Abstract: A method of providing boiler tubes with a variably ribbed interior surface. A suitably dimensioned spindle with a channel having a desired pattern on the exterior surface of the spindle is wrapped by a wire-like member in the channel so as to form thereon a reverse image of the desired, patterned tube ribbing. A brazing metal paste is applied on the exterior surface of the wire-like member and the spindle is inserted into a tube to be ribbed. The wire-like member is released from the spindle to allow the wire-like member to conform to the inner surface of the tube, and the tube is heated to the melting temperature of the brazing metal paste so that the wire-like member bonds to the inner surface of the tube, and the metal tube is then cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas streams of different temperatures and/or compositions contemplates that at least one of the streams contains particle. The apparatus includes a main duct for the first gas stream and a plurality of duct assemblies extending in the main duct generally transversely to the first gas stream. Each assembly has plural inlets and outlets for receiving and discharging separate parts of the second gas stream, moving initially generally transverse to the first stream. The assemblies each have plural secondary ducts of mutually different lengths from inlet to outlet, the outlets being spaced from each other across the main duct for distributing the parts of the second gas stream into the first gas stream. A gas flow deflector is connected to each duct assembly for temporarily deflecting the first gas stream before it is combined with the parts of the second gas stream.

Abstract: An integrated water coil air heater and economizer arrangement for a boiler has a feedwater inlet for supplying feedwater to the boiler, and conduits and a valve for splitting the feedwater from the inlet into a first partial lower temperature, lower mass flow stream, and a second partial higher temperature, higher flow stream. A water coil air heater for passage of air to be heated for the boiler contains at least one heat transfer loop in heat transfer relationship with the air, the heat transfer loop of the water coil air heater being connected to receive the first partial stream. An economizer for passage of flue gas to be cooled for the boiler contains at least one heat transfer loop in heat transfer relationship with the flue gas, the heat transfer loop of the economizer being connected to the heat transfer loop of the water coil air heater for receiving the first partial stream from the water coil air heater.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of removing tubes and/or tube stubs from structures comprising multiple tubes wherein induction heating is utilized to heat the tube stub prior to removal.

Abstract: A large diameter mid-zone air separation cone is provided for decreasing NOx during burner operation by expanding the internal recirculation zone (IRZ) at the burner exit. The mid-zone air separation cone has a short cylindrical leading edge that fits in the outer air zone of a burner. The mid-zone air separation cone splits the outer air zone secondary air flow into two equal or unequal streams depending on the position of the air separation cone with respect to the outer air zone, and deflects a portion of the secondary air flow radially outward. Since the radial position of the air separation cone is farther from the burner centerline, the IRZ size is expanded and NOx emissions are minimized.

Abstract: A method for capturing gaseous elemental mercury in a flue gas wherein a soluble mercury oxidizer is utilized to oxidize gaseous elemental mercury at a gas-liquid interface of a wet scrubber, and oxidized mercury product is removed prior to re-emission.

Abstract: An in-situ method for regenerating a deactivated catalyst removes a calcium sulfate layer masking active catalyst sites. A reducing agent converts the calcium sulfate to calcium oxide, which is then removed, by reintrainment into the flue gas steam using soot blowers or sonic horns. The method is particularly useful for regenerating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts used to remove nitrogen oxides from flue gas produced by combustion of coal from the Powder River Basin. The method can be practiced using existing SCR system hardware, and without removing the SCR system from service.

Abstract: A method and system for dehumidifying flue gas from a flue gas generating. Water is supplied from a cooling tower to a heat exchanger in the liquid in the lower end of a wet flue gas processor for cooling the liquid in the lower end of the wet flue gas processor to condense water from the flue gas into the liquid in the wet flue gas processor. Returning water from the heat exchanger to the cooling tower cools the water and the liquid with the condensed water is supplied from the wet flue gas processor to the cooling tower as make-up water for the cooling tower to reduce or eliminate the need for fresh make-up water.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices for diverting contaminants into catalyst blocks; and in particular to devices for diverting particulate matter such as powdered and/or solid contaminants away from spaces around and between catalyst blocks.

Abstract: A self supporting header has a horizontally extending header pipe of fiberglass reinforced plastic with a horizontal axis and a flange of fiberglass reinforced plastic connected to an outer surface of the header pipe by at least one web and extending along at least part of the horizontal extent of the header pipe. The at least one web extends vertically from at least one of the top and bottom of the header pipe and is connected to the flange. A reinforcing member or material is embedded in at least one of the flange and the at least one web and that has a greater modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the fiberglass reinforced plastic of the header pipe reinforces a cross-section of the header for increasing the self supporting strength of the header. The reinforcing member may be made of metal or a carbon composite material.

Abstract: A link-type seismic tie is provided between a steel structural support and a buckstay, and includes two horizontally arranged, parallel, and spaced apart link members, which are connected at their ends to large vertical pins. Each of the link members includes two horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal outboard stringers and a horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal center stringer centered between the two outboard stringers. Each link member further includes finger plates standing upright and spaced apart from each other relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal stringers. The finger plates are held between each of the outboard stringers and the longitudinal center stringer. A gusset plate connects the outboard stringers to a pin plate, which is connected to a large pin at the buckstay. The other end of the link members is connected to a large pin at the steel structural support via the ends of the outboard stringers.

Abstract: An assembly and method for facilitating the attachment of a metal alloy hood to the concrete shell of a spray absorber tower, and compensating for relative radial thermal expansion of the hood and the shell during start up, shut down, and operation of the spray absorber tower, while also providing accurate and effective distribution of shear forces circumferentially along a horizontal plane from the metal alloy hood to anchor rods partially embedded in the concrete shell of the spray absorber tower.

Abstract: A method is provided for successfully rolling co-extruded tubing into drums of a boiler bank. First, a co-extruded tube is provided, containing a carbon steel base tubing with an outer layer of high alloy tubing. Next, the outer layer of high alloy tubing is removed by machining in the area of the co-extruded tubing that is to be rolled into the drum. Then, the co-extruded tubing is swaged using multiple swaging steps and annealing treatments. The co-extruded tubing is swaged to the required diameter and wall thickness. Finally, co-extruded tubing is inserted, rolled, and sealed into the drums.

Abstract: A conical cyclone separator for separating steam from water in a steam/water mixture supplied to a steam drum of a boiler. A widened tangential inlet extends the axial length of the conical portion of the separator, increasing the width of the inlet while causing no derogation in steaming capacity and substantially lowering pressure drop. The inlet design of this separator is compatible with smaller diameter steam drums unable to currently utilize conventional separators.

Abstract: A hybrid, wet electrostatic precipitator has multiple precipitation zones for removing particulate and contaminants from a flue gas stream. A first precipitation zone has at least one discharge electrode and at least one collection plate made of a metal or a fiber glass reinforced plastic. A second precipitation zone has at least one discharge electrode and at least one collecting electrode which is a porous membrane sheet. The precipitation zones are in series with one another.

Abstract: A particulate separator includes a plurality of perforated screens which remove ash particulate from flue gas. A rapper assembly dislodges ash deposits on the perforated screens by exerting a vibrating force thereon. Shafts, which are operatively connected to a rapping device, are received in the openings of perforated screens and welded thereto. The rapper exerts a force on the shaft, which, in turn, vibrates the perforated screen. The vibration of the perforated screens causes the ash deposits to fall off into the hopper.

Abstract: A steam generator circulation system is provided and includes a boiler feed pump for forcing water through an economizer, and through the waterwall tubes of an evaporator. A separator receives a mixture of steam and water and sends the steam to a steam utilization unit such as a superheater. A valve is provided below the separator. If the valve is open, the saturated water from the separator is mixed with feedwater and recirculated through the tubes of the evaporator. If the valve is closed, recirculation is terminated. At loads below the critical point, the valve below the separator system would be open and the boiler would operate like a natural circulation drum boiler. At loads above the critical point, the valve below the separator system would be closed resulting in a boiler that operates like a once-through boiler.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system for removal of moisture and contaminants from recirculated flue gas. The system includes a spray tower for spraying the flue gas with a liquid reagent to remove contaminants from the flue gas. A heat exchanger, integrally connected to the spray tower, cools the liquid reagent before the reagent is sprayed onto the flue gas stream. Cooled liquid reagent improves the condensation of the water vapor in the flue gas during the spraying process and provides a lower moisture content flue gas exiting the system. Combustion process efficiency improves as flue gas redirected to the burner for combustion contains.

Abstract: The invention is related to an improved method of removing tubes from tubes sheets. The improved method softens and elongates a tube circumferentially surround by tube sheet, wherein the softening and elongating steps allow for quick and easy removal of the tube from the tube sheet without damaging the tube sheet or tube seats.

Abstract: End support for parallel tubes of a superheater or reheater with a bend tubular portion, a linear tubular portion extending away from each end of the bend tubular portion, and a supporting member formed on a curved section of the bend tubular portion. The tubular portions form a connection between two consecutive parts of a fluid passage. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular portions and the supporting member are integrally formed, molded or cast of a suitable material, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, chromium-nickel alloy, or other suitable alloys that have high temperature strength and oxidation resistance. The supporting member is configured to securely attach the end support configuration to the wall support brackets on the wall support tube. Preferably, the supporting member and the wall support bracket slide on one another to provide relative movement between the superheater tubes and the wall support or boiler tubes.