Abstract: A smelt shattering apparatus includes an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a fluidic pathway between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice. A convergence divergence zone is located between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice. In one illustrative construction, a first separable section includes the inlet orifice, and a second separable section includes the outlet orifice and a divergence zone of the convergence divergence zone. In some constructions, there may be a second outlet orifice in fluidic communication with the inlet orifice. To provide uniformity over the multiple shatter jets, the first outlet orifice may have a cross-sectional dimension and the second outlet orifice is located a distance of between about 4 and about 10 times of the cross-sectional dimension from the first outlet orifice.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for the removal of particulate emissions from an electric generating unit are provided, comprising: a gas producer; a primary particulate collector unit including: a primary collection hopper field each including at least one primary collection hopper, wherein each primary collection hopper includes a primary collection hopper outlet, each primary collection hopper outlet fluidically connected to a particulate discharge duct; a flue duct inlet oriented upstream of the at least one primary collection hopper field; a flue duct outlet oriented downstream of the primary collection hopper field; wherein the gas producer is fluidically connected to the primary particulate collector unit by a flue duct; and a particulate recirculation duct fluidically connected at a first end to the primary collection hopper and/or the particulate discharge duct, and fluidically connected at a second end to the flue duct upstream of the primary particulate collector unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relations to wind mitigation devices which include a deflector that having an inlet and an outlet. An axial fan is disposed above the outlet of the deflector and includes a shroud. The shroud of the axial fan and the outlet of the deflector are aligned along a common vertical axis. The deflector is adapted to receive an airflow at the inlet and direct the airflow through the outlet in a vertical direction toward the axial fan.

Abstract: An air cooled condenser fin comprises flow channel walls defining an air flow channel. The flow channel walls include planar sections separated by intermittent flow interruptions which are spaced apart along the air flow channel. The intermittent flow interruptions are defined by the flow channel walls. The intermittent flow interruptions may for example comprise splits formed by a staggered arrangement in which the planar sections of the flow channel walls before and after each split are staggered; or intermittent sinusoidal waves formed into the flow channel walls; or louvers formed into the flow channel walls to create openings passing through the flow channel walls at the louvers. The intermittent flow interruptions may be spaced apart along the air flow channel by at least 5 hydraulic diameters, and in some embodiments by 5-10 hydraulic diameters. A plurality of such air cooled condenser fins are suitably employed with the air flow channels arranged in parallel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for the removal of particulate emissions from an electric generating unit are provided, comprising: a gas producer; a primary particulate collector unit including: a primary collection hopper field each including at least one primary collection hopper, wherein each primary collection hopper includes a primary collection hopper outlet, each primary collection hopper outlet fluidically connected to a particulate discharge duct; a flue duct inlet oriented upstream of the at least one primary collection hopper field; a flue duct outlet oriented downstream of the primary collection hopper field; wherein the gas producer is fluidically connected to the primary particulate collector unit by a flue duct; and a particulate recirculation duct fluidically connected at a first end to the primary collection hopper and/or the particulate discharge duct, and fluidically connected at a second end to the flue duct upstream of the primary particulate collector unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relations to wind mitigation devices which include a deflector that having an inlet and an outlet. An axial fan is disposed above the outlet of the deflector and includes a shroud. The shroud of the axial fan and the outlet of the deflector are aligned along a common vertical axis. The deflector is adapted to receive an airflow at the inlet and direct the airflow through the outlet in a vertical direction toward the axial fan.

Abstract: A nozzle block for a sootblower of the type for cleaning internal heat transfer surfaces of large scale coal fired combustion systems. For cleaning the internal surfaces, a cleaning medium is often used in the form of steam. Due to the cyclical operations and the process of condensation, condensate slugs of water can form in the sootblower fluid flow components. If these slugs are ejected against clean surfaces, undesirable erosion can occur. Several embodiments of nozzle blocks are described each having one or more ejection ports at their distal ends configured to maximize the ejection of condensates while minimizing their cross-sectional area which would diminish nozzle fluidic efficiency. Additional features enhance the ability of the nozzle block to separate and disperse condensate from the slots.

Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system separates particles from a coal ash/water slurry from remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receives the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections are in a generally linear arrangement. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section opposite to a net flow of water. A flocculant supply line upstream of the ash settling section configured for adding a flocculant promoting an agglomeration of particles into flocs. The flocculant supply line is located in a mixing section with an agitator.

Abstract: A grinder roller assembly and a method of forming a grinder roller assembly are provided. The grinder roller assembly includes an elongated shaft that comprises a shaft outer surface. The grinder roller assembly further includes an insert plate. The insert plate has a plate outer surface that is noncircular and substantially smooth. The insert plate further has a plate opening that defines a plate inner surface and is configured to receive the elongated shaft. The grinder roller assembly further includes a roller having a roller opening that defines a roller inner surface that cooperates with the plate outer surface. The grinder roller assembly further includes at least one fastener that attaches the insert plate to the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system for separating particles from a coal ash/water slurry from one or more remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receiving the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections being oriented in a generally linear arrangement wherein a net flow of water from the ash/water slurry is in a direction from the settling zone toward the distal and. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section.

Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system for separating particles from a coal ash/water slurry from one or more remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receiving the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections being oriented in a generally linear arrangement wherein a net flow of water from the ash/water slurry is in a direction from the settling zone toward the distal and. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section.

Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system separates particles from a coal ash/water slurry from remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receives the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections are in a generally linear arrangement. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section opposite to a net flow of water. A flocculant supply line upstream of the ash settling section configured for adding a flocculant promoting an agglomeration of particles into flocs. The flocculant supply line is located in a mixing section with an agitator.

Abstract: A nozzle block for a sootblower of the type for cleaning internal heat transfer surfaces of large scale coal fired combustion systems. For cleaning the internal surfaces, a cleaning medium is often used in the form of steam. Due to the cyclical operations and the process of condensation, condensate slugs of water can form in the sootblower fluid flow components. If these slugs are ejected against clean surfaces, undesirable erosion can occur. Several embodiments of nozzle blocks are described each having one or more ejection ports at their distal ends configured to maximize the ejection of condensates while minimizing their cross-sectional area which would diminish nozzle fluidic efficiency. Additional features enhance the ability of the nozzle block to separate and disperse condensate from the slots.

Abstract: An ash transport system and method is provided that includes a transport line, four hoppers, and an airlock or hopper valve attached to each hopper. The ash transport system transports an ash mass from the airlock or hopper valve to the transport line if pressure in the transport line falls below a predefined pressure threshold assigned to the respective airlock or hopper valve. After a predefined period of time elapses, the ash transport system transports the ash mass from the airlock or hopper valve to the transport line if the pressure in the transport line falls below different respective predefined pressure thresholds. The airlocks and hopper valves simultaneously transport the ash masses to the transport line if, prior to the predefined period of time elapsing, the pressure in the transport line falls below each of the respective predefined pressure thresholds.

Abstract: An ash transport system and method is provided that includes a transport line, four hoppers, and an airlock or hopper valve attached to each hopper. The ash transport system transports an ash mass from the airlock or hopper valve to the transport line if pressure in the transport line falls below a predefined pressure threshold assigned to the respective airlock or hopper valve. After a predefined period of time elapses, the ash transport system transports the ash mass from the airlock or hopper valve to the transport line if the pressure in the transport line falls below different respective predefined pressure thresholds. The airlocks and hopper valves simultaneously transport the ash masses to the transport line if, prior to the predefined period of time elapsing, the pressure in the transport line falls below each of the respective predefined pressure thresholds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve for controlling the flow of abrasive particles along a predetermined path from the outlet of a hopper to a conveying line in a particle collection or transportation system. The design of the valve reduces the occurrence of erosive wear resulting from contact with the flow of abrasive particles. A method of making the valve that enhances the hardness of localized areas in the valve that are subject to high wear conditions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sootblower isolation wall box provided for sealing the wall box opening of a large scale boiler to provide sootblower lance tube access to the boiler. The wall box assembly includes a clamping seal assembly having radial sealing segments which are individually actuated. Applying fluid pressure to actuating cylinders causes the seal segments to be clamped against the outer circumference of the sootblower lance tube. During cleaning cycles, the segments are actuated to provide a radial clearance with the lance tube. Preferably, the clamping seal assembly is used in connection with another seal assembly which is relied upon to provide sealing during the cleaning steps. In a preferred embodiment, the additional seal assembly is in the form of a labyrinth-type seal assembly.

Abstract: A grinder roller assembly and a method of forming a grinder roller assembly are provided. The grinder roller assembly includes an elongated shaft that comprises a shaft outer surface. The grinder roller assembly further includes an insert plate. The insert plate has a plate outer surface that is noncircular and substantially smooth. The insert plate further has a plate opening that defines a plate inner surface and is configured to receive the elongated shaft. The grinder roller assembly further includes a roller having a roller opening that defines a roller inner surface that cooperates with the plate outer surface. The grinder roller assembly further includes at least one fastener that attaches the insert plate to the elongated shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve for controlling the flow of abrasive particles along a predetermined path from the outlet of a hopper to a conveying line in a particle collection or transportation system. The design of the valve reduces the occurrence of erosive wear resulting from contact with the flow of abrasive particles. A method of making the valve that enhances the hardness of localized areas in the valve that are subject to high wear conditions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sootblower isolation wall box provided for sealing the wall box opening of a large scale boiler to provide sootblower lance tube access to the boiler. The wall box assembly includes a clamping seal assembly having radial sealing segments which are individually actuated. Applying fluid pressure to actuating cylinders causes the seal segments to be clamped against the outer circumference of the sootblower lance tube. During cleaning cycles, the segments are actuated to provide a radial clearance with the lance tube. Preferably, the clamping seal assembly is used in connection with another seal assembly which is relied upon to provide sealing during the cleaning steps. In a preferred embodiment, the additional seal assembly is in the form of a labyrinth-type seal assembly.