Patents Assigned to Fuel Tech Inc.
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Publication number: 20060290935Abstract: A corrosion control process is described. The process is especially useful in the control of chloride corrosion in waste to energy boilers. Corrosion of high temperature surfaces can be assessed by the monitor and controlled introduction of treatment chemicals by targeted in furnace injection reduces corrosion while maximizing combustion efficiency. A corrosion monitor is also described. Before and following selection of corrosion control chemicals and the locations for targeted in furnace injection, injection regimen and chemical selection and introduction parameters are monitored with the aid of the method and apparatus of the invention to adjust one or more control parameters to reduce corrosion. A preferred method will employ a treatment chemical that comprises an SO2 or SO3 reagent, e.g., sulfuric acid, sulfur, a sulfate salt or a bisulfite salt.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: FUEL TECH, INC.Inventors: J. Martin, Christopher Smyrniotis, Kent Schulz, William Sun, Scott Bohlen
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Patent number: 7090810Abstract: A preferred process arrangement utilizes the enthalpy of the flue gas, which can be supplemented if need be, to convert urea (30) into ammonia for SCR. Urea (30), which decomposes at temperatures above 140 ° C., is injected (32) into a flue gas stream split off (28) after a heat exchanger (22), such as a primary superheater or an economizer. Ideally, the side stream would gasify the urea without need for further heating; but, when heat is required it is far less than would be needed to heat either the entire effluent (23) or the urea (30). This side stream, typically less than 3% of the flue gas, provides the required temperature and residence time for complete decomposition of urea (30). A cyclonic separator can be used to remove particulates and completely mix the reagent and flue gas. This stream can then be directed to an injection grid (37) ahead of SCR using a blower (36).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Fuel Tech Inc.Inventors: William H. Sun, William E. Cummings, Jr., Piers de Havilland, Paul G. Carmignani, John M. Boyle
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Publication number: 20060115402Abstract: A preferred apparatus arrangement utilizes the enthalpy of the flue gas, which can be supplemented if need be, to convert urea (30) into ammonia for SCR. Urea (30), which decomposes at temperatures above 140.degree. C., is injected (32) into a flue gas stream split off (28) after a heat exchanger (22), such as a primary superheater or an economizer. Ideally, the side stream would gasify the urea without need for further heating; but, when heat is required it is far less than would be needed to heat either the entire effluent (23) or the urea (30). This side stream, typically less than 3% of the flue gas, provides the required temperature and residence time for complete decomposition of urea (30). A cyclonic separator can be used to remove particulates and completely mix the reagent and flue gas. This stream can then be directed to an injection grid (37) ahead of SCR using a blower (36).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2006Publication date: June 1, 2006Applicant: FUEL TECH, INC.Inventors: William Sun, William Cummings, Piers de Havilland, Paul Carmignani, John Boyle
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Publication number: 20020199156Abstract: A hardware-adaptable data visualization tool for use in visualizing data from a data source, including: a data source module, for providing a numerical data set representing aspects of data to be interpreted; and a viewer module, responsive to the numerical data, for providing a view of the numerical data set, such as a fully immersive view or a more limited view, helpful to a user in interpreting the numerical data set; wherein the viewer module in turn comprises a set of component modules, and wherein the source module and the viewer component modules are compiled and linked together into one or more executable files depending on factors including the performance capabilities of a predetermined target host or hosts as well as the desired utility of the executable files, the component modules having programming interfaces that are substantially independent of the predetermined target host or hosts.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: FUEL TECH, INC.Inventors: Karen L. Chess, Daniel J. Heath, William F. Michels
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Patent number: 5894806Abstract: Reduction of slagging is improved by targeting slag-reducing chemicals in a furnace with the aid of computational fluid dynamic modeling. Chemical utilization and boiler maintenance are improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: Christopher R. Smyrniotis, William F. Michels, M. Damian Marshall, William H. Sun, Daniel V. Diep, Cari M. Chenanda
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Patent number: 5286467Abstract: A process for reducing nitrogen oxides in a combustion effluent is presented. The process involves introducing a nitrogenous treatment agent other than ammonia into the effluent to create a treated effluent having reduced nitrogen oxides concentration such that ammonia is present in the treated effluent; introducing a source of ammonia into the effluent; and contacting the treated effluent with a nitrogen oxides reducing catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1992Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: William H. Sun, John E. Hofmann, M. Linda Lin
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Patent number: 5139754Abstract: A process for reducing nitrogen oxides in a combusiton effluent is presented. The process involves introducing a nitrogenous treatment agent into the effluent under conditions effective to create a treated effluent having reduced nitrogen oxides concentration such that ammonia is present in the treated effluent; and then contacting the treated effluent under conditions effective to reduce the nitrogen oxides in the effluent with a nitrogen oxides reducing catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1990Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: Bryan K. Luftglass, William H. Sun, John E. Hofmann
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Patent number: 5069720Abstract: A method and composition for reducing ammonia emissions from non-acidic residue from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel, such residue containing ammonium salts or absorbed ammonia, is presented, the method comprising applying to the residue either a physical barrier composition, a chemical barrier composition, or both, under conditions effective to reduce the emission of ammonia from the residue.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1988Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: William R. Epperly, Barry N. Sprague
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Patent number: 5057293Abstract: A process is presented for reducing the concentration of pollutants in an effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel. The process comprises introducing a first treatment agent into the effluent at a first temperature zone to reduce the concentration of a first pollutant and introducing a second treatment agent into the effluent at a second temperature zone to reduce the concentration of either the first pollutant or a second pollutant, wherein the first and second treatment agents are introduced under conditions effective to reduce the effluent pollution index.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1989Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: William R. Epperly, Jeremy D. Peter-Hoblyn, George F. Shulof, Jr., James C. Sullivan, Barry N. Sprague, John H. O'Leary
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Patent number: 5047219Abstract: The invention presented is a process for reducing the nitrogen oxides concentration in the effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel. The inventive process comprises introducing into the effluent an oxygenated treatment agent which includes an oxygenated hydrocarbon under conditions effective to oxidize nitric oxide in the effluent to nitrogen dioxide and to produce ammonia; and contacting the effluent with an aqueous absorbing solution having a component capable of causing nitrogen dioxide to be absorbed into the solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1989Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: W. Robert Epperly, Barry N. Sprague
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Patent number: 5017347Abstract: A process for the reduction of nitrogen oxides in an effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel while minimizing the production of other pollutants is presented. The process comprises introducing (most commonly by injecting) a nitrogen oxides reducing treatment agent into an effluent according to a nitrogen oxides reducing treatment regimen under conditions such that the treatment agent is operating on the high temperature or right side of its nitrogen oxides reduction versus effluent temperature curve, especially on the high temperature or right side of the curve plateau.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1989Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: William R. Epperly, James C. Sullivan, Barry N. Sprague, John H. O'Leary
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Patent number: 4997631Abstract: A process is presented for the reduction of nitrogen oxides in the effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel while reducing the generation of nitrous oxide. The process comprises introducing a treatment agent comprising ammonium carbamate into the effluent in an amount effective to substantially avoid the presence of nitrous oxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1990Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: John E. Hofmann, Barry N. Sprague, William H. Sun
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Patent number: 4992249Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing nitrogen oxides in an effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel under oxygen-rich conditions which minimize the production of carbon-based pollutants. A dispersion of a dilute aqueous urea solution is injected into an effluent at a temperature above 2000.degree. F., and preferably above 2100.degree. F. The concentration of the urea in solution and the size of the droplets in the dispersion are selected to provide the reduction in nitrogen oxides. The solution will preferably contain at least 80% by weight solvent and contain droplets sized within the range of from 150 to 10,000 microns.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1987Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventor: Wayne E. Bowers
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Patent number: 4985218Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing the concentration of pollutants in an effluent from the combustion of a fuel or waste material is presented. The process and apparatus enables injection of an effluent treatment fluid at low treatment fluid flow rates yet provides an even dispersion of treatment fluid within an effluent passage with little or no clogging. An atomization conduit, positioned coaxially within a treatment fluid supply conduit, extends into the effluent and supplies an atomization fluid, such as steam or air. A treatment fluid is supplied through a supply conduit and through at least one jet in the atomization conduit wall at a velocity of between 2-60 feet per second, causing atomization of the treatment fluid within the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventor: Vincent A. DeVita
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Patent number: 4978514Abstract: A process for reducing nitrogen oxides in a combustion effluent is presented. The process involves introducing a nitrogenous treatment agent into the effluent under conditions effective to create a treated effluent having reduced nitrogen oxides concentration such that ammonia is present in the treated effluent; and then contacting the treated effluent under conditions effective to reduce the nitrogen oxides in the effluent with a nitrogen oxides reducing catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: John E. Hofmann, William H. Sun, Bryan K. Luftglass
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Patent number: 4976607Abstract: A burner apparatus having particular advantage for use with rotary kilns of the type used to process cement, lime, and the like, provides adjustable flame geometry and location within the combustion zone. Either gaseous or liquid fuels can be fired with highly selective heat flux as required for processing. Air and gaseous fuel injection means are controllable to vary the velocity of injection and thereby alter flame geometry. This is achieved by disposing an axially-adjustable control baffle in a crossectional area of changing transition section formed by coaxial members, between which an air supply conduit is formed. The control baffle is cylindrical and fits in and moves within the air supply conduit. The transition section has frustoconical surfaces opposite frustoconical surfaces on the control baffle so that different gaseous mass flow can be regulated around a central flame resulting in an adjustable flame geometry.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1986Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventor: Francois X. Grimard
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Patent number: 4927612Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing nitrogen oxides in an efflucent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel under oxygen-rich conditions which minimize the production of carbon-based pollutants. A dispersion of a solution comprising at least one additive compound selected from the group consisting of guanidine, guanidine carbonate, biguanide, guanylurea sulfate, melamine, dicyandiamide, calcium cyanamide, biuret, 1,1'-azobisformamide, methylol urea, methylol urea-urea condensation product, dimethylol urea, methyl urea, dimethyl urea, and hexamethylenetetramine is injected into an effluent at a temperature above 1300.degree. F., and preferably above 1500.degree. F. The concentration of the additive compound in solution, the temperature of the effluent at the point of injection, and the size of the droplets in the dispersion, are selected to provide a reduction in nitrogen oxides.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1988Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventor: Wayne E. Bowers
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Patent number: 4915036Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing the concentration of pollutants in an effluent from the combustion of a fuel or waste material is presented. The process and apparatus enables injection of an effluent treatment fluid at low treatment fluid flow rates yet provides an even dispersion of treatment fluid within an effluent passage with little or no clogging. An atomization conduit, positioned coaxially within a treatment fluid supply conduit, extends into the effluent and supplies an atomization fluid, such as steam or air. A treatment fluid is supplied through a supply conduit and through at least one jet in the atomization conduit wall at a velocity of between 2-60 feet per second, causing atomization of the treatment fluid within the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1989Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventor: Vincent A. DeVita
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Patent number: 4902488Abstract: A process for the reduction of nitrogen oxides in an effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel while minimizing the production of other pollutants is presented. The process comprises introducing a nitrogen oxides reducing treatment agent comprising an ammonium salt of an organic acid having a carbon to nitrogen ratio of greater than 1:1 into an effluent according to a nitrogen oxides reducing treatment regimen under condition such that the treatment agent is operating on the high temperature or right side of its nitrogen oxides reduction versus effluent temperature curve, especially on the high temperature or right side of the curve plateau.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1988Date of Patent: February 20, 1990Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: William R. Epperly, John H. O'Leary, James C. Sullivan, Barry N. Sprague
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Patent number: 4892562Abstract: The invention provides diesel fuel additive compositions comprising solutions of diesel fuel-soluble platinum group metal compounds in solvents miscible in the fuel, the platinum group metal complex being present in an amount sufficient to supply from 0.01 to 1.0 parts per million of the platinum group metal when added to a predetermined amount of fuel. Fuel compositions and methods employing them are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1986Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.Inventors: Wayne E. Bowers, Barry N. Sprague