Abstract: A method of reducing vibration in a bank of tubes due to fluid crossflow, the tubes having substantially parallel longitudinal axes. The method includes the steps of selecting a plurality of tubes from the bank of tubes and interconnecting the selected tubes so as to restrain motion of the selected tubes relative to one another in at least one direction, transverse to the longitudinal axes of the tubes, while permitting each of the selected tubes to rotate on its longitudinal axis and expand and contract in a region adjacent to the interconnection. Also disclosed are various apparatus for reducing vibration in a bank of tubes due to fluid crossflow.

Abstract: A combined cycle system has a gas turbine for generating an exhaust gas stream and a heat recovery steam generator with a housing for defining a horizontal exhaust gas flow path for the exhaust gas stream. Positioned within the housing is a heat recovery assembly having vertical rows of horizontally oriented heat transfer tubes transverse to the direction of gas flow and spaced apart in the direction of the gas flow path. The heat transfer tubes are supported by a plurality of vertical support plate assemblies oriented parallel to the exhaust flow path. Each support plate assembly has a plurality of coplanar support plate segments, each support plate segment supporting less than three rows of heat transfer tubes.

Abstract: A heater includes a radiant section having a wall and a roof, the roof having a longitudinal opening. A radiant heat exchange tube is disposed in the radiant section, and the tube has an inlet and outlet through which a process fluid can be carried respectively into and out of the radiant section. The tube between the inlet and outlet is arranged in generally horizontal tube lengths. A plurality of burners is provided, at least two of the burners being disposed on opposing sides of the tube. A plurality of tube supports is releasably positioned at longitudinal intervals along the tube lengths and define tube seats on which the tube lengths rest. The tube and tube supports are liftable as a unit through the longitudinal opening of the roof of the radiant section.

Abstract: A device which suspends a horizontal heat-exchanger tube from a vertical supporting tube, including a flat section member adapted to be welded to an outside wall of the vertical supporting tube and parallel to an axis thereof, the flat section member being provided with a rounded notch which receives a support piece adapted to accommodate the horizontal tube, wherein the tube-receiving support piece is a folded metal sheet that is folded to match a shape of the notch and adapted to surround a portion of an outside periphery of the tube, the support piece having a top end and a bottom end, each of the ends being folded over towards the flat section member so as to be welded thereto, and wherein a collar adapted to enclose the horizontal tube is fixed against the tube-receiving support piece.

Abstract: A buckstay system of an associated furnace having a combustion cavity with a front waterwall, a rear waterwall, and opposed left and right side waterwalls joining the front and rear waterwalls and where the waterwalls are arranged in a generally square pattern about the cavity. The cavity has four corners and each buckstay an attachment module welded to each end, each attachment module includes first and second planar plates. The first and second planar plates are disposed in side abutting relationship to the web of the buckstay and extend beyond the end of the buckstay, each of the first and second plates have coaxial pivot holes disposed in a part thereof that extends beyond the end of the buckstay. The planar plates in the attachment module may be rectangular. Or have a notch or recess for clearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiant tube supporting apparatus for a radiant tube arranged as a radiant heat source in a heat treatment furnace. The radiant tube is inserted through a furnace wall on one side having a supporting member attached to a bend at the tip of the radiant tube. The supporting member projects to outside the furnace through the furnace wall on the other side, and a bearing member bearing the supporting member is provided outside the furnace.

Abstract: There is provided a circulating fluidized bed steam generator (CFB) having an improved structural support system and an improved combined hot solids-gas separator for separating gas and solids from a combined gas-solids stream. The combined hot solids-gas separator is in the form of a cyclone assembly having a plurality of wall portions forming a separation chamber and an inlet for passage of a combined gas-solids stream into the separation chamber. The lowermost extent of the inlet forms a threshold over which the combined gas-solids stream flows in entering the separation chamber. The separation chamber is operable to separate the combined gas-solids stream into a predominantly gas exit stream and a predominantly solids exit stream in a manner by which separated out solids to be discharged from the separation chamber via the predominantly solids exit stream are collected within the separation chamber at a location lower than the inlet.

Abstract: A heat-resistant assembly to shield boiler tubes which does not entail a thick heat-resistant block. This structure would be interposed between the boiler tubes and the combustion gases. Such a structure would be distinguished by the fact that it comprises heat-resistant block 16, itself composed of curved portion 16a, whose inner surface at one point comes in contact with the aforesaid boiler tube 11, and connecting portions 16b, and the aforesaid boiler tube assembly 12. The interlocking attachment structure which interlockingly secures these two components together in such a way that the block can be mounted or removed comprises recess 17, 58 or 68 and tongue 18, 59 or 69.

Abstract: A buckstay system of an associated furnace having a combustion cavity with a front waterwall, a rear waterwall, and opposed left and right side waterwalls joining the front and rear waterwalls and where the waterwalls are arranged in a generally square pattern about the cavity. The cavity has four corners and each buckstay an attachment module welded to each end, each attachment module includes first and second planar plates. The first and second planar plates are disposed in side abutting relationship to the web of the buckstay and extend beyond the end of the buckstay, each of the first and second plates have coaxial pivot holes disposed in a part thereof that extends beyond the end of the buckstay. The planar plates in the attachment module my be rectangular. Or have a notch or recess for clearance.

Abstract: A refractory protective block protects heat exchange means connecting tubes to fins. The refractory protective block has an inside complementary shape corresponding to the surface shape of the heat exchange means and the refractory protective block is provided with recesses into which projections formed on the tubes are fitted and received. A pair of projections formed on the two adjacent tubes in the heat exchange means are arranged so as to confront each other. The refractory protective block has a high durability which does not break even when heat exchange means expand more than the refractory block at the time of the repetition of heating and cooling and which enable the dispersion of strain at the time of the repetition of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A steam generator having a steam drum and which includes first and second U-shaped members dimensioned and configured for cradling the steam drum. Each of the first and second U-shaped members has first and second elongated leg portions and each of the leg portions is supported by a separate first body. The first body is supported by a separate second body, one of the bodies has a concave spherical section face and the other has a convex spherical section face, the concave spherical section face and the convex spherical section face are disposed in abutting load bearing relationship. Thus, a discrete set of first and second bodies is associated with each of the leg portions.

Abstract: An improved means for mounting and supporting the helical feedstock coil within a pyrolysis furnace, by providing vertical support members which have an internal passageway that allows for coolant to be passed through, thus reducing the temperature of said support members and enabling the use of less expensive structural material and fabrication technique with resulting cost savings and enhanced reliability and useful life of the tube supports and furnace.

Abstract: Pendant convection pass tube circuitry of once through steam generator have their floor and floor support tubes enlarged by a swage coupling and connected to enlarged sidewall tubes supported from steel boiler top supports to provide a more flexible circuitry operating at decreased temperatures and pressure losses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refractory shield for protecting a superheater tube against fluid attack comprising first and second partial-tubes, each partial-tube having a C-shaped cross-section, the C-shaped cross section defining first and second ends; wherein the ends of the partial-tubes are opposably engaged, and wherein the partial-tubes comprise means for preventing radial movement of the first partial-tube relative to the second partial-tube.

Abstract: A new and improved heat recovery steam generating apparatus for extracting heat from a hot gas stream, comprises a vertically extending tube bank having upper and lower headers at opposite ends. Two pairs of external, gravity force, support columns are spaced upstream and downstream of the tube bank and a top support structure is mounted at the upper end of the columns for supporting the tube bank in downwardly hanging relation from the upper header. A pair of permanent internal trusses are supportively connected at the upper end to the columns and each truss has opposite edges slidably supported from a pair of columns for accommodating expansion and contraction of the tubes and for transferring and resisting lateral and shear loads, which loads are eventually transferred to a bottom structure at the lower end of the columns.

Abstract: Segmented stayrod for restricting transverse displacement of a nuclear heat exchanger tube support plate. The stayrod includes a first rod segment interposed between the tubesheet and the first support plate, the first rod segment having an externally threaded riser extending through the hole formed in the first support plate. The stayrod also has a second rod segment interposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, the second rod segment having an internally threaded end portion for threadably engaging the threaded riser of the first rod segment. The second rod segment also has an externally threaded riser extending through the hole formed in the second support plate. An internally threaded fastener threadably engages the riser of the second rod segment for fastening the second rod segment to the second support plate. In this manner, the first support plate is captured between the first rod segment and the second rod segment.

Abstract: A deformable and replaceable energy absorbing structure mounted between the furnace floor tubes and floor tube support truss to absorb impact from falling slag and prevent tube damage. A beam, such as an I-beam extends from the supporting structure and is adapted to hold a deformable structure. A tie bar attached to the floor tube panel extends across the panel and rests upon the deformable structure. This arrangement is provided at as many contact points between the floor tube panel and support structure as necessary to support the dead weight of the tubes while still providing suitable energy absorption characteristics.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, in particular for a nuclear reactor steam generator, comprising a U-tube bundle and a stabilizing system composed of anti-vibration bars inserted between the tubes of the bundle in the upper tube U-bend region. The anti-vibration bars have portions that protrude from the tube bend region, and the stabilizing system comprises elements which connect the aligned portions of the ends of the anti-vibration bars and are composed of a comb with slots designed to receive the ends of the anti-vibration bars, and a comb cover attached with fastening means. All the connecting elements are attached to supports that are joined to the bundle wrapper, while allowing limited movement of the set of anti-vibration bars and connecting elements.

Abstract: A steam generator originally having hydraulic snubbers damping lateral thermal movement of the steam generator is backfit to laterally support the steam generator without hydraulic damping. Hydraulic fluid is emptied from piston cylinders of all snubbers extending from a steam generator; and then stops are placed around piston rods extending into the piston cylinders of empty snubbers extending from the back side of the steam generator to stop the thermal growth of the steam generator in the operation of the nuclear reactor vessel to generate power. Thus, the costs associated with maintaining, inspecting and testing hydraulic snubbers are entirely eliminated. Also, the backside empty snubbers are used as bumpers and do not incur disposal costs.

Abstract: A steam generating system including an upright furnace section formed by a plurality of tubes, a portion of which have upper and lower tube ends and extend at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane, a portion of which extend vertically downwards from the lower tube ends, and a portion of which extend vertically upwards from the upper tube ends. Additional lower and upper vertical tubes are provided which are coplanar with, parallel to, and evenly distributed and interlaced among the tubes extending vertically from the respective lower and upper ends. Means is provided to pass fluid through the length of the furnace section to convert a portion of the fluid to steam or to heat the fluid, the fluid passing upwards first through the additional lower vertical tubes, then through the length of the angularly extending tubes including the vertical extensions thereof, and then through the additional upper vertical tubes.

Abstract: A buckstay system for a membraned-tube wall of a steam generator having a first wall section which meets a second wall section at an angle to form a corner. At least one buckstay extends across at least part of each wall section. A pair of tie bars are welded to each other at the corner, an end connection corner tie is welded at the corner to the pair of tie bars, and a pair of end connection buckstay brackets are welded to each end of the buckstays. A pair of pinned end connection links, an end connection corner tie and the end connection buckstay bracket transmit forces from one buckstay to the other wall's tiebar. Bending forces which tend to bend each wall section are transmitted to each respective buckstay which resists such forces.

Abstract: A rod baffle heat exchanger utilizing an improved rod baffle is disclosed. The improved rod baffle has a baffle ring and support member comprised of a first strip and a second strip each attached to the ring and extending across said ring such that each strip will support an adjacent tube row. Struts are attached to and extend between the first and second strip. The improved rod baffle provides for a reduced longitudinal-flow, shell-side pressure drop over a solid support member.

Abstract: A steam generator configuration, in particular of a low temperature carbonization-combustion plant, includes a supporting structure. A flue gas channel is disposed in the supporting structure and has a first vertical segment, a second at least approximately horizontal segment, and a third vertical segment being connected through the second segment to the first segment to form a structural unit. Supporting members suspend the first segment in the supporting structure in order to avoid restrictions to expansion and deformation of the flue gas channel as a result of thermal expansion. The supporting members are in an oblique or slanted position relative to the vertical in a cold condition. The oblique position essentially corresponds to a thermal expansion of the second horizontal segment in a hot condition. The supporting elements are parallel to the vertical in the hot condition.

Abstract: A waterwall heat transfer system has a tube block secured to a tube assembly. The tube assembly includes a plurality of parallel tubes connected together by a membrane. The tube block has a base section and a plurality of spaced ridges extending upward from the base section, the upper surface of at least one of the spaced ridges defining a generally horizontal surface. The ridges are spaced to define channels therebetween with the height of at least one of the ridges selected to provide a seat for the membrane of the assembly.

Abstract: An element (18) of elongate form is fastened onto the tube support plate (8a) of the steam generator nearest the bent parts (10c, 10"c, 10'"c) of the tubes (10) of the bundle, in a central free zone of the bundle, in line with the small bends (10"c) of the tubes of the bundle. Anti-vibration bars (15) of a set of bars which are intended to be placed between any two adjacent rows (20) of the bundle of tubes are fastened by their internal end onto a dovetail piece (16) which is attached to the elongate element (18). All the anti-vibration bars (15) intended to come into a space contained between two successive rows (20) of the bundle of the heat exchanger are thus fitted in a single operation. The invention applies in particular to steam generators of pressurized water nuclear reactors.

Abstract: The blocking device includes sets of antivibration bars (25, 25') interposed between layers of tubes (24) of the bundle of the steam generator, in the upper part of the bundle, termed the tube bend region. The antivibration bars (25, 25') include parts (25b, 25'b) which project with respect to the tube bend region, and the blocking device includes a linkage of the end parts of the antivibration bars, which include aligned openings. The linkage includes a screw (21) whose head (21a) bears on a first antivibration bar (25) and whose threaded rod (21b) is screwed into a spacer (22). The spacer (22) is fixed either in a second spacer or in a tapped fastening element (23), by a threaded part (22b). The threaded parts (21b) of the screw and (22b) of the spacer pass through the antivibration bars (25, 25') through aligned openings.

Abstract: A method of supporting the spiral boiler tubing that surrounds a portion of the furnace or combustion area of a steam generator. This method of support eliminates the need to weld plate to the outside of the boiler tubing thereby increasing the mass of the boiler tubing which will result in the creation of temperature differentials within the spiral tubing. In accordance with this invention, a plurality of support members are inserted within and alongside the regular spiral tubing forming a part of the furnace enclosure. These support members are periodically removed from within the plane of this furnace enclosure and re-positioned to another (usually more elevated) position within the furnace enclosure. As the support members near the top of the spiral tubing (which is also the transition from the spiral tubing to more vertically aligned tubing), these support members are secured to this vertical tubing thereby transferring the loading of the spiral tubing to the vertical tubing.

Abstract: A device for radially holding the envelope of a tube bundle and spacer plates of a steam generator, constituted by abutments traversing the wall of the bundle envelope and fixed to the wall level with the spacer plates. The said abutments being distributed on the periphery of each spacer plate in order to radially separate the bundle envelope from the pressure envelope of the steam generator. Each abutment comprises a first part (37) fixed to the bundle envelope (6) and contacted with the inner face of the pressure envelope (1), as well as a second part (32) exerting rigid holding stress on the spacer plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the radial holding or supporting of the envelope of a bundle of tubes and spacer plates of a steam generator or boiler, constituted by stops or abutments traversing the wall of the bundle envelope and fixed to the wall level with the spacer plates. The abutments are distributed over the periphery of each spacer plate in order to radially separate the bundle envelope from the pressure envelope of the steam generator and to exert rigid supporting stresses between the spacer plates and the bundle envelope. The abutments are adapted for sliding on the inner face of the pressure envelope. Each abutment is constituted by a first part which comes into contact with the inner face of the pressure envelope, a second part and a third part coming into contact with the spacer plate. The second part serving as the intermediary between the first and third parts. The first part has a first thread permitting its fixing by screwing to the bundle envelope and a second thread.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for supporting and spacing the tubes within a heat exchanger comprised of a plurality of V-shaped stiff wire rods. Each of the V-shaped wire rods includes a pair of leg portions and a concave intermediate section. The inside radius of the concave intermediate section is substantially equivalent to one-half of the tube outside diameter. Six of the V-shaped stiff wire rods are affixed to one another to form a spacer having a substantially hexagonal opening wherein each side of the hexagonal opening is one of the concave intermediate sections. At each apex of the substantially hexagonal opening there extends radially outward legs from two of abutting V-shaped stiff wire rods.Thus formed, the spacer of the present invention provides a structurally sound tube supporting device while limiting the obstruction to flow of shell side process fluid.

Abstract: The heat exchanger includes at least one metal retainer hoop (20) having a shape similar to the shape of the bent parts (5b) of the tubes of the bundle, fixed at each of its ends on the spacer plate (10a) located closest to the bent parts (5b) of the tubes, in extension of two anchor rods, (14) and interposed between two successive tubes of a plane row of tubes (18) and including linkage devices (22) for fastening the set of antivibration bars (13) interposed between two adjacent tube rows.

Abstract: A baffle ring suitable for retrofitting an existing shell-and-tube heat exchanger with rod baffle supports and a method of retrofitting an existing shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a rod baffle support is provided. The rod baffle rings comprise a first semi-circular member and a second semi-circular member with a first semi-circular member hinged to the second semi-circular member such that they can be hinged open to allow installation on the existing tube bundle and hinged closed to provide a completed rod baffle ring around the tube bundle.

Abstract: A spacer for aligning a series of tubes comprises a first side having a plurality of adjacently positioned recesses and an extended portion projecting the adjacent recesses. The spacer also comprises a second side having a plurality of adjacently positioned recesses and a projection between the adjacent recesses. The first side and the second side are oppositely aligned around a series of tubes such that each tube is positioned between a recess of the first side and a recess of the second side and the extended portion of the first side extends near the projection of the second side for defining a weld area. A weld is also provided at the weld area for fixing the extended portion of the first side to the projection of the second side.

Abstract: A furnace comprising a lower radiant section and an upper convection section, the lower section having associated fuel burners; generally vertically extending first tubular structure suspended in the first section; second tubular structure extending generally horizontally relative to the first section and suspending the first tubular structure; and grid structure extending generally horizontally and supporting the second tubular structure; whereby hot combustion gases produced by the burners flow upwardly in the first section and past the first and second tubular structure and the grid structure to the upper convection section; and the second tubular structures and/or the grid structure are cooled by circulation of fluids therein.

Abstract: An improved rod baffle heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed in which cross-support members are used to prevent support rod movement and to provide increased rigidity in the heat exchanger. The cross-support members have a threaded circular section at each end, to which threaded nuts are attached. The threaded nuts rest on a protective pad, which is adjacent to the outermost tubes. As the nuts are tightened at each end of the threaded cross-support member, the baffle support rods are brought into firm contact with adjacent tubes.

Abstract: An arrangement for containing a top supported heating unit therein comprises a top and bottom opposite the top. Two vertical members are connected to the top and the bottom and the vertical members are spaced a distance from each other. At least one level is rotatably connected between the vertical members. A plurality of support rods are connected to the top and the level. Temporary supports are removably attached to the top, the vertical members and the bottom and the heating unit extends between the top and the bottom through the level and is confined by the vertical members and the support rods.

Abstract: A modular arrangement for containing a heat exchanger module comprises a base frame and four vertical truss members slidably mounted to the base frame at one end of the members. Each vertical truss member is positioned a distance apart from another vertical truss member across the base frame to define a front, a back, and two sides. The heat exchanger unit is contained within the base frame and the vertical truss members. Intermediate tie steel is supported by the four vertical truss members. At least two different levels, each level having a junction fixed to each vertical truss member, are provided. A horizontal side truss member is rotatably attached to the junctions of adjacent vertical truss members and a diagonal truss member extends between and is removably attached to the junctions between adjacent levels. The base frame, the intermediate tie steel, the vertical truss members, and the heat exchanger unit contained therein define a module for transportation and assembly.

Abstract: A frame structure is provided for a bed vessel in an energy plant with higher or lower pressure in the bed vessel in relation to the surrounding space. The walls of the bed vessel are stiffened by surrounding horizontally extending, continuous frames with stiff corners, beams in the frames are built up from rolled standard beams and each individual frame is supported and guided by devices applied to the bed vessel wall. The devices make possible axial movements of the frame beams in relation to the devices. Anti-twist bars for each frame are arranged by means of crossbars rigidly attached to each frame. The crossbars extend to the adjacent frame. The ends of the crossbars mounted in a web of the adjacent frame, the ends of the crossbars at the mounting point being freely axially movable.

Abstract: It has now been found that these and other objects of the invention may be attained in a vapor generation apparatus which includes a tube wall and an elongated first horizontal buckstay disposed at a first elevation. The apparatus also includes coupling means coupling the first horizontal buckstay to the tube wall, an elongated second horizontal buckstay disposed at an elevation that is higher than the first elevation. The apparatus also includes means for coupling the second horizontal buckstay to the tube wall. A first elongated vertical buckstay member has first and second ends and also includes for securing one end of the first elongated vertical buckstay members to one of the horizontal buckstay members.

Abstract: A fluidized bed water tube boiler comprising a fluidized bed combustion section including a fluidized bed formed from a continuous water tube wall, a free-board section for burning volatile components produced in the fluidized bed combustion section, and a convective heat transfer section comprised of a steam drum and a water drum connected to the downstream side of the freeboard section through water tubes for recovering heat from combustion exhaust gas; wherein the fluidized bed combustion section and the freeboard section are formed as separable modules which are connected to each other, and circulation of a boiler water between the fluidized bed combustion section and the convective heat transfer section is separated from that between the freeboard section and the convective heat transfer section.

Abstract: A vapor generation apparatus which includes a furnace, having a tube wall and at least one vertical buckstay member disposed proximate to the outer face of the spiral tube wall. The apparatus includes a stirrup for transmitting forces between the spiral tube wall and the vertical buckstay member. The stirrup includes a U-shaped plate and a cylindrical member, apparatus for mounting the cylindrical member on the vertical buckstay member including first and second lugs fixed to the vertical buckstay member in spaced relationship. The cylindrical member is fixed between the first and second lugs in spaced relation to the vertical buckstay member. The apparatus also includes apparatus for mounting the U-shaped plate on the tube wall.

Abstract: A tube stop for cooperation with a tube and fin furnace wall and a horizontal buckstay which includes first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates, apparatus for attachment of the first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates to the associated tube wall. A U-shaped plate has first and second opposed generally planar generally parallel space side walls, the first and second side walls being respectively disposed in spaced relation generally parallel relationship to the first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates, apparatus for coupling the first and second walls of the U-shaped member respectively to the first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates, and apparatus for rigidly coupling the U-shaped plate to the to the associated horizontal buckstay.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger, such as a steam generator equipping a nuclear power station, the intermediate inwardly curved parts (14c) of the U-tubes (14) grouped into a bundle forming parallel layers are maintained by antivibration bars (36a, 36b', 36c') placed between each pair of adjacent layers, these bars being interconnected outside the bundle by connecting pins (38a, 38b, 38c). To prevent the fly-off of the assembly formed by the antivibration bars and the connecting pins, at least part of the bars (36a, 36b', 36c') are placed in slots formed in an elongated structure (40) fixed to the spacing plate (34a) closest to the inwardly curved part of the tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger adapted to handle dusty hot waste gases including a vertically oriented shell through which the waste gases flow longitudinally downward. The shell contains a tube assembly of vertical tubes having external, longitudinal heat transfer fins with the tubes being connected for fluid flow and support of their upper and lower ends to a central vertical support/header assembly. This support/header assembly is a tube divided into an upper header, a lower header and a center support tube section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking a single row of transversely extending parallel tubes. The open end of a U-shaped stake, comprising first and second strip portions elongated in the longitudinal direction with a connecting portion at one end, longitudinally is inserted so as to engage at least the outer surface of a tube located at one end of the row. The stake then is fastened to said row by encircling, in at least one substantially transverse plane, the outer surfaces of each strip portion. The encircling occurs in at least one longitudinal location along said stake that is between adjacent tubes of said row, and locally deforms the stake to further secure the stake against the row of tubes.

Abstract: A buckstay system for a membraned-tube wall having a first wall section which meets a second wall section at an angle to form a corner, utilizes the natural load carrying ability of membraned tube wall construction to simplify or eliminate structural components previously utilized at such locations. Some embodiments use the membraned-tube wall corner configuration alone, or in combination with corner reinforcing plates and/or stiffening members to distribute combustion gas pressure loads to adjacent membrane-wall panels. Other aspects provide reinforcement only to accommodate transient overpressure conditions.

Abstract: A mounting device for a heat exchanger or the like elongated member subject to longitudinal expansion and contraction, that freely permits longitudinal movement sufficient to accomodate anticipated expansion and contraction of the member, but that provides positive restriction on movement in every other direction such as is likely to occur during an earthquake. The device moves on rolling, line-contact bearing surfaces, substantially eliminating the danger of binding or freezing of the device.

Abstract: For use in a heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes, a stiffener plate for supporting the tubes, the plate being in the form of a unitary relatively thin planar metal plate having an opening for each tube to be supported, each opening being in the form of an integral short-length tubular ferrule portion of internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the tube to be received therethrough, each integral ferrule portion having an end surface that is in a plane paralleled to and spaced from the plate.

Abstract: A baffleless tube and shell heat exchanger for cooling a liquid, comprising a shell having an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of tubes longitudinally disposed in the shell, each of the tubes having an inlet and an outlet for passing a coolant therethrough, the liquid to be cooled passing through the shell along the exterior of the tubes, the interior and exterior circumference of the tubes being fluted substantially along the entire length thereof such that the coolant flows substantially longitudinally through the tubes in a spiralled manner and the liquid passes substantially longitudinally through the shell in a spiralled manner; and support means for supporting the tubes wherein the flow of the liquid through the heat exchanger only experiences restriction due to the tubes and the support means, there being no baffles to restrict the flow.

Abstract: A deformable and replaceable energy absorbing structure mounted between the furnace floor tubes and floor tube support truss to absorb impact from falling slag and prevent tube damage. A beam, such as an I-beam extends from the supporting structure and is adapted to hold a deformable structure. A tie bar attached to the floor tube panel extends across the panel and rests upon the deformable structure. This arrangement is provided at as many contact points between the floor tube panel and support structure as necessary to support the dead weight of the tubes while still providing suitable energy absorption characteristics.