Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchange device has a rotor of heat absorbent element 19 that is exposed alternately to hot and cold fluid in order that heat from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing 22 including a sector plate 42 at opposite ends of the rotor that separates the hot from the cold fluid. The sector plate is forced to correspond to thermal distortion of the rotor to preclude fluid leakage therebetween. A unique fiber optic sensing device 58 utilizes a beam of infrared rays that detects excess clearance space between the rotor and the adjacent sector plate to actuate means that provides suitable corrective measures.

Abstract: A bag filter arrangement having a cleaning system that exhausts a reverse pulse of compressed air through the bags thereof to remove collected dust particles from the surface of the bags. The arrangement is directed to a special cooperation of interlocking elements that positively align the several elements thereof in order that maximum dust removal is effected.

Abstract: A bag filter apparatus that exhausts a blast of compressed air into the open ends of a series of filter bags to remove dust particles that have collected on the outer surface thereof. The compressed air is exhausted from nozzle means in a header pipe that is precluded from excessive distortion, while it may be quickly disassembled and accurately re-assembled to achieve optimum performance.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus including a cylindrical rotor of heat absorbent material that is alternately exposed to a hot and a cold fluid in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid passing therethrough. The rotor is surrounded by a housing that includes a sector plate at opposite ends thereof to separate the hot from the cold fluids. As the rotor turns and is being subjected to a wide range of temperatures, it distorts into a dish shaped element. A mechanical toggle arrangement moved by a hydraulic actuator forces the sector plate into a configuration similar to that of the adjacent face of the rotor so as to preclude excessive leakage of fluid therebetween.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor of heat absorbent material that is alternately exposed to hot and cold fluids in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including sector plates at opposite ends of the rotor that are arranged to separate the hot from the cold fluids. Fail safe apparatus is provided to quickly release a sector plate from a position where it is held in close proximity to the rotor whereby a sudden variation of conditions will not permit mutual interference between relatively rotating parts.

Abstract: A cleaning arrangement for a bag filter that shakes the bags horizontally to effect removal of the dust particles that have collected on the surface thereof. A linear force electromagnetic motor is used to impart the horizontal movement to the bags whereby the frequency, amplitude and the duration of movement may be electronically controlled.

Abstract: A heat pipe heat exchanger in which heat is transferred from hot fluid in duct 12 to cold fluid in duct 14 by a continuous cycle of evaporation and condensation of a liquid contained in heat pipe 26. Should the heat pipe not function properly, the transfer of heat to that portion of the heat pipe lying in the duct for cold fluid will be reduced partially or completely. This reduction in temperature at the end of the heat pipe lying in the duct for the cold fluid is immediately sensed by a thermocouple 54 and indicated upon a gauge 56 which is adapted to identify a particular heat pipe. Repair or replacement of a faulty heat pipe will return each heat pipe to its maximum effectiveness.

Abstract: A bag filter assembly adapted to permit rapid removal, replacement and repair of the individual filter bags in the assembly. The filter bags are frictionally held in an operational position by a combination of interlocking parts that are securely held by spring biased detents. The spring biased detents of the several parts are designed to permit assembly and disassembly of the bag filter by a series of direct push-pull movements.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus including a housing that surrounds a rotor of heat absorbent material. A pair of oppositely spaced sector plates intermediate the ends of the rotor and the rotor housing are subjected to a force biasing them to conform to thermal deformation of the rotor to preclude leakage of fluid therebetween. A mechanism is provided whereby the sector plates are quickly released from the biasing force to preclude interference between the rotor and the sector plates.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus in which a rotor of heat absorbent material is alternately exposed to a heating fluid and to a fluid to be heated. The rotor is surrounded by a housing having a sector plate at opposite ends thereof adapted to separate the heating fluid from the fluid to be heated. The apparatus is provided with control means that intermittently drives a sector plate into a sealing relationship with the adjacent edge of the rotor after which a predetermined reference point on the rotor activates a sensor to move the sector plate away from the rotor to permit freedom of movement therebetween.

Abstract: A filter arrangement that imposes an electric charge of "like" polarity upon particulate matter carried by a gas stream and upon a porous support for a filter whereby the particulate matter is repelled from the filter support but caused to collect loosely on the leading edge of the adjacent filter to form a loose bed of increasing thickness that enhances the effectiveness of the filter. The filter and the support therefor are both comprised of temperature resistant ceramic materials while a metallic coating on the surface of said ceramic support distributes the charge evenly to all portions of the filter support.

Abstract: A fire detection system for rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having multiple detectors, each detector being mounted independently on an arcuately reciprocable scanning arm. The several arms are laterally adjustable by a system of opposed screws in an articulated yoke to permit the selective positioning of each arm independent from the other scanning arms of the system.

Abstract: A rotor for a gas-liquid heat exchange device that comprises a plurality of spaced heat absorbent elements mounted on a rotary shaft. The shaft is adapted to be rotated continuously between a hot liquid and a cool gas in order that heat contained in the hot liquid is first absorbed by the elements and then, as the elements rotate, the heat of the elements is transferred to the cooler gas for dissipation into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement positioned between a sector plate and an adjacent connecting plate at the end of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger adapted to utilize normal pressure differential of a fluid being contained to create a force that acts upon the sealing arrangement to effect an improved sealing relationship.

Abstract: A sealing means that lies intermediate a rotatable trunnion and fixed housing structure of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger device to preclude the flow of leakage fluid therebetween. A cooling jacket is positioned concentrically around the sealing means to simultaneously cool the sealing means and any hot fluid leaking thereto.

Abstract: A skeletal support cage that supports a porous filter bag while it simultaneously provides an optimum spacing for a concentrically disposed aspirator that subjects the filter bag to a blast of cleaning air. The support cage is formed from a series of longitudinally extending spring members that include a "snap-in" detent locking the filter bag in an apertured tube sheet while also concentrically supporting a tubular aspirator within the filter bag to obtain optimum operation thereof.

Abstract: A cylindrical trunnion having a cooperating bearing that supports the rotor of a vertically disposed rotary regenerative air preheater. The trunnion has a high section modulus that is adapted to resist bending, while the support bearing therefor is adapted to be carried on independent support structure that resists axial and lateral movement. The bearing may be adjusted axially with respect to the support structure to raise the rotor from its support bearing, while a unique correlation of jacking means and independent shims permits removal of the bearing for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative air preheater including a housing surrounding a rotor of heat absorbent material that is adapted to rotate between a duct for heating fluid and a spaced duct that carries a fluid to be heated. Sealing means intermediate the rotor and the rotor housing include a torsion spring activated by the moving rotor that is adapted to bias the sealing means axially to provide a barrier that precludes fluid flow between the rotor and the rotor housing.

Abstract: A filter that is used to remove dust or other particulate matter from a carrier gas being directed therethrough. The filter comprises a cylindrical bag supported on a skeletal cage that may be shipped in an unassembled form and expanded to final configuration only when prepared for use. The arrangement permits shipping and storing the filter bag in a "knock-down" form that occupies but a small fraction of its final volume, while it may be readily assembled and held permanently rigid by an integral tension spring.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor of heat absorbent element that is alternately exposed to a hot and a cold fluid in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including a sector plate at opposite ends of the rotor that separates the hot and cold fluids. The sector plate is forcefully deflected to conform to normal "turndown" experienced by the rotor in order that there will be minimum leakage of fluid through the space therebetween.