Abstract: A downshot boiler for heating water comprising a first combustion chamber; at least one tube for transporting water, each tube being at least partially located at the first combustion chamber, heating means for heating the first combustion chamber, the heating means comprising a downshot burner, wherein the boiler is adapted to heat the water to a supercritical condition. A method of heating water comprising the steps of transporting the water within at least one tube to a first combustion chamber provided in a downshot boiler and heating the first combustion chamber using a downshot burner such that the water within each tube is heated to a supercritical condition.

Abstract: A valve apparatus that has a longitudinal axis therethrough comprises a valve seat member, a valve closure member, a fluid flow path, and a screening member. The valve seat member comprises a hollow bore and a first frustoconical contact surface. The valve closure member comprises a body and a second frustoconical contact surface that is adapted to seal against the first frustoconical contact surface. The valve closure member is movable along the longitudinal axis of the valve apparatus. The fluid flow path extends through the bore of the valve seat member and between the valve seat member and the valve closure member. This fluid flow path is closed when the second frustoconical contact surface is sealed against the first frustoconical contact surface. The screening member is attached to at least one of the valve closure member or the valve seat member, and screens particles from fluid passing through the fluid flow path when the valve closure member approaches the valve seat member.

Abstract: Pumps and valves with movable parts, such as a plunger, typically have seals around the part. The seals may isolate one chamber from another to prevent leakage across the seals. The pressure in one chamber may be different from the pressure in another adjacent chamber, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seal. When the seal is working properly, the pressures in the adjacent chambers remain constant approximately. However, when a seal leaks, pressure will leak across the seal. As such, the chamber with the lower pressure will show an increase in pressure due to seal leakage. Thus, monitoring pressure changes in the chamber with low pressure, or pressure differentials between chambers, serves as an indicator for leakage across the seal and impending seal failure.

Abstract: Pumps and valves with movable parts, such as a plunger, typically have seals around the part. The seals may isolate one chamber from another to prevent leakage across the seals. The pressure in one chamber may be different from the pressure in another adjacent chamber, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seal. When the seal is working properly, the pressures in the adjacent chambers remain constant approximately. However, when a seal leaks, pressure will leak across the seal. As such, the chamber with the lower pressure will show an increase in pressure due to seal leakage. Thus, monitoring pressure changes in the chamber with low pressure, or pressure differentials between chambers, serves as an indicator for leakage across the seal and impending seal failure.