Abstract: A high efficiency, Vortex Inertial Staged Air (VIStA) combustor provides ultra-low NO.sub.X production of about 20 ppmvd or less with CO emissions of less than 50 ppmvd, both at 3% O.sub.2. Prompt NO.sub.X production is reduced by partially reforming the fuel in a first combustion stage to CO and H.sub.2. This is achieved in the first stage by operating with a fuel rich mixture, and by recirculating partially oxidized combustion products, with control over stoichiometry, recirculation rate and residence time. Thermal NO.sub.X production is reduced in the first stage by reducing the occurrence of high temperature combustion gas regions. This is achieved by providing the first stage burner with a thoroughly pre-mixed fuel/oxidant composition, and by recirculating part of the combustion products to further mix the gases and provide a more uniform temperature in the first stage. In a second stage combustor thermal NO.sub.

Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant, high water vapor (about 3% to about 18%) tolerant, packing-free coronal-catalyst. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of high water vapor tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation of an electrical field to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream, where the electrical field has a minimum field power density of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter, and optionally, accompanying downstream scrubbers. In a particular embodiment, downstream wet or dry absorption arrest particular NO.sub.x reduction products NO.sub.2 and HNO.sub.3, optionally upon exposure to an arresting agent, including basic, caustic, or alkali materials such as CaO or NH.sub.3.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heated steam atmosphere drying system comprising dryer in combination with an exhaust recompression system which is extremely energy efficient and eliminates dangers known to air dryers. The system uses superheated steam as the drying medium, which recirculated through the system where its heat of evaporation and heat of compression is recovered, thereby providing a constant source of heat to the drying chamber. The dryer has inlets whereby feedstock and superheated steam are fed therein. High heat transfer and drying rates are achieved by intimate contact of the superheated steam with the particles being dried The dryer comprises a vessel which enables the feedstock and steam to enter recirculate together. When the feedstock becomes dry it will exit the dryer with the steam and become separated from the steam through the use of a curvilinear louver separator (CLS). The CLS enables removal of fine and ultrafine particles from the dryer.

Abstract: A supersonic coal water slurry atomizer utilizing supersonic gas velocities to atomize coal water slurry is provided wherein atomization occurs externally of the atomizer. The atomizer has a central tube defining a coal water slurry passageway surrounded by an annular sleeve defining an annular passageway for gas. A converging/diverging section is provided for accelerating gas in the annular passageway to supersonic velocities.

Abstract: An improved gas-fueled ceramic tile burner capable of maintaining a stable flame at very high surface heat loading of a high porosity ceramic body. The improved ceramic tile burner includes a coarse steel mesh which is positioned abutting the downstream side of the ceramic body and upon which a pressurized mixture of air and fuel is ignited. The mesh helps to generate gas regeneration zones which stabilize the flame. Optionally, the disclosed ceramic tile burner has a secondary retaining mesh below the ceramic body which can be connected to the coarse steel mesh and to a burner housing in order to ground the meshes.

Abstract: A cyclone combustor apparatus contains a circular partition plate containing a central circular aperture. The partition plate divides the apparatus into a cylindrical precombustor chamber and a combustor chamber. A coal-water slurry is passed axially into the inlet end of the precombustor chamber, and primary air is passed tangentially into said chamber to establish a cyclonic air flow. Combustion products pass through the partition plate aperture and into the combustor chamber. Secondary air may also be passed tangentially into the combustor chamber adjacent the partition plate to maintain the cyclonic flow. Flue gas is passed axially out of the combustor chamber at the outlet end and ash is withdrawn tangentially from the combuston chamber at the outlet end. A first mixture of flue gas and ash may be tangentially withdrawn from the combustor chamber at the outlet end and recirculated to the axial inlet of the precombustor chamber with the coal-water slurry.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for selectively generating different amounts of electric power and high pressure steam power according to the user's needs, using a fluid-cooled engine and a dual-function screw machine that may be operated as either a compressor or an expander. Fluid from a cooling jacket fluid is separated into vapor and liquid portions and, to increase the amount of high pressure steam delivered by the apparatus, low pressure steam from a separator is compressed by the screw machine and liquid from the separator is heated to a high temperature and high pressure. When additional electric power is desired, the low pressure steam from the separator is diverted from the screw machine. High pressure steam, manufactured by compressing and heating the liquid of the separator, is expanded in the screw machine, which adds its power to the main drive shaft, thereby adding to the available electric power.

Abstract: A method and system for recapturing and utilizing low grade energy in the form of low pressure vapors generated in an industrial evaporation process. A prime mover drives a screw compressor and concurrently provides heat at several levels which is utilized in a staged evaporation system in accordance with the requirements of the stages of the system. The screw compressor recompresses the contaminated vapors to a pressure and temperature sufficient to evaporate the major fraction of moisture to be removed in the industrial evaporation process.