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.

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.

Abstract: A process to reduce the temperature of a hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas by contacting the gas with a metal alloy surface having a lower temperature than the temperature of the gas, wherein the metal alloy surface has between 0 and 20 wt % iron, between 0 and 5 wt % aluminium, between 0 and 5 wt % silicon, between 20 and 50 wt % chromium and at least 35 wt % nickel, wherein the metal alloy surface maintains it lower temperature than the temperature of the gas by making use of coolant water.

Abstract: A system 10 for designing an automotive component such as an air induction tube 22. A CAD system 18 receives certain programmable parameters 14 and a user selected integer value 16 by way of a user interface 12, and generates a tube design 22 having a number of curved portions which is equal to the integer value 16. Each portion the resulting tube 22 is independently programmable or modifiable, thereby providing a designer with a large degree of flexibility in altering the design and/or configuration of tube 22 without having to redesign an entirely new tube.

Abstract: A hot water heating system, coupler and integrated flow system. The hot water heating system includes a first isolator valve, a flow control valve, a circulator and a second isolator valve. Each of these components is equipped with one portion of a connector on one side of the component and a mating portion of a connector on the other side. The integrated flow system includes a body into which is attached at least a circulator and a flow control valve.

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.

Abstract: A support fitting for the heat-resistant block to protect boiler tubes, which protrudes upward at a right angle from the surface of the rib between two boiler tubes, and which is welded on the rib and has a catch to engage with the heat-resistant block on the end. The support fitting is provided with a welding surface to be welded on the rib and shaped narrower by chamfering, and a single globule of a deoxidizing conductive material used as flux is attached to the narrowed welding surface, and is a vertical piece or rod which extends a fixed distance perpendicular from the rib. The support fitting includes a first upper surface being kept horizontal to support a ferrule, which can tightly engage with the ferrule for arc stud welding, thereby the ferrule can shield the welding surface, and a second upper surface which engages with the heat-resistant block.

Abstract: A thermal processing plant has heating tubes which are arranged in an undulating line in an oven chamber. Burners which generate a gas stream directed against the opposite wall of the oven are positioned at each of the “wave crests” and in each of the “wave troughs.” The thermal radiation of the oven wall and of the reaction zone (combustion heat) heats the heating tubes uniformly.

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.

Abstract: A tube wall, division wall, or wing wall section (10) for a circulating fluidized bed boiler with improved erosion resistant characteristics has a reduced diameter tube section (40) adjacent the refractory covered by an abrasion resistant refractory tile (60). The refractory tile (60) is mounted to the reduced diameter tube section (40) with the upper edge of the refractory tile outside of or not extending beyond a solids fall line of solids in the fluidized bed to eliminate exposed discontinuities.

Abstract: A cardon joint is provided for mounting in a wall of a boiler to accommodate a sootblower lance and to allow the lance to be manipulated with respect to the boiler wall. The cardon joint includes a wall box having a central opening. An outer ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a central bore is mounted for axial rotation about a first axis within the central opening of the wall box. An inner ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a central bore is mounted for axial rotation about a second axis within the central bore of the outer ball. The first and second axes are mutually orthogonal and the central bore of the inner ball is sized to accommodate the lance of a sootblower. As the lance is manipulated to clean an opposite wall of the boiler, the inner and outer balls rotate about their axes to accommodate the manipulation.

Abstract: A refractory tube wall lining comprises a multiplicity of refractory tiles (1) which are arranged next to and above one another and each have two T-shaped slots (16) which extend over the entire height of the tile. The tiles (1) are held on the lined tube wall (2) by means of in each case two screw-like tile holders (11). Brackets which are independent of the tile holders (11) are used to support the tiles (1). Stepped top and bottom edges of the tiles (1) allow the tiles (1) to move vertically with respect to one another without the seal of the tube wall lining being lost. For the same purpose, the two side edges (14, 15) of each tile (1) are fitted with a tongue (141) or a groove (151).

Abstract: A steam generator has a combustion chamber which is configured for an approximately horizontal main direction of flow of the fuel gas and which is followed on the fuel-gas side, via a horizontal gas flue, by a vertical gas flue. The containment walls of the combustion chamber are formed from evaporator tubes. Temperature differences between adjacent evaporator tubes of the combustion chamber are to be kept particularly low in all the load states of the steam generator. For this purpose, a first group and a second group of evaporator tubes can be acted upon in each case in parallel by a flow medium. The first group of evaporator tubes is connected in series with the second group.

Abstract: A heat supply system is provided which enables use of small pipes with the same diameter for both feed branch pipes and return branch pipes, thus reducing the initial cost and also suppressing heat emission loss. The heat supply system comprises a heat exchanger 1, a feed main pipe 2, a return main pipe 3, a feed branch pipe 4 connected to the feed main pipe 2, a first return branch pipe 5 for directing the flow of a heat medium to an edge section in the downstream side of the feed branch pipe 4, a plurality of load pipes connected in parallel to a section between the feed branch pipe 4 and the first return branch pipe 5 each having a load member 7 provided thereon, and a second return branch pipe 6 connected to a section between an edge section in the downstream side of the first return branch pipe 5 and the return main pipe 3, said heat supply system having a plurality of branch pipe paths 11 including therein the feed branch pipe 4, first return branch pipe 5, load pipe 8, and second branch pipe 6.

Abstract: A steam generator has an especially simple structural concept of a combustion chamber for a predetermined output range and for various qualities of different fossil fuels. The steam generator includes a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber which have a respective number of burners for fossil fuel and are constructed for an approximately horizontal main flow direction of heating gas. The first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber open into a common horizontal gas flue connected upstream of a vertical gas flue on the heating-gas side.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A spacing arrangement for tubes of a reheater or superheater tube section uses a spacer bar that is sufficiently long to span a space across a plurality of tubes in the tube section. The spacer bar has a plurality of holes therein which are spaced apart by a selected spacing corresponding to a desired spacing between the plurality of tubes in the section. A plurality of sleeves is provided with one sleeve on adjacent tubes in the section. A tab is fixed to each sleeve and extends outwardly from the sleeve to which it is fixed so that the tabs of all the sleeves extend outwardly from a common plane containing all the adjacent tubes in the section. The tabs extend into respective holes in the spacer bar and fillet welds fix the tabs to the spacer bar adjacent the holes and at a location spaced from the sleeves.

Abstract: A refractory tile system includes a barrier layer coating applied to the wall (membrane and waterwall or tube wall) of a boiler of an incinerator or heat exchanger. Refractory tiles are then fastened to the tube wall utilizing a floating attachment mechanism to provide a relatively high degree of freedom of movement relative to the tube wall to accommodate micro-scale bowing of the tile generated by the relatively large temperature gradient and mean temperature typically experienced by such tiles. Each tile is also effectively isolated from adjacent tiles by providing a predetermined gap therebetween of sufficient size to effectively prevent macro-scale bowing generated by networking thereof. Moreover, a compressible fibrous mortar is preferably disposed in the gap or channel between each adjacent tile to substantially prevent ash or other contaminants from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective device for a heating unit, in particular for a flow-through heater (22), which is equipped with a current-carrying conductor (1) having a first end thereof mechanically biased into contact with a first fixed point of connection (40) and a second end (23) thereof soldered to a second point of connection (10). In the event of an error condition due to overheating, the bias operates to move the conductor (1) away from the second point of connection (10), severing the soldered joint in the process, whereby the circuit is opened. According to the present invention, the point of connection (10) is formed by a terminal stud (12), and the end (23) of the conductor (1) needing to be soldered to the terminal stud (12) is shaped in such manner that a sufficiently large soldered joint (16) requiring wetting by the solder (15) is developed.

Abstract: Refinery process furnaces are disclosed that have horizontal-helical radiant coils and/or improved ladder-type supports for the horizontal tubes. The coils have a tubeside fluid flow path from an inlet pipe section through an alternating series of straight horizontal pipe sections and wide sweep return bends to an outlet pipe section. The horizontal pipe sections are arranged in at least two vertical banks that are parallel and horizontally spaced apart. The bent pipe sweep return bends are arranged in vertical banks at either end of the straight pipe banks. Each bend connects a pair of straight pipe sections in adjacent vertical banks, and each return bend is sloped between horizontal and vertical so that one of the straight pipe sections in the connected pair thereof is elevated with respect to the other. The ladder supports have two opposing columns with a number of vertically spaced support members each having a generally horizontal upper engagement surface.

Abstract: A tubesheet protector device is provided for use with a boiler having at least one tube for receiving a fluid extending therethrough. The tubes extend approximately perpendicularly from a tubesheet covering an inlet of the boiler. The tubesheet protector device includes insulating board mounted on the tubesheet having holes therein for receiving ferrules. Each ferrule includes a shank adapted to be received in one of the tubes and a polygon-headed collar coupled with the shank. Both the collar and the shank of the ferrule are wrapped in insulation. The collar has dimensions larger than the outside diameter of the tube, and the collar and the shank both have a common through bore for transporting fluid from outside the boiler to the interior of the tubes extending through the boiler.

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 tube protector device includes a first cap member, the first cap member being configured to fit over and substantially seal a first end of a tube; a second cap member, the second cap member being configured to fit over and substantially seal a second end of the tube; and a fastening device adapted to resiliently bias the first cap member toward the second cap member. At least the first cap member includes a collar configured to surround a portion of an outer surface of the tube and an angled tube support member configured to fit within the internal diameter of the tube, the collar and the angled support being configured to receive the first end of the tube therebetween. The first cap member further includes a sealing member, a particle barrier and/or a shock absorber between the collar and the angled support member.

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: A tube wall, division wall, or wing wall section for a circulating fluidized bed boiler with improved erosion resistant characteristics has a reduced diameter tube section adjacent the refractory covered by an abrasion resistant refractory tile. The refractory tile is mounted to the reduced diameter tube section with the upper edge of the refractory tile outside of or not extending beyond a solids fall line of solids in the fluidized bed to eliminate exposed discontinuities.

Abstract: A retainer shield for a split ring retains boiler tubes aligned therein and dissipates heat from a front weld thereon. The retainer shield is preferably made from about 50% chromium and about 50% nickel and is welded to one end of the split ring to assist in holding the two halves of the split ring together. The retainer shield draws heat therefrom and dissipates it to prevent oxidation of the welds holding the two halves of the split ring together.

Abstract: A manifold for distributing a circulating fluid, such as water, to multiple zones of a hydronic system, such as a hot water heating system. The manifold is of unitary construction and includes a plurality of distribution branches and an air scoop extending from a common header conduit. The air scoop extracts air from the water being circulated through the manifold. The air scoop may be coupled to an air vent to purge air from the water. The manifold may also include an expansion tank coupling that is disposed on the header conduit to couple the tank to the header conduit. The air scoop may include a housing affixed to the header conduit and a baffle that protrudes into the header conduit to direct air into the housing so that it can be vented through the air vent. The baffle may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the header conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus which may be a part of various systems including piping systems and fluidized bed systems. The apparatus that holds one tube with respect to another tube includes a body that has a first cylindrical section shaped portion and a second cylindrical section shaped portion. Each of the cylindrical section shaped portions has an angular extent that is generally concave. The angular extent of the first cylindrical section shaped portion and the angular extent of the second cylindrical section shaped portion each have an axis and the axis of the first cylindrical section shaped portion may be spaced from the axis of the second cylindrical section shaped portion. Some embodiments of the invention have cylindrical section shaped portions that have an angular extent that is no greater than 180 degrees. The axis of the first cylindrical section shaped portion may be perpendicular to the second cylindrical section shaped portion.

Abstract: A once-through steam generator having single pass non-split fluid flow upper furnace circuitry with a one to one connection of tubes of the lower furnace spiral or vertical tube assembly being connected to the vertical tubes of the upper furnace assembly to prevent steam water separation and provide a fully drainable flow circuit.

Abstract: A once-through steam generator having single pass non-split fluid flow upper furnace circuitry with a one to one connection of tubes of the lower furnace spiral or vertical tube assembly being connected to the vertical tubes of the upper furnace assembly to prevent steam water separation and provide a fully drainable flow circuit.

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 thermowell assembly and method which allows for arresting leakage in the case a thermowell begins to leak in a hydroprocessing process without having to shut down a flow of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroconversion reaction zone in the hydroprocessing process. The thermowell assembly comprises a first hollow sleeve section which supports a thermowell member, a ferrule sealing member which engages the first hollow sleeve section, a second generally cup-shaped second sleeve section wherethrough a thermocouple member slidably passes, and an outer sleeve member for maintaining the union of the first sleeve section, the ferrule sealing member, and the second sleeve section. The method comprises severing and/or removing the thermocouple member from the commenced-leaking thermowell member and placing a high pressure cap over an aperture left vacant by the thermocouple member to seal-off the leaking thermowell member from the atmosphere.

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 boiler protection tube assembly having an inner ceramic sleeve, a ceramic block and an outer ceramic sleeve. The inner ceramic sleeve is of a high-strength, heat resistant ceramic material with at least moderate thermal shock resistance. The outer ceramic sleeve is of a heat resistant, insulating ceramic fiber and extends around the outer sleeve along its length. The inner and outer sleeve are insertable through a hole which extends through the ceramic block into an end of a condenser tube of a tube sheet boiler. The outer ceramic sleeve reduces heat flow between the inner ceramic sleeve and both of the ceramic block and the condenser tube. The ceramic block has a plurality of side faces generally perpendicular to the inner and outer faces to enable the blocks to be installed with side faces adjacent to corresponding side faces of adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A stirrup apparatus for cooperation with an associated buckstay that has at least one flange and which extends around an associated furnace. The stirrup apparatus includes a wall channel extending generally horizontally around the associated furnace. The apparatus also includes an elongated bent plate having first and second ends, the plate being elongated intermediate the first and second ends. The first and second ends are welded to the wall channel at spaced parts of the wall channel with an axial part of the plate intermediate the first and second ends spaced from the wall channel. At least a first elongated bar is welded on a side of the bent plate that faces the wall channel and extends generally in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the bent plate.

Abstract: A once-through steam generator furnace having single pass non-split fluid flow circuitry to prevent steam-water separation with a one to one connection of smaller diameter tubes of the lower furnace spiral tube assembly being connected to the larger diameter vertical tubes of the upper furnace assembly through a reducing tube connecting spiral tubes angled to provide common centerlines with vertical tubes when the spiral tube centerlines are routed vertically.

Abstract: This incinerator circulates fumes to be incinerated through a heat exchange chamber; feeds the fumes into a combustion chamber; directs the incinerated fumes through heat exchange tubes to heat incoming fumes; scavenges fume leakage; and recirculates the scavenged fumes for incineration. Leakage of unincinerated fumes is controlled by use of a plurality of scavenging tubes positioned such that their orifices are proximate the hot end tube sheet within the combustion chamber to collect leaking fumes found near the hot end tube sheet and to feed those fumes back to the inlet for incineration.

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 once-through steam generator having single pass non-split fluid flow circuitry with a one to one connection of furnace hopper vertical tubes assembly being connected to the spiral tubes of the lower furnace assembly.

Abstract: A syngas cooler apparatus includes an elongated generally cylindrical pressure vessel having an axial extremity that is a top end during normal operation of the cooler and an axial extremity that is a bottom end during normal operation of the cooler. A laterally extending support member extends within the pressure vessel proximate to the top end and front, back, and two side walls define at least one flow channel in the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the flow channel. A pendant heat exchanger surface comprising a plurality of loops is disposed in the flow channel. Each of the loops is formed from tubing and the major portion of the entire axial extent of the tubing are rectilinear axial sections that are disposed with the axes thereof substantially in a vertical plan during normal operation. The pendant is disposed in the flow channel intermediate the inlet and the outlet and is supported solely from the laterally extending support member.

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 modular thermal oxidizing device has a heat exchanger and a burner chamber connected to convert volatile, condensable organic compounds to harmless gasses. The heat exchanger includes an internal cold side bypass with cooling tubes extended into a hot side adjacent to the burning chamber. An appropriate aperture or hole tolerance related to the tubes as mounted within the hot side tube sheet is adopted to permit efficient expansion and contraction of the tubes without binding in the tube sheet.

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 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: A tube alignment strap for maintaining alignment and spacing between adjacent tubes in a superheater. A U-shaped strap receives a first tube in the U-shape of the strap. The open end of the strap is rigidly attached to pads provided on a second adjacent tube. A semi-circular collar has a bore at each end sized to receive the straight portions of the U-shaped strap such that the semi-circular collar is slidable over the U-shaped strap so as to be adjacent the first tube. The semi-circular collar is rigidly attached to the U-shaped strap.

Abstract: A removable flow rate-restricting device (25) is placed and fixed in a through-opening (18) of the tube plate (15) level with which is fixed the tube (6), from inside the water box (9). The flow rate-restricting device (25) includes an orifice plate which is inserted into the opening (18) of the tube plate.

Abstract: Device and method for thermally insulating a structure to prevent thermal shock therein, which structure may be a feedwater inlet nozzle of the kind typically found on nuclear steam generators. The device comprises a sleeve extending into the bore of the nozzle for thermally insulating the nozzle and joined to the nozzle to affix the sleeve to the nozzle. The sleeve is so joined to the nozzle so as to define a joint therebetween. A liner is concentrically disposed in the sleeve so as to cover the joint to thermally insulate the joint and joined to the sleeve for affixing the liner to the sleeve. The nozzle may have a temperature significantly higher than the cooler feedwater flowing through the bore in the nozzle thereby giving rise to a potential for thermal shock in the nozzle, which thermal shock in turn may induce metal fatigue in the nozzle. The device, as it is disposed in the bore of the nozzle, thermally insulates the nozzle to prevent thermal shock and metal fatigue therein.

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.