Abstract: This disclosure relates to a shut-off valve, in particular a pipe-bridge slide valve, for a coking drum for the production of coke, having at least one pipe socket which has a first end for connection to the coking drum and a second end on which a slider is arranged for opening and closing the coking drum, wherein the pipe socket has a supply connection for filling the coking drum with a medium and a diaphragm which is arranged between the supply connection and the first end of the pipe socket and can be moved into a filling position and into an emptying position, wherein, in the filling position, a diaphragm opening is arranged in the region of the central longitudinal axis of the pipe socket for introducing the medium centrally into the coking drum, and, in the emptying position, the diaphragm opening has a larger passage area than in the filling position.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a cutting tool within a decoking drum, a decoking system and a method of raising and lowering a decoking system cutting tool. Instead of using metallic ropes, chains, or a self-propelled gear-based approach, non-metallic belts are secured at respective ends to a crosshead and one or more counterweights to enable vertical movement of the crosshead that in turn permits vertical movement of the cutting tool throughout the height of the drum. A motorized pulley system controls the movement of the belt, and preferably avoids having the motor be carried by the crosshead. The belts on each pulley are preferably arranged as cooperative sets so that within each set, both primary load belts and secondary load belts are present.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a de-heading device for a coke drum includes an outer component that includes an inlet nozzle; and an inner component that includes a pipe elbow and an orifice, wherein the outer component is coupled to the inner component by an actuator, the actuator for shifting between two or more positions. In another embodiment, a method of de-heading a coke drum includes actuating an actuator, the actuator coupled to a de-heading device, wherein the de-heading device includes an outer component comprising an inlet nozzle; and an inner component comprising a pipe elbow and an orifice, wherein the outer component is coupled to the inner component by the actuator, the actuator for shifting between two or more positions; and either removing a material from a coke drum coupled to the de-heading device, or filling a coke drum coupled to the de-heading device with a material.

Abstract: An automatic dehydration, extraction and transportation apparatus for petroleum coke, includes a bottom cover device, crusher, coke chute and extracting device. The bottom cover device is at the bottom of a coke tower and connected to a coke storage pool via the chute. A grid net for filtering petroleum coke is horizontally provided in the lower part of the pool. A partition door is on an end, away from the chute, of a side pool wall of the pool. The extracting device enters and exits the coke storage pool through the partition door. A partition wall is between the partition door and the chute. The surface of the partition wall is opposite the chute, such that a corridor is formed between the other pool wall opposite the chute and the partition wall. One end of the partition wall is connected to the pool wall provided with the partition door.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that includes a de-header valve. The de-header valve includes: (1) a main body; (2) a live loaded seat assembly coupled to the main body and comprising a dynamic, live loaded seat, a live seat adjustment mechanism coupled to the main body and designed to control and adjust the force and resulting seat load of the dynamic, live loaded seat, and a force transfer module in juxtaposition to the dynamic, live loaded seat for transferring the force from the live loaded seat adjustment mechanism to the dynamic, live loaded seat; (3) a static seat positioned opposite from and counteracting or counterbalancing the dynamic, live loaded seat; and (4) a blind or sliding blind capable moving in a linear, bi-directional manner within the de-header valve and between the dynamic, live loaded seat and the static seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vertical pyrolysis equipment for coal material, which comprises an enclosed kiln body with an inlet and an outlet, a flame-gas heating pipelines provided inside the kiln body, coal material propulsion and pyrolysis passage formed between the flame-gas heating pipelines and inner wall of the kiln body, coal pyrolysis gas collecting tube communicated with the coal material propulsion and pyrolysis passage provided on the kiln. The heat generated by flame-gas heating pipelines is conducted and radiated to coal powder in the coal material propulsion and pyrolysis passage. The coal powder sufficiently absorbs the heat and is pyrolyzed into fuel gas, tar gas and coal with high heat value inside the coal material propulsion and pyrolysis passage. The pyrolyzed fuel gas and tar gas are transferred to the gas dedusting-liquifying mechanism outside the kiln through the connecting coal pyrolysis gas collecting tube for collecting, dedusting, separating and high-pressure liquefying.

Abstract: A decoking tool includes a tool body, a diverter plate, a diverter body, a plurality of flow paths and a shifting apparatus. The plurality of flow paths may include a clearing flow path, a cutting flow path and a boring flow path each having a nozzle. The nozzle that terminates the clearing flow path can be directed substantially upwards during normal operation. The shifting apparatus can be operatively coupled to the diverter plate and/or the diverter body such that upon operation of the shifting apparatus, the diverter plate and the diverter body rotate relative to one another to substantially align a selection orifice and at least one of a clearing orifice, a cutting orifice and a boring orifice to establish fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the respective nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a de-header valve with a flushing system for flushing undesirable material from the upper and lower bonnets while the de-header valve is opened. The flushing system can include three valves. A first valve controls the flow of steam to the de-header valve. A second valve controls the flow of water for flushing the bonnets. A third valve controls how the bonnets are drained. The third valve can be a three way valve that allows the bonnets to be drained to a pit during flushing, and also allows steam condensate to drain into a steam trap.

Abstract: The present techniques provide a pyrolysis process that is reduced in coke and/or tar formation relative to comparable processes. A flushing fluid is applied or injected directly into a pyrolysis reactor to reduce high levels of coke and tar that can accumulate within the pyrolysis reactor during pyrolysis of the feed.

Abstract: The present a system structured to allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums utilizing—a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of apparatuses for evaporative purification of a contaminated liquid. In each example, there is a first vessel for storing the contaminated fluid. The first vessel includes a surface coated with a layer of superhydrophobic material and the surface is at least partially in contact with the contaminated liquid. The contaminants do not adhere to the surface as the purified liquid evaporates, thus simplifying maintenance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high purity distillate in evaporators is useful for evaporation of waters where volatile silica or organic compounds are encountered such as in production of hydrocarbons from geological formations. An evaporator having a contaminant reduction system is provided. The contaminant reduction system includes an upflow first mist eliminator portion to remove entrained liquid droplets and produce an intermediate purity water vapor stream. A continuous spray system provides a spray of dilute caustic solution in a selected spray configuration for mass transfer contact with the passing intermediate purity water vapor stream, to remove volatile silica compounds therefrom, and produce a partially decontaminated steam stream having mist particles therein. An upflow second mist eliminator portion is provided to remove the residual mist particles, and produce a high purity water vapor stream. The high purity water vapor stream is condensed to provide a high purity distillate stream.

Abstract: A top drive mechanism for a drill rod for cutting of delayed coking units in the petroleum refining industry includes a gooseneck connector, a washpipe assembly, an output shaft, and a power mechanism for driving the output shaft to rotate. The output shaft has an integral structure formed by a shaft body and a flange; a step I is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the output shaft; a support ring is disposed on an end face of the step I; the output shaft mates with the support ring through a key I; a lock nut fixes the support ring onto the end face of the step I; a lower portion of the support ring is provided with a self-aligning thrust roller bearing. The structure has high stability such that the service life of the top drive device is extended and installation and disassembly are easy and fast.

Abstract: A center feed system for use within a delayed coking system, or any other similar system is described. The center feed system features an inlet sleeve which slidably engages a retractable nozzle, with inlet and outlet, in fluid connection with a feed source of residual byproduct, allowing residual byproduct to flow from the feed source into the interior of a vessel, thus effectuating or inducing even thermal distribution throughout the vessel.

Abstract: A method for the automatic removal of carbon deposits from the oven chambers and flow channels of non-recovery and heat-recovery coke ovens, where a coke oven battery, composed typically of a plurality of adjacently arrayed coke oven chambers, is utilized for the cyclical coking of coal, and where an air metering device which operates with superatmospheric pressure is used in order to remove, by combustion, carbon deposits in the flow cross-sections of the oven system and thereby to counteract a reduction in oven performance. An apparatus with which this method can be performed is also disclosed, this apparatus being integrated into the coke oven battery and at least one coke oven chamber wall, allowing the carbon deposits to be removed during operation without a change in any arrangement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing solid petroleum coke. The solid petroleum coke product is formed in a coking drum which has a rotatable coke breaking structure installed therein. Quench water or other quench fluid is delivered into the coking drum to quench the coke product and the coke breaking structure is rotated to break up the coke product such that the coke will empty out of the lower end of the coking drum.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for optimizing a net wash oil flow rate of a distillation unit to maximize a yield of distillate products. Based at least in part upon an incoming wash oil and total feed flow rates to the distillation unit, a wash oil entrainment amount can be calculated using an entrainment engine and an entrainment signal produced. The incoming wash oil flow rate to the distillation unit can be automatically adjusted based on the wash oil entrainment estimation while the distillation unit is operating.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the frame of a coke oven retort has a tool carrier positioned between anchor stands of the coke oven retort and exhibits cleaning apparatuses for the frame of the coke oven retort, sheet-shaped sealing elements being arranged on the tool carrier. The sealing elements are secured to the reverse side of the tool carrier, which side faces away from the coke oven retort. The sealing elements are orientated vertically and completely cover the height of the reverse side. The sealing elements consist of at least one central piece which is immovably fixed to the tool carrier and of side wings, the side wings being connected with the central piece in such a manner as to be rotationally moveable on vertical axes. The side wings are moveable in an adjusting movement in the direction of the coke oven retort against the front surfaces of the anchor stands.

Abstract: A mode shifting apparatus for a decoking tool, a decoking tool and method of operating same. The apparatus includes features to make it rotatably and translationally responsive to changes in pressure of a decoking fluid such that the apparatus is cooperative with the tool and the decoking fluid in a first operating condition to establish a drilling mode with one or more of the tool's drilling nozzles, and in a second operating condition to establish a cutting mode with one or more of the tool's cutting nozzles. In one form, the apparatus includes one or more sets of tandem seals disposed along a component interface within the apparatus or between the apparatus and the tool to help redundantly isolate seizure-sensitive components within the apparatus from the pressurized decoking fluid. In another form, the apparatus includes a gas spring to counteract the forces imposed by the pressurized decoking fluid. In another form, the apparatus includes a manual override connection.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements to a transportable hydrocarbon-recovery unit. More particularly, this invention relates to an integral hydrocarbon-recovery unit that comprises a first evaporation system and a condensation system. The actual first evaporation system comprises means for supplying the material to be extracted that includes means for controlling supply, means for conveying said material, treatment-chamber means including internal cleaning means, means for heating the material, means for increasing the heat-transfer area, means for removing excess material, including means for increasing hermeticity, and means for conveying the extracted vapors towards the condensation system. The purpose of the invention is to provide a unit for extracting hydrocarbons and other contaminants from impregnated material at the same time as providing, over a shorter time period and with greater effectiveness, the recovery process.

Abstract: So-called decoking, in other words, the emptying of a container in which coke arising from the operation of a refinery is deposited and carried out using a decoking tool with a free mounting on the end of a drilling bar. The mounting is achieved using a sliding guide on a guide plate, coupled to the container. Distortions in the container and the guide plate therewith as a result of temperature variations during operation of the refinery which could lead to function disturbance of the drilling rod are avoided, wherein the sliding guide and the guide plate are arranged with a spring relative deflection by at least one spring element in the manner of a spring damper.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system (1) a main body; (2) a live loaded seat assembly coupled to the main body and comprising a dynamic, live loaded seat, a live seat adjustment mechanism coupled to the main body and designed to control and adjust the force and resulting seat load of the dynamic, live loaded seat, and a force transfer module in juxtaposition to the dynamic, live loaded seat for transferring the force from the live loaded seat adjustment mechanism to the dynamic, live loaded seat; (3) a static seat positioned opposite from and counteracting or counterbalancing the dynamic, live loaded seat; and (4) a blind or sliding blind capable moving in a linear, bi-directional manner within the de-header valve and between the dynamic, live loaded seat and the static seat.

Abstract: A vent scraping apparatus (10) includes a mount (20) fixably attached a carbonizing machine (14) at an opening (18) in the carbonizing machine. A duct (28) is fixably attached within the mount (20). The duct (28) conducts gas vented from the carbonizing machine. A scraper (24) is movably attached between the mount (20) and the duct (28). The scraper (24) slides between an inner surface (22) of the mount (20) and an outer surface (30) of the duct (28). The scraper (24) includes a leading edge (36) for scraping an inner surface (44) of the carbonizing machine opening (18) as the scraper is extended.

Abstract: A reactor having a shaft protruding through one end, a fuel output tube protruding through a second end, shovels housed inside, and a discharge tube, is provided. A first end of the discharge tube is inside of the reactor and the second end protrudes out of the fuel output tube. A helix thruster can be inside the discharge tube and have a driver shaft with a first gear inside of the reactor. The reactor can also include a residue collector and a fork. The fork can be disposed on a driven shaft including a second gear, which engages the first gear of the helix thruster. A system for feeding materials into the reactor is also disclosed as well as methods of converting waste plastic or rubber into fuel using the reactor.

Abstract: The described system allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums which typically utilize a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for emptying a furnace floor in a soda recovery boiler when the soda recovery boiler is being shut down. The emptying may be started while smelt is still flowing in smelt spouts. The floor is emptied by sucking smelt from the furnace with a smelt eductor. The invention is also related to a device for removing smelt and wash water from a furnace of a soda recovery boiler by means of suction. Negative pressure is generated in the device by conducting pressurized gas into a suction pipe of the eductor so that the pressurized gas is discharged in the discharge direction of smelt and wash water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning the door of a coke oven, said door comprising a sealing edge and a membrane that is attached to the door panel of the coke oven. According to said method, cleaning tools comprising jet nozzles, which are supplied with a flow medium at high pressure, are situated and displaced back and forth in the region between the sealing edge and the door panel of the coke oven, in such a way that the interior surface of the membrane and the sealing edge are cleaned. The coke oven door is cleaned directly after the coke oven chamber is opened, by at least one jet nozzle element, which is supplied with compressed air and is displaced along the sealing edges. The jet nozzles are oriented in such a way that the air hits the surface to be cleaned at an acute angle.

Abstract: This invention involves pyrolysis of feedstock by introducing carbonaceous feedstock, into a hopper and moving it into a reactor tube enclosed in an oven, generating heat within the oven that is in part transferred to the feedstock, heating it to sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the feedstock into useful volatiles and char. A Venturi system produces a negative pressure directing volatiles into a pyro-gas oven producing heat necessary for pyrolysis and generating useful excess heat. The extruded pyrolysis char has uses including charcoal fuel, soil amendments, and activated charcoal while liquids can be produced for processing into fuels. Excess heat may be used to heat water, steam, and air, may be used in air heating and cooling systems, perform mechanical work with a Stirling engine or generate electricity on the order of 100 kW and higher. The system may be operated in a carbon neutral or even carbon negative manner, allowing sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An improved, fouling-resistant configuration for the stripper sheds of fluid coking units comprises an inverted, open-bottomed channel with apertures spaced along the length of the channel and spaced from the apex of the channel. Preferably, the channels are of an inverted-V configuration with a downwardly extending lip provided on each side of the channel, extending from the bottom edge of each side of the channel. The stripper sheds may be positioned parallel to one another in the stripper section of the reactor vessel or, alternatively, the sheds in different tiers in the stripper section may be disposed so that the longitudinal axes of the sheds are rotated angularly relative to the sheds in other rows.

Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for reducing cumulative deposition and unwanted secondary thermal reactions in pyrolysis and other thermal conversion processes. In an embodiment, a system comprises a device, referred to as a reamer, for removing product deposits between thermal conversion and condensation operations of a pyrolysis process. The reamer may comprise, but is not limited to, a mechanical reciprocating rod or ram, a mechanical auger, a drill bit, a high-temperature wiper, brush, or punch to remove deposits and prevent secondary reactions. Alternatively or in addition, the reamer may use a high-velocity curtain or jet (i.e., a hydraulic or pneumatic stream) of vapor, product gas, recycle gas, other gas jet or non-condensing liquid to remove deposits. Preferably, the reamer removes deposits during the pyrolysis process allowing for continuous operation of the pyrolysis process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for the frame of a coke oven retort with a tool carrier which can be positioned between anchor stands (2) of the coke oven retort (3) and exhibits cleaning apparatuses (4) for the frame (5) of the coke oven retort (3), sheet-shaped sealing elements (6) being arranged on the tool carrier (1). According to the invention, the sealing elements (6) are secured to the reverse side of the tool carrier, which side faces away from the coke oven retort (3). The sealing elements (6) are orientated vertically and completely cover the height of the reverse side. The sealing elements (6) consist of at least one central piece (7) which is immovably fixed to the tool carrier (1) as well as of side wings (8), the side wings (8) being connected with the central piece (7) in such a manner as to be rotationally moveable on vertical axes (9).

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a smelt spout of a boiler is provided. The boiler includes a boiler wall defining an outlet port for discharging molten smelt and the smelt spout is positioned with respect to the outlet port so that the molten smelt is able to flow along the smelt spout. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tool having a pair of cleaning blades generally aligned with respective side walls of the smelt spout and an actuating assembly configured to move the cleaning blades from a first position to a second position. The cleaning blades each engage the respective side walls of the smelt spout to dislodge hardened smelt deposits therefrom when in the cleaning blades are in the second position.

Abstract: Presented in this application is a simply operated, continuous residue discharging system. The system includes two sub-systems which convey residue from a reactor, through a closed residue discharging channel, to a residue storage tank. Also disclosed is a method of using the high temperature, separable, continuous residue discharging system and a kit including components for a continuous residue discharging system.

Abstract: A system and method whereby on-line cleaning of black oil heater tubes and delayed coker heater tubes may be effectuated by injecting a high pressure water charge through the tubes during normal process operations so as to prevent tube fouling and heater downtime. The high pressure water charge begins the on-line cleaning process once it enters the heater tube by undergoing intense boiling and evaporation. The cleaning occurs by two methods—a scrubbing action and a shocking action. The scrubbing action occurs because of the complete turbulence caused by the water charge's intense boiling within the heater tubes. The shocking action is caused by the expansion and contraction of the heater tubes resulting from the colder water charge flowing through the heater tubes which is then followed by the hotter process fluid flowing through the heater tubes.

Abstract: Coking drum 3, 4, especially for the manufacture of petroleum coke, which has an approximately cylindrical basic body, at least one inlet and at least two outlets, wherein there is arranged as shut-off member (11) at least at one outlet and/or at the or one inlet, a bridging pipe slide valve having two shut-off plates 27, 28.

Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums comprising a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to both a method and apparatus for thermal cracking hydrocarbons. The apparatus includes a rotating conical drum assembly within a vessel containing a hydrocarbon feedstock. The conical drum assembly is internally heated to cause cracking of hydrocarbons adjacent the conical drum surface and the formation of coke on its external surface as the conical drum rotates. Coke is removed from the drum surface by a coke removal system and cracked hydrocarbon product is collected as a vapor.

Abstract: A coke-oven repairing apparatus comprising: a traveling carriage 3 which travels in the direction of coke oven battery with the carriage straddled on the rails placed on the top of a coke oven; a traversing carriage 4 provided on said traveling carriage 3, which moves in the direction orthogonal to the direction of coke oven battery; and a working device 5 for making repairs on the oven walls within the coke oven which is mounted on said traversing carriage 4, wherein the working device 5 includes: a guide post 31 which stands on the traversing carriage 4, and is also coupled, at its lower end portion, to a supporting portion provided on the traversing carriage through a pivot shaft 42; a lance 32 which ascends or descends along the guide post 31; and a derricking device 45 which tilts the guide post 31 between a forward-tilted posture and a backward-tilted posture using the pivot shaft 42 as the fulcrum to oscillate the lance 32 inserted in a coke-oven carbonizing chamber through a charging-hole, within

Abstract: Targeted application of anti-fouling mechanisms in a heat exchange system produces higher rates of energy recovery. The anti-fouling mechanisms with high mitigation rates can be deployed at only the hottest portions of a pre-heat train that experience the highest rates of fouling and heat loss. In application, bundles of corrosion resistant smoothed tubes are deployed in the late pre-heat train to significantly reduce the formation of harder deposits. Vibration can be used as an adjunct approach in conjunction with the corrosion resistant, smooth tubes, or deployed alone on existing bundles. The use of high performing, more durable exchangers in select locations justifies the increased cost of these components.

Abstract: A drill stem guide and cover system is designed to guide a drill stem used in coke cutting operations. After a cutting tool and drill stem are inserted into a coke drum, covers close, forming a passageway small enough that it prevents the cutting tool on the end of the drill stem from being removed but large enough to allow movement of the drill stem. The drill stem moves within the passageway to allow the cutting tool to be raised and lowered as needed. The closed covers provide protection from the release of pressurized or explosive gases while the coke cutting operation is taking place. The covers can be automated so that an operator can control them from a safe distance, and the covers can be remotely opened for the removal of the drill stem and cutting tool when coke cutting operations are not taking place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums comprising a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.

Abstract: Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method comprises positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region comprising liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for the provision of a block flange of a manhole aperture or the like, in particular for fluidized bed reactors for the oxychlorination of ethylene, oxygen and HCl, having a wall flange fixed in the reactor wall, is intended to provide a solution whereby all other auxiliary measures can be dispensed with and the expense associated therewith can be eliminated without the functionality of the system suffering as a result and without undesirable deposits being formed in these areas. This is achieved in that the flange surface (5) pointing inward and downward in the direction of gravity is of beveled design, at least in some areas.

Abstract: Improved coke chute systems (100) include a lock (130) that receives and automatically secures a coke-receiving conduit (110) to a coke vessel after the lock (130) is switched to a closed position. Contemplated systems may further be combined with a horizontally movable coke chute cover, or a cover that is moved by an actuator (114) that lifts and rotates the cover from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A safety system for a coking facility where there is a coke drum and a drill assembly. When the coke accumulates in the drum, a drill head of the drill assembly is lowered into the coke drum to emit high pressure water jets to remove the coke from the coke drum. There is a enclosing structure with an access door which is fixedly mounted at a location above an upper opening of the coke drum, so that when the drill head is moved out of the coke drum and there is an accidental jet water discharge, it will be redirected at a location within the enclosing structure. Interlock systems are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a processing furnace used by the oil industry to heat feedstocks that are to be treated thermally, which is provided with bi-pivotal support columns to carry the radiation exchange tubes which form the coil of radiation exchange tubes. The support columns are provided with a lower bearing and an upper bearing means, which pivot, respectively, on a lower support and an upper guide, in such a way that all the stresses from the support and the radiation exchange tubes are transmitted to the base, causing no thermal stress from bending momentum to be transmitted to the base of the furnace.

Abstract: A safe, efficient and repetitively operable coke vessel decoking system is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the closed system comprises a coker vessel pressure-tightly sealed to a top head system, which includes a closure housing with a laterally moveable horizontal closure member therein and a cutting head enclosure, which further comprises a drill stem guide, an access door, and a cutting assembly mounted therein. A novel feature of the invention is a steam purge/blocking system whereby steam pressure is maintained in the closure housing during the coking cycle to maintain seal integrity. Personnel safety during decoking operations is greatly enhanced by eliminating dangerous manual tasks associated with the prior art such as unbolting and removing top head devices. The system can be remotely and repetitively operated through numerous coking/decoking cycles without removal of any system element.

Abstract: An unheading and containment system for unheading and heading a pressure vessel includes an unheading apparatus for removing a cover from a pressure vessel in an unheading operation and a modular enclosure, mechanism to substantially enclose the cover during the unheading operation. The unheading apparatus includes a cover removably secured to the pressure vessel, a lock plate cooperating with the cover, and a cover moving mechanism capable of moving the cover vertically and laterally.