Abstract: Mixing of spent reactant gases with ambient air inside a semiconductor wafer fabrication facility is avoided and consequently corrosion of a scavenger box in a wafer fabrication facility is avoided. Repeatability of reaction gas results on wafers in a process tube is improved by maintaining precisely constant pressure in the wafer processing tube, which is operated close to ambient atmospheric pressure. This is accomplished by positioning an exhaust tube downstream from the wafers in the processing tube at a location that results in a uniform, repeatable reaction gas flow pattern between the wafers. Pressures at or near that point are measured by a differential manometer referenced to ambient atmospheric pressure to produce a pressure-indicating signal. The pressure indicating signal is electronically compared with a preset constant signal representative of the desired constant pressure at the pressure measurement point to produce an error signal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for breaking out deposits and lining from small areas of rotary kilns. The objective, on which the invention is based, is accomplished by an apparatus, which has a front functional element and a rear functional element, which is disposed axially at the thick end of the functional element, a working disk being provided, the protruding, radial, external points of which, constructed as two longitudinally acting double cutting teeth and two transversely acting working teeth, form a circular path in their motion. The conicity adjusters, which can be swung out, form an outer conicity line with the working disk and the contours of the front functional element. In functional vicinity of the working disk at the radial outer edge of the longitudinal ribs of the functional element, said functional element has a curve, on which the inner conicity lines impinge tangentially. To accommodate working elements, plug-in receivers are disposed behind the working disks.

Abstract: An oven-apparatus for flaming the interior and exterior surfaces of a container for removing nonkosher oils, fats, dirt, and the like, which apparatus has a main housing defining a tunnel through which are conveyed containers to be flame-treated, and a first flame-burner capable of developing a substantially vertically-oriented exposed flame for flame-treating the interior surface of a container, and a second flame-burner capable of developing a horizontally-oriented flame for flame-treating the exterior surface of a container. The apparatus also has a conveyor for conveying a plurality of containers to be flame-treated adjacent to the first and second flame-burners. A turntable lifts and rotates the container while the two flame-burners' flames treat all of the surfaces of the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a regenerative gas incineration apparatus having three heat regenerators containing refractory heat exchange material. Gas is cycled through the regenerators first in one direction, then in another. The regenerators are each connected to combustion chamber having an air-fuel system and at least one burner. A system of valved ductwork is utilized to direct gas to be processed into and upwardly through a heating first regenerator into the combustion chamber, downwardly through a cooling second regenerator and exhausting the processed gas to the atmosphere. The temporarily idle third regenerator is purged of partially treated gas remaining from a previous cycle and this gas is directed to the combustion chamber. The flow of the gas through the system is periodically changed enable the heat recovered by cooling regenerator in the previous cycle to be used to heat incoming gas in the next.

Abstract: An oven-apparatus for koshering container or drum lids made of metal. The oven-apparatus has a substantially hollow interior through which are conveyed the lids after having passed through a bath, with the lids being conveyed through the hollow interior in a semicircular or arcuate path, with the entrance being positioned directly in-line with the exit of a conventional bath for initially washing the lids clean. The same conveyer system that conveys the series of lids through the bath is also used for conveying the lids through the oven-apparatus. After having passed through the oven-apparatus of the invention, the lids are conveyed in the conventional manner substantially parallel to but in the opposite direction by which they were conveyed through the bath. Within the hollow interior of the oven-apparatus, there are provided a pair of flame-burners. One flame-burner is mounted at a first corner of the housing of the oven-apparatus at an acute degree angle with respect the center line of the main housing.

Abstract: An oven for drying and curing a film of paint, ink, or the like on a continuous strip of metal has a non-rectangular, and preferably oval, elongated oven chamber without sharp internal corners. By avoiding sharp corners in the oven, air flow is more uniform and deposits of condensed fumes are minimized. In some embodiments no internal bracing structure required. The absence of internal structure is permitted by the oven's walls, oval shaped in transverse cross section, which result a naturally self supporting structure. Cleaning nozzles may be provided for washing the inside of the oven without need for people to enter the oven.

Abstract: A recovery boiler port cleaner for a chemical recovery furnace, such as a sulfur-reducing recovery boiler, used in pulp and paper processing. The port cleaner is mounted on an exterior wall of the boiler and is comprised of a stainless steel port cleaning blade attached to a push rod which is slidable in a protective stainless steel sleeve extending into the boiler to a point adjacent a respective air port. A pneumatic cylinder for actuating the push rod is located on a stand-off support structure attached to a flat plate included on a mounting bracket welded to the boiler wall. The support structure acts to protect the air cylinder from the heat of the boiler and reduces the failure rate thereof. Also, a cover is provided on the outside of the stand-off support structure to protect personnel from movement of the push rod when activated. A solenoid valve for energizing the air cylinder is located remotely from the boiler and the mechanical assembly attached to the boiler wall.

Abstract: An automated installation for the rapid thermochemical treatment of parts, notably for the mechanical industry, characterized in that it includes: a transfer lock for the parts under a controlled atmosphere; a plurality of treatment modules of the parts, all said modules being connected to said transfer lock; a loading lock; an unloading lock, and a handling robot for the parts, disposed in said transfer lock in order to provide for the successive transfers of parts between the various modules.

Abstract: A method for the partial or total removal of deposits and/or linings from rotary kilns by introduction of a conically shaped break off roller into the rotary kiln. The break off roller rotates together with the rotating kiln and this results in the roller impacting with its tools onto the interior surface of the kiln to break off parts thereof and to shake and vibrate the interior of the kiln to cause a collapsing thereof. The break off roller has a larger end and a smaller end and elongated guiding means for the disposition and guidance of cutting means and adjustable stabilizing means, and means for breaking and/or reversing the movement of the roller.

Abstract: During the operation of an oxygen-fuel burner the supply of fuel is reduced to generate an oxygen-rich low velocity flame. The excess oxygen of the flame is heated by the flame and oxidizes any slag accumulated on or about the burner.

Abstract: A method of operating a controlled atmosphere furnace. To prevent the entry of oxygen into the controlled atmosphere in the chamber of the furnace, which has a furnace door for the receipt and removal of parts by means of a feeding and removal device, the device is designed to seal a vestibule located immediately in front of the furnace door when the device approaches the furnace door. The oxygen-containing ambient air thus trapped in the vestibule is then removed therefrom. The furnace door is opened, and the feeding and removal device, while still sealing the vestibule from the ambient air, then moves into the furnace chamber for feeding or removing the part which is to be heat treated.

Abstract: Decontaminating an object such as a vehicle, is achieved by subjecting the bject to an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to achieve the desired temperature. The heat source is preferably a jet engine which is supported for universal movement. The temperature of the surface of the object under treatment is determined by sensing the infrared radiation emanating from the surface of the object. In response to the attainment of a predetermined level of infrared radiation, an electric control member is used to regulate the movement of said heat source. Thus heating is caused to be directed at selected regions of the object under treatment for the time period necessary to attain the desired temperature level.

Abstract: A device for supporting flat ceramic objects, particularly glazed floor or wall tiles, to be fired in a continuous heating furnace where the objects can be moved on rollers which are in the form of tubes. These tubes are equipped with raised and indented portions with the objects to be fired only being supported by the raised portions during transport through the furnace.

Abstract: In clinker coolers with a thrust grate a small part of the material to be cooled falls through the grate. These grate screenings usually are collected in funnels, let out and carried away. These funnels and transporting devices are housed between high, complicated foundations. In this invention these funnels are replaced by a removal device which moves the grate screenings horizontally through a transfer canal. This eliminates the complicated foundations and the control of the emptying device previously used.

Abstract: In a plant having a dryer for organic materials, especially wood chips through which hot gas from a combustion chamber can be passed, and the exhaust gases, laden with combustible contaminants, can be passed through indirect heat exchangers, by-pass ducts carrying exhaust gas from the dryer are associated with the heat exchangers, along with hot gas ducts to and from the combustion chamber. After a heat exchanger has been shut off from the exhaust gas stream from the dryer, the same heat exchanger can be connected for cleaning to a portion of the hot gas from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning cooling tubes of a heat transfer unit including a steam chamber through which the cooling tubes extend and into which steam generated in a steam power generating plant is introduced so as to exchange heat with a cooling water flowing through the cooling tubes. Cleaning bodies are introduced into the cooling water and then distributed to the cooling tubes so as to clean the latter. The cooling tubes are divided into a plurality of groups, with each group including a plurality of the cooling tubes having the same trends of cleanliness. The cleaning bodies are respectively introduced to the groups in respective quantities suitable for cleaning the cooling tubes of each group in dependence upon the particular degree of cleanliness of the cooling tubes of the respective groups.

Abstract: A new and improved stove or furnace for efficient combustion of wood fuel including a vertical feed combustion chamber for receiving and supporting wood fuel in a vertical attitude or stack, a major upper portion of the combustion chamber column comprising a water jacket for coupling to a source of water or heat transfer fluid and for convection circulation of the fluid for confining the locus of wood fuel combustion to the bottom of the vertical gravity feed combustion chamber. A flue gas propagation delay channel extending from the laterally directed draft outlet affords delayed travel time in a high temperature environment to assure substantially complete combustion of the gaseous products of wood burning with forced air as an actively induced draft draws the fuel gas and air mixture laterally through the combustion and high temperature zone.

Abstract: In a continuous annealing furnace, a steel strip is conveyed by conventional hearth rolls made of heat-resistant cast steel, such as HK 40. However, since the formation of buildup is frequent, conventional hearth rolls are inappropriate for long-term operation of a continuous annealing furnace. In the hearth roll of the present invention, which consists of a solid or hollow roll body and a surface layer, the surface layer containing more than 15% by weight of Nb and the balance being inorganic material, the formation of buildup is not frequest, thereby making long-term operation of a continuous annealing furnace possible.

Abstract: A grain drier system is disclosed which includes means for collecting heated air which has passed through grain and conducting it to the inlet of the burners which supply the heated gas to dry the grain. The collected air is introduced into the inlet of the burner at the periphery of the air stream to the burner in an area where the contact between the collected air and the flame of the burner is minimized. This procedure enables the heat of the collected air to be utilized without the likelihood of subjecting any entrained material to the action of the flame of the burner.In order to further minimize the possibility of fire, prior to being conducted to the burner, the collected air is passed into a plenum where the velocity of the stream of collected air is decreased and its direction of movement changed so that a substantial portion of entrained dust and organic material is caused to fall out of the air stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for delivering a solvent in the liquid state to a surface to be cleaned. The volume of the solvent and the time interval during which it is applied to the surface are selected so that the solvent reaches the surface in the liquid state. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is water which is sprayed at selected time intervals onto the lower surface of the distributor plate supporting a fluidized bed of glass batch material for preheating.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a hot gas stream containing suspended finely divided particles wherein a cooling fluid is circulated through confined cooling elements located in a large flow housing, the gas stream to be cooled passing exteriorly of the cooling elements in countercurrent heat exchange relationship therewith. The cooling fluid is circulated through the cooling elements in a confined path and cleaning means are provided inside the cooling elements which are arranged to impact the cooling elements periodically to thereby dislodge particles adhering to the exterior surfaces of such cooling elements.

Abstract: A furnace tray for supporting tooth pegs used in the manufacture of false teeth, dental prostheses and the like comprises a refractory tray base member having a carbon plate receiving recess in its upper surface. A carbon plate is positioned in the recess and dental prostheses supported by tooth pegs are placed on the upper surface of the plate. The tray with the carbon plate and the dental prostheses thereon are then placed in a furnace and the teeth are fired. During the firing process the interior of the furnace is simultaneously purged by the carbon.

Abstract: A method of vacuum brazing large assemblies in an enclosed evacuated furnace with brazing material containing a gettering agent in the area of the joints to be formed, including sensing the temperature of the assembly to be brazed adjacent the joints on the exterior surface of the assembly, and shifting an additional quantity of gettering agent from a cool zone into a hot zone in the furnace as the surface temperature of the assembly approaches the brazing temperature. A furnace adapted to carry out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for cleaning surfaces of installations fouled by products of combustion of carbon-bearing materials, such as in particular boiler combustion chambers, rotary or static heat exchangers, combustion product ducts and flues, electrostatic filters, etc., which are to be cleaned without having to stop the combustion process, in order to maintain maximum thermal efficiency in order thereby to make a substantial energy saving, in which an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate is injected into the installation, the deposited substances being detached from the installation by means of sound sources.

Abstract: Cement clinker is produced from cold, dry, finely divided raw material by causing hot flue gases to flow in a first direction out of a rotary kiln and suspending a major portion of the finely divided raw material in the hot flue gases until the raw material has been preheated and at least partially decarbonized. The preheated and at least partially decarbonized raw material is introduced into the kiln. A fraction of the cold, dry, finely divided raw material is pneumatically injected into an end of the kiln to flow countercurrently to said first direction approximately parallel to the axis of the kiln to form a dust cloud of the raw material occupying substantially the entire cross section of the kiln at said end, the end being upstream with respect to a second direction of flow of the raw material into the kiln.

Abstract: A flow of cleaning fluid is directed into the lower ends of the exhaust stacks of a yarn heat set machine, with the cleaning fluid being directed alternately into the stacks at one end of the yarn path and then into the stacks at the other end of the yarn paths for a predetermined time period, and then cleaning fluid is directed alternately into one cross manifold and then into the other cross manifold for the exhaust stacks for a second predetermined time period, and then cleaning fluid is directed into the fan of the yarn heat set machine for a third time period. Preferably, the cleaning cycle is initiated when the yarn heat set machine is hot from its normal operation.

Abstract: Thin-walled corundum tubes form smooth and pore-free surfaces for supplying non-preheated gas to the burners in heating flues between coking chambers of a coke oven. Silica blocks forming a burner in the heating flues have an enlarged opening to receive the tube so that the tube projects a short distance from the top of the burner and extends therealong below the floor of the heating flue. The tube is made of corundum or similar refractory material to prevent the accretion of carbon which precipitates at a high temperature from the rich gas.

Abstract: A method of reducing sulfurous pollutants from furnaces fired with sulfur-containing coals is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of recovering fibrous material from green crops, comprising leaves, grasses, legumes, stems of green plants and tree leaves by subjecting the green crops to a mechanical pulping action and separating juices generated by the pulping action from the fibrous material. The fibrous materials are burned with the sulfur-containing coal in the furnace thereby permitting alkaline residues from the fibrous material to react with sulfur oxides generated by the combustion of the coal, the reaction converting the oxides to sulfur salts and permitting the salts to be recovered in ash from the furnace thereby reducing the pollutants from the furnace by the reaction and by dilution of the combustion gases.

Abstract: A process for automatically venting noncondensable contaminants from a number of process vessels heated with an organic heat transfer vapor medium involves monitoring the temperature at each vessel and intermittently venting all vessels simultaneously in response to a temperature drop at any one vessel. By venting intermittently for a predetermined period energy is conserved. Equipment costs are minimized by simultaneous venting through a single control valve.

Abstract: A process for the production of a non-agglomerating vanadium coated particle is disclosed comprising the combustion of a carbonaceous material or fuel containing relatively large amounts of vanadium in the presence of an oxidizing gas and a particulate substrate such as sand. The combustion of carbonaceous materials such as petroleum coke or bunker oil high in vanadium and sulfur produce vanadium products that melt at the combustion temperature and coat the firebox and/or heat exchange tubes in which the combustion process is conducted with corrosive vanadium slags. This coating problem is also avoided by the process disclosed.

Abstract: A high efficiency system and method for supplying heat energy to a combustible effluent producing primary process, such as to a paint drying oven, in which the output of an incinerator-heater is controlled in order to be matched to the heat energy requirements of the process. At the same time, the incinerator burner temperature is sufficiently high to incinerate the combustible effluent developed by the primary process. Effluent laden air is circulated from the process site through a preheat heat exchanger into which is transferred a portion of the heat of the incinerated air prior to entry into the incinerator chamber. The incinerated air is recirculated to the process site in order to provide the heat energy requirements of the drying oven or other process. A proportion of the incinerated air is vented to an exhaust stack via an air-to-air heat exchanger which preheats incoming fresh air circulated to the process site to make up the vented flow of incinerated air.

Abstract: A method and ducting system for collection of hot exhaust gases from paint curing oven heaters is disclosed for heat energy recovery in which a large collector duct is extended above the paint curing oven and into which is drawn large volumes of slightly warmed air heated by radiation from the paint curing oven or from secondary warm air sources. The vent stack of each paint curing oven heater is extended into the interior of the collector duct, directing the hot exhaust gases into the center of the large volume air stream in order to cool the gases and allow the collection without the need for insulated collection ducting, thermal expansion joints or flow balancing dampers. The heated air volume is passed through the heat recovery exchanger unit prior to being exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A heat applying assembly for thawing out clogged asphalt containing pipes.

Abstract: In a line for coating a ferrous base metal strip with a molten coating metal, the line being of the type having a preparation furnace for the strip comprising a direct fired furnace, a controlled atmosphere heating furnace, one or more cooling chambers and a snout leading beneath the surface of the molten coating metal bath, all in sealed relationship to each other, the improvement comprising a method and means for maintaining a non-oxidizing atmosphere at positive pressure within the entire preparation furnace during line stops. To this end, a retractable, refractory lined door means is provided in the conduit between the direct fired furnace and its exhaust fan to seal off the direct fired furnace from its exhaust fan and an air dilution opening in that conduit. Additionally, means are provided to add excess nitrogen flow to the preparation furnace to maintain a positive pressure therein.

Abstract: A process for de-contaminating drilling cuttings and/or drilling mud, contaminated with a hydrocarbon oil, comprising the step of heating the cuttings and/or mud so as to burn off the contaminant whereby the cuttings may be disposed of without environmental spoilage and the mud recycled.

Abstract: A process for heating up a sulfur recovery plant such as a Claus unit or a combined Claus and SCOT unit, the process including first purging the plant with inert gas and blocking in the purged plant, followed by circulating heated inert gas through the plant to bring the plant to start-up temperature.

Abstract: In a line for coating a ferrous base metal strip with a molten coating metal, the line being of the type having a preparation furnace for the strip comprising a direct fired furnace, a controlled atmosphere heating furnace, one or more cooling chambers and a snout leading beneath the surface of the molten coating metal bath, all in sealed relationship to each other, the improvement comprising a method and means for maintaining a non-oxidizing atmosphere at positive pressure within the entire preparation furnace during line stop. To this end, a retractable, refractory lined door means is provided in the conduit between the direct fired furnace and its exhaust fan to seal off the direct fired furnace from its exhaust fan and an air dilution opening in that conduit. Additionally, means are provided to add excess nitrogen flow to the preparation furnace to maintain a positive pressure therein.

Abstract: A system for the continuous analysis of furnace gasses for carbon dioxide and oxygen levels is disclosed. Materials which would be detrimental to the measuring instruments are removed before the gasses reach the measuring instruments. In particular, moisture content is removed by condensation at temperatures near freezing whereafter the gas is permitted to continuously warm up as it goes through the measuring instruments so that no condensation takes place in the measuring instruments.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing operations of agitating a material to be treated in a rotary kiln and scraping away substances adhering to the inner wall of the rotary kiln effectively at a high efficiency so as to operate the rotary kiln continuously for a long time and perform the heat treatment in the rotary kiln very smoothly.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the nozzle openings of a floater oven having duct-like nozzles with rows of nozzle openings along their length. A main frame which may be disposed adjacent to the oven nozzles is provided as a support structure. A main carriage adapted to travel back and forth along the length of the main frame is slidably mounted on the frame. A set of brushes adapted to be driven in rotation are mounted on the main carriage so they may be positioned in contact with the nozzle openings to be cleaned. In operation, the main frame is located adjacent to an oven nozzle. The main carriage is transported along the main frame as the brushes are rotated. The brushes automatically clean the nozzle openings along the nozzle.

Abstract: Steel strips, notably in a galvanizing unit production line, are preheated in an oven heated with liquid fuel, the latter being mixed with water to form an emulsion, in the proportion of 0.3 to 1 kg of water per kg of liquid fuel, the oven temperature ranging from about 900.degree. to about 1,500.degree. C.

Abstract: A baking apparatus for breads, cakes and the like includes a housing, a drum vertically and rotatably mounted within the housing, a spiral guide passage provided adjacent and along the periphery of the drum, a flexible endless belt conveyor advancing along the spiral guide passage, and heating elements disposed below and along the spiral guide passage. The flexible conveyor is ventilative and is driven by the drum which serves as a pin wheel, each pin engaging each projections provided at the inner side of the flexible conveyor.

Abstract: A heat seal, for a walking beam furnace, comprising a water trough with a pair of parallel skirts having their lower edge portions submerged in the trough. A row of paddles are mounted on each skirt, each paddle being connected pivotably on the skirt for upward and downward movement below the skirt.

Abstract: A hearth cleaning apparatus includes a wheeled car movable along a floor at the side wall of a reheat furnace wherein metallic workpieces are heated while they are advanced along the furnace hearth. The car is latched to the side wall of the furnace at any one of the normally-closed openings therein. An inverted U-shaped spacer slab is passed through the furnace between two workpieces for access to the hearth. An elongated digging bar which may be cooled by the internal flow of water is supported by the car and advanced through an opening in the side wall of the furnace to engage and loosen slag or other materials adhered to the soaking hearth while exposed by the spacer slab. The car includes a vernier elevation adjustment for the digging bar at the point of support adjacent the furnace and a course elevation adjustment for the digging bar at the opposite end of the car. The digging bar is propelled along the furnace hearth by a pair of pinch rolls.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for fast firing glazed ceramic tile trim pieces includes passing the trim pieces through a firing chamber by means of ceramic rollers which are designed to move the trim pieces in substantially a straight line through the chamber. The rollers include trim piece supporting surfaces which are inclined relative to a horizontal plane to cause gravitational forces to maintain the trim pieces against aligned orienting stops. Deposited glaze is removed from the rollers by periodically increasing the firing chamber temperature to a point where the glaze will release from the supporting roller and redeposit on a porous refractory passed over the roller.

Abstract: In one embodiment valve means are provided in the pipe connecting the fuel gas main and air supply main to the respective headers to simultaneously supply a portion of the air to the headers associated with the "on" flues and a portion of the air to the headers associated with the "off" flues. The air supplied to the headers associated with the "on" flues mixes with and dilutes the rich fuel gas to suppress the tendency to deposit carbon in the vertical riser ducts of the "on" flues. The air supplied to the headers associated with the "off" flues removes the carbonaceous material deposited in the vertical riser ducts of the "off" flues. In another embodiment induction or recirculation ducts are provided between the vertical riser ducts of interconnected flues to admix a portion of the waste gas from the "off" flues with the rich fuel gas flowing upwardly through the vertical riser ducts of the "on" flues.

Abstract: A process for continuous annealing silicon containing sheet steel whereby furnace roll pickup marks are eliminated, said process involving the use of furnace rolls having a silica peripheral surface and maintaining an annealing atmosphere containing hydrogen to water at a ratio of at least 5:1.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an installation for the stoving of articles, inter alia of freshly painted articles. A combustion is used to eliminate a substantial proportion of the polluting and solvent-charged products given off by the articles during stoving and entrained by the ventilating air which is evacuated from the stove. The purified and heated gas supplied by the combustion of the polluting products is reintroduced into the stove, with fresh air. Before combustion, the ventilation air is preheated in a heat exchanger whose source of heat is supplied with heat by said purified and heated gas.

Abstract: A method of raising the temperature of a reducing gas containing a CO component for avoiding the problems caused by soot inevitably generated in raising the temperature of the reducing gas. In heating the reducing gas to a temperature higher than 500.degree.C, the rate of raising the temperature of the reducing gas is kept higher than 350.degree.C/sec. during the time the temperature of the gas is being raised through the range of 500.degree. - 750.degree.C, while the flow velocity of the reducing gas is kept higher than 7 m/sec.

Abstract: A source of gas under pressure is interconnected by conduit means with at least one point of use through gas conditioning means which may include filter means and heater means and retention means specially arranged to maintain the temperature of a stream of gas for a desired period of time and a source of sterilizing fluid is interconnected with the conduit means and is arranged to scavenge the conduit means, the point of use and the gas conditioning means in coordination with the opening of vent means associated with the point of use, the gas conditioning means and the conduit means.