Abstract: A variable orifice assembly includes a housing defining a flow orifice therethrough and configured to be connected in fluid communication between two pipes of a particle conveyance system. The assembly includes a plurality of blades pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each blade includes a gas path edge. In the retracted position, the gas path edges of the blades conform to the flow orifice. In the extended position, the blades extend inward from the flow orifice wherein the gas path edge of each blade is spaced apart from the other blades.

Abstract: A variable orifice assembly includes a housing defining a flow orifice therethrough and configured to be connected in fluid communication between two pipes of a particle conveyance system. The assembly includes a plurality of blades pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each blade includes a gas path edge. In the retracted position, the gas path edges of the blades conform to the flow orifice. In the extended position, the blades extend inward from the flow orifice.

Abstract: A variable orifice assembly includes a housing defining a flow orifice therethrough and configured to be connected in fluid communication between two pipes of a particle conveyance system. The assembly includes a plurality of blades pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each blade includes a gas path edge. In the retracted position, the gas path edges of the blades conform to the flow orifice. In the extended position, the blades extend inward from the flow orifice.

Abstract: A variable orifice assembly includes a housing defining a flow orifice therethrough and configured to be connected in fluid communication between two pipes of a particle conveyance system. The assembly includes a plurality of blades pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each blade includes a gas path edge. In the retracted position, the gas path edges of the blades conform to the flow orifice. In the extended position, the blades extend inward from the flow orifice wherein the gas path edge of each blade is spaced apart from the other blades.

Abstract: Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A deflector device for improving particle distribution within a coal piping system includes a base defining an outer circumference. The base is configured to be mounted inside a pipe such that the base extends partially around the inner circumference of the pipe with the circumferences of the pipe and base being substantially aligned concentrically. A deflector extends radially inward from the base. The deflector is configured to direct a concentrated flow of coal particles toward the center of the pipe.

Abstract: An orifice plate for improving particle distribution within a coal piping system includes a plate body defining a central orifice therethrough bounded by an inner periphery of the plate body. The plate body is configured and adapted to be affixed between end flanges of adjacent pipes in a coal piping system so as to generally align the central orifice with an internal flow passage through the coal piping system. Flow disruption features are defined in the inner periphery of the plate body. The flow disruption features are configured and adapted to disrupt a flow of air and particles flowing through the central orifice to provide a more uniform distribution of particles downstream of the plate body than upstream.

Abstract: The invention provides a crusher block assembly for a particulate size reduction system including a crusher block having an inboard face configured and adapted to cooperate with a swing hammer in a crusher chamber of a particulate size reduction system to crush particulate, and an outboard face for receiving an adjustment mechanism. The crusher block assembly also includes an adjustment mechanism joined to the outboard face on the crusher block. The adjustment mechanism is configured and adapted to adjust the position of the crusher block along a direction between an inboard location and an outboard location within the crusher chamber. The invention also provides a method of adjusting clearance between a swing hammer and a crusher block in a particulate size reduction system.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate size reduction system including a grinding chamber, a center shaft defining an axis of rotation and configured for rotational motion within the grinding chamber, a wheel assembly mounted on the center shaft and at least one swing hammer mounted on the wheel assembly. The at least one swing hammer preferably includes a base portion having a first end having a mounting portion for attachment to a wheel assembly of a material treatment system, a second end, an inboard portion proximate the mounting and an outboard portion proximate the second end. The swing hammer also preferably includes a wear pad disposed on the base portion that preferably includes an interrupted surface to improve wear resistance of the swing hammer.

Abstract: A deflector device for improving particle distribution within a coal piping system includes a base defining an outer circumference. The base is configured to be mounted inside a pipe such that the base extends partially around the inner circumference of the pipe with the circumferences of the pipe and base being substantially aligned concentrically. A deflector extends radially inward from the base. The deflector is configured to direct a concentrated flow of coal particles toward the center of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides a crusher block assembly for a particulate size reduction system including a crusher block having an inboard face configured and adapted to cooperate with a swing hammer in a crusher chamber of a particulate size reduction system to crush particulate, and an outboard face for receiving an adjustment mechanism. The crusher block assembly also includes an adjustment mechanism joined to the outboard face on the crusher block. The adjustment mechanism is configured and adapted to adjust the position of the crusher block along a direction between an inboard location and an outboard location within the crusher chamber. The invention also provides a method of adjusting clearance between a swing hammer and a crusher block in a particulate size reduction system.

Abstract: An orifice plate for improving particle distribution within a coal piping system includes a plate body defining a central orifice therethrough bounded by an inner periphery of the plate body. The plate body is configured and adapted to be affixed between end flanges of adjacent pipes in a coal piping system so as to generally align the central orifice with an internal flow passage through the coal piping system. Flow disruption features are defined in the inner periphery of the plate body. The flow disruption features are configured and adapted to disrupt a flow of air and particles flowing through the central orifice to provide a more uniform distribution of particles downstream of the plate body than upstream.

Abstract: The invention provides a particulate size reduction system including a grinding chamber, a center shaft defining an axis of rotation and configured for rotational motion within the grinding chamber, a wheel assembly mounted on the center shaft and at least one swing hammer mounted on the wheel assembly. The at least one swing hammer preferably includes a base portion having a first end having a mounting portion for attachment to a wheel assembly of a material treatment system, a second end, an inboard portion proximate the mounting and an outboard portion proximate the second end. The swing hammer also preferably includes a wear pad disposed on the base portion that preferably includes an interrupted surface to improve wear resistance of the swing hammer.