Supporting elements for supporting heat exchanger tubes

Abstract

A support element for supporting at least one horizontal heat exchanger tube (28). The support element (42) is attached to a vertical support tube (30) and includes a body (44) and at least one support arm (46) extending outward from the body (44), the body including a hollow interior extending therethrough and surrounding the vertical support tube (30) passing therethrough. Each support arm (46) supports at least one heat exchanger tube (28). A system including the support element and the vertical support tube (30) supporting the horizontal heat exchanger tube (28), the system being adapted for use in a flue gas path (60) of a boiler including a heat exchanger (20). A method in the flue gas path (60) includes rotating the support element and moving the heat exchanger out of the flue gas path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The presented solution relates in particular to a support element for supporting one or more horizontal heat exchanger tubes, the support element being configured to be supported by and mounted on a vertical support tube, the system including the support element and the vertical support tube being: heat It is used to support heat exchanger tubes in heat exchangers. The presented solution further relates to the use of the system and the method in the system, both in the flue gas path of a boiler, the system further comprising a heat exchanger in the flue gas path. [Background technology]

[0002] Steam generators or boilers provided for the combustion of fuel extract thermal energy from hot flue gases by means of a heat exchanger disposed in the flue gas passage through which the flue gases flow. The heat exchanger may include horizontal heat exchanger tubes configured to pass heat from the hot flue gases to a fluid, gas, or steam flowing through the heat exchanger tubes.

[0003] A conventional method of supporting horizontal heat exchanger tubes is to provide vertical support tubes, or stringer tubes, that extend past and between the horizontal heat exchanger tubes. The vertical support tubes have a plurality of support arms secured to the vertical support tubes by welding, and the horizontal heat exchanger tubes are supported on the support arms to prevent the horizontal heat exchanger tubes from bending out of line. Typically, the vertical support tubes are cooled by a liquid or gas, e.g., steam.

[0004] The numerous welds on the vertical support tubes, which are located in the high temperature and corrosive environment inside the flue gas passage, can be problematic, and when defects appear in the support tubes, repair work is difficult as the vertical support tubes must be replaced.

[0005] When a group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes must be replaced due to defects in one or more of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes, the repair work is particularly difficult and time-consuming because the vertical support tubes and the support arms fixed to the vertical support tubes prevent the group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes from moving and / or collide with the group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes when removing the horizontal heat exchanger tubes from the exhaust gas path or when installing a new group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes in the exhaust gas path. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a solution that provides easier repair work in less time consuming stages and / or improved reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Book invention by For supporting heat exchanger tubes The support element is presented in claim 1.

[0008] 1. A system for supporting horizontal heat exchanger tubes, comprising: Vertical support tube and a device attached to the vertical support tube according to the present invention Support element and The system according to claim 5 Presented in.

[0009] The vertical support tube and the support element according to the present invention are included. The above-mentioned system in the flue gas passage of a boiler Use of and a flue gas passage teeth The use of a system including a heat exchanger is described in claim 9 Presented in.

[0010] The vertical support tube and the support element according to the present invention are included. A method in the above-mentioned flue gas passage of a boiler, comprising: teeth The method including the heat exchanger is as claimed in claim 13 Presented in.

[0011] Other dependent claims: The present invention Further details of the example are presented below.

[0012] the above The support element according to the solution is for supporting at least one horizontal heat exchanger tube, the support element being configured to be attached to a vertical support tube.

[0013] The support element includes a body including a hollow interior and at least one support arm configured to extend vertically through the body and surround a vertical support tube passing through the hollow interior. Each support arm extends outward from the body and is substantially perpendicular to the body. Each support arm is configured to support at least one of the heat exchanger tubes in a manner that prevents downward movement of the heat exchanger tube in the vertical direction.

[0014] Preferably, each support element includes a plurality of such support arms, for example, 6 to 36 support arms, for supporting a plurality of horizontal heat exchanger tubes.

[0015] the above The system according to the solution comprises a vertical support tube and one or more of the support elements mentioned above, each support element being attached to the vertical support tube.

[0016] According to one example, the support elements may be rotatable about the vertical support tubes, for example, to allow attachment of the support elements and horizontal heat exchanger tubes and to facilitate their installation or for use during installation. and / or slide along the vertical support tube The shape of the hollow interior is such that the support element rotates about the vertical direction with respect to the vertical support tube. and / or slide along the vertical support tube. The present invention is configured to enable the

[0017] According to one example, the vertical support tube is cooled by a liquid or gas (eg steam) flowing inside the vertical support tube, for example to allow the installation of the support elements.

[0018] The system described above is adapted for use in the flue gas path of a boiler to support at least one heat exchanger, which may include: Two or more horizontal heat exchanger TubeContains an element or group that contains.

[0019] the above The advantages of the solution are, in particular: Regarding the use of the system in the flue gas passage of a boiler, The present invention relates to a method for removing or replacing a group, element, or heat exchanger in the flue gas path of a boiler, wherein the support arms are turned away from the horizontal heat exchanger tubes to avoid collisions, and the method applies rotational, upward, lateral, and horizontal movements.

[0020] The presented solution is particularly advantageous and solves the above mentioned problems.

[0021] For example, the support elements of the present disclosure eliminate the need for multiple welds on the load-bearing vertical support tubes. The support elements can be replaced with new ones without replacing the vertical support tubes. The use of vertical support tubes allows for longer heat exchangers and wider flue gas passages.

[0022] The support elements can for the most part be designed, manufactured, and installed in place separately from the vertical support tubes. For different needs, several short support elements, which may be of uniform construction, can be combined to form longer support elements.

[0023] The presented solution facilitates the replacement of a heat exchanger or a group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes therein, e.g., a heat exchanger element. In particular in heat exchangers with a relatively small spacing between adjacent horizontal heat exchanger tubes, for example, removing and / or installing an element when in place in the path for hot flue gases can be problematic, time-consuming, or even impossible because the horizontal heat exchanger tubes or curved tube sections of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes collide with conventional support arms fixed to adjacent horizontal heat exchanger tubes or vertical support tubes.

[0024] An advantage of the presented solution is that the support element with its support arms can be rotated relative to the vertical support tube in such a way that the support arms can be turned away from the horizontal heat exchanger tubes and positioned parallel to them, whereby, for example in a vertically extending flue gas path, it is possible to lift and / or lower a heat exchanger or a group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes or to move a group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal heat exchanger tubes without colliding with the support arms of adjacent horizontal heat exchanger tubes or support elements.

[0025] These and other non-limiting configurations, features and advantages of the presented solution are more particularly disclosed below.

[0026] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for purposes of illustrating, but not limiting, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 shows in side view an example of a boiler to which the presented solution can be applied. [Figure 2] 2 shows an example of a flue gas passage in the flue gas channel of the boiler of FIG. 1 in a side view, with a heat exchanger installed in the flue gas passage. [Figure 3] 1 shows a side view of an example of a support element installed on a vertical support tube. [Figure 4] 4 shows the example of FIG. 3 as seen from above, with the support elements in the supporting and rotating positions. [Figure 5] 10 shows a side view of another example of a support element installed on a vertical support tube. [Figure 6] 6 shows the example of FIG. 5 as seen from above, with the support elements in the supporting and rotating positions. [Figure 7] 4 shows a side view of the support element of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 8 shows the support element of FIG. 7 as seen from above. [Figure 9] 6 shows a side view of the support element of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 10 shows the support element of FIG. 9 as seen from above. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a top view of an example clamping element. [Figure 12] 13A-13C show two side views of the clamping element of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the description, reference will be made to the drawings having the following reference numbers and symbols: 10 Boiler 12 Furnace 14 Cyclone 16 Flue gas channel 18 Supporting frame 20 Heat exchanger 22 Column 24 Supporting beam 26 Hanger 28 Horizontal heat exchanger tube 30 Support tube 32 Back wall 34 Front wall 36 Curved tube section 38 Header reservoir 40 Header reservoir 42 Support element 44 Main body 46 Support arm 48 Bracket 50 Clamping element 52 Opening 54 Notch 56 Cover part 58 Skirt part 60 Flue gas passage

[0029] A more complete understanding of the configurations disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations and are not intended to illustrate the relative sizes and dimensions of devices or device components or to define or limit the scope of the embodiments. Specific terms used in the following description are intended to refer only to the embodiments selected for the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description, like numeric designations refer to devices or components of equivalent function.

[0030] In the following, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to the intended operating position of the device or component in question when installed in a given location to perform the function of the described solution. The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used to indicate orientation relative to an absolute reference, i.e., ground level. In the figures, the vertical direction is indicated by arrow Z, and two orthogonal horizontal directions are indicated by arrows X and Y. The horizontal direction is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0031] Additionally, the terms "upper," "lower," "on top," "below," "upward," and "downward" refer to the intended operating positions described above. The terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" should not be interpreted as requiring structures to be absolutely parallel or absolutely perpendicular to one another. The term "opposite" should not be interpreted as requiring opposite directions to be absolutely parallel to one another.

[0032] 1, there is shown an embodiment of a steam generator or boiler 10 to which the present solution may be applied. The boiler may be part of a power plant, a steam boiler plant, or a hot water boiler plant adapted (configured) for the production of electrical energy, steam, and / or thermal energy.

[0033] The boiler 10 includes a furnace 12 for burning fuel and a flue gas channel 16 for conducting flue gases, i.e., combustion product gases, from the furnace 12 .

[0034] The boiler 10 may include further devices relevant to the design but not shown. The boiler 10 may additionally include a cyclone separator 14 connected to the furnace 12 for separating solid particles from the flue gas coming from the furnace 12 and directing the flue gas into the flue gas channel 16. The boiler 10 may further include a support frame 18 that supports the furnace 12 and the flue gas channel 16 on the ground. The support frame 18 may include columns 22, support beams 24, and / or hangers 26 that support the furnace 12 and / or the flue gas channel 16 to the support frame 18.

[0035] The boiler 10 may be of CFB (circulating fluidized bed), BFB (bubbling fluidized bed), or grate boiler design. The fuel may be gas, solid fuel, or solid waste from various sources, e.g., municipal solid waste.

[0036] The flue gas channel 16 shown in Figure 1 includes one vertical flue gas passage 60 through which flue gas flows downward. According to another example, the flue gas channel 16 may include at least one vertical flue gas passage 60, or two or more consecutive vertical flue gas passages 60 through which flue gas flows downward or upward. According to another example, the flue gas channel 16 may include a horizontal flue gas passage 60 through which flue gas flows horizontally. The vertical flue gas passage 60 may be followed by a horizontal flue gas passage 60. The flue gas channel 16 and the flue gas passage 60 may be at least partially of plate structure and / or made of water tube walls through which gas, e.g., steam, and / or liquid, e.g., water, flows to extract heat from the hot flue gas.

[0037] The flue gas channel 16 may include one or more heat exchangers 20 positioned in one or more of the flue gas passages 60 for extracting heat from the hot flue gas, to which the present solution may be applied. The purpose of the heat exchanger 20 may vary, and heat is transferred to a fluid, gas, or steam flowing inside the heat exchanger 20. The heat exchanger 20 includes heat exchanger tubes 28, shown in Figure 2, through which the fluid, gas, or steam flows.

[0038] 2, there is shown an embodiment of a heat exchanger 20 to which the present solution may be applied. The heat exchanger 20 of the flue gas channel 16 may include one or more superheaters for superheating the steam circulating in the water and steam circuit of the boiler 10, one or more reheaters for reheating the steam, one or more heat exchangers of the boiler bank for heating the water-steam mixture, one or more preheaters, e.g., economizers, for preheating the water fed to the water circuit, and / or one or more air heaters for preheating the air before feeding it into the furnace 12.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the flue gas passage 60 includes walls surrounding a passage for the hot flue gases, which include two side walls, a front wall 34 and a rear wall 32, which are vertical according to one example.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, one or more heat exchangers 20 described above may be supported by the front wall 34 and / or the rear wall 32 .

[0041] 3-6, the heat exchanger 20 includes at least two horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 that are parallel and adjacent to each other. Preferably, there are multiple horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 within the heat exchanger. In FIGS. 3 and 5, the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 are presented in a simplified manner by their circular shape.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2 , according to one example, the heat exchanger 20 includes one or more elements consisting of at least two horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28, each element parallel, separated by a gap, and stacked vertically on top of one another. The heat exchanger tubes 28 may be connected at their ends by curved pipe sections 36 in such a way that one or more, e.g., one to four, separate circuits are formed, each circuit having its own inlet and outlet. The inlets may be connected to a common header reservoir 38, and the outlets may be connected to separate header reservoirs 40. The header reservoirs 38, 40 may be in communication with the water and steam circulation systems of the boiler 10.

[0043] The element represents a group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 or forms part of or comprises the heat exchanger 20 .

[0044] According to the example shown in FIG. 2, the element comprises 24 horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 stacked on top of each other.

[0045] 3 and 5, according to one example, the heat exchanger 20 includes two or more elements that are parallel and adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, in such a way that at least two pairs of horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 that are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction are formed. In the above example, two of the adjacent elements form 24 pairs of horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 that are stacked on top of each other. Header reservoirs 38, 40 of similar types may be combined to form a common header reservoir.

[0046] Four or more of the above elements form at least two pairs of horizontal heat exchange tubes 28 that are horizontally adjacent to each other.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2, the heat exchanger 20 is supported by at least one vertical support tube 30, also known as a stringer tube or hanger tube. One embodiment of the vertical support tube 30 that may be applied in the present solution is shown in Figures 2-6.

[0048] Referring to Figures 3-5, at least one vertical support tube 30 may pass through the exchanger 20 in such a way that it extends vertically and is positioned between adjacent pairs of horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 that are stacked on top of each other.

[0049] The vertical support tubes 30 provide additional support for bearing loads experienced by the heat exchanger tubes 28. According to one example, the heat exchanger 20 is supported by at least one vertical support tube 30 between the front wall 32 and the rear wall 34. For example, a middle section of the heat exchanger 20 is supported by at least one vertical support tube 30.

[0050] According to one example, for improved service life, the vertical support tubes 30 are cooled by a liquid or gas flowing inside the vertical support tubes 30. The vertical support tubes 30 may be in communication with the water and steam circulation systems of the boiler 10. The vertical support tubes 30 may be top-supported, e.g., supported by a suspension arrangement to the flue gas channel 16 or the support frame 18, and / or bottom-supported, e.g., supported by a header reservoir connected to the vertical support tubes 30.

[0051] According to one example, the vertical support tube 30 is circular and / or formed by a circular pipe, for example made from weldable steel.

[0052] A support element 42 according to the present solution is shown in Figures 3 and 5. Two embodiments of the support element 42 that may be applied in the present solution are shown in Figures 3 to 10.

[0053] The support element 42 is configured to support at least one of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28. The support element 42 is configured to be attached to the vertical support tube 30.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the support element 42 is configured to support at least one pair of horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 that are horizontally parallel and adjacent to each other, such as one of the pairs described above. The support element 42 is configured to be attached to the vertical support tube 30, such that the support element 42 is between the adjacent horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 of that pair.

[0055] Referring to the example shown in FIGS. 7-10, the support element 42 includes a body 44 and at least one support arm 46 or at least one pair of support arms 46 .

[0056] The body 44 includes a hollow interior extending vertically through the body 44. The body 44 is configured to surround the vertical support tube 30 which passes through the hollow interior. The body 44 may be in the form of a sleeve.

[0057] The support arms 46 extend outwardly from the body 44 substantially perpendicular to the body 44. Each pair of support arms 46 includes two support arms 46 extending in two opposite directions from each other.

[0058] Each support arm 46 is configured to support at least one of the heat exchanger tubes 28 in a manner that prevents downward movement of the heat exchanger tubes 28 in the vertical direction.

[0059] 4 and 6, the shape of the hollow interior of the support element 42 may be configured to allow the support element 42 to rotate vertically around the vertical support tube 30. According to the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the shape is circular, or partially circular as in the examples of FIGS. 6 and 10.

[0060] 4 and 6, the shape of the hollow interior of the support element 42 may be configured to allow the support element 42 to slide along the vertical support tube 30. According to the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the shape is circular, or partially circular as in the examples of FIGS. 6 and 10.

[0061] Preferably, the rotational and / or sliding movement allows for attachment of the support elements 42 and / or horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 and facilitates installation or is for use during installation.

[0062] According to the examples of Figures 3 and 5, one of the support arms 46 is adapted (configured) to extend into each of the above-mentioned gaps separating two of the vertically parallel and stacked horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 when installed in place.

[0063] According to a first example, the body 44 is formed by a circular pipe as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The body 44 is made, for example, from weldable steel. According to a first example, each support arm 46 is a sheet structure fixed to the body 44. The support arms 46 are made, for example, from weldable steel.

[0064] According to a second example, the body 44 is formed by two support element parts as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each support element part comprises a curved section that forms part of the body 44. At least one of the support element parts comprises one or more of the support arms 46 integrated into the curved section.

[0065] According to one example, only one of the support elements includes a curved section.

[0066] According to one example, in a horizontal plane, the cross section of at least one of the support elements comprises a first section and a second section that are transverse to each other and that constitute a curved section.

[0067] According to one example, in a horizontal plane, a cross section of at least one of the support element portions includes a first section and a second section that are transverse to each other and that form part of the body 44. For example, the first and second sections are at an angle to each other and / or form a corner.

[0068] In the above example, the one or more support arms 46 are extensions of the second section. The one or more support arms 46 are separated from the first section by the second section.

[0069] The two support element portions are connected to one another, for example by welding, to form the body 44 and the support arm 46. A hollow interior of the support element 42 is formed between the two support element portions. The support element portions are made, for example, from weldable steel.

[0070] According to the example of Figures 9 and 10, at least one of the support element parts constitutes a bent metal plate.

[0071] According to the examples of Figures 9 and 10, in a horizontal plane, the cross section of at least one of the support elements mimics the shape of a capital letter "L" or "J".

[0072] 3 and 5, when the support element 42 includes at least two pairs of support arms 46, the pairs are vertically sequential, and the support arms 46 extend in the two opposite directions on two opposing sides of the support element 42. When the support element 42 includes two or more of the support arms 46 vertically sequentially, the support arms 46 extend in the same direction on the sides of the support element 42.

[0073] According to examples, the support arms 46 are on only one side of the support element 42 or on only two opposite sides of the support element 42 .

[0074] Preferably, the spacing of the support arms 46 matches the spacing of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 in the heat exchanger 20 or in the above-described elements of the heat exchanger 20, as shown in FIGS.

[0075] 7 and 9, each support arm 46 may include a retaining lip at an outer end of the support arm 46, the retaining lip extending upwardly from the outer end of the support arm 46.

[0076] 7 and 9, each support arm 46 may have a recess for supporting from below one of the heat exchanger tubes 28 positioned within the recess. The recess may be rounded.

[0077] According to one example, the retaining lip extends to a height that is less than or equal to the radius of the horizontal heat exchanger tube 28 that is supported by the support arm 46 and has a circular shape.

[0078] According to one example, the outer end of the support arm 46 is shaped to engage a matching shape on one of the heat exchanger tubes 28. The support arm 46 supports the heat exchanger tube 28 when connected to the matching shape.

[0079] According to one example, the support arm 46, e.g., the lip, recess, and / or shape of the support arm 46, is configured to support at least one of the heat exchanger tubes 28 in a manner that prevents lateral movement of the heat exchanger tube 28 in a horizontal direction, away from the support tube 30 and out of the support arm 46. In one example, the lateral movement is perpendicular to the heat exchanger tube 28.

[0080] According to one example, upward movement of the heat exchanger tubes 28 in the vertical direction is required to move the heat exchanger tubes 28 off the support arms 46. According to one example, the upward movement is greater than or equal to the height of the heat exchanger tubes 28 or less than the height of the heat exchanger tubes 28. According to another example, the upward movement is less than the height of the gap separating the heat exchanger tubes 28.

[0081] 3 and 5, when installed in place on the support arm 46, the heat exchanger tubes 28 of the heat exchanger 20, or elements thereof, are adapted (configured) to be moved out of the support arm 46. This is done by upward movement or lateral movement, or a combination thereof. The movement is relative in such a way that either the heat exchanger tubes 28 or the support arm 46, or both, move.

[0082] According to another example of Figures 3 to 6, when installed in place on the support arm 46, the heat exchanger tube 28 of the heat exchanger 20, or an element thereof, is adapted (configured) to be moved out of the support arm 46 by an upward or lateral movement as described above, or by a rotational movement of the support element 42 together with the support arm 46, or by a combination of at least two of these movements.

[0083] According to one example, to facilitate the above-mentioned movement, the support arm 46 is separated from the heat exchanger tube 28. For example, no welds are provided to connect the support arm 46 to the heat exchanger tube 28.

[0084] According to one example, the heat exchanger tubes 28 are continuously adapted (configured) at the support arms 46 to move freely away from the support arms 46. For example, there is no locking arrangement or clamping element that holds the heat exchanger tubes 28 on the support arms 46 and that is removed when the heat exchanger tubes 28 are replaced.

[0085] Referring to the examples of Figures 7 and 9, in each pair of support arms 46, the support arms 46 are preferably parallel to one another and vertically positioned at the same height.

[0086] 3 and 5, the heat exchanger 20 may be supported by a single support element 42 or by at least two overlapping support elements 42. In the latter case, the support elements 42 may be separated by a gap, or an upper support element 42 may rest on a lower support element 42. The single support element 42, the lower support element 42, or the lowest support element 42 may be attached to the vertical support tube 30, for example, to prevent the support element 42 from sliding along the vertical support tube 30.

[0087] Preferably, the support element 42 is supported by the vertical support tube 30 when connected to the vertical support tube 30 or by another support element 42 or component attached to the vertical support tube 30 .

[0088] 3 and 5 , there may be a bracket 48 secured to the vertical support tube 30 below the support elements 42, for example, by welding. The bracket 48 is adapted (configured) to support the support elements 42 and to prevent the support elements 42 from sliding down along the vertical support tube 30. According to one example, one of the support elements 42 is located on the bracket 48. The bracket 48 may be in the form of a circular ring or sleeve. The support elements 42 or the lowermost support element 42 may be secured to the bracket 48, for example, by welding, to prevent the support element 42 from rotating around the vertical support tube 30.

[0089] Referring to the example of FIG. 9, support elements 42 may be prevented from rotating relative to other corresponding support elements 42 about the vertical direction and / or about the vertical support tube 30 .

[0090] 9, for the reasons discussed above, the body 44 of the support element 42 includes a protrusion or a notch in the lower and / or upper section of the body 44. The protrusion and / or notch is adapted (configured) to be stable against a corresponding protrusion or corresponding notch of another one of the support elements 42, the other support element 42 being positioned vertically above or below the support element 42. The protrusion and notch are configured to prevent the support element 42 from rotating relative to the other support element 42 in the vertical direction and / or around the vertical support tube 30.

[0091] The support element 42 may include one or more clamping elements 50 mounted thereon to fasten one or more horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 to the support element 42 and / or to prevent the support element 42 from rotating about the vertical support tube 30. The clamping elements 50 are preferably removable.

[0092] 3, 5, 11 and 12, there may be a clamping element 50 attached to the body 44 of the support element 42 to prevent the support element 42 or the uppermost support element 42 from rotating around the vertical support tube 30. The clamping element 50 may rest against one or two of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28.

[0093] According to one example, as shown in Figures 3, 5, 11 and 12, the clamping element 50 extends beyond at least one of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 to at least one of the support arms 46 that support the at least one horizontal heat exchanger tube 28. The clamping element 50 engages the at least one support arm 46.

[0094] 3 and 5, the plurality of or at least one heat exchanger tube 28 of the aforementioned element, except for the at least one uppermost horizontal heat exchanger tube 28 of the element, is freely movable as described above. This is because there may be a locking arrangement or clamping element, such as locking element 50, that fastens at least one of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28, for example, the at least one uppermost horizontal heat exchanger tube 28. The uppermost horizontal heat exchanger of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 is additionally excluded as a special case because there may be no support arm 46 thereon.

[0095] This facilitates removal or replacement of the aforementioned elements, since only some of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28, e.g., at least one uppermost heat exchanger tube 28, need to be released, i.e., the locking arrangement or clamping element needs to be removed.

[0096] 11 and 12, the clamping element 50 includes a cover portion 56 adapted to be attached to the body 44. The cover portion 56 has an opening 52 through which the vertical support tube 30 extends and at least one skirt portion 58 including a notch 54 adapted to engage the support arm 28. The clamping element 50 is made, for example, from weldable steel.

[0097] The support element 42 may include a bracket attached thereto, to which the clamp element 50, e.g., the cover portion 56, engages. For example, the opening 52 may have a notch located on the bracket.

[0098] 4 and 6, the support element 42 is rotatably mounted on the vertical support tube 30, facilitating installation of the support element 42 between the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28, removal of the support element 42 from between the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28, installation of the heat exchanger 20 or one or more elements of the heat exchanger 20 in the flue gas passage 60, and removal of the heat exchanger 20 or one or more elements of the heat exchanger 20 from the flue gas passage 60.

[0099] This facilitation is achieved by rotating the support element 42 in such a way that the support arms 46 of the support element 42 reach a position that is parallel or substantially parallel to the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28. This prevents, for example, the support arms 46 from colliding with the moving heat exchanger tubes 28. This rotational movement causes the support arms 46 to turn away from the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28.

[0100] This facilitation is additionally achieved by the above-mentioned upward, lateral or rotational movement, or a combination of at least two of these movements.

[0101] One or more of the above-described movements are utilized in a method within the flue gas path 60 of the boiler 10 for removing or replacing a heat exchanger 20, element, or group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 from the flue gas path 60 as described above.

[0102] In this method, the support element 42, or all of the support elements 42, are rotated, i.e., a rotational movement is applied, about the vertical direction relative to the vertical support tubes 30. The support arms 46 are turned away from the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28, thereby moving the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 away from the support arms 46.

[0103] In a later step of the method, the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 are moved out of the flue gas passage 60. According to one example, the movement is effected by moving the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 horizontally in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28.

[0104] When two or more of the horizontal heat exchange tubes 28 are connected at their ends through one or more of the curved pipe sections 36, the support arms 46 avoid colliding with the curved pipe sections 36 while being rotated away from the flue gas passage 60 and moved out of the flue gas passage 60 as described above.

[0105] According to one example, the rotational movement is supplemented by moving the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 away from the support arms 46 by upward or lateral movement, or both, as described above.

[0106] According to one example, the clamping elements 50, as described above, are applied onto the support elements 42 to fasten the horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 to the support elements 42. For example, at least one of the uppermost horizontal heat exchanger tubes 28 is fastened to the support elements 42. In this method, the clamping elements 50 are removed before the rotational movement step to allow the support elements 42 to rotate.

[0107] In this specification, the singular reference to a device or component does not exclude additional or multiple corresponding devices or components, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0108] Various devices and components are described herein as "comprising" other components. The terms "comprise(s)," "comprising," "include(s)," "having," and "has," and variations thereof, unless otherwise specified, are intended to be open-ended phrases that do not exclude the possibility of additional components.

[0109] The various aspects and embodiments of the present solution disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. Various aspects and embodiments include: By the appended claims Definition will be done.

Claims

1. A support element for supporting at least one horizontal heat exchanger tube, comprising: the support element is configured to be attached to a vertical support tube; The main body and at least one support arm; the body includes a hollow interior extending vertically through the body, the hollow interior configured to surround the vertical support tube passing through the hollow interior; the at least one support arm extends outwardly from the body substantially perpendicular to the body; each support arm is configured to support at least one heat exchanger tube in a manner that prevents downward movement of the horizontal heat exchanger tube in a vertical direction; The body includes: a protrusion or notch in the lower or upper section of said body; the protrusion or the notch is configured to rest against a corresponding protrusion or a corresponding notch of another support element that corresponds to the support element and is positioned above or below the support element in the vertical direction, the protrusion or the notch is configured to prevent the support element from rotating relative to the other support element in the vertical direction and around the vertical support tube. Support element.

2. The support element comprises: at least two pairs of said support arms that are vertically overlapping; In each pair, the support arms extend outwardly from the body, substantially perpendicular to the body, and in two opposite directions relative to each other; each pair configured to support at least one pair of horizontally adjacent, parallel heat exchanger tubes; The support element of claim 1 .

3. The support element comprises: at least two of the support arms are vertically overlapping; the at least two support arms are configured to support at least two of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes that are parallel, separated by a gap, and overlapping in a vertical direction. A support element according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The body includes: a first protrusion or a first notch in the lower section of the body; and a second protrusion or a second notch in the upper section of the body, the second protrusion or the second notch being defined by the second protrusion or the second notch; the first protrusion or the first notch is configured to rest against the corresponding protrusion or the corresponding notch of the other support element that corresponds to the support element and is located below the support element in the vertical direction; the second protrusion or the second notch is configured to rest against a corresponding protrusion or a corresponding notch of another support element that corresponds to the support element and is positioned above the support element in the vertical direction; the second protrusion or the second notch is configured to prevent the support element from rotating relative to the other support element in a vertical direction and around the vertical support tube. A support element according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 1. A system for supporting horizontal heat exchanger tubes, comprising: a vertical support tube; at least one support element, each support element attached to the vertical support tube; The support element comprises: The main body and at least one support arm; the body includes a hollow interior extending vertically through the body, the hollow interior configured to surround the vertical support tube passing through the hollow interior; the at least one support arm extends outwardly from the body substantially perpendicular to the body; each support arm is configured to support at least one heat exchanger tube in a manner that prevents downward movement of the horizontal heat exchanger tube in a vertical direction; In option (i), the body of the support element is formed by a circular pipe; or in option (ii), the body of the support element further comprises two support element parts, each support element part comprising a curved section constituting a part of the body; At least one of the support elements includes one or more of the support arms fixed to the body in option (i) or integrated into the curved section in option (ii), the two support elements are connected to each other to form the body, and the hollow interior is formed between the two support elements; In option (ii), at least one of the support elements is constituted by a first section and a second section that are laterally disposed relative to one another, and the one or more support arms are extensions of the second section and are separated from the first section by the second section, and at least one of the support elements constitutes a bent metal plate. system.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein in option (i), the first section and the second section comprise a curved section.

7. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one support element is adapted to rotate about the vertical support tube, and the shape of the hollow interior is configured to allow the support element to rotate about a vertical direction relative to the vertical support tube and to slide along the vertical support tube.

8. 8. The system of claim 5 or 7, wherein the system includes at least two of the support elements, the support elements being separate and arranged one above the other on the vertical support tube.

9. 1. Use of a system for supporting horizontal heat exchanger tubes in a flue gas path of a boiler, comprising: The flue gas passage walls including a front wall and a rear wall enclosing a passage for hot flue gas; a heat exchanger positioned within the flue gas passage; the heat exchanger includes at least two horizontal heat exchange tubes that are parallel and adjacent to each other; the at least two horizontal heat exchanger tubes include groups of at least two of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes that are parallel, separated by a gap, and overlap each other in a vertical direction; the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from hot flue gas flowing inside the flue gas passage to a fluid, gas, or steam flowing inside the horizontal heat exchanger tubes; The system comprises: a vertical support tube; at least one support element, each support element attached to a vertical support tube; The support element comprises: The main body and at least one support arm; the body includes a hollow interior extending vertically through the body, the hollow interior configured to surround the vertical support tube passing through the hollow interior; the at least one support arm extends outwardly from the body substantially perpendicular to the body; each support arm is configured to support at least one heat exchanger tube in a manner that prevents downward movement of the horizontal heat exchanger tube in a vertical direction; the at least two horizontal heat exchanger tubes are supported by at least two of the support arms of the at least one support element; each horizontal heat exchanger tube of the group is supported by one of the support arms of the at least one support element of the system; the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group are adapted to be moved away from the support arm by rotational movement of the at least one support element. use.

10. 10. The use according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of or at least one of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group, except for at least one uppermost horizontal heat exchanger tube of the group, are at a location on the support arm that is adapted to be successively moved freely away from the support arm.

11. 11. The use according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group are adapted to be moved away from the support arm by (i) upward movement of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group, or (ii) lateral movement of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group, or (iii) the rotational movement combined with both the upward movement and the lateral movement.

12. Use according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein one of the support arms extends into each group.

13. 1. A method in a flue gas path of a boiler, comprising: The flue gas passage walls including a front wall and a rear wall enclosing a passage for hot flue gas; a heat exchanger positioned within the flue gas passage; the heat exchanger includes at least two groups of horizontal heat exchanger tubes that are parallel, separated by a gap, and overlap each other in a vertical direction; the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from hot flue gas flowing inside the flue gas passage to a fluid, gas, or steam flowing inside the horizontal heat exchanger tubes; Between the front wall and the rear wall, the heat exchanger is supported on at least one vertical support tube by at least one support element attached to each vertical support tube; The support element comprises: The main body and at least one support arm; the body includes a hollow interior extending vertically through the body, the hollow interior configured to surround the vertical support tube passing through the hollow interior; the at least one support arm extends outwardly from the body substantially perpendicular to the body; each support arm is configured to support at least one heat exchanger tube in a manner that prevents downward movement of the horizontal heat exchanger tube in a vertical direction; each horizontal heat exchanger tube of the group is supported by one of the support arms of the at least one support element; The method includes at least rotating the at least one support element about a vertical direction relative to the vertical support tube in such a way that the at least one support arm rotates away from the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group; and moving said group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes to remove or replace said group of horizontal heat exchanger tubes from said flue gas path. method.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising moving the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group (i) horizontally in a direction horizontal to the horizontal heat exchanger tubes, or (ii) away from the support arm by an upward movement, or (iii) away from the support arm by a lateral movement, or (iv) away from the support arm by both the upward movement and the lateral movement.

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein two or more of the horizontal heat exchanger tubes of the group are connected at their ends by curved tube sections.

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