Abstract: A system for recovering flash steam and condensate includes a flash steam recovery unit for recovering steam from a fluid containing flash steam and condensate, a condensate recovery unit positioned below the flash steam recovery unit to receive the condensate by gravity, wherein the condensate recovery unit is operated by pressurized pumping means which are adapted for selectively receiving the condensate into the condensate recovery unit, discharging the condensate to a process equipment through an outlet steam trapping unit, and discharging the exhaust gas via an exhaust gas outlet.

Abstract: A system includes a first steam injector configured to mix a steam and a feedstock to form a heated feedstock. Additionally, first viscosity of the feedstock is greater than a second viscosity of the heated feedstock. The system also includes a feed system positioned upstream of the first steam injector and configured to supply the feedstock to the first steam injector. In addition, the system includes a steam system configured to supply the steam to the first steam injector. Furthermore, the system includes a gasifier coupled to the first steam injector and configured to receive the heated feedstock.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly cooling and de-pressurizing a boiler arrangement in the event of a plant power loss, a.k.a. a black plant condition. A steam discharge system injects steam from the steam/water circuit into the furnace, thereby both cooling components of the boiler arrangement and reducing pressure in the steam/water circuit. This reduces or eliminates the additional cost associated with providing extra capacity in a steam drum and/or an independently powered boiler water pump. The system and method is particularly useful for quickly cooling the U-beams of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler during a black plant condition. In application to boiler arrangements with a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system employing steam as a carrier for a NOx reducing agent, the steam discharge system advantageously uses the discharge nozzles of the SNCR system to inject the steam into the furnace.

Abstract: A solar thermal power generator includes an inclined elongated boiler tube positioned in the focus of a solar concentrator for generating steam from water. The boiler tube is connected at one end to receive water from a pressure vessel as well as connected at an opposite end to return steam back to the vessel in a fluidic circuit arrangement that stores energy in the form of heated water in the pressure vessel. An expander, condenser, and reservoir are also connected in series to respectively produce work using the steam passed either directly (above a water line in the vessel) or indirectly (below a water line in the vessel) through the pressure vessel, condense the expanded steam, and collect the condensed water. The reservoir also supplies the collected water back to the pressure vessel at the end of a diurnal cycle when the vessel is sufficiently depressurized, so that the system is reset to repeat the cycle the following day.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems serve to collapse steam in effluent released from steam sterilizers and sterilizer systems. These systems include tanks or containers configured for receiving and holding fluids, for example, water, and include a fluid outlet and a port that receives the released effluent. A conduit extending into the tank from the effluent receiving port provides a path for the steam to the fluid in the tank, to collapse the steam.

Abstract: A boiler for generating steam has a substantially enclosed housing configured to contain an amount of water to be boiled, the housing having one or more thermally conductive sidewalls which form a substantially enclosed water chamber and a reflection chamber, the reflection chamber including a closed top portion and a opening through which light rays may pass, the opening being vertically disposed below the top portion of the chamber so that the reflection chamber may trap heat, wherein at least one of the thermally conductive sidewalls is disposed so as to divide the water chamber from the reflection chamber. The boiler also include a support structure attached to or integral with the housing, which support structure supports the housing in a substantially fixed position during use of the boiler, and reflecting means for reflecting sunlight through the opening of the reflection chamber and onto a focal point on one or more inner surfaces of the top portion of the reflection chamber.

Abstract: A direct heating device has a tubular main casing formed by a wall member. The main casing has a first end adapted to be coupled with a support structure, such as a monoblock fastening flange. One or more water inlets and out lets are provided in the wall member of the main casing. A funnel shaped sprinkler head is positioned inside the main casing. The bigger diameter end of the sprinkler head is coupled with the support structure. A critical nozzle in the shape of a long trumpet is coupled with the smaller diameter end of the sprinkler head. The direct heating device can also have a pressure relief damper, which has one end coupled to the main casing and the other end extending into the main casing. The main casing can have a double layer construction.

Abstract: A water-cooled baffle used in a furnace to control the clearance gap between the bottom of the baffle and the hearth of the furnace. The baffle includes a first pipe that extends at least to the walls of the furnace and serves as an arbor to allow rotation of the baffle. The first pipe has cooling water entry and water exit ports at opposing ends, and a plate and core buster segments disposed inside of it to establish annular regions for water flow. A second pipe is connected to the first pipe in a manner to allow the flow of water from the annular region connected to the water entry port of the first pipe, through the second pipe, and then through the annular region connected to the water exit port of the first pipe.

Abstract: A compact fuel fired steam generating type humidifier. The apparatus uses a gaseous fuel as the prime source of heat to generate steam used to humidify air in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning of buildings. The humidifier may be a stand alone unit that disperses the steam into the space or the steam generated by the apparatus may be dispersed in forced air flow of the building heating system. The steam generating unit includes a water tank in which there is located a combustion chamber and a heat exchanger chamber for transferring the heat from the products of combustion to the water.

Abstract: A furnace heat exchanger tube cleaning apparatus is described. The furnace comprises a combustion chamber for generating heated gases including combustion products, a water jacket containing a liquid to be heated and including heat exchanger tubes passing therethrough and a flue for discharge of the combustion products. In operation, the heated gases including combustion products flow from the combustion chamber along the heat exchanger tubes to the flue. As the heated gases pass along the heat exchanger tubes, heat from the heated gases is transferred to the liquid in the container, thereby heating the liquid. The efficiency of heat transfer is increased by helical flights arranged to depend downward into the respective heat exchanger tubes from a support structure. Specifically, the flights create turbulence in the flow of the heated gases, thereby improving heat transfer.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of a water heater having a tank, a burner and a flue, the flue being disposed within said tank for evacuation of burned combustion gases therethrough with resulting heating of water in the tank, generally including combustion gas deflector for enhancing heat transfer from the combustion gases through a flue wall and into surrounding water during ignition of the burner.

Abstract: A fuel-fired air heating furnace is provided with NOx reduction apparatus associated with a plurality of combustor tubes forming a portion of the furnace heat exchanger section. Inshot-type fuel burners are spaced apart from and face the open inlet ends of horizontal combustion sections of the combustor tubes. The NOx reduction apparatus includes a plurality of NOx reduction members formed from a metal rod material, and a mounting plate having a row of spaced apart pairs of mounting holes therein. Each NOx reduction member has an elongated, generally U-shaped configuration, with a closed inner end, an open outer end, and a spaced pair of corrugated leg portions extending between such inner and outer ends.

Abstract: An elongated heat exchange tube and method of making same are disclosed wherein a pair of elongated generally right-angle metallic wall members are adapted for mirror image connection to form an outer tube wall of generally rectangular transverse cross-section. A plurality of internal generally planar heat transfer fins having 90.degree. weld flanges are secured to inner surfaces of the right-angle walls and define longitudinal flow passages through which heated combustion gases are passed to effect improved heat transfer to the outer peripheral wall of the heat transfer tube with enhanced heat convection to a medium in contact with the outer surface of the outer tube wall. A plurality of the heat exchange tubes may be mounted within a compact steam generator for highly efficient production of steam for a steam oven.

Abstract: A baffle is located in a recessed location relative to the inlet of a heat exchanger tube and facing the burner. The baffle is made of high temperature ceramic foam and has a plurality of flutes which define the flow path. In passing through the baffle, the velocity of the flame pattern is increased which reduces the noise level. The baffle also reduces NO.sub.x as a result of heat transfer to the baffle.

Abstract: An instantaneous gas water heater comprising a control panel, a heat transfer section, and a blower section. The control panel includes an electronic controller, a gas solenoid valve, and a means to prove the operation of a blower. The heat transfer section comprises an inner jacket enclosing a combustion chamber and an outer jacket enclosing the inner jacket. The combustion chamber contains an ignition means, a combustion means, and a baffle. In the preferred embodiment the combustion means was a powered burner comprising a venturi tube with venturi tube holes, and a woven ceramic fabric mantle containing the venturi tube. The baffle is made up of a spine, consecutive ribs attached to the spine, spine holes in the spine disposed between the ribs, and rib holes in the ribs, the rib holes being disposed in consecutive ribs on alternating sides of the spine. The blower section includes a blower communicating with the combustion chamber through a gas/air mixing chamber.

Abstract: A flue baffle for use in a hot water tank flue through which flue gases from a burner chamber are discharged. The baffle is comprised of an elongated flat undulated metal strip having a securable flat upper end. The undulated metal strip is shaped to define a plurality of integrally formed, wave-shaped, deformations on opposed side portions of a central longitudinal axis thereof. A narrower undulated metal band is secured to the metal strip on opposed sides thereof and disposed substantially midway between the wave-shaped deformations on opposed sides of the flat metal strip. The upper end of the strip is adapted to retain the flue baffle axially within the flue to create turbulence and resistance to hot flue gases rising from the burner chamber to enhance heat exchange between the flue and a liquid being heated and in direct contact with an exterior surface of the flue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism device for preventing gas channeling between the sidewall and a heat exchange tube bundle located in the convection section of a horizontal tube fired heater while permitting in-situ repair of the sidewall refractory. The invention comprises a plurality of serially elongated plate members pivotably mounted on a tube and sized longitudinally to extend at a predetermined distance from the tube to the sidewall of the convection section of the heater, the number of plate members being sufficient to extend for substantially the length of the tube.

Abstract: Atmospheric convection type steamer apparatus includes at least one oven chamber and a discrete atmospheric steam generator operative to provide steam to the oven chamber. A quiescent low fire power input to the steam generator maintains water in the steam generator at its boiling temperature during a non-cooking mode and provides a continuous steam flow into the oven chamber to maintain the chamber in a ready condition for substantially instantaneous steam heating when a cooking or high fire mode is initiated. In a stacked double oven embodiment, each oven chamber has a discrete atmospheric steam generator maintained at a quiescent low fire power input sufficient to maintain the water at its boiling temperature and effect a continuous ready condition within the corresponding oven chambers. Steam lines directly connect the oven chambers to their corresponding steam generators and enable introduction of cleaning and deliming agents directly into the steam generators from within the oven chambers.

Abstract: The heat exchange structure comprises a series of tubes arranged in a circular pattern extending between upper and lower manifolds. Water flows from the upper manifold through these tubes to the lower manifold. Annular fins are stacked on these tubes. A larger tube is arranged concentric with each of the smaller diameter water-carrying tubes and hot gaseous products of combustion flow through these larger tubes in counterflow to the water flow through the water tubes. The fins have through-holes allowing the hot gases to pass through the stacks of fins. The combustion chamber is located centrally just above the lower manifold. Ambient air is introduced via perforations in the side wall of the casing near the upper manifold and flows downwardly past the heat exchange structure for recuperative effect before reaching the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A radiative heat transfer mechanism in a furnace having burners through which pulverized coal and air are burned producing combustion gases and contaminants. A plurality of elongated conduits are positioned inside the furnace proximate to the burners generally parallel to the flow of combustion gases in the furnace. A plurality of thin filaments are inside each of the elongated hollow conduits, the filaments having diameters in the range of from about 1 micrometer to about 1,000 micrometers and having an infrared radiation cross-section sufficient to cause the filaments to heat upon exposure to infrared radiation. Blower mechanism is associated with the elongated conduits for limiting the amount of soot and ash which deposit on the conduits to preserve the radiative and convective transfer of heat energy from the combustion gases to the conduits.

Abstract: A heat-absorbing/heating device with high efficiency and a supporting device thereof, wherein a plurality of spaced heat-absorbing members are disposed on a heat-absorbing surface of the heat-absorbing/heating device and a plurality of space heating members are disposed on a heating surface thereof, and a heat-surrounding member with heat-guiding members is disposed around the heat-absorbing members whereby when heating the heat-absorbing members, the heat-absorbing members can rapidly absorb and collect the heat at high efficiency and conduct the heat to the heating members for further heating the liquid or food contained in the heating-absorbing/heating device, and wherein the supporting device includes a large support portion and a small support portion corresponding to the heat-absorbing/heating device whereby when heating, the heat-absorbing/heating device can be placed on the supporting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for degassing and heating water by means of steam comprises a column (1) with packing bodies (2) arranged therein, with a distributor (12) arranged at the column head for the water to be degassed, with a water supply line (7) and steam supply line (8) in each case arranged upstream of the column, with a water outlet line (19) and venting line (18) in each case arranged downstream of the column for the gas/steam mixture to be exhausted. The four lines open into housings (3, 14) which are connected above and below the preferably cylindrical column to the latter. A conical mixing chamber (4) into which the water to be degassed is injected via nozzles (6) is provided upstream of the distributor. The conical mixing chamber has an outer boundary wall (5) which is surrounded by a steam distribution chamber (9) and communicates with the latter via slot-type openings (10) in the boundary wall.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus for staged combustion inside the Morison tube of a firetube boiler for lowering the concentration of NO.sub.x in the exhaust gases. Combustion occurs in a first and second stage, the first stage being sub-stoichiometric combustion and the second stage being above-stoichiometric combustion. In two embodiments of the combustion apparatus, the first stage combustion occurs directly adjacent the inlet end of the boiler furnace and the second stage combustion occurs inside the boiler furnace which acts as a combustion apparatus. In other embodiments of the combustion apparatus, both the first and second stage combustion occur inside the boiler furnace which acts as a combustion apparatus. Swirling and/or cyclonic combustion is utilized in the first and second stages of the combustion apparatus. There is provided heat exchange means surrounding and extending substantially throughout the axial length of the combustion chamber, i.e.

Abstract: A deaerator tray in the form of a horizontally elongated trough for receiving a quantity of liquid to be deaerated. The trough has a flat bottom having a pair of spaced, elongated sides having upper liquid overflow edges. Guide structure is provided for directing the flow of liquid overflowing from the edges, the guide structure includes a pair of flat elongated inclined wall members each directly connected to a respective one of the sides below the upper liquid overflow edges along the length thereof. The wall members extend outwardly away from each other and downwardly away from the respective upper liquid overflow edges. Each wall member is inclined relative to the vertical and terminates in a lower edge to enhance deaeration of the liquid as the latter is guided down the wall members and falls from the lower edge.

Abstract: This gas-powered apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical combustion chamber having an inlet for the combustion air connected to the outside and an upper outlet connected to a burned gas flue. A tank is arranged around the combustion chamber and defines therewith an interspace, so that the water in the tank can be heated substantially by radiation. The interspace is downwardly connected to a duct having an opening for a fan sucking air from the enclosed space through the interspace and returning it to the enclosed space.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a magnesium water heater and a method of fabricating the same. The magnesium water heater of the present invention can be heated by an electric resistance element or a gas burner and has advantages over prior art water heaters in that it can be more easily fabricated, it is lighter in weight, and has a service life of 4 to 10 times longer than conventional water tanks due to improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water heater and method of heating water retained in a storage tank having a flue passing through it. The apparatus and method directs hot gases flowing upwardly along the flue toward the flue's wall when heat transfer between those gases and the water is desired. The apparatus and method also directs the air or gases flowing upwardly within the flue away from the flue's wall when heat transfer is undesirable. The apparatus includes a plurality of moveable flow control fins secured at various locations along the length of a baffle by supported iwthin the flue. Each fin is secured to the baffle by a piece bi-metallic material whose shape changes in response to its temperature. When hot gases flow through the flue during a water heating mode, the bi-metallic pieces position the fins near the middle of the flue along the baffle's length and direct the flow of hot gases outwardly toward the flue's wall.

Abstract: A tray stack for a boiler feedwater deaerator is provided with a plurality of horizontally spaced troughs arranged in vertically spaced and staggered tiers. Each of the troughs has a generally V-shaped bottom and a pair of outwardly-extending, inclined wall members having notched lower edges. The vertical projected dimension of the inclined wall members is less than the overall depth of the trough such that the distance of travel encountered by the feedwater dropping from the lower edge of the wall members to the next adjacent, underlying trough is maximized, thereby increasing the interactive area of contact between the cascading water and uprising flow of steam. The lower edge of each wall member is preferably notched to enhance dispersion of the falling water, and the wall members also are disposed to positively guide the falling water into the adjacent underlying trough without bypassing the same.

Abstract: A device for cooling a reactor positioned in a vessel. The vessel comprises a water space and a steam space. Cooling pipes that convey evaporating water extend through the reactor. The pipes communicate outside the reactor with the water space at the intake end and with the steam space at the outflow end. The object is to prevent local excess cooling that would interfere with the reaction. A fresh-water preheating section is positioned inside the steam space. The preheating section communicates with an inflow outside the vessel and with an outflow inside the steam space. The preheating section also has open pipes extending through it from top to bottom into the steam space.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a separator (1) and a jet pump (2) with a feed valve (6) connected in parallel through a bypass pipeline (8). An axially movable hollow cylindrical member (14) having a movable nozzle (17) is installed in a static pressure chamber of the jet pump 2 and a fixed nozzle 19 is installed concentrically with the movable nozzle (17). Overflow openings (18) are provided in the walls of the hollow cylindrical member (14).

Abstract: A skeletonized piston assembly in which a tube forms a piston shank and an enlarged thin disc has a peripheral edge which provides the piston skirt. A guide disc is spaced from the other disc and guides movement of the piston. Quick release fittings and a removable helical flight assembly adapt the heater for sanitary applications and easy clean-out.

Abstract: In order to improve upon the prior arrangement of a valve within a liquid distributor head for a mixing pre-heater degasifier it is proposed that a valve containing a valve plate, valve shaft, valve spring and spring plate, is arranged within the mixing pre-heater centrally within a deflection screen or baffle and at the same time the valve is surrounded by a protective housing in order to prevent that, in the event of possible rupture of the valve spring any broken pieces thereof will drop into the mixing pre-heater.

Abstract: Forced circulation steam generators of any design may increase effective heat absorption and steaming capacity by maintaining bulk boiler water temperature at or near the saturation temperature for the operating pressure, while the main boiler heat transfer process is substantially reserved for the evaporative function. The acceleration of gas-to-liquid energy transfer across boiler heating surfaces occurs when bulk boiler water temperature is maintained at or near saturation, and significant degrees of nucleate boiling and nucleate film boiling heat transfer exist while stable steam film boiling is limited.In one form of the invention, recirculating boiler water is discharged from a circulating pump through an exterior ejector-type contact heat exchanger to mix with recirculated heating steam before being returned to the boiler. In this adaptation bulk boiler water temperature may be closely controlled by regulating the quantity of heating steam admitted into the ejector heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a steam engine, an intermediate phase is provided for preheating the feedwater before it enters the boiler. The preheating is achieved by means of the reapplication of the otherwise dispensable exhaust steam in a simple feedback operation in which the exhaust steam is introduced directly into the feedwater. By means of electronic controls the operation of the system at the highest possible point of preheat (up to 210.degree. F.) is achieved thus assuring both high efficiency of the machine and cumulative economy in fuel consumption as well. The latter is further augmented by generous application of insulation to prevent wasteful dissipation of thermal energy as well as to effect protection of the system against the elements.

Abstract: A foraminous steam injection tube is mounted within a heating chamber to inject steam into water flowing through the heating chamber to heat the water. A foraminous diffusion screen is mounted around the steam injection tube and in spaced tandem relation, to diffuse the steam jets issuing therefrom, suppress the formation of large bubbles and to eliminate water hammer in the system.

Abstract: The contact heating of boiler feed water for steam heating systems is effected by mixing recirculated boiler steam and feedwater within water-jet ejector-type contact heat exchangers. Feedwater heating up to the evaporation (or saturation) temperature for the pressure of the boiler may be achieved within an ejector-type contact heat exchanger in a heating process which is separate from the evaporation process. Gas-to-liquid energy transfer across boiler heating surfaces may be greatly accelerated when feed water is supplied to the boiler at saturation, since liquid boiling heat transfer is known to be much more rapid than that of liquids heating or cooling. The principal effect of the invention is to make a substantial theoretical increase in the effective steaming capacity of the boiler.