Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for producing a quench gas mixture for increasing the cooling rate of an article. The quench gas mixture is produced by introducing helium gas into the bottom of a vessel containing a cryogenic liquid. Heat is transferred directly from the helium gas to the cryogenic liquid as the helium bubbles rise through the liquid to the surface. The resulting cryogenic vapor mixes with the helium gas in the ullage space at the top of the vessel, and the gas mixture is taken off from the ullage space and supplied to a cooling process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in atomizing methods and apparatus useful for combusting liquid fuel, such oil. The atomizing methods and apparatus consistently produce liquid fuel streams having vary narrow spray angles. The liquid fuel streams having very narrow spray angles can be produced even when a low liquid fuel flow rate is employed and even when a liquid fuel stream is atomized outside a liquid fuel passageway. The production of the constant narrow spray angle liquid fuel stream allows the atomizing apparatus to operate for a long period without causing fouling problems even if they are sufficiently recessed from internal openings of refractory ports defined in the furnace wall.

Abstract: A process for pipe cleaning using a cleaning module which is propelled through the pipe by a hydraulic fluid and has at least two cleaning tips attached in a particular alternating sequence. The hydraulic fluid is inspected to determine when no further abrasive cleaning is required. When such a determination is made, another tip is applied to finish the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A combustion method is provided for carrying out combustion with reduced generation of nitrogen oxides. The combustion method involves partially combusting a fluid fuel stream with a low velocity oxidant and thereafter mixing and combusting the resulting product with a secondary oxidant stream diluted with ambient gas. The velocity of the secondary oxidant stream is either increased to reduce the nitrogen oxides emission level or adjusted to provide the desired secondary oxidant/low velocity oxidant ratio which is useful for further decreasing the formation of nitrogen oxides. Normally, increasing the ratio and/or velocity further decreases the nitrogen oxides emission level. When liquid fuel is employed, it is atomized with atomizing fluid in such a manner to produce a liquid fuel stream having a very narrow spray angle. The production of such a stream allows the burner to be operated without water cooling.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying compressed air to a process plant using a combustor-turbine unit directly coupled to a bull gear meshing with pinions on which are mounted gas compression stages and expansion stages. Some stages compress a stream of air supplied to the combustor-turbine unit for combustion and to the process plant. Other stages expand or compress other gas streams directed to the combustor-turbine unit or to external applications. Direct energy transfers and intercooling and aftercooling after compression stages enhance the efficiency of the system.