Abstract: An annular superheater element for superheating steam within firetubes of firetube boilers comprising concentric inner and outer tubes and a specially designed return end cap. Saturated steam introduced into the outer tube of said superheater element is superheated while traveling towards the burner end of the tube, is directed into the inner tube by means of the return end cap, and travels away from the burner side of the element where it is exhausted for use as superheated steam. While traversing the inner tube, the superheated steam gives off heat energy through the wall of the inner tube to the steam traveling in the outer tube towards the burner end of the tube, conserving energy. The improved superheater element produces superheated steam more efficiently, with less fuel, and steam capable of doing more work, than conventional superheater elements and can be used to retrofit existing firetube type boilers.

Abstract: An insert for a radiant tube of a furnace including a first section adapted to absorb heat from combustion gases passing through the radiant tube and radiantly transfer the heat to a wall of the radiant tube and a second section for directing heat and gases in the radiant tube toward the first section of the insert and a system including a radiant tube and one or more such inserts. Also, a method of improving heat transfer from a radiant tube of a furnace to the material being heated including supplying an insert as described above and placing the insert into the radiant tube such that the first section corresponds to a portion of the radiant tube that is closest to the material being heated. Also, an insert for a radiant tube of a furnace including a ceramic body and a metal deposited on the surface of the ceramic body.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.