Patent Publication Number: US-2023160570-A1

Title: System for removing and replacing fire-tubes

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/474,597 filed Sep. 14, 2021, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/344,305 filed on Jun. 22, 2017, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING AND REPLACING FIRE-TUBES”, which itself claims the benefit and priority benefit, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/251,127, filed Nov. 5, 2015, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING AND REPLACING FIRE-TUBES,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for removing and installing fire-tubes. 
     Description of Related Art 
     A fire-tube boiler is a type of boiler in which hot gases from a fire pass through one or more tubes running through a sealed container of water. The heat of the gases is transferred through the walls of the tubes by thermal conduction, heating the water and ultimately creating steam. A fire-tube introduces heat into a vessel such as a tank. 
     As fire-tubes are used, they will eventually become plugged and need replacing. Replacing fire-tubes typically requires an extensive, time-consuming, and expensive, shut-down of the vessel. Then 3 or more men with a backhoe operator remove and replace the fire-tube. The process is very slow, labor intensive, and frequently, unsafe. Consequently, it is desirable to have a master, safer, and easier system and method of installing and removing fire-tubes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a fire-tube puller in one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a fire-tube installed in a vessel in one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the stack adjuster in one embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a stack rest in one embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the puller engaging a fire-tube in one embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a puller back engaging a replacement fire-tube. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a horizontal puller back in one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of Applicant&#39;s invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a fire-tube puller in one embodiment.  FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a fire-tube  108  installed in a vessel  112  in one embodiment. The coupling of the fire-tube puller  100 , depicted in  FIG.  1   , to the fire-tube  108 , depicted in  FIG.  2   , will be discussed in reference to both  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   . 
     Turning first to  FIG.  2   , as noted, a fire-tube  108  is a type of boiler in which hot gases from a fire pass through one or more tubes. The tubes can contain water or other liquid such as oil. The fire-tube  108  is used to introduce heat into a vessel  112 . As used herein, a vessel  112  refers to any tank or container used to store or process a material. The tubes can vary in size depending upon the specific application. The pipes can be in 10 inch, 14 inch, 16 inch, 24 inch, and 36 inch diameters, as well as larger and smaller diameters. The length can also vary depending upon the application. In some embodiments the tubes are 8 feet long before they turn in a U-shape. These sizes and dimensions are for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. 
     The fire-tubes  108  can be vertically oriented, as depicted, or horizontally oriented. As depicted the fire-tube inlet  111  is located in a vertical alignment with the fire-tube outlet  110 , and accordingly, the fire-tube  108  depicted comprises a vertically oriented fire-tube. In other embodiments, however, the fire-tube inlet  111  is located in a horizontal alignment with the fire-tube outlet  110 . One skilled in the art will understand the various changes to the fire-tube puller  100  which may be necessary to accommodate the various fire-tube  108  alignments and orientations. 
     The fire-tube inlet  111  is the side in which fuel and/or fire is introduced into the fire-tube  108 . Virtually any fuel, including natural gas, can be used. As noted, the size and capacity can vary depending upon the application. The fire-tube can range from about 250 BTU to about 5 MM BTU. In one embodiment the fire-tube  108  comprises one or more U-shaped tubes which couple to the fire-tube inlet  111  and travel to the inside of the vessel  112 , then make a U-turn and travel to the fire-tube outlet  110  located outside of the vessel  112 . 
     The fire-tube outlet  110  is fluidly coupled to a stack  109  which allows removal of off-gas and fumes. The fire-tube outlet  110  comprises a fire-tube exhaust  114  which is located atop the fire-tube outlet  110  and is coupled to the stack  109 . 
     The fire-tube  108  is coupled to the vessel  112  via fire-tube connectors  113 . The connectors  113  can comprise any method or device known in the art for coupling two pieces of equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, bolts, screws, clamps, oblong shot-gun flanges, etc. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  1   , a method and system of removing and replacing fire-tubes  108  will now be discussed.  FIG.  1    depicts a fire-tube puller  100  which will couple to a fire-tube  108  as discussed below. The fire-tube puller  100  comprises a coupler which allows the fire-tube puller  100  to be coupled to a powered system. A powered system, as used herein, refers to any powered system which can control and direct movement of the fire-tube puller  100 . In one embodiment the powered system can control and move the fire-tube puller  100  through three dimensions. The powered system can comprise for example, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system, or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment the powered system is coupled to a moveable structure such as a truck, trailer, etc. 
     The fire-tube puller  100  can be coupled to a powered system via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment the fire-tube puller  100  is removably coupled such that the powered system can couple to a different item or a dissimilar fire-tube puller  100 . As used herein, “coupled” refers to two or more items being directly connected as well as two or more objects being connected indirectly. 
     The fire-tube puller  100 , as depicted, comprises a puller back  101 . The puller back  101  is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the powered system. The powered system applies a force to the puller back  101 , and that is how the fire-tube puller  100  is moved and controlled. In one embodiment the powered system is coupled to a rear side of the puller back  101 . 
     As depicted the fire-tube puller back  101  comprises a substantially planar piece. In one embodiment the puller back  101  comprises a substantially vertical piece. The puller back  101  can have virtually any dimensions. In one embodiment the puller back  101  is ¾″ in thickness and is about 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall. In other embodiments the puller back  101  is greater than 2 feet in width and taller than 3 feet. Those skilled in the art will understand the dimensions can vary to match the fire-tubes. 
     The puller back  101  comprises one or more connector holes  102 . The connector holes  102  couple a coupler (not depicted in  FIG.  1   ) to the puller back  101 . As but one example, in one embodiment the coupler comprises a curved bolt which can be placed around the fire-tube exhaust  114  and then secured to the puller back  101  through the connector holes  102  via any device known in the art. The curved bolt can be screwed or bolted to the puller back  101 . In this fashion, the puller back  101  is removably coupled to the fire-tube exhaust  114 . This helps stabilize and control the fire-plug  108  during removal and installation. 
     The fire-tube puller  100  can comprise virtually any material which is strong enough to support the weight of the fire-tube. In one embodiment the fire-tube puller  100  comprises aluminum, stainless steel, steel, titanium, and other metals and combinations thereof. 
     Coupled to the puller back  101  is the plug rest  103 . In one embodiment the puller back  101  is approximately perpendicular to the puller back  101 . In one embodiment the plug rest  103  is coupled to a front face of the puller back  101 . The plug rest  103  can be coupled to the puller back  101  via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment the plug rest  103  is welded to the puller back  101 . In other embodiments the plug rest  103  and the puller back  101  are integrally made as a single piece. 
     The plug rest  103  sticks out from the puller back  101  such that the fire-plug  108  can rest upon the plug rest  103 . In one embodiment, and as depicted, the plug rest  103  comprises a top portion which has a curved cross-section. In one embodiment the plug rest  103  comprises a semi-circular cross-section. More broadly, in one embodiment the plug rest  103  comprises a cross-section which complements the cross-section of the fire-tube inlet  111 . As can be seen in  FIG.  2   , the fire-tube inlet  111  comprises a circular cross-section. Accordingly, when the plug rest  103  is inserted into the fire-tube inlet  111 , the curved or semi-circular cross-section of the plug rest  103  matches the cross-section of the fire-tube inlet  111 . This allows for maximum surface area contact during removal and installation. Increased surface area contact between the plug rest  103  and the fire-tube inlet  111  results in a more stable and controlled lifting. 
     The length of the plug rest  103  can vary. In one embodiment for fire-tube  108  having a length of about 6 feet, the plug rest  103  has a length of about 4 feet. As noted above, an increased length increases surface area contact and consequently increased in a more stable, controlled lifting. 
     In one embodiment, and as depicted, a stack adjuster  104  is coupled to the plug rest  103 . The stack adjuster  104  is a device which allows the stack  109  to be engaged and positioned. As depicted the stack adjuster  104  comprises an adjuster lip  106  upon which the stack  109  sits. In one embodiment the stack adjuster  104  comprises a hitch attachment which further secures the stack  109  to the stack adjuster  104 . As depicted the stack adjuster  104  comprises an adjuster body  105  which extends downward below the adjuster lip  106 . In one embodiment the adjuster body  105  comprises a cross-sectional shape such that matches the external cross-sectional shape of the fire-tube exhaust  114 . This allows the adjuster body  105  to surround the fire-tube exhaust  114  and stabilize around the fire-tube exhaust  114 . 
     In one embodiment, the stack  109  is first decoupled from the fire-tube exhaust  114 . This can be accomplished by removing bolts, screws, or whatever device is used to couple the fire-tube exhaust  114  and the stack  109 . Once the stack  109  has been decoupled, the stack adjuster  104  is positioned adjacent the stack  109   
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the stack adjuster  104  in one embodiment. As can be seen, the stack  109  has been lifted from the fire-tube exhaust  114  via the stack adjuster  104 . The adjuster lip  106  is positioned adjacent to the stack  109 . Likewise, the adjuster body  105  is flush against the stack  109 . Further securing the stack adjuster  104  to the stack  109  is a stack coupler  116 . The stack  109  can be secured via the stack coupler  116  via chains, screws, or any device or method known in the art for removably coupling the stack  109  to the stack adjuster  104 . This additional securement prevents the stack  109  from falling and causing damage or injury. 
     As depicted the adjuster body  105  is located atop the lip  106  which is different than depicted in  FIG.  1   . Either embodiment can be utilized. 
     In one embodiment, while the stack  109  is being controlled by the stack adjuster  104 , the stack  109  is positioned to sit upon the stack rest  115 .  FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a stack rest in one embodiment. A stack rest  115 , as used herein, refers to an item upon which the stack  109  can rest. As depicted, the stack rest  115  comprises an L-shaped member which is elevated relative to the fire-tube outlet  110 . The vertical portion of the L-shaped member of the stack rest  115  provides an elevated distance. This allows the stack  109  to be raised vertically and then placed on the horizontal portion of the L-shaped member of the stack rest  115 . Accordingly, when the fire-tube  108  has been replaced, the stack  109  can simply be lowered in its desired location adjacent to the fire-tube exhaust  114 . 
     The stack rest  115  allows the stack  109  to be safely stored in a vertical position while the fire-tube  108  is being replaced. This saves time and labor compared to lowering the stack  109  such that it rests upon the ground, for example. Instead, the stack  109  is stored in a position above the fire-tube exhaust  114  such that it can quickly and safely be recoupled to the fire-tube exhaust  114 . 
     As noted, in one embodiment the stack adjuster  104  can be removably coupled to the fire-tube puller  100 . The stack adjuster  104  can be coupled at any point on the fire-tube puller  100 . For example, the stack adjuster  104  can be coupled to the plug rest  103  as depicted. Being removably coupled allows the stack adjuster  104  to be removed and/or replaced when desired. As an example, in some embodiments the stack  109  may comprise a significantly larger or smaller diameter requiring a smaller or larger stack adjuster  104 . In such situations, the stack adjuster  104  can simply be removed and recoupled as necessary. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the puller engaging a fire-tube in one embodiment. As can be seen, the puller back  101  is engaging the fire tube  118 . The fire-tubes  118 , vertically oriented as depicted, are being removed from the vessel  112 . As noted, the fire-tubes become plugged overtime and consequently need to be replaced.  FIG.  5    shows the fire-plug  118  resting upon the plug rest  103 . Thus, the majority of the weight of the fire-tube  118  is supported by the plug rest  103 . The fire-tube  118  is further secured to the puller back  101  via the puller back coupler  117 . As depicted, this comprises a U-shaped bolt, but this can be any fastening device such as a chain, wire, etc., discussed herein. 
     The fire-tube  118  is now secured to the puller back  101 . The puller back  101  can then be manipulated and controlled as desired. As depicted the puller back  101  comprises hydraulics  120  which allow the puller back  101  to be tilted, angled, and positioned at its desired location. 
     The fire-tube  118  can be removed from the vessel and deposited at a desired location. Thereafter, the puller back  101  can be disengaged from the old fire-tube  118 . The puller back  101  can then be positioned to engage a replacement fire-tube. 
       FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a puller back engaging a replacement fire-tube. As can be seen, the replacement fire-tubes are installed in the same manner in which the old fire-tubes were removed. 
     While one embodiment showing a stack adjuster  104  being coupled to the plug rest  103 , this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments other tools can be attached in place of the stack adjuster  104 . One example of such a tool is a basket. This allows the fire-tube puller  100  to also function as a man-lift. In such embodiments the basket allows a human operator to be lifted and positioned as desired. As but one example, a human operator can be lifted to remove the connectors coupling the stack  109  to the fire-tube exhaust  114 . Thereafter, the basket can be removed and the stack adjuster  104  can be installed to adjust and position the stack  109  as discussed. In one embodiment rather than replacing the stack adjuster  104 , the basket or other tool adheres or attaches to the stack adjuster  104 . In one embodiment the stack adjuster  104  is coupled to the plug rest  103  via a trailer hitch or the equivalent. This allows other tools, such as the basket described above, to the coupled to the plug rest  103 . 
       FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a horizontal puller back  101  in one embodiment. As noted, there are vertically oriented fire-tubes and horizontally oriented fire-tubes.  FIG.  7    depicts one embodiment of a puller back which can be used on horizontally oriented fire-tubes. As can be seen, the puller back  101  also comprises a U-shaped void  107  which can be used to couple with the fire-tube exhaust  114 . The puller back  101  can comprise one or two plug rests which will support the weight of the fire-tubes. 
     As depicted, the puller back  101  comprises two double hinges. This allows the puller back  101  to be tilted forward and back. In one embodiment the puller back  101  can be moved, tilted, and/or rotated in three dimensions. 
     While a system for removing and installing fire-tubes in one embodiment has been described, a method of using the system will now be described in reference to one embodiment. First, heat and the fuel source is removed from the fire-tube rendering it inoperable. Second, any cover atop the fire-tube inlet  111  is removed. Thereafter, the stack  109  is decoupled from the fire-tube exhaust  114 . As noted, this can be accomplished by removing bolts, screws, or whatever device is used to couple the fire-tube exhaust  114  and the stack  109 . After the stack  109  has been decoupled, the stack adjuster  104  is positioned at the base of the stack  109 . The stack adjuster  104  is manipulated such that the stack  109  is adjacent to the stack adjuster  104 . The stack  109  is then coupled via the stack coupler  116 . The stack adjuster  104  is then lifted to be adjacent to the stack rest  115  and lowered as necessary such that the stack  109  rests upon the stack rest  115 . Optionally, the stack  109  is secured to the stack rest  115  via any method device known in the art or discussed herein. 
     Once the stack  109  is resting safely upon the stack rest  115 , the fire-tube  108  can be removed. If not already removed, the fire-tube couplers  113  are removed such that the fire-tube  108  is not attached to the vessel  112 . At this point, the fire-tube puller is positioned adjacent to the fire-plug  108 . Thereafter the fire-tube puller  100  is pushed toward the vessel  112  such that the plug rest  103  enters the cavity of the fire-tube inlet  111 . In one embodiment, the stack adjuster  104  is sized so as to fit within the cavity of the fire-tube inlet  111 . 
     The fire-tube puller  100  is pushed relative to the fire-tube  108  such that the puller back  101  is adjacent the fire-tube exhaust  114 . At this point a coupler is attached via the connector holes  102 . This results in the fire-tube exhaust  114  being coupled to the puller back  101 . 
     The fire-plug  108  is now secured to the fire-tube puller  100 . The fire-plug  108  is secured by the plug rest  103  and the coupler  117  which connects the fire-tube exhaust  114  to the puller back  101 . A rearward force is applied to the fire-tube puller  100 , and consequently, the fire-tube  108 , and the fire-tube  108  is withdrawn from the vessel. 
     The fire-tube puller  100  is positioned in a desired location, whether on the ground, in a truck, on a trailer, etc. to deposit the removed fire-tube  108 . The fire-tube puller  100  is then decoupled from the removed fire-tube  108 . Specifically, in one embodiment, the coupler is removed, and the plug rest  103  is withdrawn from the fire-tube inlet  111  cavity. The fire-tube puller  100  is now free to couple to a new fire-tube  108 , and the process is repeated. Namely, in one embodiment, the fire-tube puller  100  is positioned such that the fire-tube  108  is inserted into the vessel  112 . The fire-tube couplers are reconnected to secure the fire-tube  108  within the vessel  112 . Then the couplers are removed so that the new fire-tube  108  is no longer connected to the fire-tube puller  100 . At this point, the stack adjuster  104  is positioned to grasp and control the stack  109  down to the fire-tube exhaust  114 . The stack  109  is then reconnected to the fire-tube exhaust  114 . Thereafter, the fire-tube inlet  111  is reconnected to the fuel, fire, etc. 
     As noted, the method for removing and installing a fire-tube  108  is much faster and safer than prior art methods which involved multiple people and unsuitable tools such as a backhoe. A backhoe, absent a connecting tool such as the fire-tube puller  100  described herein, does not allow for the safe and stable connection of the backhoe to the fire-tube. Consequently, the removal and installation of fire-tubes was very slow, deliberate, unsafe, and required extensive downtime for the vessel. In an industry where downtime can result in significant opportunity costs, a decrease in downtime can result in substantial savings. The prior art method of removing and installing a fire-tube resulted in a downtime of about 2 days. However, the method discussed herein results in a downtime of 4.5 hours or less for the removal and installation of a new fire-tube. As noted, this is a considerable reduction in downtime. 
     Furthermore, the prior art method required that the backhoe be able to be adjacent to the fire-plug. Many vessels are surrounded by fences such as safety fire walls. These fire walls would previously have to be removed to allow installation of the new fire-tube and then subsequently rebuilt. This results in undesired waste in capital and labor. However, in one embodiment the powered system has a 6,000 pound lift capacity. Accordingly, the powered system can be positioned on the outside of the fire wall and remove and install fire-tubes located within the fire wall. As such, there is no need to remove the fire wall during installation of the fire-tubes. 
     As noted above, in one embodiment the removal and installation of a new fire-plug can be completed in less than 4.5 hours compared to the previous time of 2 days. Because of this, a new method of deploying and providing fire-plugs has been developed. 
     In one embodiment a mobile system is used to transport and carry the powered system, the fire-tube puller, and at least one fire-tube to a job site. In one embodiment a mobile system can comprise any system which can carry the necessary equipment and can include a truck, a trailer, etc. 
     In one embodiment the mobile system comprises two or more fire-tubes. Carrying additional fire-tubes increases the chances that the mobile system will have the correct fire-tube. In this manner, the mobile system can depart fully loaded with a plurality of fire-tubes and drive from customer to customer replacing fire-tubes. For example, in one embodiment in response to a request from a first customer, the mobile system will depart carrying the required replacement fire-tube. Because the time frame for removing and replacing the fire-tube is 4.5 hours, if, while working on the fire-tube for the first customer, a second customer calls, the mobile system, once installation of the fire-tube for the first customer is completed, can thereafter depart for the second customer. If the mobile system is equipped with the size and type of fire-tube required by the second customer, then the mobile system need not return to obtain the fire-tube but instead can travel directly to the second customer. As noted, this has a benefit of further decreasing the downtime associated with replacing a plugged or otherwise inoperable fire-tube. 
     In one embodiment the mobile system comprises a plurality of fire-tubes such that the mobile system can remain in the field for several days before returning to a launching base to acquire additional fire-tubes. In some embodiments, additional fire-tubes are stored at a launching base. In other embodiments, however, rather than return to a launching base, the mobile system can obtain additional fire-tubes at remote locations such as retail sites and other fire-tube providers. 
     The system described above is a paradigm shift from the current method of replacing fire-tubes. As noted, currently a customer would call for a replacement tube, the operator would obtain the replacement fire-tube, and coordinate a two day shut-down of the vessel. Now, however, if a customer&#39;s fire-tube becomes plugged or otherwise inoperable, the customer can send word to the mobile system, and the mobile system can replace the fire-tube often in the same day. 
     In one embodiment the mobile system is equipped with the most common type of fire-tubes. This increases the likelihood that a customer&#39;s required fire-tube will be located on the mobile system, increasing the speed in which the mobile system can replace the fire-tube. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION 
     The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.
     Clause 1. A system for removing and installing a fire-tube, said system comprising:
       a powered system;   a fire-tube puller coupled to said powered system, wherein said fire-tube puller comprises a puller back coupled to a plug rest.   
       Clause 2. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said puller back is approximately perpendicular to said plug rest.   Clause 3. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim further comprising a stack adjuster.   Clause 4. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said stack adjuster is coupled to said plug rest, and wherein said stack adjuster comprises an adjuster lip and an adjuster body.   Clause 5. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said stack adjuster is removably coupled to said plug-rest.   Clause 6. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim further comprising a mobile system which transports said powered system, said fire-tube puller, and at least one fire-tube.   Clause 7. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said puller back comprises a void located at its top, and wherein said puller back further comprises a puller back coupler which is used to engage with a portion of a fire-tube, and wherein said stack adjuster comprises a stack coupler which is used to engage a stack.   Clause 8. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said fire-tube puller comprises a vertically oriented fire-tube puller.   Clause 9. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said fire-tube puller comprises a vertically oriented fire-tube puller.   Clause 10. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said powered system is coupled to a truck.   Clause 11. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said powered system comprises a hydraulic system.   Clause 12. A method of removing and installing a fire-tube, on a system, said system comprising”
       a powered system;   a fire-tube puller coupled to said powered system, wherein said fire-tube puller comprises a puller back coupled to a plug rest;   an adjuster is coupled to said plug rest, and wherein said stack adjuster comprises an adjuster lip and an adjuster body.
           said method comprising the following steps:   
           a) removing a cover on a fire-tube;   b) decoupling a stack from a fire-tube exhaust;   c) coupling the stack to said adjuster;   d) repositioning said stack;   e) positioning said fire-tube puller adjacent said fire-plug;   f) withdrawing fire-tube;   g) removing said fire-tube from said fire-tube puller;   h) positioning said fire-tube puller adjacent a new fire-tube;   i) installing said new fire-tube.   
       Clause 13. The method of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said repositioning said stack comprises placing said stack on a stack rest.   Clause 14. The method of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said positioning of step e) comprises inserting said plug rest into a cavity within said fire-tube, such that said fire-tube rests on said plug rest.   Clause 15. The method of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said coupling of step c) comprises positioning said adjuster body at least partially around said stack and securing said adapter to said stack with a stack coupler.   Clause 16. The method of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said positioning of step e) comprises coupling said puller back to a fire-tube exhaust.