Abstract: In the present invention, a dual hull cyclone is incorporated into a non-powered cleaning system using balls for tubular heat exchange systems. The dual hull cyclone separates balls which are smaller than a predetermined diameter so that they can be disposed of and replaced. The dual hull cyclone also serves to separate debris from fluid in the tubular heat exchange system and also debris that may have accumulated on the balls. The cleaning system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of balls circulating in the fluid of the heat exchange system, a ball inlet, a ball outlet, and a dual hull cyclone. The balls in the fluid are generally of a predetermined diameter suitable for cleaning the tubes in the heat exchange unit. While the balls may be made of a variety of elastomeric materials, almost any resilient material may be utilized. Furthermore, the balls used in the present invention utilize a asymmetrical weighted core to increase the specific gravity of the balls.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system, for transferring waste heat from a stream of exhaust air produced in a dryer to a stream of fresh air directed to flow into the dryer, including a retriever, or retriever, comprising an array of a plurality of substantially mutually parallel, substantially vertical heat-transfer conduits having square cross-sections arrayed in alternating staggered rows relative to a perpendicular to the general direction of the flow of the stream of fresh air into the dryer, wherein each heat-transfer conduit is oriented to have one corner facing in the general direction of the flow of the stream of fresh air into the dryer. Associated structure for housing the retriever, supporting it in the flow of fresh air, and directing dryer exhaust air into the heat-transfer conduits is also included. The heat exchanger system is adaptable to a wide variety of dryers, and may be built-in.

Abstract: A rotary valve thermal oxidizer including an interfacial seal disposed between rotating and fixed valve portions to prevent the mixing of treated and untreated gas streams. In a preferred embodiment, the valve sealing device includes a flowable sealing material contained within a receptacle, and contacted by a partition nested within the receptacle. Other sealing devices, as well as purge and/or sealing gases, may be employed to prevent leakage, while avoiding the use of machined parts.