Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining complete mixing of char with coal prior to the introduction of the mixture into the combustor (30) of a coal gasifier (10). The coal is carried in one air stream (22), and the char in another air stream (54), to a riffle plate arrangement (26), where the streams of solid are intimately mixed or blended.

Abstract: A vertical shell-and-tube steam generator (10) which has a plurality of U-shaped tubes (60,62) through which the heating fluid flows, vaporizing fluid flowing on the outside of the tubes. A plurality of separators (26) are located above the tubes to remove liquid from the generated vapor. Orifices are located in some of the separator inlets (22) located above the hot leg region (60) of the U-tubes reducing the problem of overloading of these separators (26) by accomplishing a more uniform flow distribution of vapor from the areas above both the hot (60) and cold (62) legs of the U-tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making metal tubes (12) by centrifugally casting muffs (12) in a rotating mold (10), the inner diameter of which is tapered, having a smaller diameter at the pouring end (14) and a larger diameter at the non-pouring end. The outer diameter of the resulting muff is then machined (30) to form a cylindrical member of uniform diameter along its entire length. The inner diameter is also machined (28) smooth, and the finished muff is then reduced (32,34) in diameter and wall thickness to make a long tube (12).

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a perforated plate (24) air distributor for a fluidized bed combustion boiler. The plate (24) is supported (26) around its entire periphery, and at given points (42) within its periphery, in such a manner that it is free to expand due to thermal growth in a horizontal direction, while still being capable of supporting a vertical load (12) without sagging, buckling, or being subject to failure.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling ash and slag produced in the combustion of coal or other ash-bearing fuel in the furnace (10) of a steam generator, including a submerged scraper conveyor (14) beneath the furnace (10), and a water seal (22) including a trough (26) between the two for preventing the atmosphere from being exposed to the furnace interior. A hydraulic actuator (40,42) is prodived for allowing submerged scraper conveyor (14) to be quickly removed from beneath the furnace (10) when the unit is shut down for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A furnace in which fuel, such as pulverized coal, is burned, with the fuel and air being introduced into the furnace through tangential burners located in each of the four corners thereof and being directed tangentially to an imaginary circle in the center of the furnace. The invention will be described with pulverized coal, but is not limited to coal. Combustion gases from downstream of the furnace are recirculated back to the furnace, and are also introduced into the furnace from the four corners, in a tangential manner. The coal is introduced along with primary air to be directed at the smallest of a series of concentric imaginary circles; the recirculated gases are directed tangentially at a somewhat larger imaginary circle; and the secondary air is directed tangentially at a still larger imaginary circle.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant incorporating a coal gasifier as the energy source. The gases leaving the coal gasifier pass through a liquid couplant heat exchanger before being used to drive a gas turbine. The exhaust gases of the gas turbine are used to generate both high pressure and low pressure steam for driving a steam turbine, before being exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the stopper valve (14) with the seat (12) in a bottom pour ladle (10), including a locking arrangement (36) which can be loosened to permit the valve (14) to properly close on the seat (12). The locking arrangement (36) is then locked into position with the stopper valve (14) in true alignment with the seat (12).

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant having a steam generator and a gas turbine which makes use of a high temperature liquid couplant, or heat exchange arrangement, and a low temperature liquid couplant, or heat exchange arrangement, for maximizing use of the heat available in the power plant. The high temperature liquid couplant extracts heat from the gases leaving a coal gasifier, and is used in (1) a high temperature air heater for the gasifier, and (2) a high temperature fuel preheater of a steam generator. The low temperature liquid couplant extracts heat from the exhaust gases of the steam generator, and is used as (1) preheat for the high temperature liquid couplant, (2) low temperature air preheater for the gasifier, (3) a booster fan inlet heater, and (4) a low temperature fuel preheater for the steam generator.

Abstract: An ash removal system for a coal-fired boiler, where the temperature of the water in the ash hopper is maintained at approximately 140.degree. F. under all operating conditions of the boiler, by running cooling water through heat exchange surface positioned in the ash hopper. The cooling water, after picking up heat, is passed through heat exchange surface located outside of the ash hopper, before being introduced into the ash hopper. Some of the heated cooling water can be used as low level heating fluid around the plant site, if desired.

Abstract: A combined cycle electric power generating plant having a steam generator and a gas turbine in which low Btu gas from a coal gasifier is the fuel. The gas turbine drives the compressors for both the air and low Btu gas used to generate the hot combustion gases therein. In addition, the oxygen-containing exhaust gases from the gas turbine are used to support combustion of the fuel in the steam generator.

Abstract: Apparatus including an enclosed pressurized conveying and storage system that will allow potentially explosive flyash or other fine material to be handled with the minimum possibility of damage to the equipment in the event of an explosion. The steel storage vessel is maintained under slight pressure with inert gases by means of a pressure relief valve and an inert gas supply, and is kept at a high enough temperature to prevent condensation of the gas (so that corrosive acids are not formed) by electric inductance heaters and insulation. Airlock valves are used to allow the ash into and out of the transport and containment system.

Abstract: A system for automatically assembling flaskless copes and drags, preparing them for metal pouring on an indexing conveyor belt. A cope is centered on the conveyor, lifted, and rotated 180.degree.. Thereafter, a drag is centered beneath the cope, and the cope is lowered onto the drag, to form a complete mold, ready for metal pouring. All of the above is accomplished automatically, with little or no supervision required.

Abstract: A stopper valve actuating mechanism for a bottom pour casting container including an adjustable limit motion connection within the lever train which allows for a finer control of the pour of the molten metal. The adjustable limit stop connection comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the heat flux in a localized area of a heat exchange tube, by placing a sleeve inside of the tube, creating a gap, or dead space, which fills with stagnant water, between the sleeve and inner tube wall. This reduced heat transfer will considerably reduce or prevent steaming on the outer side of the tube, thereby minimizing or preventing any solids from separating out at this location.

Abstract: A slide gate damper arrangement which works well in large ducts, which are conveying hot, dust laden gases, and which duct has an obstruction extending down through the middle of it, such as a concentric pipe. The slide gate arrangement comprises a pair of gates which traverse the large duct from opposite sides thereof, seating in the middle of the duct. The leading edges of the two gates have a configuration such that they match and seal around the inner pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the radius of the bend in a U-shaped tube comprises two squeeze dies and a back die. The back die is hollowed to form a chamber that accommodates the bent section of the tube and supports the entire circumference of the tube at the center of the bent section. Mating slide surfaces on the back die and the squeeze dies cooperate to extend the back die during squeezing in such a manner as to accommodate the longitudinal extension of the tube legs that results from the squeezing; i.e., there is no relative longitudinal movement between the squeeze dies and the tube legs. This arrangement enables relatively thin-walled tubes to be squeezed without undue deformation of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for extruding metal chips or filings into a bar stock. The extruding machine uses graphite lubrication, and an oversized wooden (or other compressible material) plug for the initial compaction. The face of the ram contains undulations therein so the ends of adjacent charges will be better held together.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming flaskless sand molds, and preparing them for metal pouring. Cope and drag flasks are alternately filled with chemically bonded sand on an indexing turntable, and the sand is allowed to cure or set up while still on the turntable. The copes and drags are then automatically removed from their respective flasks and placed on a conveyor belt by a rollover draw machine. The above is accomplished automatically, with little or no supervision required.

Abstract: A stud cleaning machine whereby the threaded portion of very large studs can be cleaned to a semi-bright finish. The cleaning machine is designed to completely enclose the studs during the cleaning operation, so that none of the loosened oxides, residues, and caked lubricants are discharged into the surrounding atmosphere. The contaminated particles are retained in the cleaning machine and removed through an attached vacuum cleaner.