US3269449A

US3269449A - Burner apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3269449A
Application number: US397804A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Wilson J Witten
Original assignee: American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corp
Current assignee: American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corp
Priority date: 1964-09-21
Filing date: 1964-09-21
Publication date: 1966-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 1983-08-30

Description

BURNER APPARATUS W. J. WITTEN, JR

Filed Sept. 21. 1964 Aug. 30, 1966 AT TO RNEY United States Patent 3,269,449 BURNER APPARATUS Wilson I. Witten, in, Louisville, Ky, assignor to American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corporation, New York, a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 397,804 17 Claims. (ill. 158-99) This invention pertains to fuel burners and more particularly to surface combustion burner apparatus.

Many gaseous hydrocarbon fuel burners employing arrays of jets or gas ports operate with limited efliciency, generate limited quantities of heat, and produce heat at restricted rates. Lately, there has become available heat resistant porous fabrics through which a combustible gaseous mixture can readily flow and which can provide considerable continuous area combustion sites. Because of the large combustion sites and the smooth flow of combustible gaseous mixtures to the combustion sites, burners employing such fabrics more closely approach an optimum distribution of combustion area (and volume) in relation to the heat transfer surface which will absorb the generated heat.

However, when such fabrics are used in large burners, mechanical support problems arise. The fabrics are woven from short brittle fibres having a minimum of structural strength. Accordingly, heretofore, burner sizes have been restricted to the self supporting ability of the fabrics. Furthermore, since it is necessary to connect the fabrics to coupling means which feed the combustible gaseous mixture to the combustion sites provided by the fabrics and because of the fragile nature of the fabrics it has been difficult to provide long lasting reliable leak-free joints.

It is, accordingly, an object of the invention to provide an improved fuel burner.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved surface combustion burner element.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved surface combustion burner element employing a fragile heat resistant fabric.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved surface combustion burner element employing fragile heat resistant fabric as the combustion site which is reliably supported without undue stress on the fabric.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide an improved means for connecting in a leak-free manner a fragile heat resistant fabric combustion site to a support.

Briefly, the invention contemplates surface combustion burner apparatus which includes a hollow cylinder of fabric woven of heat resistant fibres and a member of rigid material within the cylinder to prevent its collapse. There is provided an inlet coupling means including a hollow coupling member for receiving a combustible mixture of gas. An inlet flange means has a sleeve portion fixed to the hollow coupling member, and a flange portion extending radially outward from the sleeve portion. An inner retaining ring includes a sleeve positioned within one end of the hollow cylinder, and a radially inward extending flange fixed to the flange portion of the inlet flange means. Means are provided for closing off and supporting the other end of the hollow cylinder. There are also other means fitted about the hollow cylinder for urging a portion thereof in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of the inner retaining ring.

Features of the invention are concerned with the rigid member within the hollow cylinder, the inlet coupling means, and the end closure means.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read with the accompanying drawings,

"ice

which show by way of example and not limitation, the now preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view, partially in section, showing surface combustion burner apparatus including a surface combustion burner element, an inlet coupling means, and an and closure and support means in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view of the inlet coupling means of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the end closure and support means of FIGURE 1.

Referring to FIGURE 1 the surface combustion burner apparatus 10 is shown comprising: a burner element 12; an inlet coupling means 14 connecting to one end of burner element 12 to support the latter and to connect a source of a combustible gaseous mixture (not shown) thereto; and an end closure 16 connected to the other end of burner element 12 for supporting the latter by engaging heat exchanger 18, only a portion of which is shown.

Burner element 12 comprises a hollow cylinder 20 of a heat resistant porously woven fabric of heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire. The fabric is about one-eighth inch thick and has a weave density so that there is a pressure drop of about. one-half inch of water for a gas flow of 20 cubic feet per minute per square foot of burner surface. The fabric can withstand a continuous temperature of a least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The Carborundum Co. makes a suitable fabric under the trademark Fiber-Frax. Fitted within hollow cylinder 20 is a hollow cylinder 22 of wire mesh. The wire mesh may be hardware cloth (4 x 4 mesh, 23 gauge wire of galvanized steel). The wire mesh is rigid enough to provide a tubular shape to hollow cylinder 26 of fabric. In order to prevent accidental collapse of

hollow cylinders

20 and 22 during shipping and installation there is positioned a helix 24 of rigid material such as steel wire within hollow cylinder 22 of wire mesh and abutting the inner wall thereof. Although helix 24 is shown extending within most of the cylinder 20 it may also be only several turns in the center of the cylinder. It should be noted that the ends of the

hollow cylinder

20 and 22 are adjacent each other.

Because of the brittleness and fragility of the fabric of burner element 12 special couplings must be employed. Accordingly, inlet coupling means 14 (see also FIG. 2) includes a hollow coupling member 26 of bronze whose inlet is coupled to a source of a combustible gaseous mixture such as air and a hydrocarbon (not shown). The inner wall at the end remote from inlet 28 has a setback portion 30. Fixed to coupling member 26 is an inlet flange means 32 of heat and corrosion resistant steel such as stainless steel type 446 which includes a sleeve portion 32A and a flange portion 32B radially outwardly extending from sleeve portion 32A. Sleeve portion 32A is brazed to setback portion 30 with there being a smooth transition from the inner Wall of coupling member 26 to the inner surface of sleeve portion 32A. An inner retaining ring 34 of heat and corrosion resistant steel has a sleeve 34A which abuts one end of the inner surface of hollow cylinder 22 of wire mesh. Extending radially inward from sleeve 34A is a flange 34B which is spot welded to flange portion 32B. In order to securely fix burner element 12 to inlet coupling means 14, there is provided an outer retaining ring 36 of heat and corrosion resistant steel which includes a sleeve 36A and a radially outwardly extending flange 36B. Outer retaining ring 36 is slidably fitted on burner element 12, and, when slid to encompass the end of burner element 12 with flange 36B abutting the flange portion 32B, sleeve 36A presses the ends of

hollow cylinder

20 and 22 against sleeve 34A. Because of the resiliency of the woven fabric in hollow assaaaa 3 cylinder 20, a leak-free joint is obtained. It should be noted that because of the smooth expanses of the surfaces of

sleeves

34A and 36A an even pressure is applied to the sandwiched fabric, minimizing the possibility of fibre breakage.

End closure 16 seals ofl? the other end of burner element 12 and provides mechanical support thereto. End closure 16 (FIG. 3) includes an inner retaining ring 38 of heat and corrosion resistant steel having a sleeve 38A fitted within the other end of hollow cylinder 22 of Wire mesh, and a flange 38B extending radially inward from sleeve 38A. Spot welded to flange 38B is an end plate 40. Extending from plate 40 is a support pin 42. In order to securely fix burner element 12 to end closure 16, outer retaining ring 44 of heat and corrosion resistant steel is provided. Outer retaining ring 44 includes a sleeve 44A and radially outwardly extending therefrom is a flange 44B. Outer retaining ring 44, like outer retaining ring 36 is slidable on hollow cylinder 20. When outer retaining ring 44 is positioned so that flange 44B abuts end plate 40, the pressure exerted by sleeve 44A on the ends of the

hollow cylinders

20 and 22 against sleeve 38A provides a leak-free joint as hereinbefore described with respect to retaining

rings

34 and 36.

As was heretofore stated, burner element 12 is supported by inlet coupling means 14 and end closure 16. Inlet coupling means 14 is fixed to a support (not shown) while end closure 16 is supported by heat exchanger 18. Since there may be a differential expansion of burner apparatus with respect to its supports, heat exchanger 18 is provided with recess 46 to slidingly accommodate pin 42 to prevent any possible buckling of burner element 12.

In operation, a combustible gaseous mixture is fed via inlet coupling means 14 to the interior of

hollow cylinders

20 and 22. The mixture diffuses through the fabric of hollow cylinder 20 to the outer surface thereof where it is ignited by a sparkplug (not shown). The mixture burns on the outer surface of hollow cylinder 20 in the form of a glow and at a temperature of about 1450 degrees Fahrenheit to heat the surrounding region which preferably contains a heat exchanger. It should be noted that the temperature on the inner surface of hollow cylinlder 22 at this time is only about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, there is not the slightest chance of damage to the wire mesh.

While only one embodiment of the invention has .been shown and described in detail, there will now be obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications and variations which satisfy many or all of the objects of the invention. However, these modifications and variations will not depart from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:'

1. A surface combustion burner apparatus comprising: a hollow cylinder of fabric porously woven of heat resistant fibres, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions; a member of rigid material within said hollow cylinder of fabric to prevent the collapse of said hollow cylinder; inlet coupling means including a hollow coupling member for receiving a combustible mixture of gas, said hollow coupling member including inner and outer wall portions and first and second end portions, and a setback portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the first end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixedly fitted in the setback portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric; and

end closure means for closing off the second end portion of said hollow cylinder, and means for urging the first end portion of said hollow cylinders in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

2. A surface combustion burner apparatus comprising: a hollow cylinder of fabric porously woven of heat resistant fibres, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions; a hollow cylinder of wire mesh disposed within said hollow cylinder of fabric and coextensive therewith, said hollow cylinder of wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric to provide mechanical support thereto; the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of fabric being opposite respectively the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; inlet coupling means including a hollow coupling member for receiving a combustible mixture of gas, said hollow coupling member including inner and outer wall portions and first and second end portions, and a setback portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the first end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixedly fitted in the setback portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; and end closure means for closing off the second end portions of said hollow cylinders, and means for urging the first end portions of said hollow cylinders in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fibres are of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a helix of rigid material within said hollow cylinder of wire mesh for preventing the collapse of said hollow cylinders.

5. A surface combustion burner apparatus comprising: a hollow cylinder of fabric porously woven of heat resistant fibres including inner and outer surface portions, and first and second end portions; a hollow cylinder of wire mesh disposed within said hollow cylinder of fabric and coextensive therewith, said hollow cylinder of wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric to provide mechanical support thereto; the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of fabric being opposite respectively the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; inlet coupling means including a hollow coupling member for receiving a combustible mixture of gas, said hollow coupling member including inner and outer wall portions and first and second end portions, and a setback portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the first end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixedly fitted in the setback portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; an end closure means for closing off the second end portions of said hollow cylinders, and an outer retaining ring including a sleeve portion for abutting the ing flange portion for abutting the flange portion of said inlet flange means, for urging the first end portions of said hollow cylinders in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said fibres are of alumina ceramic and Niohrome wire.

7. A surface combustion burner apparatus comprising: a hollow cylinder of fabric porously woven of heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions, and first and second end portions; a hollow cylinder of wire mesh disposed within said hollow cylinder of fabric and coextensive therewith, said hollow cylinder of wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric to provide mechanical support thereto; the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of fabric being opposite respectively the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; a helix of rigid material within said hollow cylinder of wire mesh and abutting the inner surface portion thereof to prevent the collapse of said hollow cylinders; inlet coupling means including a hollow coupling member for receiving a combustible mixture of gas, said hollow coupling member for receiving a combustible mixture of gas, said hollow coupling member including inner and outer wall portions and first and second end portions, and a setback portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the first end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixedly fitted in the setback portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; an end closure means for closing off the second end portions of said hollow cylinder, and an outer retaining ring including a sleeve portion for abutting the outer surface portion at the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric and a radially outwardly extending flange portion for abutting the flange portion of said inlet of flange means, for urging the first end portions of said hollow cylinders in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

8. A surface combustion burner apparatus comprising: a hollow cylinder of fabric porously woven of heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions, and first and second end portions; a hollow cylinder of wire mesh disposed within said hollow cylinder of fabric and coextensive therewith, said hollow cylinder of wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric to provide mechanical support thereto; the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of fabric being opposite respectively the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; a helix of rigid material within said hollow cylinder of wire mesh and abutting the inner surface portion thereof to prevent the collapse of said hollow cylinders; inlet coupling means including a hollow coupling member for receiving a combustive mixture of gas, said hollow coupling member including inner and outer wall portions and first and second end portions, and a setback portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the first end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixedly fitted in the setback portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh; an end closure, said end closure including an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within the second end portion of said hollow cylinder of wire mesh, an end plate fixed to said flange, and a pin extending from said end plate in a direction opposite to said hollow cylinders and adapted to be slidably supported; a first outer retaining ring slidably fitted on the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric, said first outer retaining ring including a sleeve for abutting the outer surface portion at the first end portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric and a radially outwardly extending flange for abutting the flange portion of said inlet flange means for urging the first end portions of said hollow cylinders in a tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of the inner retaining ring of said inlet coupling means; and a second outer retaining ring including a sleeve for abutting the outer surface portion at the second end portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric and a radially outwardly extending flange for abutting the end plate of said end closure, for urging the second end portions of said hollow cylinders in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said second inner retaining ring.

9. A surface burner element comprising a hollow openended cylinder of fabric of porously woven heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions and a hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh within said hollow cylinder of fabric, said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric.

10. A surface burner element comprising a hollow cylinder of fabric of porously woven heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions, a hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh within said hollow cylinder of fabric, said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric, and a helix of rigid material within said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh and abutting the inner surface portion thereof.

11. A surface burner element comprising a hollow open-ended cylinder of fabric of porously woven heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions and a hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh within said hollow cylinder of fabric, said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh including inner and outer surf-ace portions and first and second end portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric, the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh being opposite the first and second end portions respectively of said hollow cylinder of fabric.

12. A surface burner element comprising a hollow cylinder of fabric of porously woven heat resistant fibres of alumina ceramic and Nichrome wire, said hollow cylinder of fabric including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions, a hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh within said hollow cylinder of fabric, said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh including inner and outer surface portions and first and second end portions, the outer surface portion of said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh abutting the inner surface portion of said hollow cylinder of fabric, the first and second end portions of said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh being opposite the first and second end portions respectively of said hollow cylinder of fabric, and a helix of rigid material within said hollow cylinder of bendable wire mesh and abutting the inner surface portion thereof.

13. The combination comprising a tubular burner member of heat resistant fragile material, a coupling member including an inner wall portion, an outer wall portion, and first and second end portions, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outwardly from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixed to the inner surface portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within said tubular member, and an outer retaining means slidably fitted over and peripherally surrounding said tubular member for urging said tubular member in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

14. The combination comprising a tubular burner member of heat resistant fragile material, a coupling member including an inner wall portion, an outer wall portion, and first and second end portions, a set back portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the second end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outwardly from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixed to the set back portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within said tubular member, and an outer retaining means slidably fitted over and peripherally surrounding said tu'bular member for urging said, tubular member in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

15. The combination comprising a tubular burner member of heat resistant fragile material, a coupling member including an inner wall portion, an outer wall portion, and first and second end portions, a set back portion in the inner wall portion adjacent the second end portion of said coupling member, an inlet flange means including a sleeve portion and a flange portion extending radially outwardly from said sleeve portion, said sleeve portion being fixed to the set back portion of said coupling member, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the flange portion of said inlet flange means, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within said tubular member, and an outer retaining ring including a sleeve peripherally surrounding said tubular member and a radially outwardly extending flange abutting the flange portion of said inlet flange means, for urging said tubular member in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

16. The combination comprising a tubular burner member of heat resistant fragile material, a plate member including first and second surface portions, a pin extending from said first surface portion and adapted to be slidably supported, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, a flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the second surface portion of said plate member, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned within said tubular member, and an outer retaining means slidably fitted over and peripherally surrounding said tubular member for urging said tubular member in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

17. The combination comprising a tubular burner member of heat resistant fragile material, a plate member including first and second surface portions, a pin extending from said first surface portion and adapted to be slidably supported, an inner retaining ring including a sleeve and a radially inwardly extending flange, the flange of said inner retaining ring being fixed to the second surface portion of said plate member, the sleeve of said inner retaining ring being positioned Within said tubular member, and an outer retaining ring slidably fitted over said tubular member, said outer retaining ring including a sleeve peripherally surrounding said tubular member and a radially outwardly extending flange abutting the flange portion of said inlet flange means, for urging said tubular member in tight fitting relationship with the sleeve of said inner retaining ring.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,653,256 12/ 1927 Davis. 2,518,132 8/1950 Foster 67-53 X 3,179,156 4/1965 Weiss et al. 158-116 3,219,025 11/1965 Webster 158--99 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,161,568 3/1958 France.

JAMES W. WESTHAVER, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. A SURFACE COMBUSTION BURNER APPARATUS COMPRISING: A HOLLOW CYLINDER OF FABRIC POROUSLY WOVEN OF HEAT RESISTANT FIBRES, SAID HOLLOW CYLINDER OF FABRIC INCLUDING INNER AND OUTER SURFACE PORTIONS AND FIRST AND SECONE END PORTIONS; A MEMBER OF RIGID MATERIAL WITHIN SAID HOLLOW CYLINDER OF FABRIC TO PREVENT THE COLLAPSE OF SAID HOLLOW CYLINDER; INLET COUPLING MEANS INCLUDING A HOLLOW COUPLING MEMBER FOR RECEIVING A COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURE OF GAS, SAID HOLLOW COUPLING MEMBER INCLUDING INNER AND OUTER WALL PORTIONS AND FIRST AND SECOND END PORTIONS, AND A SETBACK PORTION IN THE INNER WALL PORTION ADJACENT THE FIRST END PORTION OF SAID COUPLING MEMBER, AN INLET FLANGE MEANS INCLUDING A SLEEVE PORTION AND A FLANGE PORTION EXTENDING RADIALLY OUTWARD FROM SAID SLEEVE PORTION, SAID SLEEVE PORTION BEING FIXEDLY FITTED IN THE SETBACK PORTION OF SAID COUPLING MEMBER, AN INNER RETAINING RING INCLUDING A SLEEVE AND A RADIALLY INWARDLY EXTENDING FLANGE, THE FLANGE OF SAID INNER RETAINING RING BEING FIXED TO THE FLANGE PORTION OF SAID INLET FLANGE MEANS, THE SLEEVE OF SAID INNER RETAINING RING BEING POSITIONED WITHIN THE FIRST END PORTION OF SAID HOLLOW CYLINDER OF FABRIC; AND END CLOSURE MEANS FOR CLOSING OFF THE SECOND END PORTION OF SAID HOLLOW CYLINDER, AND MEANS FOR URGING THE FIRST END PORTION OF SAID HOLLOW CYLINDERS IN TIGHT FITTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SLEEVE OF SAID INNER RETAINING RING.