Patent ID: 6027540
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: C10K

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing particulate matter from a gas stream prior to entry into a heat exchanger, said heat exchanger having a longitudinal axis with an upstream end and a tubesheet thereacross, to prevent fouling and plugging thereof by said particulate matter, said apparatus comprising in combinationa) a final screen means adjacent said tubesheet and upstream thereof from the gas flow direction and having a supported wire mesh means located in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of said heat exchanger and having a central support portion;b) an intermediate screen means located upstream from said final screen means and being supported on said central support portion and having at least one cylindrical structure oriented with a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said heat exchanger and including a plurality of longitudinally disposed, apertured internal support members and a plurality of transversely disposed internal support members, such that together the said internal support members of said intermediate screen means form a plurality of sections, said sections being covered with wire mesh means; andc) an initial screen means having a supporting frame structure to which is attached a wire mesh means and being located upstream of the intermediate screen means.