Abstract: A steam separator achieves primary separation by directing the flow of a steam-water mixture against a baffle. The baffle redirects the flow so that the steam-water mixture is directed toward the surface of accumulated water ordinarily present in the separator. The liquid components of the steam-water mixture collect on the baffle and drip down into the accumulated water. The steam components pass around the edge of the baffle and escape upwardly. To improve the effectiveness of the separator, the edge of the baffle is extended below the water surface and openings or gables are formed in the baffle above the level of the water surface. The spaces between the gables provide a surface along which the separated liquid water component can flow undisturbed into the accumulated water, and the gables provide ports through which the steam component can escape from the baffle without reentraining significant amounts of the separated liquid water component.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower for avoiding and dislodging accumulated soot and ash. The sootblower includes an elongate housing and a blowing tube or blowing tube assembly reciprocable in the housing. The blowing tube is extended and retracted by pressurized gas. Pressurized gas is also applied to the sootblower. An internal gas channeling arrangement couples the pressurized gas to the blowing tube when the blowing tube is extended. The pressurized gas is thus discharged from the blowing tube when the blowing tube is extended. Additional structure is provided for rotating the blowing tube as it moves from the retracted position to the extended position.