Chemical Conversion Plug to Achieve Gas Tightness

摘要

A method and apparatus for sealing the gap between adjacent boiler tubes of a panel wall thereby making the panel wall air-tight. First and second sealing members are secured to opposite sides of adjacent boiler tubes thereby defining a gap therebetween. This gap is then filled with a metal salt solution which is dried in place so as to leave a residue behind. Subsequently, this residue is further heated which converts it to a metal oxide that forms an air-tight ceramic plug. This plug possesses properties which make it resistant to deterioration once the panel wall goes into service.