Abstract: A tube block containing a ribbed surface for prtecting a boiler tube assembly from corrosion is disclosed. The improved design protects the tube assembly while at the same time permitting excellent heat transfer.

Abstract: Vessel structural support system for laterally and vertically supporting a vessel, such as a nuclear steam generator having an exterior bottom surface and a side surface thereon. The system includes a bracket connected to the bottom surface. A support column is pivotally connected to the bracket for vertically supporting the steam generator. The system also includes a base pad assembly connected pivotally to the support column for supporting the support column and the steam generator. The base pad assembly, which is capable of being brought to a level position by turning leveling nuts, is anchored to a floor. The system further includes a male key member attached to the side surface of the steam generator and a female stop member attached to an adjacent wall. The male key member and the female stop member coact to laterally support the steam generator.

Abstract: In a boiler, particularly a recirculating fluidized bed boiler, the tubes of heat exchanger banks (panels) are connected together so that they are securely supported against sideways movement. A first heat transfer panel has a first plurality of elongated heat transfer tubes, vertically stacked one atop the other, and extending horizontally in a first dimension; and a second heat transfer panel has a second plurality of vertically stacked heat transfer tubes extending horizontally in a second dimension, perpendicular to the first dimension. The panels are supported by walls of the boiler reaction chamber. Connectors attach one of the tubes of the second bank to the first bank to stiffen the first bank against sideways movement. The connectors may be bollard or triangularly shaped lugs welded to or operatively engaging tubes of both banks, or a tube of the first bank may be bent to form a loop, with a tube of the second bank passing through the loop and engaging the bends of the bent tube.

Abstract: A support structure supports a fluidized bed firing boiler disposed within a cylindrical pressure vessel and operated while the inside of a fluidized bed furnace is kept pressurized. A main body of the pressure fluidized bed firing boiler disposed within the pressure vessel is divided into a suspended section suspended from a support beam disposed at an upper interior portion within the pressure vessel, and a bottom-supported section supported by a support beam disposed at a lower interior portion of the pressure vessel. Also, a metallic expansion joint in the form of an undulated plate is provided at a point of engagement between the suspended section and the bottom-supported section.

Abstract: An improved rod baffle heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed in which the tube bundle thereof comprises a plurality of tubes supported intermediate their ends by at least one outer ring and a plurality of baffle rods carried by the outer ring and extending between parallel tube rows. The baffle rods comprise circular standard rods and circular substitute rods wherein the diameter of the substitute rods differs from that of the standard rods. The use of different sized circular rods allows firm contact to be achieved between the rods and tubes of the tube bundle in order to avoid tube vibration while also avoiding the problems of rod-to-tube tolerance buildup.

Abstract: An assembly ties together a plurality of boiler tubes to increase their mechanical stability and maintain a uniform spacing between adjacent tubes. A tie bar has a plurality of periodically spaced fingers extending from a cross member to form openings between adjacent fingers with in which the boiler tubes tightly fit. A retainer projects orthogonally from ends of some of the fingers. A locking bar has wedges spaced along one edge which engage the retainers clamping the boiler tubes between the fingers of said locking bar. Stops and brackets attach to the boiler tubes to support the fingers and cross member, thereby holding the tie bar in place during assembly.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a duct through which heated gases pass. A plurality of tube panels are within the duct and each panel includes a header from which a plurality of tubes extend. A pair of hangers support each tube panel to form space in the duct above and below the tube panel for maintenance access. Baffles restrict the flow of gases through these spaces. Each hanger has a bracket attached to the header of the tube panel with a rod pivotally coupled to the bracket and extending through an aperture in the roof of the duct. The hangers are connected to structural members on the exterior of the duct in a manner that maintains the tube panel in a fixed position during operation of the heat exchanger, while allowing movement of a panel within said duct for maintenance.

Abstract: The anti-vibration bars are arranged as a plurality of sets of at least two bars (18, 18b), the outer ends of the bars being axially aligned. The outer end parts of the anti-vibration bars have aligned passage orifices (23, 24). The orifice (24) is internally threaded. The ends of the bars are connected by a spindle (20) which is threaded at one of its ends and has a screwing and unscrewing head (20b) at its other end. The spindle (920) is introduced into the aligned orifices (23, 24) and into the bore of a tubular spacer (21) interposed between the anti-vibration bars. After being screwed into the internally threaded orifice (24), the spindle (20) is blocked against rotation.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of providing support for top boiler casing by partially slotting a channel or other bearing member and sliding a rod suspended from the top structural steel within this slot. Afterwards, a grooved plate is installed which is welded between the channel and the rod.

Abstract: A tube support includes at least two parallel plates. With more than two plates, the outer plates are longer in the direction of flow than the inner plates. Pins are provided proximate the leading and trailing edges of the plates in order to maintain the plates in a spaced relationship. The pins proximate each edge are positioned slightly over two tube diameters from the other pins along the same edge. Additionally, the pins along the trailing edge are positioned approximately one tube diameter from the pins proximate the leading edge in a direction along the edge in order to stagger the leading and trailing pins.

Abstract: Arranged on the hemispherical dome forming the upper part of the bundle of the steam generator is a structure consisting of bows (16) in the form of a portion of a ring and connecting hoops (18). The anti-vibration bars (15) introduced between two layers of adjacent tubes (5) of the bundle are connected, at their outer end, to brackets (17) fastened to the bows (16) in a perpendicular direction. Some anti-vibration bars are fastened to the hoops (18). The anti-vibration bars are screw-fastened to the brackets (17) or the hoops (18). The stabilizing device can also include a comb-shaped anti-flyoff yoke which can be introduced under the tubes placed in the upper part of the dome and then rotated through 90.degree. in order to be fastened to a bow (16).

Abstract: A radiating tubes system of the double-pin type that is in the shape of a "W" used in heating ovens, notably in continuous heating ovens for metallic bands, for providing the heat transfer between combustion bases released by a burner and the products to be heated. In the invention system, the burner is positioned in the lower branch of the tubes; the support device of the cold bend, in the upper portion of the tubes, is made in the form of a simple bearing base; the cold bend and the hot bend are connected to one another without a connecting-rod type intermediate part, and the intermediate bend and the lower tube are connected to one another with a settable play between these two elements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a tube matrix formed by a plurality of heat exchange tubes in which a trelliswork consisting of flexible carrier strips is wound on the tubes such that the tubes serve as crossbars of the trelliswork. The trelliswork is supported at its opposite ends to the frame of the heat exchanger via stay bars to provide support against shock forces and to absorb gravitational and flow forces on the tubes.

Abstract: A support apparatus for tubes in a U-bend portion of a tube bundle. The support apparatus includes a U-tube ring positioned around the tubes in the U-bend portion and having first and second tube separation elements extending therefrom through first and second lanes between the tubes, respectively. The first tube separation elements are preferably characterized by flat plates or strips defining a plurality of holes therethrough, and the second tube separation elements are preferably characterized by rods or bars extending through aligned sets of holes in the plates or strips. A support bar extends between opposite end portions of the ring, and the plate have notches therein for engaging corresponding notches in the support bar and ring. The ring and support bar are slidably attachable to a mounting bracket on a tube support used to support a first and second pass of longitudinal tubes in the tube bundle. A method is disclosed for fabricating the U-bend tube support.

Abstract: A superheater bundle for a horizontal steam separator-superheater, the bundle comprising an array of parallel tubes disposed in a triangular pitch inside a frame (3, 4) which is polygonal in shape and symmetrical about its plane of symmetry, with the bottom of the frame delimiting an inlet orifice for steam to be superheatd and with the top of the frame delimiting an outlet orifice for superheated steam. At least two of the sloping sides (11, 13, 15, 15, 17; 12, 14, 16, 18) of th polygon-shaped frame (3, 4) are parallel to the sloping segments formed by the pitch of the tubes.

Abstract: A device enabling a mass (1) cantilevered from an element (2) which is vertically moveable under the effect of thermal expansions and contractions to rest against a fixed framework (9). The device comprises a first arm (7) articulated on a point (C) of the vertically moveable element, a second arm (6) articulated firstly to one end (B) of the first arm adjacent to the mass and slidably placed on this junction, and secondly to the fixed framework, and a third arm (8) articulated firstly to one end (2) of the first arm adjacent to the vertically moveable element, and secondly to the fixed framework (9) at a point (D) at a level different from that of the point (E) at which the second articulated arm is articulated thereto. The invention is applicable to the manifolds of boilers or steam generators.

Abstract: A device for suspending a horizontal heat exchange tube on a vertical support tube is provided comprising:(a) an element for securing the horizontal tube, in the general form of a cradle, consisting of two symmetrical cylindrical cross-bars and two connecting members for the cross-bars in an arc of a circle;(b) two elements for securing the vertical tube, each comprising a plane portion provided on their side facing the vertical tube with two lateral edges and an oblique portion forming a folded-over part; these elements interlocking by engagement of their recesses with the wedge-shaped parts of the cross-bars of the securing element for the horizontal tube, and being welded to the vertical tube along the lateral edges of their plane portion.

Abstract: A pulse combustion unit for a liquid heating apparatus having a liquid vessel arranged to store an amount of liquid to be heated. The combustion unit includes a base plate mounted on the upper portion of an upright support structure, a pulse combustion burner assembly including a pulse combustion chamber secured to one surface of the base plate and a curved tailpipe having an inner end connected to an exhaust port of the combustion chamber and an outer end connected to the base plate, and an air-fuel mixer head secured to the other surface of the base plate and being in open communication with the interior of the combustion chamber through an opening of the base plate. The liquid vessel is coupled at its side wall with the base plate in such manner that the combustion chamber and tailpipe are arranged in the vessel.

Abstract: A device for suspending horizontal heat exchange tubes (7, 8) on a vertical carrier tube (1) comprises a bottom support sleeve (2) welded at its bottom edge around the support tube, a top support sleeve (4) having its bottom edge resting on the top edge of the bottom support sleeve, said top support sleeve being provided on its sides with two half-shells (5, 6) of radius of curvature slightly greater than that of the horizontal tubes, and add-on half-shells (9, 10) of radius of curvature slightly greater than that of the horizontal tubes, welded edge-to-edge (19, 21; 20, 22) to the half-shells fixed to the top sleeve, thereby forming collars which clamp the horizontal heat exchange tubes on either side of the vertical carrier tubes. A method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A steam generator upper support arrangement provides restraint to the steam generator during operating and non-operating conditions, for loading forces resulting from seismic and postulated accident conditions, while allowing for free thermal expansion of the steam generator in the radial, lateral, and vertical directions. Four embodiments of the present invention are described. In a first embodiment, inclined bumpers are placed at predetermined angles with respect to the load path, such that as the steam generator is thermally displaced the placement and incline angles of the bumpers will compensate for the expansion and maintain a nominal gap therebetween. In a second embodiment, the variable shim mechanism comprised of cams, bumper rods, and a pivoted linkage between the steam generator and the building structure maintains the nominal gap for the required support. In the third embodiment, a single small snubber is utilized.

Abstract: A stepped support and seal plate (44) is sealed to firing tube (18) with an axially compressed seal (62). It carries sleeves (24) and is sealed thereto by gasket seals (55). A diagonal movement seal (69) seals plate (44) to the wall of pressure vessel (10). Bellows (76) has a straight portion (77) at the hot end. Insulation (14) is tapered to provide variations in heat transfer from the bellows to provide a uniform strain pattern in the bellows.

Abstract: The wedging members (15) are introduced between the components (4) at a temperature t0 substantially different from the working temperature ts of the stream generator. The wedging member (15) comprise at least one portion (22) of shape memory alloy having a first configuration at the temperature t0 and a second configuration at the temperature ts, such that the wedging parts (15) have an initial transverse dimension less than the width of the separation spaces between the components (4) at the temperature t0, and a transverse dimension substantially greater than the initial dimension at the temperature ts. The components are wedged automatically at the moment when the installation is brought to the working temperature. The invention is applicable in particular to the anti-vibratory bars disposed in the top part or chignon of a steam generator of a pressurized water nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A device and method for augmenting support and suppressing vibration for U-bend tubes and tube spacer supports in a vapor generator vessel. The device is installed in the vapor generator vessel from outside the vessel through dual oppositely oriented openings cut through the wall and inner shroud of the generator vessel. The device extension rods are inserted through one of the openings, and the vibration suppressor blades are each inserted sequentially through the other opening and installed on a support rod and then rotated upwardly into place between the parallel tube batwing spacer supports by using a special push/twist tool, after which the support rod is indexed forward to provide positive engagement between the rod and blade, such as by a rod key and blade slot means. The suppressor blades are retained in place on the step block and rod by a clamp block attached to the step block, and the vessel dual openings are then covered by pressure-tight flange plates.

Abstract: A steam generator has a bundle of U-shaped tubes arranged in spaced rows and columns with a pair of spaced rows of elongated primary antivibration bars installed between U-shaped portions of the tubes in the spaced columns and a pair of spaced retainer members disposed about the exterior of U-shaped portions of the tubes with opposite ends of the primary bars being rigidly attached to the respective retainer members. An antivibration apparatus is provided for substantially closing gaps between the U-shaped tube portions in the columns and the primary bars. The apparatus includes a row of elongated supplementary antivibration bars disposed between the rows of the primary bars. The supplementary bars extend between the U-shaped portions of the tubes through the space between, at the most, every other one of the spaced columns thereof.

Abstract: A furnace for a once-through steam generator comprising a lower section of inclined tubes and upper section of vertical tubes and a support system and tube arrangement at a transition zone intermediate the sections.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises wedging members (12, 13) consisting of elastic metal strips folded into crenellations, and a wedging member cooperating with said members and consisting of a flat strip (14) provided with openings (20) having the same spacing as the crenellations of the wedging members (12, 13). The wedging members (12, 13) have outer support surfaces (16) and inner support surfaces (17) cooperating with the flat strip (14). In the unlocked position of the apparatus the surfaces (17) coincide with the openings (20). In the locked position the members (12, 13) are moved apart by the flat strip (14), which comes into contact with the support surfaces (17). Passage from one position to the other is achieved by longitudinal displacement of the flat strip (14). The apparatus can be used in particular as an antivibratory bar in a steam generator of a pressurized water nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A support device and structure for supporting horizontal tubes of a conventional or fluidized bed steam generator comprising a vertical tube for carrying plural pairs of support brackets. Each support bracket has a central sleeve with a pair of opposite extending tube hooks that taper in width from the sleeve, outwardly to an end of the tube hook. The ends of the tube hooks for each pair of support brackets extend toward each other, but are maintained at a distance from one another to avoid the accumulation of ash or other bed material. Welded-on nubs along the length of the support tube localize the axial position of the bracket pairs.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel tubes in the form of at least a first plurality of parallel tube rows and a second plurality of parallel tube rows are supported by a baffle comprising an outer ring capable of surrounding the tubes and a plurality of parallel rods which form a plurality of parallel chords with the outer ring wherein the rods are capable of passing in the spaces between the tubes forming adjacent parallel tube rows of one plurality of parallel tube rows and wherein the number of rods in the baffle is substantially less than the total number of rods which could be positioned in the spaces between the tube rows in the plurality of parallel tube rows.

Abstract: A device for fixing loops in a component (1) of a heat exchanger constituted by tubes (10) in which a fluid flows, the loops being situated in the plane of the heat exchanger and being formed by bends and by mutually parallel vertical lengths (11), at least one tube forms an additional loop (12, 14) leaving the plane of the heat exchanger component and surrounding the vertical lengths (11), the device being characterized in that a notched flat (2) is installed level with the additional loop, said flat being provided with semicircular openings each of which receives a vertical length.

Abstract: The tubes in a tube bundle through which heat exchange medium flows transversely are supported by rods arranged at a substantial angle with respect to the direction of fluid flow. In a preferred embodiment, tube bundles supported by rods are positioned in a stirred vessel for heat exchange with the fluid in the stirred vessel. In a further preferred embodiment, the stirred vessel is a fermentor for the production of bacteria or yeast.

Abstract: The reformer is designed for use with a large fuel cell power plant capable of producing megawatts of power, as, for example, would be used by a public utility. The catalyst tubes in the reformer have their upper ends at staggered elevations so as to be capable of having their temperatures individually monitored by infrared temperature sensors. The catalyst tubes are mounted on a floating support within the reformer housing so as to be free to undergo expansion and contraction during periods of internal temperature variation as the reformer is operated. The floating support is preferably formed from fuel manifolds suspended in the reformer housing. Baffles are included in the reformer housing for evenly distributing heat to the catalyst tube arrays. The reformer has a long burner tube which is approximately the same length as the catalyst tubes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an apparatus for substantially eliminating flow induced vibrations of the flow tubes of a steam generator in the U-bend region. Antivibration bars are provided between columns of flow tubes in the U-bend region which are contoured on one side to correspond with the exact as-built and as-bent diameter of the tubes as located within the tube bundle. Measurements of the actual flow tube diameters are made and recorded and stored either on tape or in a computer which is then used to control a numerically operated machine which configures or machines cutouts in the antivibration bars to precisely correspond with the respective measured diameters of the flow tubes. Only one side of the antivibration bars need to be machined because of the flexibility of the flow tubes which allow the positioning of the other side of the flow tubes along a flat plane.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus in which a plurality of heat exchange tubes are disposed in a enclosure and are supported relative to two opposed upright walls of the enclosure. Each tube is formed in a serpentine manner with adjacent tube sections extending in a vertically spaced parallel relationship between the upright walls. Adjacent tube sections are connected at a distance from each of the walls of between one-fourth and one-third the distance between the two walls.

Abstract: A tube spacing grid for the guidance of tubes such as in steam generators includes mutually intersecting grid rods disposed in two planes and surrounded as a frame by an outer ring. The outer ring has a circling groove on its interior face and the grid rods are inserted in seating slots formed in an interior face of a one-piece inner ring (B). A tongue and groove connection is provided between the grid rods and the inner ring. The inner ring, with the grid rods inserted in the slots and retained at a radial and axial distance from each other, is encircled by a multiple-part, particularly a two-part in axial direction, outer ring.

Abstract: A burner throat is defined by a cage of tubes and is lined by fitting refractory tiles. A plurality of retaining means each having two joined parts, the outer part abutting the tubes and the inner part exerting an abutting force radially inwards on the tiles to retain them in position. In use the abutting force on the tiles can be varied to suit the design characteristics and environment, by varying the exposed length of a pin which threadedly mates in a complementary bore in each of the two parts. To further secure the tiles, a dowel is provided to mate in complementary bores formed in an adjacent side of abutting tiles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pipe spacing grate for guidance of pipes in heat exchangers, for example, steam generators, whereby the grate is formed of intersecting grate rods, arranged in more than one plane and encircled by a frame. The frame has a groove running about the inside for accommodation of the ends of the grate rods. The grate rods (3) in the frame (2) are kept at a definite spacing from each other by distance bolts (1). The distance bolts (1) have a cross slot (5) to receive the grate rod (3), and also a projecting piece (6) in the cross slot (5), which engages a corresponding recess (7) of the grate rod (3). The distance bolts (1) are secured against falling out by a surrounding cover ring (4). A pastelike plastic can be introduced into a lengthwise boring (8) of the distance bolt (1), fixing the grate upon hardening.

Abstract: A moisture separator reheater (10) tube support where the tubes are resiliently supported on curve-shaped metal spring members (46 or 58-64) in a manner permitting differential thermal radial and axial growth between the tube runs (26) and the support and spacer plate (30). The moisture separator reheater (10) units are used in nuclear pressurized water reactor systems.

Abstract: The corners of the walls of a vessel in which fuel is burnt in the fluidized bed of a PFBC power plant are articulately connected to a supporting framework. The forces arising on the bed vessel walls are taken up by the framework and are transmitted to the framework by means of a plurality of links. At each corner the construction of links allows the corner to be displaced in relation to the framework. This corner-connection includes auxiliary beams which are substantially parallel to the walls and are at one of their ends articulately connected to the framework.

Abstract: A tube support for supporting horizontal tubes from an inclined vertical support tube passing between the horizontal tubes. A support button is welded to the vertical support tube. Two clamping bars or plates, the lower edges of one bearing on the support button, are removably bolted to the inclined vertical tube. The clamping bars provide upper and lower surface support for the horizontal tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substantially eliminating flow induced vibrations of the flow tubes of a steam generator in the U-bend region. Antivibration bars are provided between columns of flow tubes in the U-bend region which are contoured on one side to correspond with the exact as-built and as-bent diameter of the tubes as located within the tube bundle. Measurements of the actual flow tube diameters are made and recorded and stored either on tape or in a computer which is then used to control a numerically operated machine which configures or machines cutouts in the antivibration bars to precisely correspond with the respective measured diameters of the flow tubes. Only one side of the antivibration bars need to be machined because of the flexibility of the flow tubes which allow the positioning of the other side of the flow tubes along a flat plane.

Abstract: A device for cooling hot, compressed, dust-laden gases. The device consists of an inner structure made out of cooled tubes, positioned inside a pressurized container. The device contains several straight partitions made out of tubes. The partitions parallel the longitudinal axis of the inner structure. The object is to redesign the heat-emitting surfaces of the device in order to make it more compact. At least one of the straight partitions is bent out into a nest of tubes. The nest extends through the cross-section of the inner structure. The tubes that the nest is made out of extend through and are supported by the rest of the partitions.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement for attaching a boiler casing to a membrane tube wall utilizes an extension plate which is connected to and extends beyond an edge of the casing. The extension plate and the surface of the casing adjacent its edge define an attachment area which is attached to the tube wall. A slot extends in the casing and through part of the extension plate. The slot is covered by an expansion element having a termination covering the end of the slot. The termination is on the extension plate. The termination of the expansion element extending over the extension plate provides compensation for expansion in the attachment area which avoids deformation and tearing of the casing in this area.

Abstract: A steam generator having a tube sheet, tubes ending in the tube sheet, a chamber adjoining the tube sheet having an access opening formed therein and a device disposed in the chamber for inserting a sleeve into one of the tubes in a plurality of partial insertion strokes, the inserting device includes a movable clamping device holding and moving the sleeve in axial direction of the tube in one of the partial insertion strokes, and a stationary clamping device associated with the movable clamping device holding the sleeve during a backstroke of the movable clamping device.

Abstract: Thermal degredation of elastomeric pads (74, 76) in a vibration isolating mount (40) intended for use in a high temperature environment such as posed by a boiler (26) is avoided with a construction including an inner annular element (42) secured to the boiler (26) and having an axial face (52) directed toward the boiler (26), an intermediate annular element having a face (72) facing, but axially spaced from the face (52) and radial projections (64) extending radially outwardly of the periphery of the element (42). An outer element (54) has portions (55) aligned with the projections (64). Elastomeric pads (74) extend between the intermediate and the outer elements while pads (76) extend between the intermediate and inner elements with the intermediate elements shading the pads (74, 76) from radiant energy emanating from the boiler (26).

Abstract: A tube support plate is disclosed for supporting a plurality of tubes with reduced vibration in a nuclear steam generator. The support plate has a plurality of holes disposed therethrough in a regular array. Each hole has an axis, an interior surface and a plurality of lands supported on the interior surface and extending towards the axis. The support plate has a given thickness as taken along the hole axis, and each of the lands has a tapered surface for facilitating tube insertion. The method of forming the tube support plate comprises a first step of forming each of the holes through the support plate with a first cylindrical portion of a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion of a second diameter less than the first diameter. Next, portions of the second cylindrical portion are removed in a second step to form a plurality of lands having exposed ends supporting a tube within the hole.

Abstract: A device for suspending a bundle of horizontal tubes in a vertical plane (1), the device comprising pairs (4, 5, 6) of vertical tubes (7, 8) provided with half-fins on their facing sides. The half-fins have a profile including notches of circular shape, having a radius slightly larger than the radius of the tubes in the bundle and being at the same spacing as said tubes, the notches being separated by tongues (16, 18, 20, 17, 19, 21) which project from the vertical tubes by a distance which is long enough to provide good support for the tubes of the bundle and which is short enough to ensure good thermal conduction from their projecting ends to their weld zones on the corresponding vertical tubes.

Abstract: A support system for connection to an outer surface of a J-shaped steam generator for use with a nuclear reactor or other liquid metal cooled power source. The J-shaped steam generator is mounted with the bent portion at the bottom. An arrangement of elongated rod members provides both horizontal and vertical support for the steam generator. The rod members are interconnected to the steam generator assembly and a support structure in a manner which provides for thermal distortion of the steam generator without the transfer of bending moments to the support structure and in a like manner substantially minimizes forces being transferred between the support structure and the steam generator as a result of seismic disturbances.

Abstract: A shop assembled modular steam generator wherein each module includes top supported pressure parts, casing, and a frame structure. These modules are readily transported to a remote construction site and interconnected. Each of the superheater, high pressure boiler, intermediate pressure boiler, low pressure boiler, and economizer sections of the generator comprise separate center and end modules whose casings are joined to provide a gas tight flow path around the pressure parts.

Abstract: A steam generator includes first and second mutually parallel flue gas flues; the first flue gas flue having an upper end, an intermediate ceiling at the upper end having an upper surface, a cross flue leading from the first to the second flue gas flue, and first and second vertical walls formed of pipes and disposed opposite each other as seen along the cross flue; a steam generator frame supporting the intermediate ceiling; the intermediate ceiling being formed of pipes gas-tightly welded to each other and disposed alongside each other in one layer in tube tracks extended along the cross flue; each of the pipes of the intermediate ceiling changing into a respective pipe of one of the vertical walls; and first and second vertical suspension pipes connected from a common location along a given one of the tube tracks through the upper surface of the intermediate ceiling and through the cross flue to the steam generator frame for suspending the intermediate ceiling, the first suspension pipe changing into a pip

Abstract: An improved, grid-type flow distribution baffle for both providing lateral support for an array of heat exchange tubes and for generating a sludge-sweeping water current within a steam generator is disclosed herein. Generally, the improved baffle comprises a plurality of grid members for defining an array of square, tube-capturing cells, wherein each wall of the cell is closely adjacent and contactable with the side of the tube. Each of the cells is circumscribed by a flange at one of its ends which includes a substantially circular opening for allowing the tube to extend through the cell. The flange includes four flat portions spaced 90.degree. apart for rendering the flange flush with the center portion of each of the square walls which form the cells of the baffle. These flat portions allow the flange to closely circumscribe the tube without coming into contact with it, thereby avoiding "point contact" between the flange and the tube.