Abstract: An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.

Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has a steerable outlet for directing a stream of treated air into a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A thermographic imager is configured to capture thermographic images covering a fixed region within the passenger compartment in which an occupant is potentially located. The HVAC control circuit is configured to a) compress a thermographic image to a temperature map representing pixels of the thermographic image falling within a predetermined temperature range corresponding to the occupant, b) filter the temperature map according to a sliding window to coalesce continuous regions of pixels on average falling within the predetermined temperature range, c) quantify an area for each continuous region, d) locate a centroid of a continuous region having a largest area, and e) aim the steerable outlet toward the centroid.

Abstract: The invention apparatus and method is practiced in large steam surface condensers and in one aspect comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed between the vertical tube bundles to drain the condensate from the upper bundle around the lower ones and thereby improve the heat transfer coefficient of the lower bundle(s). A second aspect of the invention apparatus comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed slightly below the lowest bundle to improve reheating of falling condensate up toward the saturation temperature of the condenser thereby reducing subcooling and the level of dissolved oxygen in that condensate. A third aspect of the invention apparatus comprises a partial hood retrofitted at the top of the central tube sheet air off-take entrance which is a unique element of the starburst/core pipe condenser design to thereby improve the air removal capability and consequently the performance of the condenser.

Abstract: The invention apparatus and method is practiced in large steam surface condensers and in one aspect comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed between the vertical tube bundles to drain the condensate from the upper bundle around the lower ones and thereby improve the heat transfer coefficient of the lower bundle(s). A second aspect of the invention apparatus comprises relatively narrow horizontal trays installed slightly below the lowest bundle to improve reheating of falling condensate up toward the saturation temperature of the condenser thereby reducing subcooling and the level of dissolved oxygen in that condensate. A third aspect of the invention apparatus comprises a partial hood retrofitted at the top of the central tubesheet air off-take entrance which is a unique element of the starburst/core pipe condenser design to thereby improve the air removal capability and consequently the performance of the condenser.

Abstract: A process and a device for utilization of waste heat from a high-temperature hood in the dryer section of a paper machine. The waste heat from the high-temperature hood is applied to the waste steam and the condensate, respectively, from a steam system by means of a heat exchanger, thus improving utilization of the energy contained in the exhaust air from a high temperature hood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate-type heat exchanger for drying a gaseous medium, especially air, comprising a stack of plates which are interconnected to define flow spaces between the plates, a gas-gas heat exchanger being formed in one portion of the stack, with a moist inlet gas stream flowing away from an inlet gas connection and a dried outlet gas stream flowing towards an outlet gas connection, both flowing next to each other through separate flow spaces to exchange thermal energy, and a gas-coolant heat exchanger being formed in another portion of the stack, with a coolant and the moist inlet gas stream flowing next to each other through further separate flow spaces for cooling purposes, and a flow connection being formed between an outlet of the gas-coolant heat exchanger and the gas-gas heat exchanger, in-cluding an overflow member to guide the dried outlet gas stream through the overflow member from the gas-coolant heat exchanger to the gas-gas heat exchanger The overflow member is formed of a stac

Abstract: A condenser comprises a high pressure side condenser, a high pressure side cooling tube bank, a high pressure side hot well, a low pressure side condenser, a low pressure side cooling tube bank, a pressure shroud provided inside the low pressure side condenser, a low pressure side hot well, high pressure steam introducing portion, low pressure side condensate introducing portion, a flash box which communicates with at least one of the high pressure side hot well and the low pressure side hot well, flashes a heater drain from a feed water heater, and urges at least one of the high pressure side hot well and the low pressure side hot well to recover the flashed heater drain, and a flash steam path which introduces flash steam generated inside the flash box into at least one of the high pressure side hot well and the low pressure side hot well.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for cooling a compressed gas stream which utilizes one or more elongated vessels having a substantially vertical orientation. Each vessel has one compartment for indirect heat exchange between the compressed gas stream and a cooling stream and a second compartment for direct contact between the compressed gas stream and a liquid stream. The two compartments are separated by a barrier, which allows for upward passage of air, but prevents the downward passage of liquid. The design permits one to use the heat present in the compressed air efficiently.

Abstract: An air-cooled condenser has a first stage comprising both a K and a D section with fin tubes fed with steam at both ends, and a second stage comprising a D section. Each core tube in the first stage has at least one extraction channel at the trailing edge of the core tube located in an unfinned section of the core tube and separated from the main section of the core tube by a rib or baffle. Extraction channels may be provided at both the leading and trailing edges or rounded ends of the core tube, or at the trailing edge only. Openings in the rib connect at least a central portion of the main section to the extraction channel. The upper end of each extraction channel of each core tube is connected via an extraction passageway and transfer duct to the lower ends of the D-section fin tubes. The D-section creates a strong suction action to draw steam and non-condensibles out of the first stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution heat exchanger used for performing heat exchange between a dilute solution and a concentrated solution in a solution passage of an absorption refrigerating machine. The solution heat exchanger (H) comprises a plate type heat exchanger, and a communication portion (R) communicating between a dilute solution passage and a concentrated solution passage for introducing a portion of a dilute solution into a concentrated solution is provided in the solution heat exchanger (H).

Abstract: A condenser includes a cooling section having a plurality of vapor passages to convert vapor into water, a blower for drawing water produced in the vapor passages out of the vapor passages, and a recovery section for receiving the drawn-out water. Thus, the water produced in the vapor passages in the cooling section can be prevented from occluding the vapor passages.

Abstract: A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value Probability Distribution theory. The method also determines the minimum number of tubes that need to be inspected to establish that no more than the determined maximum number of degraded tubes will be permitted to remain in service for the contemplated interval of time based upon Bayesian Acceptance Sampling Theory.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and device for deterring the freezing within a condenser by preventing critical pressure differentials from building up between the exhaust steam header and the air ejector systemy. The means for regulating pressure in the air ejector system prevents the pressure difference between the turbine exhaust and the air ejector system from being great enough to carry condensate through a condensing tube into an air ejector system.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube reactor has a plurality of reaction tubes incorporated therein, a circulation path for the heating medium formed outside the reaction tubes, a heating medium introducing section provided on the upper part of the shell in the reactor and a heating medium discharge section provided on the lower part of the shell in the reactor, a back pressure applying means for the heating medium is further provided in the heating medium discharge section.

Abstract: An air-cooled condenser includes an upper header for distributing a vaporous medium to be condensed, a lower header for collecting condensate, spaced finned tubes with outer fins, the finned tubes being connected in parallel between the upper header and the lower header and cooled by a cooling air flow, means for draining the condensate form the lower header and extraction means for removing non-condensible gases from the condenser. The lower header is also used for distributing the vaporous medium to the finned tubes, so that the vaporous medium id fed into the finned tubes through both the upper and lower headers, and the extraction means are connected to each of the finned tubes at its portion facing the cooling air flow.

Abstract: A device for inspecting the interior of steam generators capable of visually inspecting interior of tubes in steam generators, including upper portions steam generator tubes, tops and bottoms of support plates, wrapper-to-support plate welds, and other internal structures.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, for use in particular in connection with the process outlets at paper, pulp and board mills, including substantially parallel tubes or equivalent arranged in a duct. An air flow that delivers heat passes through the tubes and an air flow that receives heat passes through gaps between the tubes in accordance with the cross-flow principle. The heat faces of the tubes are made larger at the side of the flow that receives heat by means of ribs, lamellae or equivalent, and an air that is moist, saturated, or near its saturation curve is used as the air flow that delivers heat in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a condenser which is free from pressure loss of air stream due to an air exhaust pipe and loss of thermal energy, and which is compact. In the condenser according to the present invention, deflector plates 27b are disposed in a vertically central part of a first cooling pipe bundle having a number of cooling pipes extended in parallelism with each other and in a first horizontal direction of the condenser. The deflector plates 27b are diverged downward to both sides and provide a roof of air cooling chambers 24a, 24b. Second cooling pipe bundles 25a, 25b are disposed respectively in the air cooling chambers 24a, 24b. An air exhaust inner pipe 29 is extended upward in the first cooling pipe bundle 20 in communication with upper spaces 34a, 34b in the air cooling chambers 24a, 24b.

Abstract: An improved single shell boiler is provided. The single shell boiler includes a closed vessel for containing a liquid heat transfer medium, with the liquid heat transfer medium having a surface. A first bundle of heat source tubes is located in the closed vessel and is adapted to be submerged within the liquid heat transfer medium for heating and vaporizing the liquid heat transfer medium. A second bundle of tubes is located in the closed vessel in a position which is adapted to be above the level of the liquid heat transfer medium within the vessel to receive heat by condensation of vaporized heat transfer medium on the second bundle of tubes. A condensate distribution plate is positioned between the first and second bundles of tubes. The condensate distribution plate is adapted to approximately evenly distribute condensate droplets released by the second bundle of tubes to break-up froth on the surface of the liquid heat transfer medium to enhance vapor release from the liquid heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position size and shape of defects in a bundle of heat exchanger tubes are described. An AC current exciter coil is placed in one tube and a detector coil is placed in an adjacent tube. This configuration of exciter and detector coils reduces the blind spot effect caused by interference by tube support plates and allows the inspection multiple or finned heat exchanger tubing.

Abstract: A serial heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a serial passage extending from an inlet to an outlet and a plurality of vapor liquid separators extracting vapor from the passage.

Abstract: In a steam condenser in which the steam is condensed on tubes (13) through which cooling water flows and which are combined in separate banks (20), each bank (20) being subdivided into compartments (10) by supporting plates (5) arranged perpendicularly to the tubes (13), a residual-steam/inert-gas mixture is drawn out of a precooler (2) via orifices (9) into an air cooler (3). The residual steam is condensed in the air cooler (3) and the collecting condensate (23) flows off on account of a slope of the air-cooler bottom (21) through a recess (18) to an adjacent compartment (10) having an air-cooler bottom (21) situated at a lower level. In this case, the condensate (23) flowing off from a compartment (10) situated at a higher level is retained at a retaining wall (22) on the air-cooler bottom (21) of the compartment (10) having the air-cooler bottom situated at the lowest level, this retaining wall (22) being arranged parallel to a supporting plate (5).

Abstract: A hot spot detection system for a rotary regenerative preheater has a linear rail system positionable between the central portion and the casing of the air preheater. The rail assembly has a pair of rails with a carriage movably mounted to each rail. The drive assembly has a motor and sprocket drive mountable to the exterior of the casing for driving the chain to which each carriage is affixed, to move the carriages in a linear reciprocating motion. On each carriage is a sensor assembly for detecting hot spots on the rotor of the air preheater.

Abstract: A two-stage steam condenser that prevents freezing from occurring in the tube rows by continual purging of the tube rows. Such continual purging prevents any steam from back-flowing into a tube row thereby eliminating the possibility that condensate or noncondensable gases will become trapped therein. This is achieved by isolating each of the tube rows in the second stage of the condenser so that the pressure of one tube row is not exposed to the pressure occurring in another adjacent tube row. The condensate collected in the various tube rows of this second stage is delivered to a common drain pot that is hydraulically balanced to accommodate the various pressures in these tube rows. Such hydraulic balancing also prevents any back-flowing from occurring from one tube row into another.

Abstract: A fouling sensing system monitors fouling of a rotary regenerative preheater having a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted therein. An emitter for emitting energy is positioned at one of the faces of the rotor and emits energy through the rotor. A sensor is positioned at the other face of the rotor for receiving the energy and generating an output signal indicative of the intensity of the energy.

Abstract: A method of electromagnetically measuring the distance between adjacent tube elements in a heat exchanger. A cylindrical, high magnetic permeability ferrite slug is placed in the tube adjacent the spacing to be measured. A bobbin or annular coil type probe operated in the absolute mode is inserted into a second tube adjacent the spacing to be measured. From prior calibrations on the response of the eddy current coil, the signals from the coil, when sensing the presence of the ferrite slug, are used to determine the spacing between the tubes.

Abstract: Gas at elevated temperature from a compressor (50) is fed to a first cooling coil (14) and thence to a second cooling coil (18) in chamber (16). The cooled gas at line (20) enters a chamber (22) where water and oil (if present) separate. A contaminant-free stream of compressed gas is further purified at filter chambers (28, 34). A portion of the gas flow, carrying the liquefied water or water/oil mixture is returned via reducing valve (44) to the interior of chamber (16) where it travels up riser pipe (46) in heat-exchanging relationship with the gas in coil (18) and emerges through port (48) as a condensate-free gas stream, the condensate having re-volatilized after passage through the reducing valve (44). The described arrangement minimizes or eliminates watery waste and cools the gas stream without the need for a powered cooler or supply of cooling water.

Abstract: A probe delivery system for delivering a bendable probe into a tube bundle is provided. The system uses an elongated guide which is insertable into the tube bundle via the access opening. The guide has a channel for directing the probe therealong and several pivotable port devices spaced along the length of the guide, operable to selectively direct the probe either farther along the guide, or outwardly and away from the guide and into the tube bundle. Actuators operate the port devices, and may be pneumatic, for example. A base is mountable on the shell which surrounds the tube bundle, and a servomotor is mounted on the base to move the guide in and out of the tube bundle. A rotation drive servomotor preferably is mounted on the base for rotating the guide about its central axis. Preferably, the system includes a spool drive for the probe itself, having a rotatable substantially circular spool around which the probe may be wound for feeding into and retracting from the tube bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a search device and a foreign object extrication device in a steam generator includes a router having two conduits for routing the search and extrication devices, and a positioning mechanism for positioning the conduits. The extrication device may include a cable having a pushing mechanism for pushing a foreign object within the steam generator and a hook mechanism for pulling the foreign object. Alternatively, the extrication device may include a loop mechanism for pulling. The extrication device may include a cable having a slotted end for pushing. Alternatively, the cable may have an anvil for pushing. The router may include a guide tube interconnected with the first conduit for guiding the search device from the tube lane into a selected one of the tube rows of the steam generator and another guide tube interconnected with the second conduit for guiding the extrication device from the tube lane into the selected tube row.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a search device and a retrieval device in a steam generator includes a guide mechanism for guiding the devices through the annulus to the tube sheet and drive mechanisms for driving the cables of the devices. Alternatively, a plurality of guide mechanisms and a plurality of drive mechanisms may be provided for a plurality of search and retrieval devices. The guide mechanism may include two double-dog-leg, single-piece, guide tubes between the handhole and the tube sheet for guiding the cables. The drive mechanisms may each include a pair of pinch rollers for driving a corresponding cable, a remote energizing mechanism for independently energizing the corresponding drive mechanism, and a reversible motor having a drive shaft. One pinch roller is driven by one drive shaft and the other pinch roller freely rotates about the other drive shaft. The guide mechanism may also include a guide plate mounted to the handhole and dual sets of guide tubes for the two halves of the tube sheet.

Abstract: A debris box, for use with a search and retrieval device for searching and retrieving a plurality of foreign objects within a heat exchanger, includes a holder mechanism, such as a container, for containing the foreign objects which are retrieved by the search and retrieval device within the heat exchanger; and an insertion mechanism, such as a snake, for inserting the holder mechanism into the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The condenser has a condenser shell with a reservoir portion, condenser tubes for cooling vapor flowing over the condenser tubes to condense the vapor to a liquid, and subcooler tubes in a subcooler compartment for cooling liquid within the reservoir portion. The condenser includes a drainage member for forming a void in the reservoir portion and having an upper surface inclined relative to a horizontal plane for directing the liquid from the condenser tubes toward the entrance to the subcooler compartment. The drainage member reduces the amount of liquid required in the reservoir for efficient subcooler and system operation by occupying space in the liquid reservoir that normally is occupied by liquid.

Abstract: A robot for carrying out operations in, for example, a chamber of a heat exchanger being divided into two compartments by means of a partition can be attached to said partition by means of suction cups. An accurate vertical movement of the shoulder joint necessitates the application of either two hinges or a double hinge between the robot itself and the suction cups.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle having a substantially hexagonally-shaped frame member that is movable between a collapsed position to enable the vehicle to enter a vessel opening or an area having constrained access points and a more stable expanded position. Drive apparatuses are attached to the frame member for driving the vehicle on a surface. The vehicle is also equipped with a tether line that is used to supply control power to the vehicle drives and to deploy and retrieve the vehicle. Various collapsible tool members are operably attached to the vehicle for performing various tasks within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: A vapor condensation and liquid recovery system is provided where a turbine chamber is connected to a multi-chambered condensation unit. Each chamber of the condensation unit has a valved inlet port and a valved outlet port. The valved inlet ports of each chamber of the condensation unit are connected to the turbine chamber outlet. Each condensation chamber is provided with another valved port which is connected to a vacuum generating means. Each chamber is also provided with a further valved port connected to a purge pump. The valved outlet ports are connected to a fluid reservoir. All of the valves are opened and closed by valve control means such as a computer. The valve control means opens and closes the valved vacuum line, valved inlet ports, valved outlet ports, and valved purge line in a sequence to permit a condensable vapor to be continuously drawn through the turbine chamber where it rotates the turbine blades transferring energy from the vapor to the turbine shaft. As a result the vapor condenses.

Abstract: In the operation of a main steam condenser of a steam turbine driven by a boiler and having a gland steam condenser, the gland steam condensate is normally fed from the gland steam condenser into the main condenser condensate. To avoid contamination of the main condenser condensate by oxygen-rich water, for at least part of the start-up period of the turbine, the gland steam condensate and other drain accumulating in the condenser is prevented from entering the main condenser condensate which is to be fed to the boiler. The gland steam condensate is fed to said main condenser and stored in a reservoir separate from the hot well thereof, to undergo de-aeration before being fed into the main condenser condensate.

Abstract: A condensing plant (10) comprises a steam receiving inlet manifold (11) connected to one end of tube nests (14) externally grazed by air for therein achieving the at least partial steam condensation. At their opposite end the tubes (14) are gathered into at least one outlet manifold (15) for the condensed liquid. Each outlet manifold (15) is connected by a vertically-extending duct (17) to a vertical rain-fall element (19, 20) opening at the lower part thereof into a collection tank (21). The collection tank (21) is supplied with steam from the inlet manifold (11) so that said steam moves up along the vertical element (20) for heating of the liquid falling thereinto.

Abstract: An improved robotic arm system for servicing the tubesheet located within the channel head of a nuclear steam generator is provided. The system includes a robotic arm whose shoulder and elbow joints are rotatable only in the plane parallel to the tubesheet in order to eliminate the imposition of cantileverly-induced torques on the electric motors driving these joints, as well as to minimize the possibility of mechanical interference between the arm and the walls of the channel head. Each of the motorized joint assemblies of the arm includes resolvers connected not only to the output of the drive train that moves the joint, but also to the drive shaft of the electric motor that drives the drive train, wherein the feedback signal generated by the resolver connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor is the primary signal used to modulate the amount of electric power conducted to the motor of the joint. Such a configuration advantageously results in smoother robotic arm movement.

Abstract: A probe assembly for inspection and/or repair of heat exchanger tubing is provided by a sensor deployed by an elongate flexible sensor support cable and a plurality of bushings forming a flexible coaxial sheath about the sensor support cable. Bushing retainers are secured to the sensor support member to retain spacing between the bushings during forceful deployment and retraction of the assembly.

Abstract: An improved robotic arm which is capable of accurately manipulating a testing device beneath the tube sheet of the steam generator and accurately and consistently return to a selected tube location is provided. The robotic arm includes a base which is adapted to be fixedly secured to a support beam which initially positions the robotic arm within the steam generator, a first extension arm which is rotatably mounted on the base forming a primary rotation joint and which extends essentially parallel to the tube sheet. A second extension arm is rotatably mounted at the end of the first extension arm forming a secondary rotation joint and further extends therefrom. The testing device such as an eddy current inspection tool is positioned at a distal end of the second extension arm.

Abstract: Equipment for the three-stage preheating and degassing of make-up water by means of steam in a power generation installation comprises, in a first stage, a mixing chamber (3) which is located on the outside wall (2) of the condenser of the power generation installation and communicates with the condenser interior via a steam inlet (6) and steam outlet (8). In this mixing chamber, a plurality of water injection means (4) are arranged. A separation column (11) which is located upright underneath the mixing chamber (3) and which is fitted at its upper end with a water distributor (15), forms the second stage. A receiver (21), which is located underneath the separation column (11) and in which steam-dispersing means (22) are fitted and which is connected via a weir (23) to the condenser interior, forms the third stage.

Abstract: A robotic device for remotely inspecting pressurizer heater wells is provided which has the advantages of quickly, precisely, and reliably acquiring data at reasonable cost while also reducing radiation exposure of an operator. The device comprises a prober assembly including a probe which enters a heater well, gathers data regarding the condition of the heater well and transmits a signal carrying that data; a mounting device for mounting the probe assembly at the opening of the heater well so that the probe can enter the heater well; a first motor mounted on the mounting device for providing movement of the probe assembly in an axial direction; and a second motor mounted on the mounting device for providing rotation of the probe assembly. This arrangement enables full inspection of the heater well to be carried out.

Abstract: A tool positioning assembly for use inside a steam generator. A loading tool assembly removably attachable to a support base is used to insert the support base into the steam generator through a manway opening. The support base is removably attached to the steam generator at the manway. A retractable foot assembly pivotally attached to the support base stabilizes the support base inside the steam generator. A track assembly, removably attachable to the support base after removal of the loading tool assembly, receives an arm. A driven cogwheel on the waist of the manipulator engages a rack on the track assembly and support base for selectively driving and positioning the arm thereon. A tool coupling mounted on the arm is adapted to receive remotely controlled tools. The four degree-of-freedom movement of the arm provides access to all tubes in the tubesheet and allows mounting of tools outside the steam generator.

Abstract: A multi-joint arm robot apparatus comprises a multi-joint arm having a plurality of unit arms coupled in tandem with each other through joints, and a movable support for supporting the proximal portion of the multi-joint arm. The multi-joint arm robot apparatus has motors for controlling joint angles of the joints and a motor for moving the movable support. These motors are driven by a control system. The control system controls the motors to obtain proper joint angles, in such a way that the joints of the multi-joint arm are put into a given path when the movable support is moved a given unit distance.

Abstract: In an enclosure of a heat exchanger that includes a wall having an opening for access to the enclosure and a nozzle for fluid flow through the wall, an articulate hoist for bringing an articulate manipulator into the enclosure is attached to the wall outside the opening. The lifting portion of the hoist, which is in the enclosure brings the manipulator into the enclosure. The manipulator which is is then attached to the wall outside the opening is adapted for reaching through the opening from inside the enclosure. A tool operator portion of the manipulator is adapted for engaging a nozzle dam for inserting the dam in the nozzle. One type of nozzle dam which the apparatus can install is one that falls within the description of a claim of U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,215.

Abstract: A jet condenser of the type comprising a water chamber in a mixing chamber (24) and an after-cooler (52), wherein the water chamber is subdivided in a narrower upper water chamber portion (38a) and a broader lower water chamber portion (39b). The after-cooler (52) is fixed at the junction (66) of both water chamber portions (38a, 38b). Cooling water is injected into the mixing chamber (24) by nozzles (40) of the upper water chamber portion (38a) where it flows in vertical direction. By the reduced width of the upper water chamber portion (38a) flow resistance of steam flow in the mixing chamber (24) and, thereby, undesired subcooling is substantially diminished. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A condensate storage tank assembly comprises a tank section having a condensate outlet at a lower end thereof. An upwardly enlarged steam chamber is connected to the upper end of the tank section and receives a condensate drain line which extends from the drain pot of a condenser. The upwardly enlarged steam chamber surrounds a portion of the condensate drain line at least up to the highest level of condensate in the drain line. A steam line from the source of steam which also feeds the condenser, is connected to the upper end of the tank section for supplying steam above the condensate level in the tank section. The steam heats the condensate drain line in the steam chamber to avoid freezing the condensate in the drain line. An upwardly enlarged deaerator may also be provided on the upper end of the tank section. The drain pot is also supplied with steam from the condenser for avoiding freezing of condensate in the condensate drain lines which supply condensate from the condenser to the drain pot.

Abstract: So as to be able to carry out various operations, especially for cleaning observation and simple interventions, on an installation placed in an active cell, the present invention provides a mobile intervention chamber including a caisson (40) adapted to be docked on an access orifice formed in an upper horizontal partition of the cell. The caisson (40) contains the modular elements (88) of an intervention pole (94), these elements being placed on a tool holder barrel (78). With the aid of auxiliary handling arms and a retractable support (110), a pole (94) of a suitable type and length is long-distance constructed on a mechanism (128) mounted on a rotary plate (120) integrated in the ceiling of the caisson (40). Shielding windows (232, 236) and lighting and display systems facilitate the carrying out of intervention operations.

Abstract: Condenser fluid comprising vaporized working fluid and non-condensable gases is treated by extracting fluid from the condenser and pressuring the fluid to liquefy the vaporized working fluid therein in such a way that the noncondensable gases are separated from the working fluid and can be vented from the extracted fluid.

Abstract: A robot arm apparatus is provided for inspecting and/or maintaining an interior of a steam generator which has an outside wall and a port for accessing the interior of the steam generator. The robot arm apparatus includes a flexible movable conduit for conveying inspection and/or maintenance apparatus from outside the steam generator to the interior of the steam generator. The flexible conduit has a terminal working end which is translated into and around the interior of the steam generator. Three motors located outside the steam generator are employed for moving the terminal working end inside the steam generator in "x", "y", and "z" directions, respectively. Commonly conducted inspection and maintenance operations include visual inspection for damaged areas, water jet lancing for cleaning sludge deposits, core boring for obtaining sludge deposits, and scrubbing of internal parts.