PULSE VALVE WITH PRESSURE VESSEL PENETRATION

Abstract

A valve with relatively reduced tank penetration is useful for cleaning at least a portion of a filter unit, such as multiple filter bags, arranged in a filter installation for filtering polluted gas passed therethrough. This valve is preferably a relatively high performance pulse valve of relatively small pressure vessel penetration cross section area useful with relatively lower cost pressure vessels.

Claims

1. A plant comprising: a pulse valve fixed to a pressure vessel by arrangement in a valve opening in the pressure vessel containing a compressed gas, and connection to a pipe comprising a seal member arranged in a pipe opening of the pressure vessel; a control device operable to electronically control operation of a solenoid valve fluidly connected to the pulse valve to affect position of a plunger within an interior area of the pulse valve based on measurements electronically received by the control device from sensors; and a cavity within the pulse valve connected to the solenoid valve operative for a flow of fluid from a fluid supply into the cavity generating a pressure within the cavity greater than a pressure of the compressed gas within the pressure vessel for a closed positioning of the plunger to block compressed gas flow from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe, and operative for fluid flow from the cavity generating a pressure within the cavity less than the pressure of the compressed gas for an opened positioning the plunger for a flow of compressed gas from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe for cleaning of particulate collection equipment.

2. The plant of claim 1, wherein the sensors are at least one of temperature sensors and pressure sensors.

3. The plant of claim 1, wherein the pipe comprises an extended tab to abut the seal member at the pipe opening of the pressure vessel.

4. A pulse valve comprising: a solenoid valve with operation affecting positioning of a plunger arranged within an interior area of the pulse valve electronically controlled by a control device, fluidly connected to the pulse valve; the pulse valve arranged within an opening in a pressure vessel containing compressed gas, and connected to a pipe within the pressure vessel; the pipe comprising a seal member abutting the pressure vessel fluidly connected to nozzles for cleaning of particulate collection equipment; and a cavity within the pulse valve sized to accept a center extended portion of the plunger, fluidly connected to the solenoid valve operative based on measurements electronically received by the control device from sensors for fluid flow from a fluid supply into the cavity generating a pressure within the cavity greater than a pressure of the compressed gas within the pressure vessel for a closed positioning of the plunger to block compressed gas flow from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe, and operative for fluid flow from the cavity generating a pressure within the cavity less than the pressure of the compressed gas for an opened positioning the plunger for a flow of compressed gas from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe for cleaning of particulate collection equipment.

5. The pulse valve of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the pulse valve is rectangular in shape dimensioned larger in width than length, sized for arrangement within the opening of the pressure vessel.

6. The pulse valve of claim 4, wherein the pulse valve is arranged within the opening for attachment to the pressure vessel by attachment to the pipe.

7. The pulse valve of claim 4, wherein the pulse valve is operative for a pulse of about 10 psi to about 145 psi.

8. The pulse valve of claim 4, wherein the sensors are at least one of temperature sensors and pressure sensors.

9. A method of using a pulse valve comprising: connecting the pulse valve within an opening in a pressure vessel containing compressed gas to a pipe comprising a seal member; affecting positioning of a plunger arranged within an interior area of the pulse valve by operation of a solenoid valve fluidly connected to the pulse valve; controlling operation of the solenoid valve with a control device, operating the solenoid valve based on measurements electronically received by the control device from sensors for fluid flow from a fluid supply into a cavity within the interior area of the pulse valve generating a pressure within the cavity greater than a pressure of the compressed gas within the pressure vessel for a closed positioning of the plunger to block compressed gas flow from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe; and periodically operating the solenoid valve based on measurements electronically received by the control device from sensors for fluid flow from the cavity within the interior area of the pulse valve generating a pressure within the cavity less than the pressure of the compressed gas for an opened positioning the plunger for a flow of compressed gas from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe for periodic cleaning of particulate collection equipment.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising attaching the pulse valve to the pressure vessel by attachment of the pulse valve to the pipe.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the flow of compressed gas from the pressure vessel through openings in the pulse valve to the pipe for periodic cleaning of particulate collection equipment is about 10 psi to about 145 psi.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the sensors are at least one of temperature sensors and pressure sensors.

13. A method of installing a pulse valve comprising: arranging the pulse valve within an opening in a pressure vessel containing compressed gas; arranging a pipe comprising a seal member and an extended tab in a pipe opening of the pressure vessel with the extended tab abutting the seal member at the pipe opening of the pressure vessel; and connecting the pulse valve to the pipe within the pressure vessel.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching the pulse valve to the pressure vessel with attachment consisting of the connecting of the pulse valve to the pipe.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein arranging the pulse valve within the opening in the pressure vessel comprises fabricating at least a portion of the pulse valve rectangular in shape, dimensioned larger in width than length, and extending the at least a portion of the pulse valve rectangular in shape, dimensioned larger in width than length through the opening of the pressure vessel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross sectional view of a plant with particulate collection equipment, and a cleaning system for the particulate collection equipment comprising a pressure vessel equipped with multiple pulse valves according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic side view of the pressure vessel equipped with multiple pulse valves and nozzle pipes according to FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic side cross-sectional view of a part of the pressure vessel of FIG. 2 equipped with a pulse valve with a plunger in a first opened position.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic side cross-sectional view of a part of the pressure vessel of FIG. 2 equipped with a pulse valve with a plunger in a second closed position.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the pressure vessel of FIG. 2 with valve openings for installation of pulse valves therein according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed herein is a plant 10 such as a power plant or an industrial plant that when in operation generates a polluted gas. An example of such a plant 10 for purposes of illustration not limitation, is a power plant that includes a combustion unit 12, such as a steam producing boiler unit, that when in operation generates a flue gas FG. The combustion unit 12 may be supplied at least one oxygen containing gas G, e.g., air, O.sub.2 gas, or gases that include O.sub.2 gas, from a gas supply 14 via a fluidly connected supply pipe 14A. Likewise, the combustion unit 12 is supplied a carbonaceous fuel F from a fuel supply 16 via a fluidly connected fuel duct 16A for combustion of the fuel F within the combustion unit 12. The fuel F supplied to combustion unit 12 is preferably a fossil fuel such as for example coal, oil, or natural gas. In addition to steam, flue gas FG is produced upon fuel F combustion within the combustion unit 12. Steam produced by fuel F combustion can be transported to a turbine (not shown) for use in generating electricity, or put to other uses such as for example district heating, combustion unit 12 pre-heating, or the like. Flue gas FG produced by fuel F combustion comprises acid gases, such as for example but not limited to sulfur oxides (SO.sub.x) and hydrogen chloride (HCl), ash, heavy metals, and particulates. Flue gas FG produced in the combustion unit 12 flows out of an interior area 12D of the combustion unit 12 through a fluidly connected conduit 12A into a dry flue gas desulfurization DFGD system 18. DFGD system 18, for example, may be a vertical reactor DFGD system equipped with a distribution device as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,973. Alternatively, DFGD system 18 may be a spray dryer absorber DFGD system. For purposes of clarity, DFGD system 18 will be described herein as simply a spray dryer absorber DFGD system, although other DFGD systems may be used to achieve flue gas desulfurization. DFGD system 18 comprises a plurality of atomizers 20, which may be for example two to ten atomizers 20, but more preferably four to five atomizers 20. An example of an atomizer 20 suitable for the subject DFGD system 20 is a rotary model atomizer commercially available from GE-Power, located in Erlanger, Ky., USA. Alternatively, other commercially available atomizers 20 of a similar type, such as two-media nozzle atomizers or lances with multiple two-media nozzles, may likewise be utilized in the subject DFGD system 18. Each atomizer 20 is arranged and fluidly connected to receive a reagent slurry RS produced from reagent R supplied from a reagent supply 22 and liquid L supplied from a liquid supply 24 via ducts 22A. The atomizers 20 disperse the reagent slurry RS within the DFGD system 18 for intermixing contact with flue gas FG flowing therethrough. Upon contact with the flue gas FG, the reagent slurry RS reacts with the impurities in the flue gas FG thereby producing a dry powder reaction product RP and flue gas FG of a reduced impurity content. The dry powder reaction product RP produced in the flue gas FG upon contact of the flue gas FG with the reagent slurry RS is largely entrained in the flue gas FG. The flue gas FG with entrained dry powder reaction product RP flows from DFGD system 18 via duct 18A into fluidly connected particulate collection equipment 26.

[0027] Particulate collection equipment 26 comprises a housing 28 with at least two fabric filter compartments 30. The at least two fabric filter compartments 30 may be for example two to twelve fabric filter compartments 30, but more preferably six to ten fabric filter compartments 30. Schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, particulate collection equipment 26 comprises three fabric filter compartments 30. Fabric filter compartments 30 are dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of hanging fabric filter bags 32 about 6 meters (about 19 feet) to about 12 meters (about 40 feet), but most typically about 10 meters (about 33 feet), in length. However, for purposes of clarity, in FIG. 1, only a single fabric filter bag 32 is illustrated in each fabric filter compartment 30. Flue gas FG with entrained dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates, such as ash and dust, flows out from DFGD system 18 into particulate collection equipment 26 via duct 18A. At bottom 34 of housing 28, below each fabric filter compartment 30 is a hopper 36 equipped with an outlet 36A. Within interior area 28A of housing 28 is a horizontal plate 38 with a plurality of openings 40 therethrough. Hanging fabric filter bags 32 are removably attached in openings 40 in horizontal plate 38. Typically, a fabric filter compartment 30 may comprise 2 to 20,000 such fabric filter bags 32. In operation, flue gas FG with entrained dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates, such as ash and dust, flows through the fabric 32A of the fabric filter bags 32, through openings 40 in horizontal plate 38 into the clean upper portion 42 of interior area 28A of housing 28 above horizontal plate 38, thereby producing a cleaned flue gas CG. The cleaned flue gas CG flows from upper portion 42 through duct 44 to a fluidly connected stack 46 for release to the environment. The entrained dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates, such as ash and dust, for the most part do not pass through the fabric 32A of the fabric filter bags 32. As such, the entrained dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates, such as ash and dust, collect on the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32. Occasionally, it is necessary to remove collected or caked dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates from the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32. Nozzle pipes 48 are arranged in the upper portion 42 of housing 28. Each nozzle pipe 48 is provided with a pulsing nozzle 50 for each of the openings 40 with removably attached fabric filter bags 32. Each nozzle pipe is fluidly connected to a pulse valve 52 fluidly connected to a compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54. The compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 typically has an absolute pressure of about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi, to be suitable for cleaning the outside surface 32B of fabric filter bags 32 with periodic blasts of a pressurized gas, such as air, carbon dioxide, or other relatively low cost gas. These periodic blasts of pressurized gas are electronically controlled through the use of a control unit 56, to remove the collected or caked dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates from the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32. As such, control unit 56 determines the timing for removal of collected or caked dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates from the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32. Control unit 56 determines the timing for such removal based on, for example, a certain length of time having elapsed since the last removal, a certain pressure drop in flue gas FG flow as measured by pressure sensors 58 at openings 40, or a certain drop in temperature as measured by temperature sensors 60 at openings 40. Upon passage of a predetermined length of time measured by the control unit 56, the control unit 56 electronically signals the pulse valve 52 to open for a short period of time, typically 150 to 500 ms, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, upon a predetermined pressure drop being measured by the pressure sensors 58 and received by control unit 56, the control unit 56 electronically signals the pulse valve 52 to open for a short period of time, typically a period of time of 150 to 500 ms. As yet another alternative, upon a predetermined temperature drop being measured by the temperature sensors 60 and received by control unit 56, the control unit 56 electronically signals the pulse valve 52 to open for a short period of time, typically a period of time of 150 to 500 ms. This opening of the pulse valve 52 for a short period of time results in a short pulse of pressurized gas flowing through nozzle pipe 48, through fluidly connected pulsing nozzles 50, through openings 40, and into fabric filter bags 32. As an effect of such pulse of pressurized gas, the fabric filter bags 32 expand rapidly, causing most, if not all, of the collected or caked dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates on the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32 to be released. The released dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates fall downwardly into hoppers 36 of the fabric filter compartments 30. Occasionally the dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates collected in hoppers 36 as solid material SM is removed through outlet 36A and discarded in an environmentally conservative manner or removed through outlet 36A for use elsewhere within plant 10.

[0028] Best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, are pulse valves 52 with a relatively small penetration cross section areas CS defined by rectangular valve openings 62 in compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54. The relatively small penetration cross section area CS defined by rectangular valve opening 62 is about 50 square centimeters (8 square inches) to about 385 square centimeters (60 square inches), or about 160 square centimeters (25 square inches). Compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 is generally cylindrical comprising a top 64, a bottom 66, opposed sides 68, and opposed ends 70, together defining an open interior area 72 in which compressed gas is contained. Compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 has a longitudinal axis X extending between opposed ends 70. Rectangular valve openings 62 are dimensioned relatively shorter in length P, parallel to the longitudinal axis X, than in width W, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The relatively longer width W, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, accommodates relatively larger, higher performance pulse valves 52 operable for compressed gas pulses of about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi, for about 50 ms to about 500 ms, or about 200 ms, while also maximizing the length D of bands 74 of top 64 extending between the rectangular valve openings 62 thereby maximizing the strength of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54. By maximizing the length D of bands 74 extending between the rectangular valve openings 62, thickness T, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, requirements of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 are reduced, thereby reducing costs associated therewith. Further, the subject pulse valve 52 requires no bolting, and no or decreased installation/replacement welding, thereby reducing costs associated therewith.

[0029] Depending on the size and number of high performance pulse valves 52 required, relative to the size of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, it may also be possible to maximize the length D of bands 74 for required compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 strength without additional thickness T using high performance pulse valves 52 of a shape other than rectangular, such as for example square or round. However, for purposes of clarity and simplicity, a rectangular high performance pulse valve 52 and benefits thereof are described herein for purposes of illustration not limitation.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the subject pulse valve 52 comprises a valve housing 76. Valve housing 76 is manufactured of a sturdy natural, e.g., iron, aluminum, or other metal, or synthetic, e.g., plastic, resin or other polymer, material suitably rigid and durable for robust industrial uses and forces. Valve housing 76 is generally rectangular in shape and unitarily formed or fabricated comprising a top 78, four sides 80, an inwardly extending base 82, a rectangular opening portion 82A, and tubular extension 84, together defining an open interior area 86. Although valve housing 76, rectangular opening portion 82A, and tubular extension 84 define open interior area 86, portions of open interior area 86 may be of the same or of a differing geometry from that of valve housing 76, rectangular opening portion 82A, and/or tubular extension 84. For example, while rectangular opening portion 82A is rectangular in shape, the geometry of the open interior area 86 defined thereby may be square or tubular, depending upon design preferences. Rectangular opening portion 82A is sized for mating arrangement within rectangular valve opening 62 illustrated in FIG. 5. As such, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and FIG. 4, rectangular opening portion 82A generally having a length P parallel to the longitudinal axis X of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, measures the same as the diameter of tubular extension 84, although such measurements may be varied. Rectangular opening portion 82A comprises one or more openings 88 therethrough. Optionally, rectangular opening portion 82A may also comprise one continuous or one or more discrete inwardly extending tabs 88A. On an exterior surface 90 at a free end 92 of tubular extension 84 is threading 94. Sides 80 also include an exterior surface 96 and an interior surface 98. Top 78 of valve housing 76 includes an exterior surface 100 and an interior surface 102. Extending from interior surface 102 of top 78 is an extended member 104. Extended member 104 is formed with an attached end 104A opposite a free end 104B. Extended member 104 defines an open interior cavity 104C. Extending from interior surface 102 between interior surface 98 of side 80 and extended member 104 are one or more dampening mechanisms or cushions 106. Cushions 106 may be manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane, silicone or a like flexible material capable of providing cushioning effects upon repeated impact between solid surfaces of pulse valve 52. Free end 92 of tubular extension 84 defines an opening 108. Tubular extension 84 with threading 94 is sized to threadedly engage threading 108A on interior surface 110 of nozzle pipe 48 at nozzle pipe 48 free end 112. Nozzle pipe 48 free end 112 defines opening 114. As such, tubular extension 84 is secured within opening 114 by threading 94 of tubular extension 84 removably interlocking with threading 108A of nozzle pipe 48. This interlocking of tubular extension 84 with nozzle pipe 48 forms a fluid connection therebetween. On interior surface 110 of nozzle pipe 48 abutting exterior surface 90 of tubular extension 94, is a channel 85 with a pliable material 85A, such as an O-ring, therein to ensure an airtight seal between tubular extension 94 and nozzle pipe 48. In removably interlocking tubular extension 94 and nozzle pipe 48, rectangular opening portion 82A of pulse valve 52 is positioned within rectangular valve opening 62 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 with exterior surface 116 of inwardly extending base 82 of valve housing 76 abutting exterior surface 118 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54. In exterior surface 116 of inwardly extending base 82 of valve housing 76 is a channel 89 with a pliant sealing member 89A, such as an O-ring, therein creating an airtight seal between exterior surface 118 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 and exterior surface 116 of inwardly extending base 82 of valve housing 76. By attaching pulse valve 52 to compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 as described, valve housing 76 is of a relatively reduced size as compared to pulse valves of similar performance requiring bolting to a compressed gas tank or a pressure vessel.

[0031] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, nozzle pipe 48 extends from free end 112 through a pipe opening 120 in bottom 66 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 arranged opposite rectangular valve opening 62 in top 64. Abutting exterior surface 118 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 at pipe opening 120 is a seal member 122. Abutting an exterior surface 124 of seal member 122 is an extended tab 126 integrally formed with or attached to exterior surface 128 of nozzle pipe 48. Upon threadedly connecting tubular extension 84 to nozzle pipe 48, an airtight seal is formed at pipe opening 120 by seal member 122 abutted by extended tab 126. Through the airtight seal formed by the inwardly extending base 82 abutting exterior surface 118 and by the seal member 122 abutting exterior surface 118 upon removably connecting valve housing 76 with nozzle pipe 48, bolting of valve housing 76 to compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 is not required, thereby avoiding costs associated therewith.

[0032] As still further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, slideably positioned within open interior area 86 of valve housing 76 is a plunger 130. Plunger 130 is likewise manufactured of a sturdy natural, e.g., iron, aluminum, or other metal, or synthetic, e.g., plastic, resin or other polymer, material suitably rigid and durable for robust industrial uses and forces. Free ends 132 of outwardly extended tabs 134 of sides 136 of plunger 130 are in slidable, abutting contact with interior surfaces 98 of sides 80 of valve housing 76 for a relatively airtight seal therebetween. Extending inwardly from sides 136 of plunger 130 opposite outwardly extended tabs 134 is base 138. Base 138 extending inwardly from sides 136 terminates in tab 140 defining an opening 142. Integrally formed with or attached to tab 140 is an upwardly extending member 144 with side portions 146. Upwardly extending member 144 is sized for arrangement within open interior vault or cavity 104C to form a relatively airtight seal between side portions 146 and interior surface 104D of extended member 104 defining open interior vault or cavity 104C. Upwardly extending member 144 may optionally include an arched recessed open interior area 148 defined by side portions 146 for component strength with reduced material costs. Further, exterior surface 150 of side portions 146 may optionally include an indentation 152 with an O-ring 154 arranged within the indentation 152 for purposes of achieving a more airtight seal between side portions 146 and interior surface 104D of extended member 104 defining open interior vault or cavity 104C.

[0033] The area A1 of interior area 86 above plunger 130 varies as plunger 130 moves or slides within valve housing 76. The area A1 of interior area 86 above plunger 130 is minimized when base 138 of plunger 130 moves upwardly toward top 78 of valve housing 76 for abutting contact of outwardly extended tabs 134 with pliable dampening mechanisms or cushions 106 at interior surface 102 of top 78 of valve housing 76. Air in interior area 86 flows from decreasing area A1 of interior area 86 primarily by leakage around free ends 132 of outwardly extended tabs 134 of plunger 130 into increasing area A2 of interior area 86 below plunger 130. Alternatively, one or more air holes 99 may be provided through outwardly extended tabs 134, sides 136 and/or base 138 of plunger 130 for air flow. As such, through the one or more air holes 99, air may flow from decreasing area A1 of interior area 86 above plunger 130 to increasing area A2 of interior area 86 below plunger 130. In this first opened position illustrated in FIG. 3, outwardly extended tabs 134 contact pliable dampening mechanisms or cushions 106 with upwardly extending member 144 occupying the open interior vault or cavity 104C defined by extended member 104 of valve housing 76 causing fluid O to flow from open interior vault or cavity 104C through a solenoid valve 156 integrally formed with or securely affixed to the valve housing 76. In this first opened position, open interior vault or cavity 104C is an area A3 of low pressure causing a top 158 of upwardly extending member 144 to slide into contact with sealing seat 160 of solenoid valve 156. Hence, in the first opened position, area A1 and area A3 are areas of relatively low pressure having a pressure less than the pressure within area A2 and open interior area 72 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, e.g., about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi. When the plunger 130 is in this first opened position, a pulse of compressed gas CA from compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 flows from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, through openings 88 in rectangular opening portion 82A, through tubular extension 84, through nozzle pipe 48, through pulsing nozzle 50, through opening 40 and into fabric filter bags 32. As an effect of such pulse of compressed gas CA, the fabric filter bags 32 expand rapidly, causing most, if not all, of the collected or caked dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates on the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32 to be released, thereby cleaning the fabric filter bags 32.

[0034] Now, referring to FIG. 4, the area A2 of interior area 86 is minimized when pressure within area A3 of open interior vault or cavity 104C is increased by a flow of fluid O from a fluid source 162 through fluidly connected solenoid valve 156 into open interior vault or cavity 104C. As fluid O flows into open interior vault or cavity 104C, upwardly extending member 144 of plunger 130 is moved by the fluid O outwardly from open interior vault or cavity 104C away from sealing seat 160 until outwardly extended tabs 134 of plunger 130 abut or contact inwardly extending base 82 and/or base 138 of plunger 130 abuts or contacts the one continuous or one or more discrete inwardly extending tabs 88A. By having base 138 of plunger 130 abut or contact the one continuous or one or more discrete inwardly extending tabs 88A, stresses at the junction of outwardly extended tabs 134 and sides 136 are reduced, thereby increasing the commercial life of plunger 130 and reducing operational costs associated therewith. Upon outwardly extended tabs 134 of plunger 130 contacting inwardly extending base 82 and/or base 138 of plunger 130 abutting or contacting the one continuous or one or more discrete inwardly extending tabs 88A, sides 136 of plunger 130 slide within and into relatively airtight contact with interior 82B of rectangular opening portion 82A, thereby blocking openings 88. In this second closed position with openings 88 blocked by sides 136 of plunger 130, compressed gas CA is blocked from flowing from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, through the openings 88 of valve housing 76 and into fluidly connected nozzle pipe 48. As such, air in decreasing area A2 of interior area 86 below plunger 130 primarily flows into nozzle pipe 48 upon pressure increase within increasing area A1 of interior area 86 above plunger 130. Hence, in the second closed position illustrated in FIG. 4, area A1 and area A3 are areas of relatively high pressure having a pressure greater than the pressure within area A2 and open interior area 72 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, e.g., about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi.

[0035] A method of installing the subject pulse valve 52 comprises arranging a seal member 122 in abutting contact with exterior surface 118 of pressure vessel 54 at pipe opening 120, extending nozzle pipe 48 through opening 122A in seal member 122 and through pipe opening 120 until extended tab 126 of nozzle pipe 48 abuts seal member 122, extending tubular extension 84 of pulse valve 52 through valve opening 62 of compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, and connecting tubular extension 84 to nozzle pipe 48 to form a fluid connection therebetween. When tubular extension 84 is threadedly connected to nozzle pipe 48, inwardly extending base 82 of pulse valve 52 abuts exterior surface 118 of pressure vessel 54 at valve opening 62.

[0036] A method of using the subject pulse valve 52 for cleaning at least a portion of the fabric filter bags 32 within a fabric filter compartment 30 of particulate collection equipment 26 comprises signaling solenoid valve 156 with a control device 56 to cause solenoid valve 156 to decrease fluid O pressure within area A3 of open interior cavity 104C of pulse valve 52 and within area A1 above plunger 130 to cause pressure movement of plunger 130 into a first opened position allowing a flow of compressed gas CA from compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, through openings 88, and into nozzle pipe 48 in fluid connection therewith. This pulse of compressed gas CA into nozzle pipe 48 causes the fabric filter bags 32 expand rapidly, causing most, if not all, of the collected or caked dry powder reaction product RP and other particulates on the outside surface 32B of the fabric filter bags 32 to be released, thereby cleaning the fabric filter bags 32. After the cleaning pulse of compressed gas CA, the method comprises signaling solenoid valve 156 with the control device 56 to cause solenoid valve 156 to increase fluid O pressure within area A3 of open interior vault or cavity 104C of pulse valve 52 and within area A1 above plunger 130 to cause pressure movement of plunger 130 into a second closed position blocking flow of compressed gas CA from compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 and nozzle pipe 48 in fluid connection therewith until the next particulate collection equipment 26 cleaning.

[0037] The subject method further comprises providing a dampening mechanism or cushion 106 within the valve housing 76 to reduce or cushion the impact between the outwardly extended tabs 134 of plunger 130 with the valve housing 76 interior surface 102 upon movement of the plunger 130 into the first opened position. Providing dampening mechanisms or cushions 106 as herein described also reduces the impact noise of the plunger 130 with the valve housing 76 upon movement of the plunger 130 into the first opened position.

[0038] Additionally, dampening mechanisms or cushions 106 enables use of an increased compressed gas CA pressure for relatively higher performance fabric filter bag 32 cleaning without jeopardizing pulse valve 52 reliability. Without dampening mechanisms or cushions 106, increased compressed gas CA pressure within compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 jeopardizes pulse valve 52 reliability due to damage or wear caused by increased mechanical stresses from the resultant higher velocity impact of the plunger 130 with the valve housing 76. Dampening mechanisms or cushions 106 cushion the impact of plunger 130 within valve housing 76 thus lessening mechanical stresses of such impacts and reducing damage or wear to the pulse valve 52. Hence, with dampening mechanisms or cushions 106, pulse valve 52 reliability is not jeopardized with increased compressed gas CA pressure in compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54.

[0039] In summary, the present disclosure provides a plant 10 comprising a pulse valve 52 arranged in a rectangular valve opening 62 in a compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 containing compressed gas CA, and connected to a pipe 48 arranged in a pipe opening 120 of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, a control device 56 operable to electronically control operation of a solenoid valve 156 fluidly connected to the pulse valve 52 to affect position of a plunger 130 within an interior area 86 of the pulse valve 52 based on measurements electronically received by the control device 56 from sensors 58, 60, and a vault or cavity 104C within the pulse valve 52 connected to the solenoid valve 156 operative for a flow of fluid O from a fluid supply 162 into the vault or cavity 104C generating a pressure within the vault or cavity 104C greater than a pressure of the compressed gas CA within the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 for a closed positioning of the plunger 130 to block compressed gas CA flow from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48, and operative for fluid O flow from the vault or cavity 104C generating a pressure within the vault or cavity 104C less than the pressure of the compressed gas CA for an opened positioning the plunger 130 for a flow of compressed gas CA from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48 for cleaning of particulate collection equipment 26. The sensors 58, 60 arranged in the plant 10 are at least one of temperature sensors 60 and pressure sensors 58. The pipe 48 comprises an extended tab 126 to abut a seal member 122 at the pipe opening 120 of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54.

[0040] In summary, the present disclosure also provides a pulse valve 52 comprising a solenoid valve 156 with operation affecting positioning of a plunger 130 arranged within an interior area 86 of the pulse valve 52 electronically controlled by a control device 56, fluidly connected to the pulse valve 52, the pulse valve 52 arranged within a rectangular opening 62 in a compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 containing compressed gas CA, and connected to a pipe 48 within the pressure vessel 54, the pipe 48 fluidly connected to nozzles 50 for cleaning of particulate collection equipment 26, and a vault or cavity 104C within the pulse valve 52 sized to accept a center extended portion 144 of the plunger 130, fluidly connected to the solenoid valve 156 operative based on measurements electronically received by the control device 56 from sensors 58, 60 for fluid O flow from a fluid supply 162 into the vault or cavity 104C generating a pressure within the vault or cavity 104C greater than a pressure of the compressed gas CA within the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 for a closed positioning of the plunger 130 to block compressed gas CA flow from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48, and operative for fluid O flow from the vault or cavity 104C generating a pressure within the vault or cavity 104C less than the pressure of the compressed gas CA for an opened positioning the plunger 130 for a flow of compressed gas CA from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48 for cleaning of particulate collection equipment 26. With regard to the subject pulse valve 52, at least a portion of the pulse valve 52 is rectangular in shape dimensioned larger in width W than length P, sized for arrangement within the rectangular opening 62 of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54. Also, the subject pulse valve 52 is arranged within the rectangular opening 62 with attachment to the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 consisting of attachment to the pipe 48. Further, the subject pulse valve 52 is operative for a pulse of compressed gas CA of about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi, and the sensors 58, 60 are at least one of temperature sensors 60 and pressure sensors 58.

[0041] In summary, also a method of using a pulse valve 52 is disclosed comprising connecting the pulse valve 52 within a rectangular opening 62 in a compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 containing compressed gas CA to a pipe 48 within the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, affecting positioning of a plunger 130 arranged within an interior area 86 of the pulse valve 52 by operation of a solenoid valve 156 fluidly connected to the pulse valve 52, controlling operation of the solenoid valve 156 with a control device 56, operating the solenoid valve 156 based on measurements electronically received by the control device 56 from sensors 58, 60 for fluid O flow from a fluid supply 162 into a vault or cavity 104C within the interior area 86 of the pulse valve 52 generating a pressure within the vault or cavity 104C greater than a pressure of the compressed gas CA within the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 52 for a closed positioning of the plunger 130 to block compressed gas CA flow from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48, and periodically operating the solenoid valve 156 based on measurements electronically received by the control device 56 from sensors 58, 60 for fluid O flow from the vault or cavity 104C within the interior area 86 of the pulse valve 52 generating a pressure within the vault or cavity 104C less than the pressure of the compressed gas CA for an opened positioning the plunger 130 for a flow of compressed gas CA from the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48 for periodic cleaning of particulate collection equipment 26. The disclosed method further comprises attaching the pulse valve 52 to the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 with attachment consisting of attachment of the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48. Further, the flow of compressed gas CA from the pressure vessel 54 through openings 88 in the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48 for periodic cleaning of particulate collection equipment 26 is about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi, and the sensors 58, 60 are at least one of temperature sensors 60 and pressure sensors 58.

[0042] In summary, also disclosed is a method of installing the subject pulse valve 52 comprising arranging the pulse valve 52 within a rectangular opening 62 in a compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 containing compressed gas CA, arranging a pipe 48 comprising an extended tab 126 in a pipe opening 120 of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 with the extended tab 126 abutting a seal member 122 at the pipe opening 120 of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54, and connecting the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48 within the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54. The method further comprises attaching the pulse valve 52 to the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 with attachment consisting of the connecting of the pulse valve 52 to the pipe 48. With regard to this method, arranging the pulse valve 52 within the rectangular opening 62 in the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54 comprises fabricating at least a portion of the pulse valve 52 rectangular in shape, dimensioned larger in width W than length P, and extending the at least a portion of the pulse valve 52 rectangular in shape, dimensioned larger in width W than length P through the rectangular opening 62 of the compressed gas tank or pressure vessel 54.

[0043] While preferred embodiments are illustrated and described herein, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the subject disclosure has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.