Abstract: A support device for supporting on a stationary framework a mass which is cantilevered-out from a moving element that moves under the effect of thermal expansion or contraction. The device comprises a rigid stand supporting the mass and connected to the stationary framework via two parallel arms of equal length and situated at two different heights, each of the two arms being hinged at one of its ends to a corresponding point on the stand and at its other end to a corresponding point on the stationary framework, the rigid support being placed on the moving elements via a connection that slides horizontally. The device is applicable to supporting collector manifolds in steam generators or boilers.

Abstract: A superheat bundle for a horizontal tube steam separator-superheater, in which the tubes are disposed inside a rectangular frame (4) which is not rigidly connected to the structure of the separator-superheater. The frame is provided with resilient blades (7, 8) forming a flexible skirt bearing against side plates (2, 3) which are themselves rigidly connected to said structure. The invention is applicable to stations for producing electricity or steam.

Abstract: A device enabling a mass (1) cantilevered from an element (2) which is vertically moveable under the effect of thermal expansions and contractions to rest against a fixed framework (9). The device comprises a first arm (7) articulated on a point (C) of the vertically moveable element, a second arm (6) articulated firstly to one end (B) of the first arm adjacent to the mass and slidably placed on this junction, and secondly to the fixed framework, and a third arm (8) articulated firstly to one end (2) of the first arm adjacent to the vertically moveable element, and secondly to the fixed framework (9) at a point (D) at a level different from that of the point (E) at which the second articulated arm is articulated thereto. The invention is applicable to the manifolds of boilers or steam generators.

Abstract: A support or fixing device for pipework having walls which are thin relative to its diameter and subjected to large temperature variations and to radial forces. The device comprises: (a) support cradles (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) having an internal profile whose radius of curvature is close to that of the pipework; (b) a rigid half-collar (7) disposed around and spaced from the periphery of the pipework, and having some of the cradles fixed thereto; (c) two arms (5A, 5B) hinged at their ends to the half-collar and having others of the cradles fixed thereto; and (d) a flexible arm clamping device (9) resiliently applying the cradles against the pipework, independently of expansions and radial forces applied to the pipework.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting a pipe (1) which has a low thickness in relation to its diameter and which is subjected to considerable variations in temperature and to a radial traction stress of a known direction. It comprises:(a) support cradles (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) having an internal profile with a curve radius close to that of the pipe;(b) a rigid half-collar (7) arranged around the pipe and separated from its periphery and on which certain of the cradles are fixed;(c) two articulated arms (5A, 5B) on the ends of the half-collar and on which the other cradles are fixed; and(d) a connection device (9A, 9B, 10, 11) formed by two other arms (9A, 9B) which are articulated on the one hand on the above-mentioned arms and on the other hand on pivot pin (10) on which is exerted the radial traction stress applying tightening on the pipe under the force of radial traction (F) applied to the pipe and independently of the expansion of the pipe.

Abstract: A support device for a heavy horizontal storage vessel having convex ends and walls which are thin in relation to its diameter comprises, at each end of the vessel, a short annular stiffener (8) coaxial with the end. It is of sufficient diameter to distribute and reduce stresses to a low value. A flexible semi-circular steel plate member (9) cradles the stiffener with limited clearance (11). A rigid annular plate member (10) is disposed in substantially the same vertical plane as the stiffener (8) and semi-circular plate member (9) to form a cradle for plate member (9) over part of its periphery. The radius of curvature of the annular plate member (10) is sufficiently greater than that of the semi-circular flexible plate member (9) to permit differential radial expansion. The rigid annular plate member is thus axially and laterally connected to the stiffener by appropriate structure.

Abstract: A support or fixing device for pipes whose walls are thin in proportion to their diameter and which are subjected to great temperature variations and/or which must be protected against earthquakes. It includes a collar 3 which surrounds the pipe and is spaced apart therefrom and is pierced with holes 12 at least at two points symmetrically disposed, fittings 11 welded to the pipe at the center of said holes, connection parts 15 engaged in each of the fittings and flexible strips 17 welded on one side to the connection parts and on the other side to parts 18 integral with the collar. Application to pipes which convey fluids which have high specific heat or to pipes which are installed at a site which is exposed to earthquakes.

Abstract: An assembly of two plane flanges of possibly different flexibilities clamped together by studs. It comprises sealing means including a lip weld in the plane of the join and centering rings disposed around each stud in each bore. Application to flanges connected to asymmetrical structures such as a collar and a cover.