Abstract: A fast opening pressure relief valve (200) for providing pressure relief for a vessel. The valve (200) has an ejector (216) and a sleeve structure (210) in which the ejector (216) moves longitudinally. The ejector (216) is constructed of material that will expand outward slightly upon pressurization, increasing friction between staging glands (202) provided on the sleeve structure (210) and buckling glands (206) provided on the ejector (216). Also, as pressure on the ejector (216) increases, the buckling rings (206) deform slightly to release their grip on the staging glands (202) and move past them. Once the buckling rings (206) move past the staging glands (202), the pressurized ejector (216) quickly moves to its open position, i.e. opening within 2 and 3 milliseconds, thereby releasing the pressure on the vessel. The valve (200) can be reset by returning the ejector to its closed position.

Abstract: A turbine engine, such as for example a jet engine or turbojet, that is fueled by particulate fuel, such as cornstarch or other similar particulate products, that burn under deflagration conditions. The engine is modified from a standard engine in that the dry inlet air is compressed before being premixed with the particulate fuel in a pre-deflagration mixing chamber located immediately upstream of the burners. The mixed fuel is then burned in the deflagration burners to provide turning force for the turbines of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve that controls pressure by two features: the combination of the diameter and tensile strength of the shear pin used and the offset placement of the valve shaft relative to the center of the pallet to which it attaches. The shaft that has ends extending through the valve body to the exterior of the valve and a breaking arm attached to each end. Each arm cooperates with a pin receiver attached to the valve body to hold opposite ends of a shear pin therebetween when the valve is closed. As pressure is applied to the pallet, the breaking arms rotate and shear the web portion of the pins at a very accurate and repeatable opening pressure, allowing the pallet to open. The pins can be replaced and the valve reset without removing the valve from service. One or more shear pins may be employed.

Abstract: A fast opening pressure relief valve (200) for providing pressure relief for a vessel. The valve (200) has an ejector (216) and a sleeve structure (210) in which the ejector (216) moves longitudinally. The ejector (216) is constructed of material that will expand outward slightly upon pressurization, increasing friction between staging glands (202) provided on the sleeve structure (210) and buckling glands (206) provided on the ejector (216). Also, as pressure on the ejector (216) increases, the buckling rings (206) deform slightly to release their grip on the staging glands (202) and move past them. Once the buckling rings (206) move past the staging glands (202), the pressurized ejector (216) quickly moves to its open position, i.e. opening within 2 and 3 milliseconds, thereby releasing the pressure on the vessel. The valve (200) can be reset by returning the ejector to its closed position.

Abstract: A fast opening, stand alone pressure relief valve (200) for providing pressure relief for a vessel in which the valve (200) is installed. The valve has an ejector (216) and a sleeve structure (210) in which the ejector (216) moves. The ejector (216) is constructed of a material that will expand outward slightly upon pressurization to increase friction between staging glands (202) provided on the sleeve structure (210) and buckling glands (206) provided on the ejector (216). Also, as pressure on the ejector (216) increases, the buckling rings (206) deform slightly allowing them to release their grip on the staging glands (202) and move past them. Once the buckling rings (206) move past the staging glands (202), the pressurized ejector (216) quickly moves to its open position, i.e. opening within 2 and 3 milliseconds, thereby releasing the pressure on the vessel.

Abstract: A particulate deflagration enhanced firebox for burning particulate fuel either alone or in combination with other fuels and the associated method. The firebox may be employed in association with a power plant where the heat from the firebox is used to generate electricity. Fine fuel particles are fed to a mixing drum or box by a pre-measured auger system where the fuel is mixed with dried, compressed combustion air in a desire fuel to air ratio. The fuel mixture enters the combustion firebox or boiler either alone or in association with other fuels where it is ignited. The hot combustion gases leave the firebox and are vented through the firebox's normal route which generally includes passing through a precipitator for remove particulates before exiting to atmosphere via a chimney stack.

Abstract: A particulate deflagration combustion engine for burning particulate fuel and method. Fine fuel particles are fed to a mixing box by a pre-measured auger system where the fuel is mixed with dried, compressed combustion air in a desire fuel to air ratio. The fuel mixture enters a combustion cylinder where it is ignited by a pair of spark plugs located approximately 120 degrees apart in the walls of the cylinder. The hot combustion gases leave the cylinder and are vented through an exhaust stack. The exhaust stack is connected to air driers supplying dry combustion air to the engine, thereby pulling a vacuum on the air driers and removing moisture from the air driers. A control panel receives input from dew point monitors, oxygen sensors, and infrared sensors provided in the engine to control the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A fast opening, stand alone pressure relief valve (200) for providing pressure relief for a vessel in which the valve (200) is installed. The valve has an ejector (216) and a sleeve structure (210) in which the ejector (216) moves. The ejector (216) is constructed of a material that will expand outward slightly upon pressurization to increase friction between staging glands (202) provided on the sleeve structure (210) and buckling glands (206) provided on the ejector (216). Also, as pressure on the ejector (216) increases, the buckling rings (206) deform slightly allowing them to release their grip on the staging glands (202) and move past them. Once the buckling rings (206) move past the staging glands (202), the pressurized ejector (216) quickly moves to its open position, i.e. opening within 2 and 3 milliseconds, thereby releasing the pressure on the vessel.

Abstract: A pressure release valve machine comprises a channel having walls wherein an ejector comprising an interior which may be subjected to a medium under pressure may slidably contact said walls. The ejector comprises a flexible and/or resilient material which enables the ejector to expand upon subjection to said pressure so that friction between the ejector and the channel walls may be caused to increase.