Abstract: A staged low NO.sub.x gas turbine combustor includes a refractory fibrous thermally insulatively lined primary combustion chamber, operating fuel-rich, and exhausting through a throat into a metallic secondary combustion chamber containing a fuel-lean secondary combustion zone in which combustion is completed. A radiation cooling zone is provided intermediate the throat and secondary combustion zone for cooling of the primary combustion products before quick quench in the secondary combustion zone. The fibrous lining of the primary combustion chamber is densified at its interior surface with a refractory such as zirconia or silicon carbide to inhibit flame erosion. The liner is wrapped with a supportive compliant blanket of fibrous refractory insulation. Air cooling of the metallic wall of the secondary chamber surrounding the radiation cooling zone is intensified relative to the remainder of the secondary combustion chamber.

Abstract: A low NO.sub.x staged combustor for a TEOR steam generator includes a primary combustion chamber lined with an improved refractory lining. The refractory lining includes a first layer of low density ceramic fibrous thermal insulation as of 4" in thickness coated on its hot face with a protective coating of a durable tough material. The ceramic fibers of the insulative layer are oriented normal to the plane of the hot face. In one embodiment, a low density castable refractory thermally insulative layer is sandwiched between the shell of the combustion chamber and the first layer of fibrous insulation. In a second embodiment, a low density thermally insulative ceramic fibrous layer is sandwiched between the shell of the combustion chamber and the first layer of fibrous insulation. In the second embodiment, the ceramic fibrous layers are adhered to the shell by refractory hangers embedded in the fibrous insulation and resistance welded to the shell.

Abstract: In a low NO.sub.x power and steam generator for thermally enhanced oil recover, a gas turbine fired with nitrogen-bearing crude oil and air produces power and hot turbine exhaust. A portion of the turbine exhaust is fed into the primary combustion chamber of a two-stage combustor for supplying the combustion air for burning a high nitrogen-containing crude oil in the primary combustion zone under fuel-rich conditions. The combustion is completed in a secondary combustion zone supplied with air derived from a second portion of the turbine exhaust at about 1200.degree. F. A third portion of the turbine exhaust is fed into a convection stage disposed to receive the exhaust from the secondary combustion zone for capturing the heat from the turbine exhaust and from the exhaust of the secondary zone and converting it to steam.