Abstract: A method of improving natural draft fire tube burner efficiency by controlling combustion air flow. The method involves positioning in a fire tube an air damper body comprising a fixed plate having a plurality of air flow openings and a rotatable plate having a plurality of air flow openings. Air flow through the air damper body is controlled by adjusting the relative rotational position of the fixed plate and the rotatable plate. The air damper body has an air inlet face, an air outlet face, and an outer circumference. The method involves establishing and maintaining a relationship between an air damper open area, firing rate and excess air to maintain stack oxygen below 3% in accordance with a formula A2+A3<DR×FR×A1.

Abstract: A heated inclined separation pressure vessel for receiving an oil emulsion. A shell is supported at an oblique angle to horizontal, thereby defining an upper and lower end. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel. A heat pipe bundle extends coaxially through the lower vessel end and sleeve, terminating at an intermediate position within the sleeve. A furnace is provided for heating the heat pipe bundle. An inlet, adjacent to the upper end, admits emulsion to the elongated sleeve. Gas liberated from the oil is allowed to flow to the upper end of the sleeve and into a gas separator located above the upper end of the vessel. Emulsified water falls towards the lower end of the sleeve and exits the vessel via a water outlet adjacent to the lower vessel head. An oil outlet, adjacent to the upper vessel head removes clean oil from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A heated inclined separation pressure vessel for receiving an oil emulsion. A shell is supported at an oblique angle to horizontal, thereby defining an upper and lower end. An elongated sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel. A heat pipe bundle extends coaxially through the lower vessel end and sleeve, terminating at an intermediate position within the sleeve. A furnace is provided for heating the heat pipe bundle. An inlet, adjacent to the upper end, admits emulsion to the elongated sleeve. Gas liberated from the oil is allowed to flow to the upper end of the sleeve and into a gas separator located above the upper end of the vessel. Emulsified water falls towards the lower end of the sleeve and exits the vessel via a water outlet adjacent to the lower vessel head. An oil outlet, adjacent to the upper vessel head removes clean oil from the pressure vessel.