Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled heating of a process fluid has a heater, a process fluid vessel containing the process fluid, and a bundle of thermosyphons extending between a burner chamber of the heater and the process fluid inside the vessel for transferring heat from the heater to the process fluid. Burners in the burner chamber are controlled to maintain the bulk temperature of the process fluid T.sub.BULK substantially within an operating range defined by preset upper T.sub.HIGH and lower T.sub.LOW temperature setpoints. The burners can be turned on to maintain an outside metal temperature T.sub.EVAP of the evaporator ends of the thermosyphons above a preset dew point temperature T.sub.DEW to prevent corrosion. The burners can also be shut down if an outside surface temperature T.sub.OD of at least one of the condenser ends of the thermosyphons extending into the vessel exceeds a predetermined setpoint temperature T.sub.ALARM.

Abstract: A field serviceable fill tube apparatus for use on a heat pipe employs a quick-disconnect fitting on one end of the heat pipe to facilitate filling, sealing and servicing the heat pipe, both during manufacture and afterwards in the field.

Abstract: A heat pipe heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of a wellstream fluid conveyed in a subsea pipeline from a wellhead has an annular reservoir surrounding a section of pipeline adjacent the wellhead. One or more heat pipes extend from the annular reservoir into the seawater. In a heat removal configuration, a working fluid is contained within the annular reservoir. The working fluid boils and is evaporated by heat from the wellstream fluid and forms a vapor, which rises upwardly into and is condensed within the heat pipes, releasing heat into the surrounding seawater. The recondensed working fluid flows back down into the reservoir to repeat the cycle. In a heat providing configuration, the working fluid is contained in the heat pipes, where it is boiled by heat transferred from the surrounding seawater. The resulting vapor rises upwardly into the annular reservoir and the heat is transferred to the cooler wellstream fluids.

Abstract: A spin vane for burners and over fire air ports in a furnace comprise a sheet-like vane element having a base and an extension extending perpendicularly off the base on the low pressure side of the vane element. The extension reduces the formation and propagation of vortices on the low pressure side of the vane, increasing flow efficiency and reducing pressure loss across the spin vanes.

Abstract: A field serviceable fill tube apparatus for use on a heat pipe employs a quick-disconnect fitting on one end of the heat pipe to facilitate filling, sealing and servicing the heat pipe, both during manufacture and afterwards in the field.

Abstract: A cooling system for passively cooling an enclosure incorporating at least one inclined heat pipe having an evaporator side extending within the enclosure and a condenser side extending outside the enclosure in contact with the ambient environment. A thermal storage device within the enclosure is configured having a first portion extending adjacent the evaporator side of the heat pipe and a second portion extending within, and generally concentric with, the evaporator side of the heat pipe. A solid-to-liquid phase change material is sealed within this thermal storage device such that this material changes to a liquid upon the absorption of heat. To further enhance the transfer of heat from within the enclosure to outside the enclosure, a series of fins can be added to the first portion of the thermal storage device as well as to the condenser side of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A distribution half-cone for a granular or pulverized fuel, typically coal, burner is mounted within a burner nozzle thereof proximate to a burner elbow of the burner to provide a space or gap between an inner wall of the burner nozzle and the outer surface of the distribution half-cone of approximately 3/16 inch to prevent fuel roping and to minimize the pressure drop in the burner. The inlet of the distribution half-cone is formed as a sharp edge nozzle to minimize pressure drop in the burner.

Abstract: A removable rotating annular passage segment having a removable vane design is achieved by welding individual carbon steel parts into place. A welded passage segment having rails secured by a plurality of ribs is mounted to the grinding table of a pulverizer. Casted vanes are detachably mounted to the welded passage segment and are refitted when worn. The outer wall is adjustable and replaceable because it is welded to the pulverizer. Flow contour plates are welded to both the inner rail and outer wall.

Abstract: An improved annular passage arrangement for a pulverizer includes vertically extending inner and outer passage walls which define the annular passage divided by vanes extending at an acute angle to the horizontal. The annular passage is divided into a plurality of passage ports and a low pressure drop is experienced as compared to the prior art passage arrangements. The inner and outer passage walls may be connected to each other and rotate together with the vanes and the vanes are advantageously shorter in length then was conventional for further reducing pressure drop.

Abstract: An annular passage arrangement for a pulverizer includes vertically extending inner and outer passage walls which define a "boxed" annular passage. The annular passage space has an inlet for receiving flow from an air plenum and an outlet for vertically channeling the flow into a pulverizing zone. The annular passage is divided by vanes having a tapered end at the inlet end of the passage and an outlet end located at the passage outlet. The outlet end of each vane extends at an acute angle to the horizontal and the tapered end of each vane is vertically oriented within the annular passage. This vane orientation reduces pressure drop as the plenum air is fanned up into the pulverizing zone. Flow contouring plates below the passage inlet reduce flow disturbances and create a more uniform flow pattern up and into the passage inlet.