Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
  • D21C—PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE BY REMOVING NON-CELLULOSE SUBSTANCES FROM CELLULOSE-CONTAINING MATERIALS; REGENERATION OF PULPING LIQUORS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • D21C11/00—Regeneration of pulp liquors or effluent waste waters
  • D21C11/12—Combustion of pulp liquors
  • D21C11/122—Treatment, e.g. dissolution, of the smelt
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
  • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
  • F27D3/00—Charging; Discharging; Manipulation of charge
  • F27D3/14—Charging or discharging liquid or molten material

Definitions

• This invention relates generally to chemical recovery units, and more specifically, to a smelt spout that is particularly suited for use in a chemical recovery unit for the purpose of effecting therewith the discharge from the chemical recovery unit of smelt, which is comprised of non-burnable chemicals and which is produced during the course ofthe operation ofthe chemical recovery units.
• Chemical recovery units are steam generators, the furnace of each ofwhich is lined with steam generating tubes.
• Such chemical recovery units are employed in the pulp and paper industry wherein the so-called black liquor produced from the Kraft pulping process is introduced into the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit whereby the combustible, i.e., burnable, materials, which the black liquor embodies, are burned in the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit and whereby the non-burnable chemicals, which the black liquor embodies, are smelted and as such can be recovered.
• the black liquor is sprayed into the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit at a location spaced well above the bottom ofthe furnace.
• This black liquor has a substantial moisture content and most of this moisture is driven from the black liquor spray upon the introduction ofthe black liquor into the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit because ofthe high temperature in the furnace and the hot gases passing upwardly through the furnace and the spray.
• the solids in the black liquor that remain after thus removing the moisture from the black liquor fall onto the bottom, i.e., hearth, ofthe furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit and form thereat a roughly truncated pile.
• Some burnables, i.e., combustible materials, in these solids are carried up through the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit and are consumed above the location at which the black liquor is introduced into the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit with secondary air being introduced into the furnace of the chemical recovery unit for this purpose, i.e., to effect therewith the consumption, i.e., combustion, of these solids.
• the non-burnable chemicals, which the black liquor embodies, are on the other hand smelted and periodically withdrawn from the furnace ofthe chemical recovery unit by means of a smelt spout. It is to such a smelt spout that the subject matter ofthe instant application is directed.
• This substantially energy saving steam cooled spout includes a substantially heat resistant heat exchanging metallic wall, defining a spout for receiving and conveying a smelt and contacting the smelt against one surface ofthe heat exchanging metallic wall.
• a second heat resistant wall joins the heat exchanging metallic wall on the opposite surface ofthe heat exchanging metallic wall.
• the second heat resistant wall with the opposite surface ofthe heat exchanging metal wall defines a passage for a flow of steam along the heat exchanging metallic wall.
• a plurality of baffle means are mounted within the aforedescribed passage.
• the plurality of baffle means join the heat exchanging metallic wall to the second heat resistant wall so as to thus define a tortuous path in order to thereby increase the path ofthe steam over the heat exchanging metallic wall for the purpose of raising the temperature ofthe steam.
• the tortuous path is designed to be operative to boost the temperature ofthe steam in order for the steam to be in a superheated condition, while at the same time cooling the heat exchanging metallic wall and thereby the smelt, and reducing the stress caused on the heat exchanging metallic wall by the molten smelt.
• the aforedescribed passage at the outlet end thereof is provided with means for directing the flow of steam in its superheated condition into the flow of molten smelt.
• the steam being in a superheated condition has minimum explosive expansion characteristics when in contact with the molten smelt.
• a smelt spout that includes a first portion, which is designed to be contacted by the smelt, and a second portion within which the aforementioned first portion is designed to be supported.
• the first portion comprises a heat resistant and anticorrosive Cr-Ni based alloy.
• the second portion comprises either one or both ofthe following: a heat insulating and fire resisting layer, and an alumina based ceramic layer.
• the alumina based ceramic layer is preferably interposed between the Cr-Ni based alloy and the heat insulating and fire resisting layer.
• a lining is provided in the metal trough for purposes of isolating the smelt from the trough.
• the metal trough includes an end wall formed at the free, i.e., front, end thereof.
• a stream jet means is operative for directing steam away from the spout to intersect the trajectory ofthe smelt pouring from the smelt spout for purposes of causing the smelt to disintegrate.
• the subject smelt spout encompasses a jacket having an inner wall and an outer wall.
• the outer wall of the jacket is spaced a distance away from the inner wall of the jacket.
• the jacket which has one end insertable into the opening ofthe wall of a boiler, defines a trough for carrying smelt from the boiler.
• the subject smelt spout utilizes an inlet, which communicates with the jacket for delivering a water flow to the jacket between the inner wall thereof and the outer wall thereof.
• An O-shaped tube communicates with the jacket at the inserted end of the jacket in order to receive the water flow from between the inner wall ofthe jacket and the outer wall ofthe jacket.
• An outlet communicates with the O-shaped tube near the inserted end of the jacket for channeling the water flow from the O-shaped tube.
• a vacuum system may be used in conjunction with the spout for allowing the water to flow through the jacket from the inlet between the walls of the jacket, and eventually to the O-shaped tube at the inserted end ofthe jacket.
• the subject smelt spout includes a trough embodying a U-shaped profile, and is fabricated as a casting of a nickel-chromium alloy.
• the U-shaped profile that the smelt spout embodies is defined by a curved lower portion that is relatively thick in the central region thereof, and which tapers in thickness towards the upstanding limbs that serve to define the upstanding leg portions ofthe U-shaped profile.
• the maximum thickness ofthe U-shaped profile is designed to be located in the area ofthe trough, which is most subject to wear.
• one such characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the smelt spout would be non- cooled so as to thereby obviate any potential safety hazard that might be occasioned by virtue ofthe smelt coming into contact with a cooling medium, such as water that might be being used to effect therewith the cooling ofthe smelt spout.
• a cooling medium such as water that might be being used to effect therewith the cooling ofthe smelt spout.
• Another characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would provide for flexibility insofar as the selection ofthe spout exit angle is concerned.
• a third characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would provide for flexibility insofar as the selection ofthe length of the smelt spout is concerned.
• a fourth characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would provide for the smelt spout to be composed of relatively small pieces in order to thereby facilitate the handling thereof during installation ofthe smelt spout in a chemical recovery unit.
• a fifth characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would provide for selective replacement of portions ofthe smelt spout, such as those, for example, which are subjected to the highest wear, without necessitating that the entire smelt spout be replaced in order to effect the replacement of such portions ofthe smelt spout.
• a sixth characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would provide for the smelt spout to be composed of a plurality of segments, each being relatively short in length, for the purpose of being able to better handle the thermal gradients, which are experienced particularly between the inner and outer surfaces ofthe thickest portions ofthe smelt spout that are in contact with the smelt flow.
• a seventh characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would be such that the smelt spout would be suitable for incorporation as part of a new chemical recovery unit.
• An eighth characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would be such that the smelt spout would be suitable for retrofitting into existing chemical recovery units while at the same time still being suitable for incorporation as part of a new chemical recovery unit.
• a ninth characteristic which such a new and improved smelt spout would desirably possess is that the nature ofthe construction ofthe smelt spout would be such that the smelt spout would be easy to employ, would be reliable in operation, but which yet would be relatively inexpensive to provide.
• an object ofthe present invention to provide a new and improved smelt spout suitable for use to effect therewith the delivery of smelt from a chemical recovery unit. It is another object ofthe present invention to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the smelt spout is non- cooled so as to thereby obviate any potential safety hazard that might be occasioned by virtue ofthe smelt coming into contact with a cooling medium, such as water that might be being used to effect therewith the cooling ofthe smelt spout.
• Another object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for flexibility insofar as the selection ofthe length ofthe smelt spout is concerned.
• a still another object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for the smelt spout to be composed of relatively small pieces in order to thereby facilitate the handling thereof during installation ofthe smelt spout in a chemical recovery unit.
• a further object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for selective replacement of portions ofthe smelt spout, such as those, for example, which are subjected to the highest wear, without necessitating that the entire smelt spout be replaced in order to effect the replacement of such portions ofthe smelt spout.
• a still further object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for the smelt spout to be composed of a plurality of segments, each being relatively short in length, for the purpose of being able to better handle the thermal gradients, which are experienced particularly between the inner and outer surfaces ofthe thickest portions ofthe smelt spout that are in contact with the smelt flow.
• an object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, is such that the smelt spout is suitable for incorporation as part of a new chemical recovery unit.
• Yet a further object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, is such that the smelt spout is suitable for retrofitting into existing chemical recovery units while at the same time still being suitable for incorporation as part of a new chemical recovery unit.
• Yet another object ofthe present invention is to provide such a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, is such that the smelt spout is easy to employ, is reliable in operation, but which yet is relatively inexpensive to provide.
• a smelt spout that is particularly suited for use in a chemical recovery unit for the purpose of effecting therewith the discharge from the chemical recovery unit of smelt, which is composed of non-burnable materials and which is produced during the course ofthe operation of a chemical recovery unit.
• the subject smelt spout embodies a segmented construction.
• the subject segmented smelt spout comprises an assembly of segments of different shapes. Included in this assembly of segments of different shapes is a base segment. This base segment is designed so as to be suitable for effecting the installation ofthe subject segmented smelt spout in a chemical recovery unit.
• this assembly of segments of different shapes is a combination of straight and curved segments.
• This combination of straight and curved segments is designed to be supported off the base segment.
• this combination of straight and curved segments is so designed so as to be capable of being employed in different combinations such that through the use of selected ones of this combination of straight and curved segments it is possible to obtain therewith varying smelt spout exit angles and varying smelt spout lengths.
• each individual segment of this combination of straight and curved segments is suitably dimensioned so as to be small enough to facilitate the handling thereof during installation ofthe segmented smelt spout in a chemical recovery unit and so as to as well be short enough in length in order to be able to thereby handle the thermal gradients, which are experienced particularly between the inner and the outer surfaces ofthe thickest portions of the segmented smelt spout that are in contact with the smelt flow.
• a further beneficial attribute of this combination of straight and curved segments is that the use thereof permits selective replacement of individual ones of this combination of straight and curved segments without necessitating the replacement ofthe entire segmented smelt spout in order to effect the replacement of individual ones of this combination of straight and curved segments.
• the subject segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention additionally includes tensioning means operable for the purpose of holding this combination of straight and curved segments together when being employed in a given segmented smelt spout such that the mating surfaces thereof are maintained in contact with one another while at the same time permitting individual ones of this combination of straight and curved segments to expand and contract thermally.
• This tensioning means is also operable for holding together this combination of straight and curved segments and the base segment from which this combination of straight and curved segments is supported.
• Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a chemical recovery unit depicted embodying a segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated therein as consisting of a base segment and a plurality of straight segments, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 3 is a side elevational view ofthe base segment ofthe first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 4 is a plan view ofthe base segment ofthe first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 5 is a partial sectional view ofthe base segment ofthe first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention, taken substantially along the line 5-5 in Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a side elevational view of one ofthe plurality of straight segments ofthe first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 7 is a plan view of one ofthe plurality of straight segments ofthe first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of one ofthe plurality of straight segments ofthe first embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 2, constructed in accordance with the present invention, taken substantially along the line 8-8 in Figure 7
• Figure 9 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated therein as consisting of a base segment and a curved segment and a plurality of straight segments, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 10 is a side elevational view ofthe curved segment ofthe second embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 9, constructed in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 11 is a plan view ofthe curved segment ofthe second embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 9, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 12 is a partial sectional view ofthe curved segment ofthe second embodiment of a segmented smelt spout illustrated in Figure 9, constructed in accordance with the present invention, taken substantially along the line 12-12 in Figure 11.
• a chemical recovery unit 10 which is suitable for having installed therein a segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention, be it the first embodiment thereof that is designated by the reference numeral 12 in Figure 2 ofthe drawing or the second embodiment thereof that is designated by the reference numeral 12' in Figure 9 ofthe drawing, and when so installed in the chemical recovery unit 10 is operative for the purpose of effecting therewith the discharge from the chemical recovery unit 10 of smelt, which is composed of non-burnable materials and which is produced during the course ofthe operation ofthe chemical recovery unit 10, it is deemed to be sufficient that there be presented herein merely a description ofthe nature ofthe components ofthe chemical recovery unit 10 with which the aforereferenced segmented smelt spout, be it the segmented smelt spout 12 or the segmented smelt spout 12', cooperates.
• the chemical recovery unit 10 as illustrated therein includes walls that are lined with steam generating tubes, the latter being denoted by the reference numeral 14 in Figure 1, which may be in generally tangent relation or may be in closely spaced relation with the space intermediate the tubes 14 being bridged by a fin.
• the tubes 14 form part ofthe heat exchange surface ofthe chemical recovery unit 10 with there being additional heat exchange surface identified generally as 16 in the upper region ofthe chemical recovery unit 10.
• the tubes 14 carry a mixture of steam and water at saturation temperature for the particular pressure at which the chemical recovery unit 10 is operated with this mixture passing upwardly through these tubes 12.
• the chemical recovery unit 10 which is illustrated in Figure 1 ofthe drawing, is designed to be operative to produce steam at 950 pounds per square inch pressure with this steam being conveyed from the header, denoted by the reference numeral 18 in Figure 1 , to a desired point of use and with this steam being superheated to a desired value such as 900 degrees F.
• residual liquor obtained from the Kraft pulping process is introduced into the chemical recovery unit 10 through the nozzles, denoted by the reference numeral 20 in Figure 1.
• the residual liquor thus sprayed into the chemical recovery unit 10 descends downwardly toward the bottom, denoted by the reference numeral 22 in Figure 1, ofthe chemical recovery unit 10 and in doing so passes through an upwardly rising stream of combustion gases such that a majority ofthe moisture in the residual liquor is immediately evaporated with the solid particles falling downwardly through this rising combustion gas stream and forming a pile, denoted by the reference numeral 24 in Figure 1, on the hearth or bottom 22 ofthe chemical recovery unit 10.
• combustion supporting air is introduced into the chemical recovery unit 10 at two locations.
• the primary air is introduced through nozzles, denoted by the reference numeral 26 in Figure 1, that are spaced relatively close to the bottom 22 as, for example, three feet above the bottom 22 ofthe chemical recovery unit 10, while the secondary air is introduced through the nozzles or ports, denoted by the reference numeral 28 in Figure 1, that are located above the nozzles 20 through which the residual liquor is introduced into the chemical recovery unit 10.
• segmented smelt spout 12 particularly to Figures 2 through 8 ofthe drawing and for purposes ofthe second embodiment of segmented smelt spout 12' particularly to Figures 9 through 12 and 3 through 8, for purposes of describing the segmented smelt spouts 12 and 12' constructed in accordance with the present invention, which are designed so as to be installable in a chemical recovery unit 10, which is illustrated in Figure 1 ofthe drawing and to which reference has been had hereinabove.
• segmented smelt spouts 12 and 12' are designed so as to be installable in a chemical recovery unit such as the chemical recovery unit 10 of Figure 1 ofthe drawing so that when so installed therein the segmented smelt spouts 12 and 12' are operative for the purpose of effecting therewith the discharge from the chemical recovery unit 10 of smelt, which is composed of non-burnable materials and which is produced during the course ofthe operation ofthe chemical recovery unit 10.
• the first embodiment of segmented smelt spout 12 comprises an assembly of segments of different shapes.
• segmented smelt spout 12 comprises an assembly of segments that includes a base segment, denoted generally in Figure 2 ofthe drawing by the reference numeral 30, that will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5 ofthe drawing in greater detail, and a plurality of straight segments, each denoted generally for ease of reference in Figure 2 ofthe drawing by the same reference numeral 32, that will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8 ofthe drawing in greater detail.
• the first embodiment of segmented smelt spout 12 also includes a tensioning means, denoted generally in Figure 2 ofthe drawing by the reference numeral 34, to which further reference will be had hereinafter.
• the tensioning means 34 is operative for the purpose of holding the plurality of straight segments 32 and the base segment 30 together while at the same time permitting the plurality of straight segments 32 and the base segment 30 to expand and contract thermally.
• the base segment 30 embodies a substantially U-shaped configuration.
• the base segment 30 embodies a pair of upstanding leg portions, each such upstanding leg portion being denoted for ease of reference by the same reference numeral 36 in the drawing, and a trough-like portion, denoted in the drawing by the reference numeral 38, of varying thickness.
• the base segment 30 is formed as an integral member, i.e., the upstanding leg portions are formed integral with the trough-like portion 38.
• each ofthe upstanding leg portions 36 terminates at one longitudinally extending end thereof in a lug, each such lug being denoted for ease of reference by the reference numeral 40 in the drawing.
• Each ofthe upstanding leg portions 36 at the longitudinally extending end thereof is further provided in adjoining relation to the respective one ofthe lugs 40, which is located thereat, with a mating, i.e., complementary, surface, each such mating surface being denoted for ease of reference by the same reference numeral 42 in the drawing, for a purpose that will be described herein subsequently.
• each such mating surface preferably comprises a notch, which is suitably dimensioned so as to be operative as a mating surface, that is formed in each ofthe upstanding leg portions 36 at the same longitudinally extending end thereof as that whereat a lug 40 is provided.
• the base segment 30 is operative for purposes of effecting therewith the mounting of a segmented smelt spout, constructed in accordance with the present invention, in installed relation relative thereto in one ofthe walls of a chemical recovery unit, such as the chemical recovery unit 10 illustrated in Figure 1 wherein the segmented smelt spout 12 is depicted mounted in installed relation relative thereto in the chemical recovery unit 10.
• a mounting means such as that illustrated schematically in Figures 2 and 3 ofthe drawing, wherein the mounting means is denoted generally by the reference numeral 44, is preferably cooperatively associated with the base segment 30.
• the mounting means 44 may take the form of any conventional type of mounting means that is suitable for use for the purpose of effecting therewith the mounting ofthe base segment 30 and thereby concomitantly therewith a segmented smelt spout, constructed in accordance with the present invention, in installed relation relative thereto in a chemical recovery unit.
• each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 is identical both insofar as the nature ofthe construction and the mode of operation thereof is concerned, it is deemed to be sufficient to set forth hereinafter a description of only one such straight segment 32.
• each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 embodies a pair of longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions, each such longitudinally extending upstanding leg portion being denoted for ease of reference by the same reference numeral 46 in the drawing, and a longitudinally extending trough-like portion, denoted in the drawing by the reference numeral 48, of varying thickness.
• each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 is formed as an integral member, i.e., the longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 are formed integral with the longitudinally extending trough-like portion 48 thereof.
• each ofthe longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 is provided with a protuberance, each such protuberance being denoted for ease of reference by the same reference numeral 50 in the drawing, formed integrally therewith so as to project outwardly therefrom and so as to extend for the full length thereof.
• Each ofthe longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 is further provided at each end thereof in adjoining relation to the protuberance 50 thereof that extends longitudinally the full length of each ofthe longitudinally extending upstanding leg portion 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 42 with a mating surface.
• one such mating surface at one end of each ofthe longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 preferably comprises a notch, each such notch for ease of reference being denoted by the same reference numeral 52 in the drawing, which is suitably dimensioned so as to be operative as a mating surface in the manner described hereinafter.
• each of the longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 preferably comprises a projection, each such projection for ease of reference being denoted by the same reference numeral 54 in the drawing, which is suitably dimensioned so as to be operative as a mating surface in the manner described hereinafter.
• the notches 52 and the projections 54 of each of the plurality of straight segments 32 are suitably dimensioned so that when a pair of straight segments 32 are positioned in abutting engagement one with another so that the pair of straight segments 32 bear an assembled relation one to the other, the projections 54 of one ofthe pair of straight segments 32 are received in the notches 52 ofthe other ofthe pair of straight segments 32 in order to thereby effect therewith an interconnection between the pair of straight segments 32.
• the projections 54 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 are suitably dimensioned so that when a straight segment 32 is positioned in abutting engagement with the base segment 30 so that the straight segment 32 and the base segment 30 bear an assembled relation one to the other, the projections 54 ofthe straight segment 32 are received in the notches 42 ofthe base segment 30 in order to thereby effect therewith an interconnection between the straight segment 32 and the base segment 30.
• the notches 42 ofthe base segment 30 as well as the notches 52 and the projections 54 ofthe straight segment 32 are each suitably dimensioned so that the projections 54 of each ofthe straight segments 32 are complementary to the notches 42 ofthe base segment 30 as well as to the notches of any other straight segment 32.
• the tensioning means 34 in accord with the best mode embodiment ofthe invention, preferably comprises a pair of tension cables, only one of hich is visible in Figure 2 ofthe drawing wherein the tension cable that is visible in Figure 2 is denoted therein by the reference numeral 56.
• Each ofthe tension cables 56 is designed so as to be both expandable and contractible for a purpose that will be discussed more fully hereinafter, and as such are each formed of a conventional type of material that is suitable for use for the purpose of enabling the tension cable 56 to function in the aforedescribed manner, i.e., to expand and contract.
• each ofthe tension cables 56 at one end thereof is preferably provided with a protruding portion, i.e., head, (not shown).
• each ofthe tension cables 56 is suitably dimensioned so as to be capable of being received with a sliding fit in a countersunk hole, denoted in Figures 2 and 3 ofthe drawing by the reference numeral 58, which is provided in each ofthe lugs 40 ofthe base segment 30 for this purpose, i.e., to receive therewithin the protruding portion, i.e., head, (not shown) of a tension cable 56.
• the other end of each ofthe tension cables 56 is suitably designed so as to be capable of having positioned thereon in secured relation thereto a suitable fastening member, such as the fastening member denoted by the reference numeral 60 in Figure 2. Any conventional type of fastening member suitable for use for the purpose of effecting therewith the securing in place of a tension cable 56 relative to the base segment 30 and the plurality of straight segments 32 may be utilized as the fastening member 60 for the tension cable 56.
• the function ofthe tensioning means 34 is to hold the base segment 30 and the plurality of straight segments 32 ofthe segmented smelt spout 12 together in assembled relation such that as best understood with reference to Figure 2 ofthe drawing the mating surfaces thereof are maintained in contact with one another while at the same time permitting the base segment 30 and the individual ones ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 ofthe segmented smelt spout 12 to expand and contract thermally relative to each other.
• each ofthe tension cables 56 of the tensioning means 34 is positioned in a longitudinally extending opening suitably provided for this purpose in each ofthe lugs 40 ofthe base segment 30 as well as in a longitudinally extending opening that is suitably provided for this purpose in each ofthe longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 such that the protruding portion, i.e., head, (not shown) provided at one end of each ofthe tension cables 56 is received in a respective one ofthe countersunk holes 58 with which each ofthe lugs 40 ofthe base segment 30 is suitably provided, and with the fastening member 60 being positioned on the other end of each ofthe tension cables 56 so as to be operative to effect therewith the securing of each ofthe tension cables 56 in place and thereby concomitantly maintaining in assembled relation one to another the base segment 30 and the plurality of straight segments 32, which collectively comprise the segmented smelt spout 12.
• the cables 56 incorporate a compensating device (not shown) in the form of a spring arrangement which is designed to yield resiliently so as to absorb overload tensile forces induced by differential thermal expansion forces, and thus protect the tensile cables 56 and their mountings from damage.
• a compensating device in the form of a spring arrangement which is designed to yield resiliently so as to absorb overload tensile forces induced by differential thermal expansion forces, and thus protect the tensile cables 56 and their mountings from damage.
• Various spring devices can be used for this purpose, for example one or more belleville spring washers (not shown) positioned between the head at the outer end ofthe tension cable and the end ofthe outermost segment ofthe spout. Whatever spring device is used for this purpose, it will be designed to accommodate a sufficient compression movement as to absorb forces resulting from differential expansion ofthe components, while maintaining the preset minimum tensile force required to hold the spout segments together under all operating conditions.
• segmented smelt spout 12' As best understood with reference to Figure 9 ofthe drawing, the segmented smelt spout 12' like the segmented smelt spout 12, which is PCT/US97/20302
• the segmented smelt spout 12' also includes a base segment 30, a plurality of straight segments 32, a tensioning means 34 and has a mounting means 44 cooperatively associated therewith.
• the segmented smelt spout 12' in addition includes also a curved segment, which is denoted in Figure 9 ofthe drawing by the reference numeral 61.
• the base segment 30, the plurality of straight segments 32, the tensioning means 34 and the mounting means 44 ofthe segmented smelt spout 12' are identical to the base segment 30, the plurality of straight segments 32, the tensioning means 34 and the mounting means 44, respectively, ofthe segmented smelt spout 12 insofar as the nature ofthe construction thereof and the mode of operation thereof are concerned, it is not deemed necessary in connection with setting forth herein a description ofthe segmented smelt spout 12', constructed in accordance with the present invention, to again set forth herein either a description ofthe base segment 30 or a description ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 or a description ofthe function that the tensioning means 34 performs relative to the base segment 30 and the plurality of straight segments 32 or a description ofthe mounting means
• the curved segment 61 embodies a pair of curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions, each such curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portion being denoted for ease of reference by the same reference numeral 62 in the drawing, and a longitudinally extending trough-like portion, denoted in the drawing by the reference numeral 64, of varying thickness.
• the curved segment 61 is formed as an integral member, i.e., the curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 62 ofthe curved segment 61 are formed integral with the longitudinally extending trough-like portion 64 thereof.
• each ofthe curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 62 ofthe curved segment 61 is provided with a protuberance, each such protuberance being denoted for ease of reference by the same reference numeral 70 in the drawing, formed integrally therewith so as to project outwardly therefrom and so as to extend for the full length thereof.
• Each ofthe curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 62 ofthe curved segment 61 is further provided with a mating surface at each end thereof in adjoining relation to the protuberance 70 thereof that extends longitudinally the full length of each ofthe curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 62 ofthe curved segment 61.
• one such mating surface at one end of each ofthe curved, longitudinally extending leg portions 62 ofthe curved segment 61 preferably comprises a notch, each such notch for ease of reference being denoted by the same reference numeral 72 in the drawing, which is suitably dimensioned so as to be operative as a mating surface in the manner described hereinafter.
• each ofthe curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 62 ofthe curved segment 61 preferably comprises a projection, each such projection for ease of reference being denoted by the same reference numeral 74 in the drawing, which is suitably dimensioned so as to be operative as a mating surface in the manner described hereinafter.
• the notches 72 and the projections 74 ofthe curved segment 61 are suitably dimensioned so that when the curved segment 61 and a straight segment 32 are positioned in abutting engagement one with another so that the curved segment 61 and the straight segment 32 bear an assembled relation one to another, the projections 54 ofthe straight segment 32 are received in the notches 72 ofthe curved segment 61 in order to effect therewith an interconnection between the curved segment 61 and the straight segment 32.
• the projections 74 ofthe curved segment 61 are suitably dimensioned so that when the curved segment 61 is positioned in abutting engagement with the base segment 30 so that the curved segment 61 and the base segment 30 bear an assembled relation one to the other, the projections 74 ofthe curved segment 61 are received in the notches 42 ofthe base segment 30 in order to thereby effect therewith an interconnection between the curved segment 61 and the base segment 30.
• the notches 42 ofthe base segment 30 and the notches 52 and the projections 54 ofthe straight segments 32 as well as the notches 72 and the projections 74 ofthe curved segment 61 are each suitably dimensioned so that the projections 54 ofthe straight segments 32 as well as the projections 74 ofthe curved segment 61 are complementary to the notches 42 ofthe base segment 30, the notches 52 of a straight segment 32 as well as the notches 72 ofthe curved segment 61.
• the tensioning means 34 includes a pair of tension cables 56, only one ofwhich is visible in Figure 9 ofthe drawing.
• Each ofthe tension cables 56 also as has been set forth herein previously is provided with a protruding portion, i.e., head (not shown).
• each ofthe tension cables 56 is suitably dimensioned so as to be capable of being received with a sliding fit in the countersunk hole 58, which is provided in each ofthe lugs 40 ofthe base segment 30 for this purpose.
• the other end of each ofthe tension cables 56 is suitably designed so as to be capable of having positioned thereon in secured relation thereto a suitable fastening member 60.
• the function ofthe tensioning means 34 is to hold the base segment 30, the curved segment 61 and the plurality of straight segments 32 ofthe segmented smelt spout 12' together in assembled relation such that as best understood with reference to Figure 9 of the drawing the mating surfaces thereof are maintained in contact with one another while at the same time permitting the base segment 30, the curved segment 61 and individual ones ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 ofthe segmented smelt spout 12' to expand and contract thermally relative to each other.
• each ofthe tension cables 56 ofthe tensioning means 34 is positioned in a longitudinally extending opening suitably provided for this purpose in each ofthe lugs 40 ofthe base segment 30 and in a longitudinally extending opening that is suitably provided for this purpose in each ofthe curved, longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 70 ofthe curved segment 61 and in a longitudinally extending opening that is suitably provided for this purpose in each ofthe longitudinally extending upstanding leg portions 46 of each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32.
• the protruding portion, i.e., head, (not shown) provided at one end of each ofthe tension cables 56 is received in a respective one ofthe countersunk holes 58 with which each ofthe lugs 40 ofthe base segment 30 is suitably provided and the fastening member 60 is positioned on the other end of each ofthe tension cables 56 so as to be operative to effect therewith the securing of each ofthe tension cables 56 in place and thereby concomitantly maintaining in assembled relation one to another the base segment 30, the curved segment 61 and the plurality of straight segments 32, which collectively comprise the segmented smelt spout 12'.
• the base segment 30, the curved segment 61 and the individual ones ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 preferably each comprise castings each consisting of a nickel/chrome alloy that is suitable for use for such a purpose, whereby the respective upstanding leg portions and the respective trough-like portion thereof are formed integrally with each other.
• the base segment 30 is described hereinabove and is illustrated in the drawing as being provided with mating surfaces that consist of a pair of notches 42, it is to be understood that the base segment 30 without departing from the essence ofthe present invention could be provided with mating surfaces that consist of only one notch 42 and with the other notch 42 thereof being replaced with a projection similar in configuration and in dimensions to the projections 54 ofthe straight segments 32 and the projections 74 ofthe curved segment 61.
• each ofthe plurality of straight segments 32 without departing from the essence ofthe present invention could be provided with mating surfaces wherein rather than having both notches 52 thereof being provided at the same end thereof and both projections 54 thereof being provided at the same end thereof would be provided at each end thereof with one notch 52 and one projection 54.
• the segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention, comprises an assembly of cast segments of different shapes, which can be used in different combinations to obtain varying smelt spout angles and varying smelt spout lengths.
• the segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention may be comprised of a base segment 30 and four individual straight segments 32 so as to extend at a first preestablished angle relative to the horizontal and for a first preestablished length, as does the segmented smelt spout 12, which is illustrated in Figure 2 ofthe drawing ofthe instant application.
• the segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention may be comprised of a base segment 30, a curved segment 61 and three individual straight segments 32 so as to extend at a second preestablished angle relative to the horizontal and for a second preestablished length, as does the segmented smelt spout 12', which is illustrated in Figure 9 ofthe drawing ofthe instant application. Therefore, in summary, it should thus be apparent that the length ofthe segmented smelt spout constructed in accordance with the present invention, generally speaking, is established by the number of individual straight segments 32 that a particular segmented smelt spout, constructed in accordance with the present invention, embodies.
• the angle at which the segmented smelt spout, constructed in accordance with the present invention, extends relative to the horizontal is established by the number of curved segments 61 that a particular segmented smelt spout, constructed in accordance with the present invention, embodies.
• a new and improved smelt spout suitable for use to effect therewith the delivery of smelt from a chemical recovery unit.
• a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the smelt spout is non-cooled so as to thereby obviate any potential safety hazard that might be occasioned by virtue ofthe smelt coming into contact with a cooling medium, such as water that might be being used to effect therewith the cooling ofthe smelt spout.
• a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for flexibility insofar as the selection ofthe spout angle is concerned.
• a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for flexibility insofar as the selection ofthe length ofthe smelt spout is concerned.
• smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for the smelt spout to be composed of relatively small pieces in order to thereby facilitate the handling thereof during installation of the smelt spout in a chemical recovery unit.
• a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for selective replacement of portions ofthe smelt spout, such as those, for example which are subjected to the highest wear, without necessitating that the entire smelt spout be replaced in order to effect the replacement of such portions ofthe smelt spout.
• smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, provides for the smelt spout to be composed of a plurality of segments, each being relatively short in length for the purpose of being able to better handle the thermal gradients, which are experienced particularly between the inner and outer surfaces ofthe thickest portions ofthe smelt spout that are in contact with the smelt flow.
• a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, is such that the smelt spout is suitable for incorporation as part of a new chemical recovery unit.
• a new and improved smelt spout that is characterized in that the nature ofthe construction, which the smelt spout possesses, is such that the smelt spout is suitable for retrofitting into existing chemical recovery units while at the same time still being suitable for incorporation as part of a new chemical recovery unit.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Paper (AREA)
• Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)
• Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
• Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
• Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (1)

Citations (3)

• 1996
  • 1996-11-15 CA CA 2190443 patent/CA2190443A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 1997
  • 1997-11-10 WO PCT/US1997/020302 patent/WO1998021401A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1997-11-10 EP EP97947398A patent/EP0938607A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 1997-11-10 RU RU99112138A patent/RU2182615C2/ru active
  • 1997-11-10 ID IDW990326D patent/ID23986A/id unknown
  • 1997-11-10 NZ NZ335723A patent/NZ335723A/xx unknown
  • 1997-11-10 AU AU52487/98A patent/AU723025B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1997-11-10 BR BR9713513-5A patent/BR9713513A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1997-11-13 ZA ZA9710257A patent/ZA9710257B/xx unknown
• 1999
  • 1999-05-14 NO NO992332A patent/NO992332L/no not_active Application Discontinuation

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