Abstract: A gas turbine topped onto two or more steam turbine plants having therebetween a heat recovery heat exchanger comprising two side-by-side, but separate, ducts is disclosed. Each of the ducts comprises heat exchange means for each of the respective steam turbines. The hot exhaust gases from a gas turbine are passed in heat exchange with heat exchange means for each of steam turbine. Damper means for controlling the amount of hot exhaust gas passing into the respective heat exchange means for each steam turbine are also disclosed. In another embodiment of the invention, separate damper means for each of said respective heat exchange means for varying the amount of hot exhaust gas between each of said heat exchange means are provided. The inventive system provides high plant efficiency and excellent operating flexibility.

Abstract: A steam power plant for producing energy from tarry residual oils from a refinery includes a steam generator as well as a combustion system heating the steam generator and having a fuel side. A fired tubular furnace for heating high-viscosity refinery residues to 400.degree. to 600.degree. C., for instance, produces gaseous and vaporous products and other components of the residue. A separating column connected downstream of the fired tubular furnace separates the gaseous and vaporous products from the other components of the residue. The separating column has a lower end and an outlet line at the lower end connected upstream of the fuel side of the combustion system for the other components of the residue.