Abstract: A conduit closure apparatus, e.g.

Abstract: A conduit closure apparatus comprising a main frame adapted for connection to a conduit in a position generally in registry with the conduit, a movable blade slidably mounted in the frame, means for moving the blade back and forth between an open position in which the blade is outside the conduit and a closed position in which the blade blocks the conduit, a slot-like port through which the blade slides when it is moved between its open and closed positions, and an inflatable sealing ring that is operable, when inflated, to press against the face of the blade at the blade's periphery when the blade is in the closed position, thereby creating a seal between the blade and the frame, is improved by having the main frame define a channel which holds the edges of the blade when in the closed position, and having the inflatable ring being carried by a second frame, smaller than the main frame, which slidably fits in the channel of the main frane and which can be withdrawn from the main frame through the blade port

Abstract: The housing of a direct contact condenser has a partition with a manifold water supply adapted to discharge water to opposite sides of the partition. A plurality of showers are disposed below the elevation of the water supply and through which a gas stream will pass sequentially. Each shower receives water from one side of the partition. The last shower is provided with temperature sensors which are connected to a valve for controlling water flow in response to either the temperature of the fluid and the water at the last shower.

Abstract: A gate valve having a top inlet and bottom outlet is provided with a horizontally disposed head slidable between closed and open positions. The valve body includes a seat concentric with an inlet passage and adapted to cooperate with a sealing surface on the head. An annular sleeve is provided within the inlet passage with one end of the sleeve being in contact with the sealing surface on the head. The sleeve and seat cooperate with the valve body and head to define an annular space. A means is provided to pressurize the space immediately prior to contact between the head and the seat. The head is biased to a closed position in the event of power failure. The valve is particularly designed for controlling downward flow of high temperature particulate material under high pressure.

Abstract: A steam surface condenser has its tube bundle arranged in a manner so as to have an outer zone of tubes for receiving cold water and surrounding an inner zone of tubes containing warmer water so that most of the condensing of the steam is in the outer zone. A gas cooling section is located in the outer zone adjacent the upper end of the tube bundle. Condensate trays are provided adjacent the cooling section at spaced points along the length of the tube bundle for receiving condensate. Conduits are provided for conveying the condensate from the trays to the exterior of the shell so that such condensate does not contaminate condensate in a hot well.

Abstract: Rows of heat exchange tubes are supported by transversely disposed support strips having a plurality of U-shaped members interconnected end to end in a manner so that said strips act as a structural member supporting the weight of the tubes and additional support elements from all rows above a given row. Each leg of each U-shaped member converges upwardly or downwardly at an angle of about 8.degree. to 15.degree. with the vertical.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is retrofitted by removing old heat exchange tubes. If there is no access passage into the shell, an access hole is cut in a wall of the shell. Modules preformed from zig-zag elements are introduced through the access passage and assembled into a tube support panel within the shell between adjacent support plates. The heat exchanger is retubed so as to support the new tubes by the existing support plates and by said panels.

Abstract: A condenser shell for a large steam condenser is installed at a building site of a power plant without any tube bundles. One or more years later, the tube bundles are designed, constructed and installed in the shell.

Abstract: The tube sheet of a heat exchanger supports a plurality of tubes made from a material such as titanium. A shield is provided for the tube sheet and is welded to the tubes. The shield is made from the same material as the tubes and is spaced from the tube sheet to define a fluid chamber containing fluid at a pressure in excess of the pressure of the liquid flowing through the tubes.

Abstract: The air cooler section of a steam condenser which is normally untubed is provided with tubes thereby increasing the capacity and/or efficiency of the condenser without interfering with the longitudinal flow of vapor.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan provided with dampers is driven by a motor having a speed control circuit. Air flow from the centrifugal fan is controlled from a point of maximum air flow to a predetermined crossover speed only by changing the velocity of the fan impeller with subsequent air flow control at air flow rates below said crossover speed being attained only by adjustment of the fan dampers.

Abstract: The separator includes a spherical housing containing therewithin a baffle which obstructs direct flow between an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet support the baffle which is comprised of two modular members connected end-to-end.

Abstract: Rows of heat exchange tubes are supported by transversely disposed support strips having a plurality of V-shaped members interconnected end to end in a manner so that said strips act as a structural member supporting the weight of the tubes and additional support elements from all rows above a given row. Each leg of each V-shaped member has a generally triangular tab bendable out of the plane of its associated leg.

Abstract: An L-shaped member is used for positioning a plurality of tube support plates at predetermined spaced locations on the L-shaped member with the tube holes of the support plates aligned. The L-shaped member is portable and includes a plurality of longitudinally separated members for locating the tube support plates with a predetermined spacing between each tube support plate.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan provided with dampers is driven by a motor having a speed control circuit. Air flow from the centrifugal fan is controlled from a point of maximum air flow to a predetermined crossover speed only by changing the velocity of the fan impeller with subsequent air flow control at air flow rates below said crossover speed being attained only by adjustment of the fan dampers.

Abstract: The system for condensing gases such as steam includes a housing with a gas inlet. At least one vertical column of vertically spaced separate tube bundles are in the housing. A separate water conduit is connected to the inlet of each of the separate tube bundles.

Abstract: An L-shaped member is used for positioning a plurality of tube support plates at predetermined spaced locations on the L-shaped member with the tube holes of the tube sheets aligned. The L-shaped member is portable and includes a plurality of longitudinally separated members for locating the tube support plates with a predetermined spacing between each tube support plate.

Abstract: A shaft bearing and seal in the form of a housing member having a bronze bearing press-fit into the housing member which has a counterbore for receiving packing so that the packing is confined by the counterbore and has a radial face in contact with a shoulder on the housing which extends radially outwardly from an end face of the bearing. Two studs are adapted to be welded to a frame and facilitate application of adjustment pressure to the housing member in an axial direction for compressing the packing seal against the frame.

Abstract: A rotary feeder is disclosed for feeding abrasive materials at high temperatures up to about 2300.degree. F. Each of the rotor and stator have preformed refractory inserts removably retained in position without separate fasteners being used. The inserts are preferably preformed with a camber to facilitate spring-like retention thereof.

Abstract: A continuous mixer and unloader is disclosed for the purpose of moisturizing dry material during removal from a storage bin to avoid dust pollution which could occur during loading and transport. A screw conveyor feeds the material to a mixing drum circumscribing the conveyor. Stationary curved blades direct fine particles into a water shower spray located within said drum.