Abstract: A means of offsetting semi-circular tube support plates typically present in heat exchangers with cross flow baffles, such as axial flow economizers, utilizing the motive force of steam generator pressurization. The offset slightly flexes the tubes, thereby providing a preload which minimizes the potential for tube vibration and wear.

Abstract: A steam generator includes a tube bundle having a plurality of tubes, arranged in rows and columns. The first column of tubes includes a first tube having a curved center line disposed in a first plane. The second column of tubes includes a second tube having a curved center line disposed in a second plane, the second plane being parallel to and spaced a distance from the first plane. The steam generator further includes a first number of solid anti-vibration bars disposed between the first column of tubes and the second column of tubes; wherein each of the tubes has a tube outer diameter; and wherein each of the first number of anti-vibration bars has a thickness generally transverse to the first and second planes, the thickness being greater than the distance between the first and second planes minus the tube outer diameter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-situ cleaning fixture for mist removal separator vane assemblies. The cleaning fixture includes an injection chamber with an inlet and a perforated plate which extends horizontally, substantially over the length of the mist removal separator vane assembly. A cleaning fluid source is connected to the injection chamber during a cleaning process. The injection chamber is designed to receive the cleaning fluid, pass the cleaning fluid through the holes formed in the plate, downwardly along a plurality of vanes in the mist removal separator vane assembly and into the drain trough. The in-situ cleaning fixture facilitates removal of scale build-up from the mist removal separator vane assembly and thereby restores the efficacy of the vanes.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for securing tubes within a steam generator against vibration with a metallic anti-vibration bar in a tube bundle. The tube bundle has a plurality of tubes, arranged in rows and columns, with lanes between the tube columns. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the anti-vibration bar in the tube bundle; plastically expanding the wall of the anti-vibration bar from an unexpanded position to an expanded position. In the unexpanded position there are a plurality of gaps between the anti-vibration bar and the tubes of the tube bundle. The gaps decrease in size as the wall of the anti-vibration bar moves from the unexpanded position to the expanded position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-situ cleaning fixture for demister separator vane assemblies. The cleaning fixture includes an injection chamber with an inlet and a perforated plate which extends horizontally, substantially over the length of the demister separator vane assembly. A cleaning fluid source is connected to the injection chamber during a cleaning process. The injection chamber is designed to receive the cleaning fluid, pass the cleaning fluid through the holes formed in the plate, downwardly along a plurality of vanes in the demister separator vane assembly and into the drain trough. The in-situ cleaning fixture facilitates removal of scale build-up from the demister separator vane assembly and thereby restores the efficacy of the vanes.

Abstract: A means of offsetting semi-circular tube support plates typically present in heat exchangers with cross flow baffles, such as axial flow economizers, utilizing the motive force of steam generator pressurization. The offset slightly flexes the tubes, thereby providing a preload which minimizes the potential for tube vibration and wear.

Abstract: A loose parts collection weir that is a nearly cylindrical structure that is integrally attached to the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate of a steam generator to retain loose parts along the feedwater and recirculation water transit path to the tube bundle. The weir is a near vertical structure built into the upper drum of the steam generator, near the periphery of the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate in the vicinity of the downcomer annulus. The weir may contain a radially inwardly projecting lip which forms a pocket for loose parts to collect. As the feedwater flows toward the downcomer annulus, loose parts will tend to deposit onto the lower deck plate aided by gravity and be trapped by the loose parts collection weir.

Abstract: A loose parts collection weir that is a nearly cylindrical structure that is integrally attached to the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate of a steam generator to retain loose parts along the feedwater and recirculation water transit path to the tube bundle. The weir is a near vertical structure built into the upper drum of the steam generator, near the periphery of the lower deck plate or sludge collector top plate in the vicinity of the downcomer annulus. The weir may contain a radially inwardly projecting lip which forms a pocket for loose parts to collect. As the feedwater flows toward the downcomer annulus, loose parts will tend to deposit onto the lower deck plate aided by gravity and be trapped by the loose parts collection weir.