Liquid heaters and vaporizers – Tube sheets
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-12
2001-01-16
Ferensic, Denise L. (Department: 3742)
Liquid heaters and vaporizers
Tube sheets
C122S511000, C122SDIG001, C165S134100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173682
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a tubesheet and tube protector device. More specifically, this invention relates to insulating board and insulated ferrules to be used in a vessel having at least one tube for receiving a fluid extending through the tubesheet.
Conventional tube and tubesheet protector devices include ferrules having round collars connected to shanks. The shanks of the ferrules are inserted into tubes that extend from a tubesheet which covers the inlet of a vessel. To fill the gaps that form between ferrules when the round collars of the ferrules are next to each other and covering part of the tubesheet, the ferrules are installed using a castable or plastic refractory lining that is anchored with stainless steel anchors. By using a castable or plastic refractory lining, the interstices between ferrules are filled so that the entire tubesheet is covered. The shanks of conventional ferrules are wrapped with insulation. However, the round collars of conventional ferrules are not usually wrapped with insulation.
One disadvantage with conventional tubesheet and tube protector devices is that there is insufficient insulation between the collars of the ferrules and the anchors. Thus, anchors and ferrules, especially those in the center of the tubesheet, become damaged or effectively destroyed when the vessel operates at high temperatures. Such devices are especially insufficient for vessels that run with oxygen enriched air because of the high temperatures attained by these vessels.
Another disadvantage with conventional tubesheet protector devices is that ferrules cannot easily be removed and replaced individually because they are installed by being surrounded with a castable or plastic refractory. This is a costly problem because ferrules must be replaced periodically as a result of becoming damaged or destroyed. In addition, damage to the ferrules usually results in severe damage to both the tubes and tubesheet. The net result of this ferrule damage is an expensive re-tubing repair. Still another disadvantage with conventional tube and tubesheet protector devices is that such devices require significant amounts of castable or plastic refractory that must be filled between the interstices formed by the round ferrule collars.
In order to overcome these disadvantages, a tubesheet protector device that provides better insulation than the current conventional devices is needed. This device should be able to withstand high temperatures and preferably should have ferrules that can be replaced individually.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide both a tubesheet and tube protector device having ferrules that can be conveniently removed individually in order to provide better access when either repairing or replacing a single ferrule.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tubesheet and tube protector device including ferrules having insulated collars and shanks thus providing additional insulation to the entire installation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide better insulation for the tubes and tubesheet of a vessel so that the vessel may safely operate at temperatures up to and including at least about 3000° F. (1649° C.).
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tubesheet protector device that includes virtually no castable or plastic refractory and necessitates no anchors so that the ferrules may be installed easily and with reduced installation time.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a tubesheet protector device with ferrules that are shaped so as to fit together and form a seal over insulation board covering the tubesheet.
According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects are achieved by a tubesheet protector device for use in a boiler having tubes for receiving a fluid extending through the tubesheet. The tubesheet and tube protector device includes an insulating board mounted on a tubesheet that covers the inlet of the boiler. Still further, it includes insulation wrapped ferrules each having a polygon-headed collar that is coupled with a shank. The collars may or may not be integral with the shank. The polygon-headed ferrules are inserted through the insulating board and into the tubes, which extend from the tubesheet. Each shank is received by the tubes in the boiler. Both the collar and the shank have a common through bore for transporting fluid from the reactor to the interior of the tubes extending through the boiler.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4936260 (1990-06-01), Adams
“Sulfur Recovery,” presented at the Annual TPA, Inc. Sulfur Seminar, Dallas, Texas, May, 1997.
Blasch Precision Ceramics Bulletin, 1 page, Albany, New York, 1995.
The Blasch Precision Ceramics Hex Head Furrule System, 1 page, Albany New York, 1997.
Industrial Ceramics Limited Product Information Bulletin Two Part Hexagon Ferrule, 1 page, Ontario, Canads 1991.
Industrial Ceramics Limited Product Information Belletin Two Part Hexagon Ferrule, 1 page, Ontario, Canada, 1991.
Lewis James E.
Parnell David C.
Ferensic Denise L.
Koch TPA, Inc.
Lu Jiping
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
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