Supports Patents (Class 122/510)
  • Publication number: 20120167839
    Abstract: A means of offsetting semi-circular tube support plates typically present in heat exchangers with cross flow baffles, such as axial flow economizers, utilizing the motive force of steam generator pressurization. The offset slightly flexes the tubes, thereby providing a preload which minimizes the potential for tube vibration and wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Wepfer, Padmanabha J. Prabhu
  • Publication number: 20120079996
    Abstract: A thermal power boiler includes a furnace enclosed by two short side walls and two long side walls, flue gas channels arranged above the furnace, a back pass and a supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a stationary bearing structure supported from below. The bearing structure includes multiple vertical pillars and a parallel main supporting beams supported by the vertical pillars, and a suspension structure, so that the furnace hangs from the bearing structure. The main supporting beams and the flue gas channels arranged above the furnace are parallel with each other and parallel with the short side walls. The main supporting beams are preferably arranged at least partially between the flue gas channels extending over the roof of the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: FOSTER WHEELER ENERGIA OY
    Inventor: Pentti Lankinen
  • Publication number: 20110146598
    Abstract: A system for retaining boiler tubes in an array includes a bracket having a contoured surface defining at least one channel, the channel being semi-cylindrical and defined by an elongated cross section having a rounded portion and two elongated legs extending therefrom to define a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a planar section located at a terminus of each leg. The system also comprises a plate connectable to at least one planar section of the bracket. A method of manufacturing a cuff for a boiler tube assembly includes bending a bracket having at least one channel therein, the channel being configured to receive a boiler tube of the boiler tube assembly; and machining a plate, the plate being configured and sized to be positioned over the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Michael S. Conner, Stephen J. Koviack, Jack R. Worley
  • Publication number: 20110146597
    Abstract: An assembly for securing a riser brace to a riser pipe includes brackets configured to engage a yoke of the riser brace and clamp bands that are configured to extend around the riser pipe and connect to the brackets. The assembly also includes a connection that connects the assembly as a unit and is configured to adjust the tightness of the assembly around the riser pipe and riser brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael S. DeFilippis, Bruce J. Lentner
  • Patent number: 7958933
    Abstract: A heat exchange unit, adapted to performing heat exchange between first and second fluids at different temperatures, comprises a heat exchange apparatus provided with a tube bundle, crossed internally by said first fluid, and containing means of the second fluid, adapted to receiving the exchange apparatus so that at least one portion of the tube bundle is externally surrounded by the second fluid. The exchange apparatus further comprises connection means which are structurally separate from said retainer means and to which one end of the tube bundle is operatively connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ruths S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Castello
  • Publication number: 20110094455
    Abstract: A buckstay connecting system includes a socket part that is fixed to the horizontal buckstay being separated from a lower end of the vertical buckstay between the lower end of the vertical buckstay and the horizontal buckstay, and an insertion part that is fixed to a lower portion of the vertical buckstay, is inserted into the socket part so as to be able to slide in a vertical direction, inhibits the horizontal buckstay from being inclined, and is allowed to be fastened to the socket part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Katsumi KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20100294215
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for supporting walls of the furnace of a thermal power boiler, in which the furnace is suspended to hang on a supporting plane of the upper portion of steel structures especially arranged for the purpose, and the walls, being formed of water tubes, are supported horizontally at least by buckstays positioned substantially perpendicular to the water tubes, and vertical pillars, located outside the buckstays, are attached to the ground or the foundations of the boiler building. At least two of the walls, located on opposite sides of the furnace are supported in such a way that loads directed perpendicularly to the walls are transferred by the vertical pillars to internal stresses of at least one rigid plane surrounding the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: FOSTER WHEELER ENERGIA OY
    Inventor: Pentti Lankinen
  • Patent number: 7806346
    Abstract: A cascade unit for a heating system with two or more heating boilers, in particular condensing boilers, with a hydraulic shunt which is connected on the one hand with the inlet flows and return flows of all heating boilers and on the other hand with at least one heating circuit inlet flow and heating circuit return flow each, with the cascade unit furthermore comprising one each of the essentially horizontally extending boiler inlet flow header and boiler return flow manifold, the header and the manifold being connected with the hydraulic shunt, and the header and the manifold each being designed with prepared connecting nozzles fittingly placed for a group of two or more heating boilers for the connection of the heating boiler inlet flows and the heating boiler return flows. The cascade unit forms at least one self-supporting support frame on which at least one of the heating boilers is mountable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Comfort-Sinusverteiler GmbH
    Inventor: Dariusz Mukomilow
  • Patent number: 7793708
    Abstract: A tube support device is used with tube bundle devices such as heat exchangers or, condensers with in-line tube arrangements (rectangular tube configuration) to mitigate the possibility of tube damage from flow-induced vibration in the tube bundle. The tube support comprises an elongated member or strip which is intended to be inserted in a tube lane between the tubes of the tube bundle. Raised-tube-engaging zones which include transverse, arcuate tube-receiving saddles are disposed along the length of the strip at successive longitudinal locations corresponding to the tube positions in the bundle. These tube-engaging zones extend laterally out, away from the medial plane of the strip, so that the saddles receive and closely hold the tubes on opposite sides of the tube lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Amar S. Wanni, Marciano Madrid Calanog, Thomas M. Rudy, Malcolm D. Keen
  • Patent number: 7765959
    Abstract: A support base is provided for a water heater, the support base having a structure for supporting components of the water heater in their proper position in a manner that elevates an outer jacket of the heater and provides space for insulation between the outer jacket and an inner water tank. The support base comprises a lip at one end of the support base, an angled middle portion projecting upwardly from the lip such that the lip and the angled middle portion intersect to form a trough for positioning and supporting the water tank. The support base also has a top portion extending in a generally vertical direction from an upper end of the angled middle portion such that the top portion provides support for the outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney R. Syler
  • Publication number: 20100154726
    Abstract: A buckstay system is described comprising horizontal buckstays for the walls of a steam generator, for example in plural vertically space assemblies tied with vertical buckstays, in which a buckstay extends generally horizontally across each wall such as to form a connected pair with an adjacent buckstay at each corner; an elongate tie bar formation extends across each wall such as to form a fixedly mounted pair with an adjacent tie bar formation at each corner; an anchor assembly associated with each buckstay and providing engagement means by which each buckstay engages with a respective tie bar; and each horizontal buckstay is split to comprise at least two rigid elongate buckstay elements mounted together to be relatively slideable in a buckstay longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Dewan Shamsuz Zaman
  • Publication number: 20100139580
    Abstract: The arrangement is for positioning equipment in association with an opening in a boiler wall and has a rotation mechanism that rotates the equipment around a virtual rotation axis that lies within the outer wall of the boiler. During the use of a liquor spreader for the introduction of combustible material, the opening of the liquor spreader is arranged in the virtual center of rotation so that the point at which the combustible material is introduced is retained independently of the angle of rotation. The liquor spreader is united either with a glide device or the guide in the rotation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Ola Herstad, Robert Tillander, Henrik Lindell, Bengt Nilsson, Timo Vulli
  • Patent number: 7726447
    Abstract: A scaffold assembling of a large component for a boiler requiring inspection is not performed by a high-place work but assembled safely and in a short time. The scaffold is assembled to the large component for the boiler supported by a component supporting beam at the ground side before it is attached to a steel frame main-beam 16. Scaffold lifting/supporting beams interposing coil spaces of a superheater 14 are suspended on wires 36 lifted down from spaces of a ceiling tube wall 34 being a horizontal member of the superheater 14. The scaffold lifting/supporting beams 32 are lifted to raise little by lithe within the superheater, and scaffold components are assembled sequentially toward downward. After a required number of steps of scaffolds are assembled, the scaffold lifting/supporting beams 32 are coupled to the ceiling tube wall 34 to be supported. Finally, the superheater 14 is raised by a lifting means to install to the main-beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Kawaguchi, Kazuhito Nakamitsu, Sinnichi Sagawa
  • Patent number: 7721680
    Abstract: A link-type seismic tie is provided between a steel structural support and a buckstay, and includes two horizontally arranged, parallel, and spaced apart link members, which are connected at their ends to large vertical pins. Each of the link members includes two horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal outboard stringers and a horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal center stringer centered between the two outboard stringers. Each link member further includes finger plates standing upright and spaced apart from each other relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal stringers. The finger plates are held between each of the outboard stringers and the longitudinal center stringer. A gusset plate connects the outboard stringers to a pin plate, which is connected to a large pin at the buckstay. The other end of the link members is connected to a large pin at the steel structural support via the ends of the outboard stringers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. Radke
  • Publication number: 20100024694
    Abstract: A separator construction, connectable to a fluidized bed boiler having a furnace, for circulating bed material and returning the material to the furnace. The separator construction includes walls, a ceiling, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit in flow communication with a flue gas channel located above the separator, and a suspending device connecting the separator to a supporting structure in a building housing the boiler. The suspending device is formed of a frame arranged between the flue gas channel and the separator in connection with an upper circumference of the wall of the separator, and hanger rods or wires connecting the frame directly to the supporting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: FOSTER WHEELER ENERGIA OY
    Inventor: Pentti Lankinen
  • Patent number: 7487745
    Abstract: The tube assembly device of the present invention maintains spacing for proper heat transfer and avoids tubing wall removal should weld failure occur, thereby decreasing leakage of boiler tubes, shut down time and unscheduled down time for inspections and repairs. Productivity of the boilers is increased and maintenance costs are decreased. In the event of excess stress on the positioning assembly, the retainer assembly of the present invention allows for failure points to occur on the boiler tube position retainer assemblies rather than on the boiler tubes themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Rettig, Samuel Clifton, Michael Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090020273
    Abstract: A self-supporting system for positioning and restraining the U-bend tubes in the U-bend region of a nuclear steam generator includes arrays incorporating unique support bars having nubs projecting in the out-of-plane direction of the tube planes. The system also includes assemblies for spacing the arrays, tie bars to prevent the arrays from splaying and saddle bar assemblies to support the outermost tube layers. The system provides positive restraint to nub engaged tubes in both the in-plane direction of the tube planes and the out-of-plane direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: William G. Schneider, Brian Pearce, Nicholas Idvorian, Stephen W. Ziegler, Peter A. Caple
  • Patent number: 7464671
    Abstract: A structural framework for supporting the heat exchanger of a steam generator, the former being comprised of serpentine tubes having sloped segments to facilitate the drainage of water from the heat exchanger when the steam generator is shutdown. The structural framework includes paired groups of vertically and diagonally extending first support members contiguously straddling the sloped-tube segments. The paired first support members are rigidly connected by second support members which extend between adjacent sloped-tube segments. The structural framework preserves the spacing between the sloped-tube segments and prevents direct contact between adjoining tube surfaces, but is not attached to the straddled tube segments and, thus, provides a tube supporting fit that is loose enough to permit the tubes to move freely due to expansion and contraction at different rates from that of the structural framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: George H. Harth, III
  • Publication number: 20080276885
    Abstract: A boiler plant, which comprises a boiler (2) and a frame (1) of a boiler house surrounding the boiler. In addition, the boiler plant comprises support structures (3), by which the walls of the boiler (2) are supported laterally to the frame (1) of the boiler house. In addition, the invention relates to a support structure (3) and a method for supporting the walls of a boiler (2) of a boiler plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Metso Power Oy
    Inventors: Martti Seppanen, Johan Ruotsala
  • Publication number: 20080271686
    Abstract: A link-type seismic tie is provided between a steel structural support and a buckstay, and includes two horizontally arranged, parallel, and spaced apart link members, which are connected at their ends to large vertical pins. Each of the link members includes two horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal outboard stringers and a horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal center stringer centered between the two outboard stringers. Each link member further includes finger plates standing upright and spaced apart from each other relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal stringers. The finger plates are held between each of the outboard stringers and the longitudinal center stringer. A gusset plate connects the outboard stringers to a pin plate, which is connected to a large pin at the buckstay. The other end of the link members is connected to a large pin at the steel structural support via the ends of the outboard stringers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Edward F. Radke
  • Publication number: 20080264358
    Abstract: End support for parallel tubes of a superheater or reheater with a bend tubular portion, a linear tubular portion extending away from each end of the bend tubular portion, and a supporting member formed on a curved section of the bend tubular portion. The tubular portions form a connection between two consecutive parts of a fluid passage. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular portions and the supporting member are integrally formed, molded or cast of a suitable material, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, chromium-nickel alloy, or other suitable alloys that have high temperature strength and oxidation resistance. The supporting member is configured to securely attach the end support configuration to the wall support brackets on the wall support tube. Preferably, the supporting member and the wall support bracket slide on one another to provide relative movement between the superheater tubes and the wall support or boiler tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: George H. Harth
  • Publication number: 20080149048
    Abstract: A water heater having a water tank with means for heating water inside the water tank. A support structure is coupled to the water tank and configured to support the water tank when filled with water. A securing device is integrally formed with the support structure and/or water tank. The securing device secures the water heater to surrounding infrastructure to restrict the water heater from tipping over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: S. Jared Ostler
  • Publication number: 20080128580
    Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly suited to the manufacture and assembly of cage-like, substantially cylindrical structures made of long, slender tubular components which, by themselves, are not self-supporting, employs an exo-skeleton structure to assemble cage-like, tubular structures in pie-shaped, longitudinal segments while in a horizontal or vertical position utilizing longitudinal or circumferential attachments. The apparatus comprises at least two segments which permit construction of subassemblies of the cage-like, tubular structure and their transportation, if necessary, to a remote site where they may be finally assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Rickey A. Wilson, Ross Gornon Robinson, David K. Meisenhelter, James L. Barkan, Harry E. Hillegass
  • Patent number: 7357100
    Abstract: A necessary size and number of modules each obtained by housing a member including heat exchanger tube panels each comprising a heat exchanger tube bundle and headers for the heat exchanger tube bundle, an upper casing of an exhaust heat recovery boiler (HRSG), provided above the heat exchanger tube panels, heat insulators, and heat exchanger tube panel support beams provided on the upper surface of the upper casing into a transportation frame, are prepared according to design specifications of the HRSG, and side casings and a bottom casing except for the ceiling part casing are constructed in advance at a construction site of the HRSG, and the modules are suspended from above between adjacent support beams of the ceiling part to dispose the heat exchanger tube panel support beams of the modules at the set heights of the ceiling part support beams, and the support beams and the ceiling part support beams are connected and fixed via connecting steel plates, whereby the respective modules are transported to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isao Waseda, Atsuo Kawahara, Mitsugi Musashi, Toshinori Shigenaka
  • Publication number: 20080083380
    Abstract: A method for disassembling a boiler supported by a supporting structure is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Yoshihide Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20070272172
    Abstract: New and useful method of installing furnace walls for a boiler that does not require dedicated temporary lifting mechanism and reduces the installation work period significantly is disclosed. The method of installing furnace walls for a boiler configured with an upper portion of boiler proper 30 and a lower portion of boiler proper 40, temporally suspending two left and right face furnace water wall panels 48 among four furnace water wall panels, the upper portion of boiler proper is assembled while it is hanged from a top girder module 28 positioned on the top portion of a center portion in a boiler frame, a furnace rear wall 44 and a furnace front wall 42 among the furnace water wall panels are hanged sequentially, the temporally suspended two left and right face furnace water wall panels 48 are moved to designated positions, and the upper ends of the furnace water wall panels 48, 44 and 42 are connected with the lower end of the upper portion of boiler proper 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: HITACHI PLANT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Kawaguchi, Motoshi Horinouchi, Shinichi Sagawa, Yoshitaka Masuda, Masakatsu Imamura, Tadayoshi Mariyama, Yasuaki Kawashima
  • Patent number: 7275503
    Abstract: A method of constructing an exhaust heat recovery boiler. A required number of heat transfer tube group panel modules (20) are produced in an appropriate size according to design specifications of HRSG, where the heat transfer tube group panel modules (20) each have a large number of heat transfer tubes (6), heat transfer tube group panels (23) constituted of upper and lower collection tubes (7, 8) for the heat transfer tubes (6), a casing (1) for the heat transfer tube group panels (23), heat transfer tube group panel supporting beams (22) provided outside a ceiling wall portion of the casing (1), and a vertical and horizontal module frames (24, 25) provided outside the casing (1). Main frames for supporting the modules (20), including main pillars (33), main beams (34), and bottom wall portion pillars (36), are constructed in advance in a construction site of the heat recovery boiler (HRSG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isao Waseda, Yuzuru Yoshimoto, Yoshiki Kitahashi, Toshinori Shigenaka, Mitsugi Musashi, Toru Nishioka, Tatsuo Kiriyama, Eiiji Murakami
  • Patent number: 7240640
    Abstract: A boiler plant, including a combustion section, a heat exchange section including heat exchange surfaces, arranged above the combustion section and having a flow direction from the bottom upwards, and a stationary supporting structure. The combustion section and the heat exchange section are separate chambers, flexibly joined with each other, and the chambers are each separately hung from their upper part to the stationary supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia Oy
    Inventor: Pertti Kinnunen
  • Patent number: 7073451
    Abstract: A furnace wall comprises: a furnace wall bottom part composed of furnace wall tubes having upward-spiraled fluid passages; a nose part which has nose wall tubes disposed in a middle part of a furnace rear wall adjoining the furnace wall bottom part; and a screen part having screen tubes, wherein the terminal parts of the furnace wall tubes are located lower than the nose part. Consequently, the drain generated in the nose wall tubes while the operation of the boiler is suspended can naturally fall inside the furnace wall tubes located lower than the nose part, and in a case where the header is connected with the terminal parts of the furnace wall tubes, the drain generated in the nose wall tubes can naturally fall inside the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Okamoto, Junichiro Matsuda, Atsushi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 7060164
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a processing furnace used by the oil industry to heat feedstocks that are to be treated thermally, which is provided with bi-pivotal support columns to carry the radiation exchange tubes which form the coil of radiation exchange tubes. The support columns are provided with a lower bearing and an upper bearing means, which pivot, respectively, on a lower support and an upper guide, in such a way that all the stresses from the support and the radiation exchange tubes are transmitted to the base, causing no thermal stress from bending momentum to be transmitted to the base of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.
    Inventor: Laudemiro Nogueira, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6997141
    Abstract: A tube support structure for heat transfer tubes in a steam generator has a plurality of tube support bars which are installed between the heat transfer tubes. At least one of the support bars has a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer is preferably spot welded to the second metal layer at intervals. The first metal layer and second metal layer have different thermal expansion coefficients so that at room temperature the support bar is flat, and at the operating temperature of the steam generator the first layer forms a convex shape between the intervals to support the adjacent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Babcox & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Nansheng Sun
  • Patent number: 6993254
    Abstract: A manifold for supplying hot water to a heater such as a towel holder has a tubular outer body for mounting in a generally vertical disposition. The upper end of the outer body is closed off and an inner tube is mounted within the outer body, to communicate therewith at or adjacent the upper end. First and second connectors for first and second external pipes leading to the heater communicate with the interior of the outer body. An electrically-powered immersion heater is disposed within the inner tube and when energised raises the temperature of water in the inner tube thereby promoting convection circulation of hot water through a heater connected to the manifold by the first and second external pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Heating World Group Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy Damien Bosworth
  • Patent number: 6971169
    Abstract: This invention concerns a heat-resistant assembly having a heat-resistant block conformed to the contours of boiler tubes and the surface of their connecting rib. The heat-resistant assembly has an arm which protrudes from the surface of the rib toward the heat-resistant block and which has a catch on the end. The block has an indentation in which the catch on the arm engages. The block can be hung on or removed from the tube assembly by means of the arms and indentations. The heat-resistant assembly is further distinguished by the fact that a space is created between the end of the arm and the indentation of the block. A fusible substance, which will melt when the temperature of the arm exceeds a given value, is placed in the space. The heat-resistant assembly is further distinguished by the fact that an indentation is formed in the block in which a heat-resistant sleeve is adhered to engage the arm. This arrangement makes it possible to manufacture the heat-resistant block using press molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Terashima, Yuji Nakagawa, Keita Inoue, Minoru Ike
  • Patent number: 6914955
    Abstract: A support plate for retaining tube array spacing within a heat exchanger tube and shell structure. The support plate having a plurality of individual tube receiving apertures formed therein. Each aperture has at least three inwardly protruding members and bights are formed therebetween when the tube associated therewith is lodged in place to establish secondary fluid flow through the support plate. The inwardly protruding members terminate in flat lands that restrain but do not all contact the outer surface of the respective tube. These flat lands minimize fretting wear and eliminate potential gouging of the outer wall of the tube. The plate wall forming each aperture has an hourglass configuration which, inter alia, reduces pressure drop, turbulence and local deposition of magnetite and other particulates on the support plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard G. Klarner
  • Publication number: 20040231614
    Abstract: A heated towel holder comprises an elongate tube formed into the general shape of a conical helix, supported by a mounting arrangement such that the smaller end of the conical helix shape is lowermost and the axis of that shape extends upwardly at a shallow angle to the vertical. The mounting arrangement feeds heated fluid into one end of the formed tube and allows cooled fluid to drain from the other end of the formed tube. At least the greater part of a towel may simply be dropped into the conical volume bound by the helix so as to remain therein and be heated by fluid flowing through the formed tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jeremy Damien Bosworth
  • Patent number: 6810101
    Abstract: A support plate for retaining tube array spacing within a heat exchanger tube and shell structure. The support plate having a plurality of individual tube receiving aperture formed therein. Each apertures has at least three inwardly protruding members and bights are formed therebetween when the tube associated therewith is lodged in place to establish secondary fluid flow through the support plate. The inwardly protruding members terminate in flat lands that restrain but do not all contact the outer surface of the respective tube. These flat lands minimize fretting wear and eliminate potential gouging of the outer wall of the tube. The plate wall forming each aperture has an hourglass configuration which, inter alia, reduces pressure drop, turbulence and local deposition of magnetite and other particulates on the support plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard G. Klarner
  • Patent number: 6672260
    Abstract: An improved support for a tube bundle of a nuclear steam generator has a pair of plates separated by spacers and holding slotted disc springs used to mount tubes through tube holes of the pair of plates. The slotted disc springs deform upon installation and substantially eliminate tube vibration during use, thereby extending the useful life of the tubes. At the same time, the springs limit the pressure drop between sides of the support and enhance the heat transfer from the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Nansheng Sun
  • Publication number: 20030033990
    Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide a support fitting for a heat-resistant block to protect boiler tubes which can be easily and reliably stud-welded without losing any of its function as a support fitting. The support fitting according to this invention is used to attach to the heat-resistant block to protect boiler tubes. It protrudes upward at a right angle from the surface of the rib between two boiler tubes, and it is welded on the rib. The support fitting has a catch to engage with the heat-resistant block on its end. The support fitting according to this invention is distinguished by the fact that the welding surface of the support fitting to the rib is shaped narrower, and by the fact that a single globule of a deoxidizing conductive material used as flux is attached to the narrowed welding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Keita Inoue, Ryuta Maruyama, Minoru Ike, Kenshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6520123
    Abstract: An open-webbed cage support device providing support that enabling a mechanical device such as a thermal expansion tank to be suspended or mounted adjacent to the thermal water heating device without the need to improvise a “made in the field” support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Philip A. Parker, Patricia E. Garvin
  • Patent number: 6498827
    Abstract: A support plate for retaining tube array spacing within a heat exchanger tube and shell structure. The support plate having a plurality of individual tube receiving apertures formed therein. Each apertures has at least three inwardly protruding members and bights are formed therebetween when the tube associated therewith is lodged in place to establish secondary fluid flow through the support plate. The inwardly protruding members terminate in flat lands that restrain but do not all contact the outer surface of the respective tube. These flat lands minimize fretting wear and eliminate potential gouging of the outer wall of the tube. The plate wall forming each aperture has an hourglass configuration which, inter alia, reduces pressure drop, turbulence and local deposition of magnetite and other particulates on the support plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard G. Klarner
  • Patent number: 6467439
    Abstract: An array grid includes a plurality of interlocking elongate strips. The strips are structured and configured to provide sufficient lateral support for steam generator tubing while minimizing the risk of attack by stress corrosion cracking to the steam generator tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: John P. Cook, William J. Heilker, Daniel A. Peck
  • Patent number: 6431261
    Abstract: The temperature distribution in a shell and tube type heat exchanger having an expansion joint is uniformized by improving the circulation efficiency of fluid in the shell side. The uniformization is attained by the heat exchanger having an invasion-preventing plate against the fluid in the shell side attached to the expansion joint installed around the periphery of the shell, and a method of catalytic gas phase oxidation reaction that uses the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishimura, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Daisuke Nakamura, Masakatsu Mori, Osamu Dodo
  • Patent number: 6401803
    Abstract: A cradle stake (28) for being inserted transversely into a lane (20) between first and second rows (16) of tubes (14) in a tube bundle (10), for damping movement of the tubes in the bundle, includes first and second elongated metal strips (30, 32), which are arranged with their inner sides (40) facing one another, and a plurality of compression springs (42, 44 and 46) extending between the inner sides and being attached to the metal strips. In one embodiment, the springs have progressively greater lengths so that the metal strips are tapered, one to the other. In one embodiment, each elongated metal strip has a V-shaped bend along its length so that the metal strips themselves are also resilient, and each of the elongated metal strips includes indentation saddles (52) on outer sides thereof for engaging the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: The Atlantic Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6367430
    Abstract: A lattice high bar for a nuclear steam generator tube support bar array has scalloped indentations along its length. The scalloped indentations are located at points on the high bar where water tubes will contact the high bar. The indentations extend from one edge of the high bar to about two-thirds of the distance across the bar. When the high bars are used in a lattice bar array, only the unscalloped portion of the high bar contacts an adjacent supported tube, thereby reducing the contact area and the likelihood of corrosion and cracking and also reducing the length over which inspection is impeded. Additionally, the flow path created by opposed but overlapping scallops at the 120° intersections at certain points along the high bars improves the flow sweeping over the surface of the supported tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: William G. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20020033146
    Abstract: An open-webbed cage support device providing support that enabling a mechanical device such as a thermal expansion tank to be suspended or mounted adjacent to the thermal water heating device without the need to improvise a “made in the field” support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Philip A. Parker, Patricia E. Garvin
  • Patent number: 6357513
    Abstract: A novel individual support for a heat exchanger is disclosed which frictionally engages the outer surface of a tube-and-fin assembly and provides for interlocking of the supports. The novel support includes an alignment probe to facilitate installation and to prevent axial movement of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: L&M Radiator, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Janezich, Todd G. Dosen
  • Publication number: 20020017251
    Abstract: A continuous-flow steam generator includes a combustion chamber with evaporator tubes for fossil fuel. The combustion chamber is followed on the fuel-gas side by a vertical gas flue through a horizontal gas flue. When the continuous-flow steam generator is in operation, temperature differences in a connecting portion, which includes an outlet region of the combustion chamber and an inlet region of the horizontal gas flue, are to be kept particularly low. For such a purpose, of a plurality of evaporator tubes capable of being acted upon in parallel by flow medium, a number of evaporator tubes are guided in the form of a loop in the connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Eberhard Wittchow
  • Patent number: 6321691
    Abstract: A boiler attachment used to support a boiler component within the furnace or boiler chamber is composed of a similar material to the boiler component it is welded to, in order to eliminate the dissimilar weld failure. The boiler attachment is coated using a diffusion coating method to cover the attachments with a coating of aluminum, chromium, silicon or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: George H. Harth, III
  • Patent number: 6305330
    Abstract: A top-supported circulating fluidized bed boiler system includes a furnace, having sidewalls of a tube wall construction, for combusting fuel and producing combustion products, a particle separator, connected to the furnace, for separating particles from the combustion products from the furnace, an external, preferably non-cooled, heat exchange chamber connected to the particle separator for removing heat from the combustion products, a return duct, connected to the heat exchange chamber, for returning particles separated by the separator to the furnace, a rigid support construction for supporting elements of the system, and a suspension arrangement for suspending the heat exchange chamber from the rigid support construction. The suspension arrangement includes, for preferably 60% or more of its length, at least one of steam tubes and water tubes at a temperature of about 300 to about 550° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Darling
  • Publication number: 20010023665
    Abstract: During the assembly of a steam generator, the boiler columns are assembled, and, in parallel, headers and other wall boxes are assembled on booms of the boiler columns, so that when the boiler columns are completed, the headers and wall boxes are also finally assembled. Next, the peripheral roof section is assembled onto the boiler columns, and the vertical steam generator-containing walls are suspended from the peripheral roof section. Parallel to this, the inner roof section is constructed and the convection heating surfaces are successively mounted to the inner roof section and lifted upward from the base. The assembled inner roof section and convection heating surfaces are then lifted to the height of the peripheral roof section, and the two parts of the roof are connected. Finally, the furnace walls having a vertical or inclined tube arrangement, including the furnace hopper, are assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Jurgen Heidrich