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Flanged boiler tube

Flanged boiler tube description/claims

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to boiler tubes.

More particularly, this invention pertains to boiler tubes which are periodically replaced and provide an improved structure for attachment and detachment from a boiler using standard tools.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of boilers, it is common to provide a supply manifold with a plurality of boiler tubes. Water is provided through the manifold to the boiler tubes to provide hot water or steam. Over time, the boiler tubes must be replaced because they receive the direct heat of the boiler and therefore deteriorate faster than the manifold. Accordingly, the boiler tubes have been releasably secured to the manifold for ease of replacement.

The standard connection method for releasably securing a boiler tube to a manifold is to define an aperture in the manifold, secure a tapered ferrule to the end of the boiler tube and then forcibly insert the ferrule into the aperture, as with a sledge hammer, for example. Unfortunately, there are several detrimental aspects of this attachment system.

One negative aspect of the system is that special tools are required to hold the boiler tube in position while it is struck to prevent damage to the tube and transfer the energy from the hammer to the tube. In addition, during transportation and installation of the boiler, it is common for a boiler tube to become dislodged from the manifold and thus require re-installation in the field. Again, special tools are required. Also, during field re-installation/replacement of boiler tubes, the Tube Keeper Bolts are prone to breakage. To replace the Tube Keeper Bolts requires certified welding, ASME Inspection, Hydro-Static Testing, and the required “R” Stamp denoting repair of the vessel.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system for connecting a boiler tube to a manifold which requires only standard tools and which is not subject to disengagement during transport and installation.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a boiler apparatus comprises a supply manifold which includes a first flange having a first aperture defined therein. A boiler tube, including a second flange having an aperture defined therein, is secured to the manifold. A releasable fastener maintains sealed engagement of the first flange with the second flange. The releasable fastener is removable for replacement using standard tools in contrast to the special tools required heretofore.

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.

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