Abstract: The erosion-prone sections of the tubes in a circulating fluidized bed boiler are provided with a locally thickened sidewall without forming discontinuities on the outer surface of the tubes. This can be accomplished, for example, by replacing the erosion prone portion of the tube with a section having a smaller inside diameter, but the same outside diameter, or by replacing the erosion prone portion of the tube with a section having a thicker sidewall, but the same inside diameter, and smoothing over the outside discontinuity with an alloy coating. A useful alloy coating is also disclosed which can be used for this and other applications.

Abstract: The erosion-prone sections of the tubes in a circulating fluidized bed boiler are provided with a locally thickened sidewall without forming discontinuities on the outer surface of the tubes. This can be accomplished, for example, by replacing the erosion prone portion of the tube with a section having a smaller inside diameter, but the same outside diameter, or by replacing the erosion prone portion of the tube with a section having a thicker sidewall, but the same inside diameter, and smoothing over the outside discontinuity with an alloy coating. A useful alloy coating is also disclosed which can be used for this and other applications.

Abstract: A scaffolding element used in conjunction with an upright alignment member, such as a pole. The scaffolding element having at least one connector member at each end portion thereof. The opposing connector members are oriented transversely relative to one another, such that the connector members of adjacent scaffolding elements can interlock at right angles to one another, forming a structure of interlocking scaffolding elements. The connector members can be formed from a metal plate or can be a casting, for example.

Abstract: The scaffolding element is used in conjunction with an upright alignment member such as a pole. The scaffolding element is provided in the form of a rectangular frame, with a pair of connector members at each end. The connector members at the opposite ends of the frame are oriented transversely relative to one another, so that the connector members of adjacent members can interlock at right angle to one another, creating a structure of interlocking scaffolding elements. The connector members can be formed from metal plate or can be castings, for example, and the frame is constructed from square section metal tubing.

Abstract: A thermal spraying method involves the creation of a coating comprising titanium wire in the presence of nitrogen. The apparatus of the invention comprises a nozzle which has a cylindrical throat, with feedstock guides which guide the feedstock wires to a point of intersection in the throat. A current is passed through the wires to cause an arc in the throat, and a nitrogen rich gas under pressure is forced through the throat, generating a spray of molten particles which is used to coat a substrate. In a variation of the method, one of the feedstock wires comprises a binder metal, which produces a coating having enhanced toughness.

Abstract: A thermal spraying method involves the creation of a coating comprising titanium wire in the presence of nitrogen. The apparatus of the invention comprises a nozzle which has a cylindrical throat, with feedstock guides which guide the feedstock wires to a point of intersection in the throat. A current is passed through the wires to cause an arc in the throat, and a nitrogen rich gas under pressure is forced through the throat, generating a spray of molten particles which is used to coat a substrate. In a variation of the method, one of the feedstock wires comprises a binder metal, which produces a coating having enhanced toughness.

Abstract: A thermal spraying method involves the creation of a coating comprising titanium wire in the presence of nitrogen. The apparatus of the invention comprises a nozzle which has a cylindrical throat, with feedstock guides which guide the feedstock wires to a point of intersection in the throat. A current is passed through the wires to cause an arc in the throat, and a nitrogen rich gas under pressure is forced through the throat, generating a spray of molten particles which is used to coat a substrate. In a variation of the method, one of the feedstock wires comprises a binder metal, which produces a coating having enhanced toughness.