Aluminum Company of America

Pullman Incorporated

Robert F Bennett

Nicholaas L Brouwer

David M Stricker

John C Sorensen

Clarence L Patterson

Warren D Brown

Means and method of operating a tunnel kiln in which green carbon articles are baked in the ware (article) space of a baking zone by heat produced by the combustion of fuel directed to chambers adjacent the zone. The combustion chambers are connected in fluid communication with flues extending lengthwise of the kiln, the flues having a pressure gradient that extends lengthwise of the flues. The method of the invention includes the step of changing the pressure gradient within the flues such that a pressure differential between the combustion chambers and the ware space is effected that causes products of combustion to flow into the ware space from the combustion chambers in amounts sufficient to impede and prevent the deposition of coke formations on the walls of the space without burning the carbon articles. This change in the pressure gradient is effected by (1) placing exhaust stacks in fluid communication with the flues at locations in the combustion chambers and, (2) regulating ware space pressures and flow with existing equipment to balance the ware space in relation to the flues.

Flue pressure control for tunnel kilns

A system for continuously determining the eccentric characteristics of a tube wall, including a positioning assembly supported by the tube when it travels in its lengthwise direction. Two thickness sensors are supported by the positioning assembly and have sensing axes disposed in a predetermined angular relation with respect to one another about the periphery of the tube. The two sensors continuously measure the wall thickness of the tube at the predetermined angular locations as the tube moves in its lengthwise direction. Signal processing circuits are provided for continuously computing the eccentricity characteristics of the tube based entirely upon the comparative values of the thickness readings of the sensors.

System for determining tube eccentricity

A system for determining the eccentric characteristics of a tube wall comprising a positioning assembly supported by the tube which is moving in its lengthwise direction, and a plurality of thickness sensors supported by the positioning assembly having sensing axes disposed in predetermined angular relation with respect to one another for continuously measuring the wall thickness of the tube at predetermined angular locations about its periphery as it moves in its lengthwise direction. A signal processing means is provided for continuously computing the eccentricity characteristics of the tube based entirely upon the comparative values of the thickness readings of the sensors.

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Leechburg, PA, United States of America

Robert F Bennett