Abstract: A furnace panel leak monitoring and control system for fluid-cooled panels in high temperature industrial furnaces such as, for example, smelting furnaces, blast furnaces and electric arc furnaces. The system performs at least two and up to four functions simultaneously. At minimum, the system includes one or more temperature sensors received within the body of the panel to monitor temperature within the metal of the panel itself, and pressure sensors installed proximate the inlet and outlet of each panel coolant fluid circuit, which circuits are preferably periodically automatically tested, to check for leaks in the coolant circuits. In addition, the system preferably includes temperature and flow sensors for monitoring the furnace panel coolant circuit(s) for temperature and flow fluctuations, respectively, which may be indicative of leaking cooling circuits. The system triggers visual and/or audible alarms to alert a human operator of an apparent coolant fluid leak situation.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a pressurised steam boiler (50) heated by a burner (20), which includes the steps of a) monitoring the level of water in the boiler (50), b) monitoring the pressure of steam in the boiler (50), c) monitoring the firing rate of the burner (20), and d) controlling the flow rate of water into the boiler (50) having regard to the signals resulting from a) and b) and, at least for some signal conditions, also having regard to signals resulting from c). The level of water is detected by a pair of capacitance probe assemblies (58A and 58B).

Abstract: A household appliance for steam generation with a boiler containing a heating source for water vaporization intended to be partly immersed in water; a control means for adjusting the pressure valve of the steam in the boiler that operatively associated with the heating source to switch on or off so as to maintain the steam pressure at a desired value; and a steam delivering means. The means for adjusting the pressure value in the boiler is operatively associated with the steam delivery means so as to switch the heating source on and off in function of the open or closed status of the steam delivery means.

Abstract: The flow rate of water into a pressurized steam boiler heated by a burner is controlled by monitoring the level of water in the boiler, monitoring the pressure of steam in the boiler and monitoring the firing rate of the boiler. The level of water in the boiler is measured by a pair of capacitance probes. By controlling the water flow with regard not only to variables relating to the boiler but also variables relating to the burner, it is possible to provide a better control of water flow. Also, by assessing variables relating both to the burner operation and the boiler operation, an assessment of the mass flow rate of steam from the boiler can be made without employing a steam flow meter.

Abstract: A depressurization apparatus which utilizes a plurality of rupturable discs connected to lines that communicate with a conduit conveying hot gas from a pressurized fluid bed reactor to a turbine. Whenever depressurization is required due to excessive pressure in the conduit or for another reason, one or more rupturable discs are electrically fired to vent the gas to atmosphere. A separate isolation valve is provided for each disc, and can be closed to facilitate the replacement of a ruptured disc without having to shutdown the reactor.