Abstract: In a regenerative bed incinerator 10 of type wherein the direction of gas flow through the bed 14 is periodically switched via a gas switching valve 30, a controller 80 is provided to periodically activate the gas switching valve 30 to reverse the direction of gas flow through the bed 14 in response to the temperature of the cooled incinerated process exhaust gases 5 as measured by gas sensing means 90.

Abstract: A regenerative bed incinerator 10 is provided with a gas recirculation duct 80 through which a controlled amount of incinerated process exhaust gases 7 are recirculated to the regenerative bed incinerator 10 to again pass through the combustion zone within the bed 14 housed therein so as to improve overall hydrocarbon destruction efficiency without exceeding permissible temperature limits.

Abstract: A package gas to gas heat exchanger is constructed by joining together a plurality of individual folded plate heat exchanger modules (16) in side by side and optionally end to end relation, without the need for an external housing surrounding the modules. A plurality of baffle plates (38), are prefabricated as part of each module, and joined to each other as the modules are joined, thereby defining a plurality of alternating chambers (46) for the entry or exit of different gases on either side of each folded plate (18). A closure arrangement and method for the longitudinal ends of the folded plates includes closure bars (94, 96) in interference engagement with the folds of the plate (18), and a separator plate (50) which holds the closure bars together and maintains the sealing relationship with the folded plate (18).

Abstract: A regenerative bed incinerator 10 incorporates a dwell chamber 18 disposed between a pair of spaced regenerative heat exchange the beds 14A and 14B, one of which serves as a gas preheating bed and the other of which serves as a gas cooling bed. At periodic intervals, the direction of flow through the incinerator 10 is reversed so that the functions of the beds 14A and 14B is reversed. A hot gas vent duct 80 is provided for selectively bypassing a portion 7 of the hot, incinerated process exhaust gases 5 around the gas cooling bed into the gas exhaust duct 70 for venting to the atmosphere. A bypass damper 88, which is controlled by control means 86 in responsive to exit gas temperature measurements from thermocouple 90, is positioned in the hot gas vent duct 80 to control the amount of hot, incinerated process exhaust gases bypass around the gas cooling bed.

Abstract: A heat pipe is formed of two elongated tubular members each having an open end and a closed end and joined at their open ends in gas-tight relationship by means of an annular collar. The annular collar is adapted at one end to fit over the open end of one of the elongated tubular members and at its other end to fit over the open end of other of the elongated tubular members, with the ends of the annular collar being sealably secured, such as by welding, bonding, threading or otherwise, to their respective tubular members thereby providing a gas-tight enclosure within the interconnected tubular which constitutes the working chamber of the heat pipe. Advantageously, the two elongated tubular members may be formed of dissimilar materials. For example, one tubular member may be formed of a more expensive material having a relatively high corrosion resistance and the other tubular member may be formed of a less expensive material having a relatively low corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A heat transfer element assembly (30) is comprised of a plurality of first and second profiled heat transfer plates (32,34) which incorporate a series of first and second single-lobed outwardly protruding notches (40,50) which extend obliquely relative to the general direction of fluid flow through the assembled plates. The first and second profiled heat transfer plates (32,34) are assembled alternately in juxtaposed relationship in a stacked array with the obliquely extending spacing notches (40,50) of neighboring plates crossing each other. The first and second profiled head transfer plates are provided with a plurality of first single-lobed notches (40) protruding outwardly from one side of the plate and a plurality of second single-lobed notches (50) protruding outwardly from the other side of the plate. The first and second single-lobed notches are arranged in staggered relationship with one or more second single-lobed notches (50) disposed between each pair of first single-lobed notches (40).

Abstract: A packaged gas to gas heat exchanger is constructed by joining together a plurality of individual folded plate heat exchanger modules (16) in side by side and optionally end to end relation, without the need for an external housing surrounding the modules. A plurality of baffle plates (38), are prefabricated as part of each module, and joined to each other as the modules are joined, thereby defining a plurality of alternating chambers (46) for the entry or exit of different gases on either side of each folded plate (18). A closure arrangement and method for the longitudinal ends of the folded plates includes closure bars (94, 96) in interference engagement with the folds of the plate (18), and a separator plate (50) which holds the closure bars together and maintains the sealing relationship with the folded plate (18).

Abstract: A peripheral element basket assembly (30) for installation in the radially outward portion of the rotor 12 of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger (2) comprised of a plurality of heat transfer element plates (32) stacked in an array between a first flanged flat end plate (34) and a second arcuate end plate (36) disposed at opposite ends of the stacked array of heat transfer element plates (32). Upper and lower side straps (40,42 and 50,52) run along opposite sides of the stacked array of heat transfer element plates, to interconnect the first and second end plates (34,36) to form the frame of the element basket housing the heat transfer element plates. Blanking plates (60,62) are welded to the upper and lower regions respectively of the arcuate end plate (36) to extend outwardly superadjacent and subadjacent the foreshortened heat transfer element sheets (32') disposed adjacent the arcuate end plate (36).

Abstract: A detector (32) monitors infrared ray emissions from an air preheater (10) rotor (14) to detect a temperature rise that precedes a fire within air preheater (10) with each sensor output being processed independently by signal processing electronics. The instantaneous minus the average temperature of rotor (14) is calculated and compared to a variable trip level signal to determine whether a hot spot has been detected. The detector (32) scans across the face of rotor (14) until an initial hot spot is detected, whereupon the scanner motor (58) ceases operation thereby locating the scanner over the rotor radial position of the detected hot spot. If the same hot spot is detected on the next subsequent rotor pass, a hot spot alarm (60) is energized. If the hot spot is not detected on the next subsequent rotor pass, detector scanning is resumed by energizing scan motor (58).

Abstract: An element basket assembly (30) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger (2) comprised of a plurality of heat transfer element plates (32) stacked in an array between first and second end plates (34,36) disposed at opposite ends of the stacked array of heat transfer element plates (32). Upper and lower side straps (40,42 and 50,52) run along opposite sides of the stacked array of heat transfer element plates, to interconnect the first and second end plates (34,36) to form the frame of the element basket housing the heat transfer element plates. A stiffening member (60) is disposed intermediate the spaced end plates (34,36) to extend transversely across the assembled element basket assembly in a plane through the centroid thereof to the interconnect the upper side straps (40,42) and to interconnect the lower side straps (50,52) thereby increasing the structural integrity of the basket assembly.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rotor assembly (12) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger wherein the rotor compartment (14) is formed of a plurality of prefabricated, shop-assembled subcompartments (20) which are shipped disassembled from the central rotor post (16) for final erection in the field. The method of the present invention maximizes shop welding in the horizontal downhand position and minimizes welding in the vertical up position both in the shop and in the field.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger (2) for transferring heat from a hot fluid to a cold fluid by means of an assembly (30) of heat transfer element which is alternately contacted with the hot and cold fluid. The heat transfer element assembly (30) is comprised of a plurality heat transfer plates (32) stacked alternately in spaced relationship. The spacing between adjacent plates (32) is maintained by spacers which comprise notches in the form of bilobed folds crimped in the plates (32) at spaced intervals to prevent nesting between adjacent plates, the pitch of the sloping web portions (60) of not more than half of the bilobed folds (38B) in each plate (30) will be opposite in inclination to the pitch of the sloping web portions (60) of at least half of the bilobed folds (38A) in the plates (30).

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger is particularly adapted for use in exchanging heat from a hot gas entering the heat exchanger at a temperature in the range of 2000.degree.-3000.degree. F. to low temperature air to be heated. An upper rotor and a lower rotor are supported concentrically about a rotor post mounted for rotation successively through the hot gas and air flows at a vertical axis. The hot gas enters and the heated air exits through the top of the heat exchanger, while the cooled gas exits and the cold air to be heated enters through the bottom of the heat exchanger. The upper rotor houses ceramic heat absorbent blocks adapted to withstand the high temperatures existing in the upper portion of the heat exchanger, while the low rotor houses typical metallic element suitable for use at more moderate temperatures.

Abstract: An element basket for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger having an array of heat absorbent plates that comprise heat transfer elements therefor. Retaining means are affixed at opposite ends to basket walls to positively position the element plates within the basket. The element plates have curved recesses at opposite ends thereof to receive the retaining means, the recesses having a dimension greater than that of a transverse section of the adjacent retaining means to permit freedom of movement therebetween and to preclude a concentration of stresses that would effect premature failure thereof.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger 10 having a rotor 12 mounted to a central rotor post 18 for rotation within a surrounding housing 20 whereby heat absorbent material carried in the rotor is alternately exposed to a flow of heating gas and a gas to be heated. A radial seal assembly 50 including a flexible sealing strip 72 is mounted to the hot end edge of each radially extending partition 16 of the rotor 12 to establish a seal across the gap between the radially extending partitions 16 and the confronting face of the sector plate 24 of the housing 20 as the rotor is rotated. Each radial seal assembly 50 is provided with a back support leaf 64 having an outward portion 68 which provides a backstop to limit the backward bending of the flexible sealing strip 72 so as to preclude stressing of the sealing strip beyond its yield point.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus (10) formed of a plurality of heat exchange modules (20) mounted together in side-by-side relationship to form a box-like array. Each heat exchange module (20) houses a multiplicity of heat exchange tubes (44) which provide a flow passage through which a first heat exchange fluid, such as air, is passed in heat exchange relationship with a second heat exchange fluid, such as flue gas, passing through the heat exchange apparatus over the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: A hollow metallic envelope 10 of a finned cast recuperator tube is cast with preformed interior fins 12 and exterior fins 16 integral therewith. A sand core 30 is formed about the preformed interior fins 12 with portions of the fins 12 protruding outwardly from the sand core, and a sand mold 40 is formed to a cavity for receiving the sand core 30 with the preformed exterior fins 16 embedded in the sand mold with portions of the fins 16 protruding therefrom into the cavity. The sand core 30 is placed into the sand mold 40 in spaced relationship therewith so as to provide a clearance space 50 between the sand core 30 and sand mold 40 into which the portions of the interior fins 12 and exterior fins 16 extend. Molten metal is poured into the space 50 which upon cooling solidifies to form the envelope 10 with the interior fins 12 and exterior fins 16 fused integrally therewith.

Abstract: An element basket assembly (30) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger (2) comprised of a plurality of heat transfer element plates (32) stacked in an array between first and second end plates (34,36) disposed at opposite ends of the stacked array of heat transfer element plates (32). First and second side straps (40,50) run along opposite sides of the stacked array of heat transfer element plates, to interconnect the first and second end plates (34,36) to form the element basket housing the heat transfer element plates. The first side strap (40) is disposed to extend diagonally from a higher location on the first end plate (34) to a location on the second end plate (36), while the second side strap (50) is disposed on the opposite side of the stacked array to extend diagonally from a lower location on the first end plate (34) to a higher location on the second end plate (36), that is diagonally opposite to the first side strap (40).

Abstract: A tubular recuperative heat exchanger (10) is adapted for transferring heat from a hot gas stream having a temperature of 1200 F. flowing over the outside surface of the heat exchange tubes (12) to a cold gas stream flowing therethrough. A turbulator (22) is disposed within each heat exchange tube (12) to improve convective heat exchange. The turbulator (22) is coated with a material having a higher absorptivity than that of the underlying surface of the turbulator. Further, the inside surface (24) of the heat exchange tubes (12) may be coated with a material having a higher emissivity than that of the underlying inside surface of the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: An arrangement for compressing together a bundle of laterally abutting heat absorbent element sheets (14) in an element basket (32) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger. Spring action loading plates (28) formed with arcuate ridges (30) are compressed against the end sheet of the element bundle. The arcuate ridges (30) of each loading plate (28) are arranged transverse to the flow of fluid through the basket of element (14) sheets in order that pressure may be applied evenly to all sections of the element sheets holding them in a uniformly tight relationship.