Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which partitions disposed within a vessel form first and second furnace sections, first and second troughs and a heat exchange section such that the first trough is disposed between the first furnace section and the heat recovery section and the second trough is disposed between the second furnace section and the heat recovery section. A fluidized bed is formed in each of the furnace sections for the combustion of fuel to generate heat and to generate a mixture of combustion gases and entrained particulate solids. The mixtures from the furnace sections are received in first and second horizontal cyclone separators, both formed within the vessel for separating the entrained particulate solids from the combustion gases. Outlet means extend from the horizontal cyclones to discharge the separated solids to the first and second troughs respectively.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which partitions disposed within a vessel form first and second furnace sections, first and second troughs and a heat exchange section such that the first trough is disposed between the first furnace section and the heat recovery section and the second trough is disposed between the second furnace section and the heat recovery section. A fluidized bed is formed in each of the furnace sections for the combustion of fuel to generate heat and to generate a mixture of combustion gases and entrained particulate solids. The mixtures from the furnace sections are received in first and second horizontal cyclone separators, both formed within the vessel for separating the entrained particulate solids from the combustion gases. Outlet means extend from the horizontal cyclones to discharge the separated solids to the first and second troughs respectively.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and method in which a recycle heat exchange section is located within an enclosure housing the furnace section of the combustion system. The flue gases and entrained solids from a fluidized bed in the furnace section are separated and the flue gases are passed to a heat recovery section and the separated particulate material to the recycle heat exchange section. The recycle heat exchange section includes a bypass chamber for permitting the separated solids to pass directly from the separator to the furnace section. A heat exchange is provided in the recycle heat exchange section to transfer heat from the separated material in the recycle heat exchange section to a fluid flow circuit for heating the fluid flow circuit and reducing the temperature of the separated material. The separated material of the recycle heat exchange section is then passed back to the furnace section.

Abstract: A steam processing apparatus and method in which a plurality of separators are disposed along the length of a cylindrical drum having inlet means for receiving a mixture of liquid and vapor and outlet means for discharging the separated liquid and vapor. The mixture is discharged against a baffle after which the separated liquid is passed to the drum liquid outlet and the separated vapor is passed upwardly by natural buoyant forces to the drum vapor outlet. The separators are disposed in a plurality of rows--two to each side of the axis of the drum along the length thereof.

Abstract: A reactor having a furnace and a heat recovery section. The upper portion of said furnace extends coaxially in a spaced relationship within a shell. A bed of solid particulate material including fuel is supported in the furnace and air is introduced into the bed at a velocity sufficient to fluidize same and support the combustion or gasification of the fuel. A mixture of air, the gaseous products of combustion, and the particulate material entrained by the air and the gaseous products of combustion are discharged through a plurality of slots and arcuate arms disposed at the upper portion of the furnace onto the inner wall of the coaxial shell, effecting a separation of the particulate material from the mixture. The remaining mixture of air and the gaseous products of combustion rise upwardly and are directed to the heat recovery section. The separated particulate material is directed from the coaxial shell to a plurality of recycle conduits.

Abstract: The method of the present invention features the provision of a plurality of segmented chambers formed in an enclosure. Particulate fuel and air are introduced into one of said chambers during start-up and low loads, and, as the load increases, fuel and air are introduced to additional beds. The air velocity is controlled so that bubbling fluidized beds are initially established in the chambers and, as the load increases, the air velocity is increased to establish a circulating fluidized bed in each chamber.

Abstract: A steam separating apparatus wherein a first separating unit receives a steam-water mixture and discharges said mixture in a substantially tangential direction against an impingement plate to separate some water from said mixture. A second separating unit is disposed in a fluid flow relation to the first separating unit and includes a plurality of plates together formed into a closed circular configuration. The latter plates are shaped in a manner to define a plurality of irregular paths for the passage of said mixture so that said mixture impinges on said plates as it passes through said paths to separate additional water from said mixture.

Abstract: A steam separating apparatus wherein a first separating unit receives a steam-water mixture and discharges said mixture in a substantially tangential direction against an impingement plate to separate some water from said mixture. A second separating unit is disposed in a fluid flow relation to the first separating unit and includes a plurality of plates together formed into a closed circular configuration. The latter plates are shaped in a manner to define a plurality of irregular paths for the passage of said mixture so that said mixture impinges on said plates as it passes through said paths to separate additional water from said mixture.

Abstract: A vapor generating system including an upright furnace section formed by a plurality of tubes, a portion of which extends vertically and a portion of which extends at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane for passing fluid through the length of the furnace section to convert a portion of the fluid to vapor or to heat the fluid. Each angularly extending tube portion bifurcates into two vertical tube portions and a bifurcate fixture is provided at the junction between the respective tube portions. Each of the bifurcates connecting the angularly extending tube portions to their respective vertical tube portions in the upper portion of the furnace section includes a splitter plate to distribute the fluid in the angular tube portion equally to two vertical tube portions.

Abstract: A vapor generating system in which a furnace section is provided that is formed by four upright walls. A plurality of openings are formed in one of the walls, and a plurality of gasifiers extend adjacent said one wall and surround the openings so that the respective interiors of the gasifiers communicate with the openings. A bed of adsorbent material is supported in each gasifier for adsorbing the sulfur generated as a result of the gasification of fuel introduced into the gasifier, and air is passed through the bed of adsorbent material to fluidize said material so that, upon combustion of said fuel, a substantially sulfur-free product gas is produced which passes from the gasifier, through the openings and into the furnace section.

Abstract: A vapor generator including an enclosure defined by front wall or rear wall and two sidewalls with each of the walls being formed by a plurality of interconnected fluid flow tubes. Fluid is passed initially through the entire length of at least one of the sidewall sections and then simultaneously through the front wall, the rear wall and the other sidewall sections. Crossover circuitry is provided for transferring the fluid from area of each wall to another area thereof to achieve even heat pick-up.

Abstract: A method of operating a vapor generating system for use in a power plant having a turbine control valve means, steam turbine and condenser connected in a main flow circuit in a series flow relationship, in which fluid is passed through a vapor generator furnace section at a predetermined flow rate and a firing rate is established in the furnace section to apply heat to the fluid while controlling the pressure of the fluid as it exits from the furnace section. The turbine control valve means are fixed at a predetermined percent open. The firing rate is increased to a predetermined percent of full load firing rate until the firing rate approximately corresponds to the percentage of full load flow rate of the fluid. The fluid flow rate is then increased together with the firing rate in a manner to increase the throttle pressure of the fluid to the turbine in proportion to load demand on the turbine until the load on the turbine reaches a predetermined percentage of full load.

Abstract: A jet pump is provided in the downcomer of a natural circulation fossil fuel burning vapor generator to enhance circulation in the vaporizer circuits of the vapor generator. A driving fluid pump is adapted to introduce liquid taken from the drum as driving fluid for the jet pump, and the liquid passing through the downcomer acts as driven fluid for the jet pump.

Abstract: A separator for separating water from a mixture of water and steam in which an elongated, outer, water scroll is concentrically spaced from an elongated, inner, steam scroll. One longitudinal edge of each scroll is connected to a girth baffle disposed adjacent the side of a steam drum, and both scrolls extend through semi-circular curves of 180.degree. in cross section. The steam scroll is covered through the first 90.degree. of its curve, and is provided with a longitudinally-elongated opening extending circumferentially the second 90.degree. of its curve. A perforated plate encloses the bottom of the steam scroll to form a longitudinal flow passage. The centrifugal action imparted by the 180.degree. curvature of the separator causes the water to sepate from the steam-water mixture introduced between the steam and water scrolls, to flow along the inner surface of the water scroll, and to discharge downwardly through perforated, water splash diffuser plates.

Abstract: A vapor generating system in which a vapor generating section and a superheating section are connected in a series flow relationship with a fluid separating section extending between the vapor generating section and the superheating section. The vapor generating section includes an upright furnace section formed by a plurality of tubes, a portion of which extend at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane for passing fluid through the length of the furnace section to convert a portion of the fluid to vapor or to heat the fluid.

Abstract: A vapor generating system for use in a power plant having a steam turbine and a condenser connected in a series flow relationship, in which a vapor generating section receives a heat exchange fluid and passes the fluid in a heat exchange relation to a source of heat to raise the temperature and pressure of the fluid to predetermined values. The vapor generating section operates at substantially constant pressure during start-up and a pressure control station is provided which includes one or more relatively small bore tubes, a first conduit having control means disposed therein, and a second conduit, through which fluid passes before it is passed to a plurality of separators in the main flow path which receives the fluid and separates same into a liquid and a vapor. The separators are connected to a vapor circuit and to a liquid circuit for passing the vapor and liquid to the turbine and heat recovery or condenser, respectively. A method of starting up a vapor generating system in a power plant.

Abstract: A vapor generating system for use in a power plant having a steam turbine and a condenser connected in a series flow relationship, in which a vapor generating section receives a heat exchange fluid and passes the fluid in a heat exchange relation to a source of heat to raise the temperature and pressure of the fluid to predetermined values. The vapor generating section operates at substantially constant pressure during start-up and a pressure reducing station is provided for reducing the pressure of the fluid before it is passed to a plurality of separators in the main flow path for receiving the fluid and separating the fluid into a liquid and a vapor. The separators are connected to a vapor circuit and to a liquid circuit for passing the vapor and liquid to the turbine and condenser, respectively. A method of starting up a vapor generating system in a power plant.

Abstract: A vapor generating system for use in a power plant having a steam turbine and a condenser connected in a series flow relationship, in which a vapor generating section receives a heat exchange fluid and passes the fluid in a heat exchange relation to a source of heat to raise the temperature and pressure of the fluid to predetermined values, with a plurality of separators being in the main flow path in fluid flow communication with the tubes of the vapor generating section for receiving the fluid and separating the fluid into a liquid and a vapor. The separators are connected to a vapor circuit and to a liquid circuit for passing the vapor and liquid to the turbine and condenser, respectively. A method of starting up a vapor generating system in a power plant.