Abstract: A coke plant includes multiple coke ovens where each coke oven is adapted to produce exhaust gases, a common tunnel fluidly connected to the plurality of coke ovens and configured to receive the exhaust gases from each of the coke ovens, multiple standard heat recovery steam generators fluidly connected to the common tunnel where the ratio of coke ovens to standard heat recovery steam generators is at least 20:1, and a redundant heat recovery steam generator fluidly connected to the common tunnel where any one of the plurality of standard heat recovery steam generators and the redundant heat recovery steam generator is adapted to receive the exhaust gases from the plurality of ovens and extract heat from the exhaust gases and where the standard heat recovery steam generators and the redundant heat recovery steam generator are all connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a galley container includes: a picklock arranged on a first galley container part, a locking mechanism arranged on a second galley container part for engaging the picklock, the first and second galley container parts being moveable towards and away from each other to close and open the galley container, the locking mechanism being moveable between a release position, wherein the picklock is released from the locking mechanism, and a lock position wherein the locking mechanism can engage the picklock to lock the first container part to the second container part, characterized in that a blocking element is provided that in a block position prevents the locking mechanism from moving to the lock position and in an unblock position allows the locking mechanism to move to the lock position. A galley container provided with such a locking assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method for reducing the coking time in the oven area near the door or end wall and for improving coke quality and situation of emissions by compensating for radiation losses through coke oven chamber doors and end walls is described. This compensation is accomplished by varying the height of the coal cake in the environment of the frontal coke oven chamber doors. The variation is achieved both by increasing or decreasing the coal cake over part of the length or over the entire length of the coke oven chamber door. The reduction in the height of the coal cake can be generated by omission of coal or coal compacts, the increase in height can be accomplished by stacking of coal and pressing or adding of coal compacts, with it also being envisaged to omit the pressing cycle so as to obtain a recess with a lower coal cake density which also has less heat radiation.

Abstract: A solar distillation apparatus utilizing a substantially vertical reactor assembly is disclosed. The reactor includes a tubular outer shell, a base, a cap, and a central tension member. The annular space between the outer tube and the central tension member forms the reactor chamber. Seawater or other feed liquid enters the reactor chamber through the base plate. Reflected or direct solar energy heats the feed liquid, generating low pressure vapor. The vapor exits the reactor through the cap structure or the base. The concentrate left behind settles by gravity to the bottom region of the reactor's liquid column. Extension tubes on the feed openings allow feed liquid to enter the liquid column above the concentrate layer and avoid excessive mixing of the feed liquid and the concentrate. The concentrate exits the reactor through one or more openings in the base.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that includes a de-header valve. The de-header valve includes: (1) a main body; (2) a live loaded seat assembly coupled to the main body and comprising a dynamic, live loaded seat, a live seat adjustment mechanism coupled to the main body and designed to control and adjust the force and resulting seat load of the dynamic, live loaded seat, and a force transfer module in juxtaposition to the dynamic, live loaded seat for transferring the force from the live loaded seat adjustment mechanism to the dynamic, live loaded seat; (3) a static seat positioned opposite from and counteracting or counterbalancing the dynamic, live loaded seat; and (4) a blind or sliding blind capable moving in a linear, bi-directional manner within the de-header valve and between the dynamic, live loaded seat and the static seat.

Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.

Abstract: A heat-resistant door device for closing a horizontal coke oven chamber is made of a refractory material, using a material containing silica or a material containing silica and aluminum oxides, in particular. The material has a low temperature expansion coefficient and it is thermally well insulating so that the door is not deformed and/or distorted during the coal carbonization process. The door device is built of a coke oven wall mainly located above the door and embracing the door as well as of a mobile door located underneath. Thereby less cold ambient air enters into the coke oven chamber and radiation losses are minimized. The door may be comprised of an ellipsoidal bulge by which the coke can be better pushed into the coking chamber. The oven wall embracing the oven door can also be made of a refractory material containing silica or of a material containing silica and aluminum oxides.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system comprising (a) at least one coke drum having an orifice therein; (b) a de-header valve removably coupled to the coke drum designed to de-head the coke drum; and (c) an exchange system, including an upper and lower bonnet and other elements and members adapted to integrate the de-heading system, and particularly the de-header valve, into the manufacturing system.

Abstract: A seawater desalinization device includes a container portion and a heat conduction cover covering on the container portion. The container portion defines a receiving chamber and a slot. The receiving chamber is configured for receiving seawater, and the slot is defined around the receiving chamber for receiving fresh water evaporated from the seawater. The heat conduction cover defines a plurality of guiding slots facing the container portion for guiding the fresh water drop into the slot.

Abstract: The present invention extends to an electric actuator for operating an unheading valve of a coke drum. The electric actuator includes a driving element comprising a planetary roller screw for actuating the unheading valve. By using a planetary roller screw, rather than hydraulics for the driving element, the electric actuator of the present invention can be used in place of prior art hydraulic actuators while still providing sufficient power and reliability for use on unheading valves of a coke drum.

Abstract: A seat system for a coke drum deheading valve can include a groove in the surface of the seat for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the seat. Various channels can be formed in the body of the seat that connect to the groove. In this way, lubricant can be flowed through the channels and into the groove to provide lubrication between the surface of the seat and the blind. The seat system can also include a split ring packing gland to facilitate the formation of a seal within the deheading valve. The split ring packing gland can be used to retain and compress packing positioned between a retaining ring and a dynamic seat such that when the packing is compressed, an improved seal is formed. By improving the seal, less steam can be required during the delayed coking process thereby increasing the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that enables the de-heading of a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is essentially accomplished using one of a variety of specially designed de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum much the same way a conventional head or flange unit would be attached.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a recycler module including a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit that includes a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: An assembly for removing contaminants from objects and recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a parts washer assembly including a container for a contaminated solvent solution and a recycling assembly that includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: Dosed proportioning and cutoff of combustion air into the primary heating space of a horizontal coke oven is provided by apertures in the ceiling of the coke oven chamber, the apertures covered with a withdrawable cover device which controls the amount of air admitted, manually or in an automatic mode. By way of this device, ventilation of a coke oven chamber with primary air can be so controlled that primary air is introduced in an exactly dosed manner and, depending on its place of installation, exactly distributed into the primary heating space of a coke oven chamber.

Abstract: The described system allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums which typically utilize a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.

Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.

Abstract: A deheader valve is fitted onto an existing or new coke drum by initially positioning the body and valve, and then raising the valve to mate with the flange using a lifting device other than a chain fall. The vertical positioning of the deheader valve is preferably accomplished with a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, winch, scissor jack, ratchet jack, screw jack, and so forth. The distance traveled by the valve using these devices is more than 2 cm, commonly at least 20 cm, and in some installations up to 40 cm or more. In retrofit situations an oil inlet is provided in a side wall of the drum above the bottom drum flange.

Abstract: The present invention features a flange to flange dynamic seal and sealing system, particularly suited for use within high temperature, high pressure environments, such as a delayed coking process. The dynamic flange seal and sealing system comprises two primary elements or seals, each of which are capable of independently forming a flange seal between two flanged components or combining to create a flange seal. Specifically, these primary seals are an iconel bellows seal and a bi-material gasket, each of which surround a flange opening along a sealing surface. The flange seal created by the dynamic flange seal and sealing system is capable of being maintained in light of, or rather the sealing system adapts to, any structural or environmental changes within the connected flanges. As such, the flange seal may be a dynamic flange seal or a static flange seal or both.

Abstract: Coking drum 3, 4, especially for the manufacture of petroleum coke, which has an approximately cylindrical basic body, at least one inlet and at least two outlets, wherein there is arranged as shut-off member (11) at least at one outlet and/or at the or one inlet, a bridging pipe slide valve having two shut-off plates 27, 28.

Abstract: A structure for extreme thermal cycling has a support element that supports a vessel primarily by bearing and frictional forces rather than by welds. The support element has a bearing portion that tapers inwardly beneath a knuckle that separates a cylindrical section of the vessel from a sloped lower section. The bearing portion of the support element follows that slope, providing an extended area of contact between the support element and the vessel. An annular section of the support element can be heated and expanded before placing it around the cylindrical section of the vessel to provide pre-stressing. If required, a strap may extend downwardly from the vessel over an upper edge of the support element.

Abstract: A decoking system that not only enables an operator to remotely switch the coke-cutting process from boring to cutting mode without removing the drill stem from the coke drum, but also to remotely determine the drill stem's mode so that efficiency, safety and convenience are not compromised, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety system during the entire delayed coker operation. The present invention preferably comprises a coke drum; a first coke drum de-header system coupled to the bottom of the coke drum; a second coke drum de-header system coupled to the top of the coke drum; a containment system coupled to the second coke drum de-header system; and a remote switching system. Hence, the present invention provides system for cutting coke within a coke drum with increased safety, efficiency and convenience.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that provides unique advantages over prior art de-heading systems, namely the de-heading of a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is essentially accomplished using one of a variety of specially designed de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum much the same way a conventional head or flange unit would be attached. The de-header valve is equipped with, among other things, a valve closure and means for supporting a valve closure capable of forming a continuous contact seal during the coke manufacturing process. The means for supporting a de-header valve typically comprises a seat support system comprising a variety of configurational designs. Actuation of the valve closure functions to open and close the de-header valve, wherein in a closed position, the de-header valve and coke drum are prepared to receive the petroleum byproduct feed from the refinery process used to manufacture coke.

Abstract: Clamping system and method for clamping the bottom head cover of a coke drum to the bottom flange thereof are disclosed. The system and method include determining the flange stiffness or resistance to deflection resulting from the spring-like force exerted on the bottom head cover and bottom flange gasket seating surface by the gasket in its compressed state. This deflection information may then be used to estimate the minimum number of clamps needed to ensure sufficient load remains on the gasket at the midpoints between the clamps to effectively keep the gasket sealed. An appropriate number of clamps may then be disposed around the periphery of the bottom flange to clamp it to the bottom head cover. In one practical design, each clamp engages a lug attached to the periphery of the bottom head cover such that the clamp does not extend underneath the bottom head cover when clamped.

Abstract: A drill stem guide and cover system is designed to guide a drill stem used in coke cutting operations. After a cutting tool and drill stem are inserted into a coke drum, covers close, forming a passageway small enough that it prevents the cutting tool on the end of the drill stem from being removed but large enough to allow movement of the drill stem. The drill stem moves within the passageway to allow the cutting tool to be raised and lowered as needed. The closed covers provide protection from the release of pressurized or explosive gases while the coke cutting operation is taking place. The covers can be automated so that an operator can control them from a safe distance, and the covers can be remotely opened for the removal of the drill stem and cutting tool when coke cutting operations are not taking place.

Abstract: A system for the extraction, drainage and wet transport of the petroleum coke produced by the coking chambers is described. Such system provides the collection, drainage and transport of the petroleum coke coming from the coking chambers during the cutting phase all the way to the boilers' feeding. The material extracted from the coking chamber (7) through the use of high pressure water is conveyed on the pre-crusher (4) through a connection system (1a). Between the pre-crusher (4) and the draining belt conveyor (2) there is a drainage and containment hopper (1) which has the dual function of accumulation and possible drainage thanks to some holes that serve as weir. The material which falls from above in different sizes, after having being reduced in size by the pre-crusher (4), gets transported by the belt (2) that carries out a first drainage phase through the holes made on the same belt. The coke is collected on the belt while the drained water is collected in a lower collection channel (8).

Abstract: A coke drum bottom de-heading system having an internal shroud enclosure and a shroud end cap opened by a flange to a coke bottom de-heading valve capable of accepting the end of a gate valve upon actuation. Acting in coordination with the shroud enclosure to prevent the escape of steam is a gate seal assembly having a gate seal slidably engaged against the sliding gate to prevent the passage of steam thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus including a coke drum for coking hydrocarbon substances, a valve disposed near the bottom of the coke drum, and a discharge conduit for removing coke from the coke drum, wherein the discharge conduit is connected to the valve such that when the valve is open, the coke may be removed via the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A system (10) for pyrolysing material comprises a stationary inlet stage (20), a rotary kiln (60) and a stationary outlet stage (70), with a rotary joint mechanism (30, 80) provided between the inlet stage (20) and the rotary kiln and/or between the rotary kiln and the outlet stage (70). The rotary joint mechanism (30, 80) comprises a face seal between a rotating surface (66) of a first seal member (65, 85) fixed to the kiln (60) and a stationary surface (26) of a second seal member (25, 82) fixed to the respective stage (20, 70).

Abstract: The present invention features an installation system for facilitating the installation and removal of a closure onto and from a pressure vessel, respectively. The installation system comprises a fixed support structure constructed proximate a pressure vessel; a carriage dynamically and continuously supported by the fixed support structure, wherein the carriage also dynamically and adjustably supports a closure, such as a header or a deheader valve, in a continuous manner; an elevation adjustment assembly allowing the carriage and the closure to move in a vertical manner relative to the fixed support structure and the pressure vessel; and a horizontal transfer assembly that dynamically couples the closure to the carriage to enable horizontal, bidirectional transitioning of the closure relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A coke oven door prevents the generation of poor-qualitycoke and yielding and adhesion of tar by promoting the temperature rise of coal particles charged near the coke oven door of a coke oven. The coke oven door comprises a heat-insulating box provided on the coke oven side of a oven door structure adapted to open and close an opening in the coke oven in which the coal particles are charged, horizontal support frames fitted in said heat-insulating box to vertically partition the heat-insulating box into multiple sections, and a bottom-less gas migration and isolation hollow plug formed by laterally and vertically putting together removable shield bars in spaces between said horizontal support frames with small ventilating spaces left on both sides thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features a flange to flange dynamic seal and sealing system, particularly suited for use within high temperature, high pressure environments, such as a delayed coking process. The dynamic flange seal and sealing system comprises two primary elements or seals, each of which are capable of independently forming a flange seal between two flanged components or combining to create a flange seal. Specifically, these primary seals are an iconel bellows seal and a bi-material gasket, each of which surround a flange opening along a sealing surface. The flange seal created by the dynamic flange seal and sealing system is capable of being maintained in light of, or rather the sealing system adapts to, any structural or environmental changes within the connected flanges. As such, the flange seal may be a dynamic flange seal or a static flange seal or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for the provision of a block flange of a manhole aperture or the like, in particular for fluidized bed reactors for the oxychlorination of ethylene, oxygen and HCl, having a wall flange fixed in the reactor wall, is intended to provide a solution whereby all other auxiliary measures can be dispensed with and the expense associated therewith can be eliminated without the functionality of the system suffering as a result and without undesirable deposits being formed in these areas. This is achieved in that the flange surface (5) pointing inward and downward in the direction of gravity is of beveled design, at least in some areas.

Abstract: An apparatus including a coke drum for coking hydrocarbon substances, a valve disposed near the bottom of the coke drum, and a discharge conduit for removing coke from the coke drum, wherein the discharge conduit is connected to the valve such that when the valve is open, the coke may be removed via the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A coke drum head is hinged to a coke drum body using a compound joint such as a trammel pivot, and the head is moved between open and closed positions using an actuator. In moving between open and closed positions, the head traces out a non-circular path which reduces the required headroom relative to a head using a standard pivot.

Abstract: A coke-oven door has an annular periphery normally juxtaposed with an annular door frame. A seal assembly for the door has at least two flexible, relatively displaceable, metallic, and annular membranes each having an annular inner periphery and an annular outer periphery and a U-section channel fixed to the outer periphery of only one of the membranes, open toward the door, and having annular inner and outer edges. The other membrane bears on the one membrane and therethrough on the channel. A mount secures the inner peripheries of the membranes to the periphery of the door. A spring urges the edges of the channel with a spring force against the door frame.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a movable lock ring and a lock arm that prevents inadvertent movement of the lock ring. Contemplated configurations are especially useful in delayed coking vessels to prevent opening of the vessel while the vessel is in operation.

Abstract: A coke oven has a coke-oven chamber adapted to hold a mass of coke, defining above the mass of coke a gas-collecting chamber, and having a door opening. A door closes the door opening. A peripheral gas channel extends around the opening between the door and coke-oven chamber and has at least one outer and at least one inner door seal defining an annular space. The inner door seal is formed in both the coke-oven chamber and the gas-collecting chamber with a plurality of throughgoing holes forming fluid-communicating connections between the coke-oven chamber, the gas-collecting chamber, and the annular space at different heights of the coke-oven chamber and of the gas-collecting chamber. Thus regions of the coke-oven chamber with different gas pressures communicate with each other and with the annular space via the connections on the inner door seal to equalize pressure between the regions and the gas-collecting chamber.

Abstract: A safe, efficient and repetitively operable coke vessel decoking system is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the closed system comprises a coker vessel pressure-tightly sealed to a top head system, which includes a closure housing with a laterally moveable horizontal closure member therein and a cutting head enclosure, which further comprises a drill stem guide, an access door, and a cutting assembly mounted therein. A novel feature of the invention is a steam purge/blocking system whereby steam pressure is maintained in the closure housing during the coking cycle to maintain seal integrity. Personnel safety during decoking operations is greatly enhanced by eliminating dangerous manual tasks associated with the prior art such as unbolting and removing top head devices. The system can be remotely and repetitively operated through numerous coking/decoking cycles without removal of any system element.

Abstract: A coke drum bottom de-heading system having an internal shroud enclosure and a shroud end cap opened by a flange to a coke bottom de-heading valve capable of accepting the end of a gate valve upon actuation. Acting in coordination with the shroud enclosure to prevent the escape of steam is a gate seal assembly having a gate seal slidably engaged against the sliding gate to prevent the passage of steam thereby.

Abstract: The present invention features systems and methods for de-heading a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is accomplished using a de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum. The de-header valve is equipped with, a valve closure and a seat support system capable of forming a continuous contact seal during the coke manufacturing process. Actuation of the valve closure functions to open and close the de-header valve. Once the drum is full, the de-header valve may be actuated (opened), wherein the coke that has accumulated on the blind is sheared by the seat support system, thus effectively de-heading the coke drum and facilitating the decoking process.

Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system comprising (a) at least one coke drum having an orifice therein; (b) a de-header valve removably coupled to the coke drum designed to de-head the coke drum; and (c) an exchange system, including an upper and lower bonnet and other elements and members adapted to integrate the de-heading system, and particularly the de-header valve, into the manufacturing system.

Abstract: An insulated transition spool apparatus for mounting unheading devices to pressure vessels, such as coker vessels, and enabling repetitive operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, an inner housing that encloses an insulating space between the inner and outer housing, a side feed entry aperture in each housing and a spool adapter flange to facilitate attachment of the spool to the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing a leveling door aperture of a coke oven chamber when loading bulk coking coal. The device includes a housing and a leveling door aperture, a leveling arm, composed of at least side panels and cross spacers connecting the side panels, is guided through the housing and the leveling door aperture. The leveling arm supports means for sealing a cross-sectional area of the leveling door aperture or upstream the leveling door aperture. A controllable or adjustable exhauster is joined to the housing and a measurement point is provided for flow rate measurement.

Abstract: A coke oven door comprises a generally rectangular outer frame, a generally rectangular inner frame positioned within the outer frame and a seal operably mounted to the inner frame and adapted for effecting sealing against a jamb of a coke oven. The outer frame is adapted for moving the seal toward the jamb and the outer and inner frames are pivotally connected so as to be able to pivot relative to one another about a longitudinal pivot axis.

Abstract: A sealable lid assembly for a vacuum distillation apparatus has a lid pivotally and telescopically mounted to the vacuum distillation apparatus. Spaced-apart wheels are rotatably mounted to the lid. Tracks are disposed on the vacuum distillation apparatus in a position to engage the wheels and raise the lid vertically above a manhole of the vacuum distillation apparatus upon pivotal movement of the lid, which is initiated by nominal physical exertion of a single operator. Extending outwardly from and adjacent the manhole is a flange. The flange has a channel to receive a gasket. A protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom of the lid in a position to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket when the wheels disengage the tracts. Clamp assemblies are provided to releasably engage the lid with the flange and draw the protrusion into sealable, releasable engagement with the gasket.

Abstract: An insulated transition spool apparatus for mounting unheading devices to pressure vessels, such as coker vessels, and enabling repetitive operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, an inner housing that encloses an insulating space between the inner and outer housing, a side feed entry aperture in each housing and a spool adapter flange to facilitate attachment of the spool to the vessel.

Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.