Abstract: A system using hybrid Rankine cycles is provided. The system includes a first Rankine cycle system using a first working fluid, the first system producing exergy loss and residual energy from at least one of turbine extraction, turbine condensation and boiler flue gas; and a second Rankine cycle system using a second working fluid to recover the exergy loss and residual energy. The second working fluid comprises a first stream and a second stream, wherein the first stream exchanges heat with the first system via at least one first heat exchanger, and the second stream exchanges heat with the first system via the at least one first heat exchanger and at least one second heat exchanger. A turbine of the first system is configured to allow the first working fluid to exit at a sufficiently high pressure and temperature to provide heat to the second system instead of expanding to a low pressure and temperature and discharging heat to ambient using a condenser.

Abstract: A combustion system for operational connection to an energy conversion system and a method of providing thermal energy to the energy conversion system. The system comprises a combustor to be oxy-fired at above atmospheric pressure, using solid, liquid or gaseous fuels, with a supply of oxygen and supercritical carbon dioxide. The combustion gases from the combustor are delivered to a heat exchanger which interfaces with the energy conversion system. Temperatures in the combustor, and the delivery temperature to the heat exchanger, are controlled by selective recirculation of at least part of the combustion gases to the combustor, and by modulating the supply of oxygen and fuel to the combustor. Any combustion gases which are not recirculated are processed to separate carbon dioxide for use or sequestration. The system and method substantially eliminate emissions of carbon dioxide, while providing a highly efficient supply of thermal energy to the energy conversion system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor (10) and a steam generator (70) and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor (10) is delivered to the direct contact steam generator (70) at pressure, and upon direct contact with water, produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial applications. The combustor (10) can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring lay length of a wire rope having a number or external strands to form a rope having spiral grooves in the surface between the strands. A magnetic flux circuit is generated, part of which is formed within a region of the advancing wire rope. Variations of magnetic field around the region of the rope or variations of magnetic flux entering or leaving the rope are sensed by at least two sensors arranged around the rope. Signals from the sensors are subtractively combined to eliminate variations due to off-axis movements of the rope, and the combined signals reveal an oscillating pattern due to the undulating surface of the rope. Linking the oscillating pattern to distance along the rope reveals the lay length, which corresponds to a number of oscillations which is the same as the number of strands at the surface.

Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bioupgrading of crude oil is directed to a process for decreasing the acidity of an acidic crude oil, comprising contacting an acidic crude oil with a mixture nitrogen containing compounds selected from the group comprising ammonia, ammonia hydroxide, amines and the salts thereof, and in the presence of lipase enzyme, under conditions of suitable temperature and pressure sufficient to form the corresponding amide. The resulting naphthenic acid derived amides can then be processed normally in a refinery using such processes as cracking or hydrotreating and converted to hydrocarbon, ammonia and carbon dioxide without causing damage to the refinery infrastructure. This enzyme process is done at reduced temperatures (40-60° C.) and pressures requiring less energy.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a process of increasing the cetane number rating of a diesel oil feedstock. The process involves reacting a diesel fuel feedstock in liquid form with ozone in gaseous form in the presence of an alcohol having two or more carbon atoms and at least one polar solvent different from the alcohol, thereby forming an ozonated diesel oil containing oxidized byproducts, wherein the alcohol and said polar solvent are employed in amounts totaling no more than about 10 vol. % of the feedstock. The oxidized byproducts are then separated from the ozontated diesel oil to produce a hydrocarbon product of increased cetane number rating relative to the feedstock oil. The product can be used as a diesel fuel or as a diesel fuel extender mixed with conventional diesel fuel of low cetane number.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a novel composition and use thereof, for the attraction and detection of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. The composition comprises (3Z)-dodecen-12-olide and ash foliar or cortical volatiles (green leaf volatiles) associated with a prism trap of a color in the green range of the visible light spectrum. A significant increase in the capture of male A. planipennis is achieved when traps were deployed in the upper tree canopy. This invention is the first demonstration of increased attraction with a combination of a pheromone and a green leaf volatile in a Buprestid species.

Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a novel composition and use thereof, for the attraction and detection of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. The composition comprises (3Z)-dodecen-12-olide and ash foliar or cortical volatiles (green leaf volatiles) associated with a prism trap of a color in the green range of the visible light spectrum. A significant increase in the capture of male A. planipennis is achieved when traps were deployed in the upper tree canopy. This invention is the first demonstration of increased attraction with a combination of a pheromone and a green leaf volatile in a Buprestid species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of microorganisms (biocatalysts), or catalysts derived from these organisms (enzymes), to improve the quality of crude oil and bitumen as an attractive alternative to current upgrading methods. The invention identifies and characterizes the microorganism species, in particular, N. muscorum (UTEX 2209) and Kocuria rhizophilia (ATCC533), that have the capability to biochemically convert organic acids into chemical species that do not possess corrosive properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid reverse flow catalytic apparatus having two reaction zones: a homogeneous reaction zone in porous ceramic and a heterogeneous reaction zone with catalyst, arranged in two different catalyst beds. A first catalytic bed located in a central region of the reactor is provided with a low activity catalyst and a second catalyst bed located in a peripheral region of the reactor is provided with a high activity catalyst. The provision of two catalyst beds containing different catalysts reduces the effect of radial temperature gradients in the reactor and improves the overall efficiency of the reactor. The invention also relates to method of performing catalytic and thermochemical reactions in said apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator and a method of removal of particulates from gaseous flows. A plurality of screens, secured in sets within a central chamber in a housing, include at least one set of electrically chargeable first screens and at least one set of electrically grounded second screens. For each set of chargeable screens, all the screens of the set are provided with an identical electrical charge, either positive or negative, and the set is provided with a plurality of spikes directed at the oncoming gaseous flow. At least one screen cleaning unit selectively acts on the screens of each set. The precipitator can include a plurality of central chambers in a single housing or separate housings, and the chambers can be selectively activated or deactivated. The precipitator provides improved particulate removal from gaseous flows, including hot flows having temperatures up to at least 1200° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of producing hydrogen that involves aqueous phase reforming of an oxygenated hydrocarbon, preferably one obtained from a renewable source such as biomass. The reaction is carried out in the absence of electrolytes and in the presence of a dispersed particulate heterogeneous catalyst. The reaction is carried out under pressure and relatively low temperature in a stirred tank reactor, preferably a continuous stirred tank reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid reverse flow catalytic apparatus having two reaction zones: a homogeneous reaction zone in porous ceramic and a heterogeneous reaction zone with catalyst, arranged in two different catalyst beds. A first catalytic bed located in a central region of the reactor is provided with a low activity catalyst and a second catalyst bed located in a peripheral region of the reactor is provided with a high activity catalyst. The provision of two catalyst beds containing different catalysts reduces the effect of radial temperature gradients in the reactor and improves the overall efficiency of the reactor. The invention also relates to method of performing catalytic and thermochemical reactions in said apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid reverse flow catalytic apparatus having two reaction zones: a homogeneous reaction zone in porous ceramic and a heterogeneous reaction zone with catalyst, arranged in two different catalyst beds. A first catalytic bed located in a central region of the reactor is provided with a low activity catalyst and a second catalyst bed located in a peripheral region of the reactor is provided with a high activity catalyst. The provision of two catalyst beds containing different catalysts reduces the effect of radial temperature gradients in the reactor and improves the overall efficiency of the reactor. The invention also relates to method of performing catalytic and thermochemical reactions in said apparatus.

Abstract: A method of introducing oxygen into a boiler system for combustion with a prepared fuel in a furnace combustion chamber comprises providing a plurality of swirl-inducing elements to the air stream delivery lines, and a plurality of oxygen delivery jets adjacent the intake region and substantially surrounding the air stream delivery lines; igniting the fuel gas to create a flame; and delivering a stream of oxygen through the jets tangentially to the flame envelope to substantially shape and stabilize a swirling flow field for the flame, the oxygen concentration in the flame envelope gradually increasing towards an outer periphery of the flame envelope. A boiler system for using the method can be a new system or a retrofit to an existing system. The method and system provide advantages in reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency while addressing the safety factors involved in introducing oxygen to boiler systems.

Abstract: A method and solution for eluting one of antimony(V) and a mixture of antimony(III) and antimony(V) from an ion exchange resin, comprises contacting the resin with an eluting solution comprising thiourea having a concentration of at least 0.002 M and hydrochloric acid having a concentration of at least 3 M. The method can be used for electrolytes in an industrial electrorefining process, by the further steps of contacting the electrolyte with an ion exchange resin to adsorb the antimony from the electrolyte and separating the resin from the electrolyte, before contacting the resin with the eluting solution comprising thiourea and hydrochloric acid. The method and solution address the difficulties of removing antimony(V), and allow for increased reuse of the resins.

Abstract: A combustion system, and method. A combustor oxy-fired at high pressure delivers flue gas at pressure to a condensing means, such as a condensing heat exchanger, to produce a high temperature condensate for delivering thermal energy to an industrial process system, particularly for power generation, including a Brayton cycle, a Rankine cycle, or a binary fluid cycle system such as a Kalina cycle, and in particular as a bottoming cycle for an organic Rankine cycle. The combustor can concurrently provide direct heat to a secondary system, including a Brayton cycle system, a Rankine cycle system, and a binary fluid cycle system such as a Kalina cycle, without requiring significant modifications to the secondary system. The system and method provide for efficient and advantageous use of the higher temperature condensate produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid reverse flow catalytic apparatus having two reaction zones: a homogeneous reaction zone in porous ceramic and a heterogeneous reaction zone with catalyst, arranged in two different catalyst beds. A first catalytic bed located in a central region of the reactor is provided with a low activity catalyst and a second catalyst bed located in a peripheral region of the reactor is provided with a high activity catalyst. The provision of two catalyst beds containing different catalysts reduces the effect of radial temperature gradients in the reactor and improves the overall efficiency of the reactor. The invention also relates to method of performing catalytic and thermochemical reactions in said apparatus.