Abstract: An integrated flue gas treatment condensing heat exchanger having a particle charger located upstream of the second stage heat exchanger of the system for improved cleaning of flue gas and increased removal of fine particulate matter.

Abstract: An arrangement of air foils in a duct bend for channeling an air flow through the duct in a manner which enhances the accuracy of pressure measurements taken at one or more points in the channels formed in the duct between the air foils.

Abstract: A fault detecting circuit for use with an electromagnetic acoustic transducer having an electrostatic shield and a wear surface for determining when the wear surface for contacting test surfaces has developed holes.

Abstract: A multi-directional after-air port for controlling air flow to a furnace in a staged combustion system has multiple sets of louvers or dampers oriented perpendicular to each other for improved control over combustion air-flow direction.

Abstract: A multi-phase DC chopper circuit having a different number of phases on each side of the current source. The ciruit utilizes fewer chopper phases and produces more discrete DC voltage steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of separating a vessel which is partly welded to a tubesheet of a tube bundle, includes removing the weld seam and reducing the wall thickness of the vessel until only approximately 1/8" of wall thickness remains and thereafter parting the vessel from the tubesheet by extruding the remaining wall thickness using a wheel cutter. The wheel cutter itself comprises a uniform thickness disk having a frusto-conical, cylindrical and subsequent conical portion on its outer periphery, the conical portion tapering to a greater extent that the frusto-conical portion.

Abstract: A system for determining the cleanliness of a boiler having a plurality of tube banks by obtaining a temperature profile of the boiler heat transfer surfaces includes extending an extension arm, such as a soot blower lance, near the tube banks of the boiler. A separate temperature reading is taken at intervals along the length of the extension arm by utilizing either a plurality of infrared non-contact temperature sensors or a plurality of optical fibers. Each separate temperature reading enables a temperature profile to be determined along the length of the extension arm which, in turn, allows deposit accumulation on the tube banks to be determined.

Abstract: A pressure measurement tap for use in a pressurized fluidized bed for preventing a flow of particulate matter into the measurement tap opening. The pressure measurement tap has an inner pipe for providing purge air through the pressure measurement tap which carries the purge air past a pressure gauge conduit and provides for greater accuracy in measurements. A second embodiment has a constant source of purge air provided to the inner pipe.

Abstract: A diffuser for a coal burner has a coal nozzle with an axis and an inner surface. The diffuser comprises a reducing area cone which has tapering upstream and downstream ends, for positioning in a coal nozzle at the coal nozzle axis. A frusto-conical shroud has a small diameter upstream end and a large diameter downstream end, positioned around the reducing area cone. A plurality of support legs is connected to the reducing area cone and extends radially outwardly through the shroud for connecting to the coal nozzle. Each of the support legs is inclined at an acute angle to the axis of the coal nozzle for evenly spreading pulverized coal supplied through the coal nozzle and past the diffuser.

Abstract: A cyclone after-burner for cyclone reburn NO.sub.x reduction in a furnace has a retractable fuel pipe inside a lance extending along the cylindrical axis of the cyclone to a point near the re-entrant throat. The lance has a water-cooled jacket that is refractory covered to reduce heat absorption. The fuel pipe is adapted to provide gas, oil or pulverized coal for combustion in the furnace.

Abstract: An atomizer for internally mixing two fluids (usually liquids) by way of momentum supplied by a compressible third fluid (usually air or steam) and for discharging a jet of a finely atomized mixture of the three fluids. The energy from these high velocity jets also causes additional mixing of the three fluids external to the nozzle head as well as intimate mixing with the surroundings. The atomizer includes: a nozzle head defining a space for receiving a mixture containing the three fluids; a nozzle hole through the nozzle head for discharging the jet; and first, second and third fluid supply conduits connected to the nozzle head for supplying the first, second and third fluids to the nozzle head. The first fluid supply conduit has an aperture through the conduit wall so that the first and second fluids combine before being further mixed and dispersed by the third fluid.

Abstract: An automated method for non-destructive inspection and evaluation of a weld through the use of ultrasonic waves produced by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). The method includes automatic positioning of a transport apparatus containing EMAT transmitter and receiver coils in proximity of a just-completed weld; scanning the weld; receiving an electrical signal produced in the EMAT receiver coil by a reflected ultrasonic SH shear wave; recording and monitoring the electrical signal; analyzing tie electrical signal relative to predetermined control limits; signaling the presence of a defect in the weld; and communicating electronically with a welding apparatus to reperform and/or alter the way in which subsequent welds are made so as to avoid repetition of the defect. The method also includes automatic receiving, recording, and monitoring of welding apparatus and welding process data, as well as automatic adjustment of corresponding welding apparatus and welding process parameters.

Abstract: An automated system for non-destructive inspection of a weld through the use of ultrasonic waves produced by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). The system includes: a computer control unit; a transport apparatus having a first EMAT for producing an ultrasonic SH shear wave and a second EMAT for receiving an ultrasonic SH shear wave reflected from a weld; a data acquisition unit and a calibration means. The computer control unit, which is in electrical communication with a welding apparatus, the transport apparatus and the data acquisition unit, coordinates the weld test with completion of the weld. An edge detection sensor, which is affixed to the transport apparatus is used to automatically position the transport apparatus for a weld scan and to signal completion of the scan. The system includes an electrostatic shield to protect the second EMAT from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.