Abstract: A tube and support system for a heat exchanger in which a first and second series of spaced tubes extend from opposite sides of a header. Each tube extends in a serpentine pattern, with the tubes of the first series being offset from the tubes of the second series. Each tube in one of the series is bent in a manner to extend in a same plane as the other series of tubes. A support member extends between the bent tube portions and the corresponding portions of the tubes of the other series.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a vapor generator each wall of which has spaced lower and an upper portions to accommodate relative movement there between. The seal assembly includes a trough containing water and connected to one of the portions of each wall. A dip skirt extends into the trough and divides same into an inner chamber and outer chamber, and a partition extends from the dip skirt, across the space between the wall portions, and to the other wall portion to expose the water in the inner chamber to the boiler pressure and the water in the outer chamber to atmosphere. As a result, relative movement between the wall portions is accommodated by corresponding movement of the dip skirt in the water trough while maintaining an airtight seal.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminated fluid from the ground in which water is pumped through a perforated pipe system into the ground to be decontaminated. The water and the contaminants are then drawn into a second pipe system and to a treatment unit for separating the contaminants from the water before the latter is returned to the first perforated pipe system.

Abstract: A solid fuel feed system for a boiler in which a hopper is provided for storing the fuel and a discharge conduit is provided for discharging the fuel to the boiler. A first conveyor belt system conveys the fuel from an inlet to the hopper and a second conveyor system transfers the fuel from the hopper to the discharge conduit. A control system is provided for controlling the speed of the first conveyor system in response to the amount of the fuel in the hopper and a second control system responds to the operation of the boiler for controlling the speed of the second conveyor system.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluidized bed in which a bed of particulate combustible material is disposed on a perforated plate and air is introduced through the plate and into the bed to fluidize and promote the combustion of the material. Additional particulate material, of a size less than that of said combustible particulate material, is introduced to the bed so that it is entrained in the air to maintain the combustible material in the bed.

Abstract: In an electron beam apparatus such as a transmission electron microscope, a specimen holder device which comprises a specimen holder member and a holding rod connected thereto is withdrawably inserted in a pole-gap defined between upper and lower poles of an objective lens of the electron beam apparatus. An opening having a greater diameter than that of the pole end face is formed in the specimen holding member at a center portion for receiving therein a specimen mesh of a reduced thickness. A recess is formed in the specimen holding member at that portion which is caused to pass between the upper and lower magnetic poles upon insertion and withdrawal of the specimen to and from the interpole gap so that a region resulting from the formation of the recess has a reduced thickness as compared with the remaining region of the specimen holder member. Inter-pole gap of the objective lens is thus reduced to increase resolving power thereof.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor and a method of operating same in which three discrete chambers are formed in a housing and a main fluidized bed containing particulate fuel and adsorbent material is established in a first chamber. The fluidizing air in the first chamber entrains a portion of the particulate material as it passes through the bed and the first chamber. A portion of the particulate material that is entrained by the air is separated and introduced to additional grid means disposed in a second chamber to establish a bed of the separated particulate material. Air and a cooling fluid are passed through the bed of separated particulate material for cooling same. The cooled separated particulate material is passed to a third chamber for storage and the latter is connected to the main fluidized bed for selectively reinjecting the cooled separated particulate material back to the main fluidized bed.

Abstract: An explosive activated assembly for repairing a heat exchange tube in which a grooved metal casing is inserted into the tube to be repaired and has a plurality of projections extending from the outer surface thereof. A force-transmitting member extends within a bore formed in the casing and contains an explosive member so that, upon detonation of the explosive member, the force-transmitting member and the casing are expanded radially outwardly to drive the projections against the tube. A booster is located within the casing and adjacent the charge and is activated by a transfer cord connected to an externally located detonator. The casing is formed with an extension that extends over a portion of the transfer cord and has a hole through which the cord extends to contain the debris and vapor caused by the explosion.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of a hot material, such as gases emanating from a coal gasification plant, in which a ball is rotatable in a housing having a passage therethrough. Rotation of the valve aligns a passage in the valve with the passage in the housing to permit the passage of fluids through the assembly. Conversely, counterrotation of the ball closes the valve to the passage of fluids. Both the housing and ball are provided with channels for the passage of a cooling fluid therethrough, which prevents destruction of rubber seals, reduces erosion by abrasive materials in the gases, and reduces the thermal distortion which results in poor sealing characteristics.

Abstract: A conduit weld positioner for positioning two conduit portions extending at an angle to each other in which one of the conduit portions is grasped by a frame tiltably mounted relative to a turntable adapted to rotate about a central axis. The degree of tilting is adjustable in proportion to the angular relationship between the two conduit portions.

Abstract: An improved splitter for use with a coal-fired furnace utilizing a low load burner in which a splitter is provided in the main conduit leading from the pulverizer for splitting the stream of coal and air into two separate streams which are then fed to separate nozzles communicating with the furnace. The splitter includes a damper assembly defining a gap which can be adjustable and including a plurality of projections which prevent coal slippage along the damper blade.

Abstract: A flow control assembly in which a valve member is movable in a housing between a first position in which it permits the flow of material from an inlet to said housing, through said housing and to an outlet in said housing, and a second position in which it prevents the flow. A shield is provided in said housing which is movable to and from a position in which it shields the valve member from said material.

Abstract: A steam separating apparatus wherein a first separating unit receives a steam-water mixture and discharges said mixture in a substantially tangential direction against an impingement plate to separate some water from said mixture. A second separating unit is disposed in a fluid flow relation to the first separating unit and includes a plurality of plates together formed into a closed circular configuration. The latter plates are shaped in a manner to define a plurality of irregular paths for the passage of said mixture so that said mixture impinges on said plates as it passes through said paths to separate additional water from said mixture.

Abstract: An erosion resistant waterwall in which a plurality of erosion resistant stud members are attached to the exposed surface of a waterwall consisting of a plurality of spaced water tubes connected together by continuous fins. The size of the stud members relative to the tubes are such that a plurality of the stud members extend around the periphery of each exposed tubes surface in a spaced relationship in a direction perpendicular to the axis of each tube. The stud members may be in the form of steel balls or small rod members attached to the exposed surface, and a ceramic sleeve can extend around the rod members.

Abstract: A light ramp for lighting instrument panels, more especially in aircraft or helicopters, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, at least one fluorescent tube (5) emitting in the ultra-violet spectrum, housed inside a frame (6) disposed in front of the instrument panel (1), and a plate made from Wood's glass (7) sealingly fixed to the frame (6) in front of said fluorescent tube (5).