GB1025952A - Improvements in or relating to rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,025,952. Thermal regenerators. SVENSKE ROTOR MASKINER A.B. Oct. 12, 1962, No. 38712/62. Heading F4K. A thermal regenerator comprises a rotor shell 10 joined to a central rotor post 12 (Fig. 1, not shown) by radial partitions 11 to form sectorshaped compartments filled with heat-transfer material; a stationary housing 20 surrounding and spaced from the rotor shell and having end plates 21; an axially movable cantilever beam 24 carrying sealing means 22; and means operated by the rotational movement of the rotor for intermittently applying an axial force to the beam 24 to maintain independent movement of the beam relative to its adjacent radial partition 11, which movement might otherwise be prevented, for example, by thermal distortion of the partition 11 or by slag &c. deposits becoming wedged between the beam and the partition. As shown, a push-rod 36 extends radially through the rotor shell 10 near the outer end of a partition 11. The push-rod is held in position by a housing 40 and by a compression spring 46 which urges the push-rod radially outwardly. Attached to rotor housing 20 is a housing 54 containing a pivoted thrust pad 52 radially adjustable by a screw 56. As the rotor rotates, the thrust pad 52 engages the end of the pushrod (see also Fig. 3, not shown) and forces it against one arm 49 of a pivoted bell-crank causing the other arm 47 of the crank to engage a buffer plate 48 mounted on the beam 24 and hence applying an axial force to the beam. As the push-rod moves past and out of engagement with the thrust pad, spring 46 expands suddenly and throws the push-rod outwards until a collar 44 thereon strikes end 42 of housing 40 and effects on the rotor shell and radial partition a rapping action that tends to maintain the required independence of movement the radial partition and its adjacent cantilever beam. By varying the spacing of the thrust pads 52 any desired intensity of rapping can be achieved. A circumferential seal 28 is also fitted to rotor shell 10 to engage sealing ring 32 attached to end plate 21.