cartridge replacement without system shutdown.

Abstract: An improved, compact model steam generator having multiple primary systems is described herein. The model steam generator of the invention is capable of simultaneously simulating a plurality of thermo-hydraulic conditions which may exist in various areas of a full-scale nuclear steam generator in order that the effect of these various conditions on the heat exchange tubes within the full-scale generator may be separately monitored. The model steam generator of the invention generally includes a boiler vessel having a primary side which houses a plurality of individually controllable primary systems, a tubesheet, a secondary side, and a plurality of sample heat exchange tubes for transferring heat between each of the individual primary systems and the secondary side of the boiler vessel.

Abstract: According to the invention, the central body (10) of the steam generator filled with liquid sodium in its upper and middle part comprises in its lower part, on one hand, a crowned end wall (23) under which an inert gas is injected for forming a pocket (24) which contains a small volume of gas and defines a gas-liquid separation surface (25) for the reflection and the attenuation of a pressure wave in the event of a sodium-water reaction, and, on the other hand, a spider element (11) which connects the lower end of the central body (10) to an end element (16) provided with a frustoconical portion (17) which extends with an annular clearance into the outlet pipe (5) for the liquid sodium which has travelled through the tube bundle (7). Application in particular to nuclear power stations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control apparatus for operating any one of a plurality of parallel connected boilers as a lead boiler, with the others operating as lag boilers. The control apparatus enables a lag boiler to assist the lead boiler during a prolonged operating period to share the burden and the therefore prolong equipment life and increase system efficiency. The control apparatus enables each boiler to serve as the lead boiler while employing full modulation, other boilers such as the lag boiler also employ full modulation. The control apparatus also causes an automatic switch over between boilers after a malfunction of one of the boilers in a rapid time.

Abstract: A steam generator for transferring the heat carried by a liquid metal to a water - steam circuit. It comprises a drainage tank directly suspended at the lower end of the envelope. A drainage tube connected to the bottom of the envelope is disposed within the tank and carries a burster disk at its end. This disk is placed behind a detachable observation window, fixed to the drainage tank and permitting the replacement thereof.

Abstract: A liquid level detector for low pressure boilers. A boiler tank, from which apor, such as steam, normally exits via a main vent, is provided with a vertical side tube connected to the tank at the desired low liquid level. When the liquid level falls to the level of the side tube vapor escapes therethrough causing heating of a temperature sensitive device located in the side tube, which, for example, may activate a liquid supply means for adding liquid to the boiler tank. High liquid level in the boiler tank blocks entry of vapor into the side tube, allowing the temperature sensitive device to cool, for example, to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A steam boiler having a steam accumulator connected between the boiler and a user, a flow meter provided on the inlet side of the steam accumulator, and a pressure detector provided on the steam accumulator for detecting the internal pressure thereof, wherein the steam boiler is arranged to detect by the flow meter the steam flow rate on the inlet side of the steam accumulator, which is varied in the fashion of following the mean value of steam load, to detect the internal pressure of the steam accumulator by the pressure detector, and to calculate the steam load on the outlet side of the steam accumulator by a steam load detector on the basis of signals of detected steam flow rate and pressure variation.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of steam by heat-exchange between a heat-transfer liquid metal and feed-water, comprising an envelope (1) containing a tube bundle (8) which occupies only part of the internal volume of the envelope with the bundle (8) in which the feed water is passed in. At least two superposed compartments (18, 28), in communication with the internal volume of the envelope (1) by their lower part, are located inside the envelope (1). Each of the compartments (18, 28) communicates with the compartment located thereabove by means of a first tube (23), and with the compartment located therebelow by means of a second tube (21). The compartment (28a) located at the lowest level is fed with inert gas through the establishment of liquid/inert gas interfaces in each of the compartments (18, 28). The invention applies particularly to the steam generators of fast neutron nuclear reactors, in which it is desired to avoid the harmful effects of pressure waves in case of a sodium/water reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for introducing a mobile positioning body onto a tube plate of a steam generator through a manhole.The device comprises two substantially parallel rails essentially shaped like a curved angle plate, whereby a trolley can slide along the rails and on which can be placed the said moving body. During the introduction of the moving body, the device is provisionally fixed to the tube plate by lugs and to the inner face of the manhole by a pedal maintained in place by a spring.Application to the inspection of steam generator tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the escape of steam from the tubes of a power station boiler or the like employs a microphone located externally to the combustion space to sense an increase in combustion space noise level. At least one long narrow listening tube leads from the combustion space and has at its end an elbow to which is sealed a microphone assembly that senses the noise in the combustion space. Preferably a diaphragm is interposed between the microphone assembly and listening tube that seals the end of the listening tube while transmitting sound substantially unattenuated. The diaphragm is a plastics sheet compressed between washers that have an undulating line of contact. Noise from escaping steam at a frequency of 4-8 KHz may be detected with a gain of typically -20 db. The signal from the microphone assembly is amplified and processed by means to indicate the level of sound in the combustion space.

Abstract: The control of the actual liquid level in a boiler is accomplished by using the flow rate of the fuel to the combustion system associated with the boiler to generate a signal which is utilized to bias a control signal generated in response to steam flow rate and the output from a conventional level controller in such a manner that swell and shrink caused by changes in fuel flow rate is compensated for and the desired liquid level is maintained in the boiler.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing for low pressure operation of a high pressure boiler including a low pressure relief valve mounted on the boiler and adapted to release steam from the boiler at a steam pressure lower than the pressure developed during high pressure operation of the boiler. An electrically operated control valve is provided for selectively connecting the low pressure relief valve to the boiler, and the valve is controlled for precluding connection of the low pressure relief valve to the boiler until the steam pressure in the boiler drops below the relief pressure of the low pressure relief valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency shut-off device, in the case of leakage, of a tube of a steam generator where the heat of vaporization is contributed by a liquid metal circulating in contact with the outer surface of the tube. The device includes on the terminal portion of the tube connected to the water supply device a tubular bush interposed in the path of the feed water. The bush contains a valve connected to the bush by a rupture part. The breakage of the part under the effect of an increased flow of water, in the case of a leakage, enables the closing of the outlet of the bush. The device includes also, in the terminal portion of the tube connected to the steam collector a bush containing a free valve enabling the steam outlet to be closed in the case of a leakage in the tube. The invention is applied in particular to steam generators of fast breeder nuclear reactors cooled by liquid sodium.

Abstract: A low liquid level sensor in a hot water heating system permitting testing operability thereof in situ without draining down the system. The sensor is located in a cavity that has an opening in the bottom thereof in fluid communication with the liquid in the vessel during normal operation of the system. The end of the opening is at a lower elevation than the sensor and liquid from the vessel is in the cavity during normal operation of the system. When the liquid drops to a predetermined low level the sensor activates the safety cut-off. Valved passed means are provided exteriorly of the vessel so that a gas can be injected into the cavity to pressurize the same and drive the liquid in the cavity through the opening into the vessel simulating a low water level condition. At the simulated low water level condition operability of the sensor can be determined. Means are provided to release the gas from the cavity.

Abstract: Arrangement for the prevention of crack formations at the inside surfaces of feedwater line nozzles (13) which open into pressure vessels, especially nuclear reactor pressure vessels or steam generators. The feedwater is introduced into the water/steam space (II) of the pressure vessel (DE) via a substantially horizontal line section (140) and a rising line section (141) following downstream thereof up to the overflow edges U at the end of the flow travel of the rising line section (141). From there, the feedwater is admixed to the medium in the water/steam space (II) or the descent space (8) of the pressure vessel (DE) via a downward-directed line section (141) and optionally, via a ring feedline (12) connected thereto. This prevents temperature stratification due to backflow of warmer water in the nozzle. It is important here to make the ratio A.sub.n /D.sub.i as small as possible. In practice it has been found to be feasible to provide a ratio which is approximately within the limits 0.5 and 2. (A.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for monitoring black liquor recovery boilers to detect the presence of water leakage into the combustion chamber (furnace) of a black liquor recovery boiler, or extinguishing of flame at the black liquor spray nozzles, to release into the furnace at a relatively high rate of speed an absorption agent to collect the water in the furnace and thereby isolate the water from the smelt, and further to provide a medium from which the water may be evaporated to expedite cooling within the furnace without risk of a water/smelt explosive reaction. The apparatus includes propulsion devices for distributing the absorption agent over the furnace smelt, which propulsion devices are controlled by sensors respectively detecting boiler steam pressure, water pressure, and combustion flame. Manual actuation of the propulsion devices is also contemplated by the invention.

Abstract: The control of the actual liquid level in a boiler is accomplished by using the actual enthalpy of the fluid in the boiler to generate a signal which is utilized to bias the output from a conventional level controller in such a manner that swell and shrink causes by disturbances is compensated for and a desired liquid level is maintained in the boiler.

Abstract: In order to protect a boiler against overheating a boiler draft control device comprises a safety thermostat in addition to the regular control thermostat. The control thermostat is provided with a supporting tube in order to limit its length reduction in the event of its failure. The safety thermostat is designed in such a manner that its working element only provides a displacement when the control range of the control thermostat is exceeded. Furthermore the safety thermostat has a very steep displacement/temperature characteristic and its maximum stroke is equal or greater than the stroke being given by an operable control thermostat over its total control range. A latch means is provided to prevent that an air inlet flap closed according to the response of the safety thermostat may be opened again with the cooling down of the boiler.

Abstract: A roll-out flame detector mounted proximate to the lower edge of the outside of the flame wall between the combustion chamber and the control chamber of a swimming pool heater. The flame detector includes an elongated thermal fuse element exposed to potential roll-out flames and electrically connected in the electrical control for the fuel control valve to shut down the flow of fuel when the fuse element is ruptured by the roll-out flame.

Abstract: A boiler water trip system comprises a flow transmitter for sensing a flow of water into a boiler, a pressure transmitter for sensing a pressure of steam entering a first stage of a turbine powered by the boiler, a unit power transmitter for sensing the power generated by the turbine, a feeder water temperature transmitter and a drum level transmitter for sensing the level of water in a steam drum connected to the boiler. Function generators are connected to the pressure and unit load transmitters for obtaining a measure of flow out of the boiler. The higher of the two flow values are compared with the feed water flow to the boiler to generate an error signal which is integrated. The integrated error signal corresponds to a calculated boiler water level amount. If the boiler water level rises above or falls below set limits and, simultaneously, a drum level rises above or falls below said amounts as determined by the drum level transmitter, a tripper is activated to trip the boiler.

Abstract: A boiler blowdown heat recovery system is described herein which includes conduit means for directing the blowdown water and fresh water through a heat exchanger, and metering and display means are included for showing the volumetric flow of the blowdown water and the fresh water and also the energy in BTU's transferred to the fresh water. The present invention provides a distinct, packaged system which is readily mounted to a steam boiler or the like, and in a particular embodiment also includes a flash tank to provide for the recovery of additional steam from the blowdown water prior to passing the water through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A water damage preventer pan has a horizontal support arrangement for an appliance to be set down on but a bottom sloped to a drain, and an unusually sturdy construction; the construction is of unitary plastic and the horizontal support arrangement includes a plurality of blocks inside the perimeter buttressing a rim outside them, both joining a bottom which is wedge-shaped in section so that it can rest flat on a floor but can drain rapidly down a good slope.

Abstract: A low liquid level sensor in a hot water heating system permitting testing operability thereof in situ without draining down the system. The sensor is located in a cavity that has an opening in the bottom thereof in fluid communication with the liquid in the vessel during normal operation of the system. The end of the opening is at a lower elevation than the sensor and liquid from the vessel is in the cavity during normal operation of the system. When the liquid drops to a predetermined low level the sensor activates the safety cut-off. Valved passage means are provided exteriorly of the vessel so that a gas can be injected into the cavity to pressurize the same and drive the liquid in the cavity through the opening into the vessel simulating a low water level condition. At the simulated low water level condition operability of the sensor can be determined. Means are provided to release the gas from the cavity.

Abstract: A heat shield for hot vertical pipes and, in particular, coke oven ascension pipes. This heat shield includes a lower, open-bottomed cylindrical housing section which peripherally encloses the pipe. Vertically projecting from this housing is an arcuate wall which is spaced from the pipe. The housing is internally partitioned into a warmer space adjacent the pipe and a cooler space remote from the pipe so that a heat dissipating upward draft is established in the housing and between the pipe and the vertical arcuate wall.

Abstract: A leak detection system 40 particularly suited for employment in a steam generator 10 of the type that embodies at least one tube sheet 34 or 36 to which ends of a multiplicity of elongated tubular members 32 are suitably secured. The subject leak detection system 40 is operative both for purposes of detecting the occurrence of leaks in the steam generator 10 as well as for purposes of enabling a determination to be made as to the probable location of the leaks and the direction of flow of the leaking fluid.

Abstract: An arrangement for the emergency cooling of the steam generator unit is of a pressurized-water nuclear power plant is disclosed. Steam is passed through a blow-off pipe (11) into a closed vessel (14) having a water space (12) and a gas space (13). A nest of heat exchanger tubes (15) extends through the water space (12) in a heat transfer relationship to cool the water space. Steam is dumped under emergency conditions into the vessel via a steam distributor nozzle (18) operatively connected at the end of the blow-off pipe and is condensed in the water space. The steam distributor nozzle is arranged essentially below and to the side of the nest of heat exchanger tubes to enhance mixing heat transfer. The resulting condensate is returned to the steam generator as condensate.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the liquid level in containers such as boilers and tanks. An electrode inserted into the container completes a path through the liquid when the liquid is at or above a predetermined level. When the liquid falls below the level, the path is opened. If the open path persists uninterruptedly for a timed period, an output device such as a relay is energized (or deenergized, if desired) to signal the low fluid level. The circuit path is powered at a low AC level from an AC source which also powers the output device. The low level AC in the circuit path to the liquid minimizes electrolytic and other problems within the container. The low level AC periodically resets a timing device within a direct current monitoring circuit before the expiration of the timed period, as long as the circuit path through the liquid remains closed. The output device is an optical coupling device isolating the output device from the timing device and from the low level AC path.

Abstract: A method of automatically realigning a steam generator secondary piping system, such as the feedwater system, in the event of a pipe break to a given steam generator in a system having plural steam generators sharing, in part, a common secondary piping system. A feedwater line break is identified by monitoring the respective generators' steam exit line pressures and comparing the several pressures to a first predetermined setpoint. If any one of the several monitored pressures falls below the first setpoint the main steam line isolation valves are automatically closed and the respective generator pressures are again monitored and compared to a second predetermined setpoint. The feedwater line to the generator then exhibiting a drop in pressure below the second setpoint is isolated and the remaining generator main steam line isolation valves may be opened to return the functional intact generators to the system.

Abstract: A self checking system is disclosed in various forms, and is specifically shown as applied to a system which checks the level of water in a boiler before an associated fuel burner system is initiated. Before the liquid or water in the system can be processed, the liquid level is either caused to be depressed or is simulated as depressed, and this depression in the liquid level is sensed and the level verified before a circuit is completed in the liquid processing system.