Abstract: A lockable, mechanically secure coupling is provided for heat exchanger tubes which are connected together by end plates into superimposed layers (A or B) to form hydraulic connections between the extremities of two tubes (1) using tubular elbows (3). Each tubular elbow (3) has a coupling member (5) connected to the extremities thereof by welding, brazing or glueing to form a coupling flange. The subassembly comprising an elbow with its coupling member (5) is received in a countersunk recess (10) in the external face of the end plate and is mechanically locked by pairs of straight pins (13) which extend into spaced parallel bores (12) or (15), disposed orthogonally to the axis (XX) of the tubes (1), each pin (13) being received in an external semicircular groove (9) of the coupling member (5). The invention provides a tight, mechanically sound joint for the hydraulic connections between tubular heat exchangers used in thermoelectric devices employed as heat pumps or as electrical generators.

Abstract: The rapid pyrolysis of lignocellulosic products, especially forest waste, is conducted in a fluidized bed of hot refractory particles. The pyrolysis products, comprising solid carbonaceous residue (i.e., char), tars and gas, escape from the bed and cross an overheating zone comprising a packed bed contactor supplied by a rainfall of hot refractory particles. The carbonaceous solid residue is then separated from the produced gases, a portion of which is recycled to fluidize the bed, and burned in a conveyed bed combustion reactor, thus heating the refractory particles that supply the packed bed contactor and the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The invention covers a fluidizing grid capable of high temperature operation, comprising a series of vertical fluidizing tubes attached to a support. This grid comprises a metal tank on the bottom of which are attached metal fluidizing tubes, of equal length, protruding an equal amount from the bottom to thereby allow a layer of particles to rest on the bottom of the tank and form a thermal screen.