Abstract: A radiant, non-catalytic recuperative reformer has a flue gas flow path for conducting hot exhaust gas from a thermal process and a reforming mixture flow path for conducting a reforming mixture. At least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is positioned adjacent to the flue gas flow path to permit heat transfer from the hot exhaust gas to the reforming mixture. The reforming mixture flow path contains substantially no material commonly used as a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., nickel oxide, platinum group elements or rhenium), but instead the reforming mixture is reformed into a higher calorific fuel via reactions due to the heat transfer and residence time. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is positioned outside of flue gas flow path for a relatively large residence time.

Abstract: A radiant, non-catalytic recuperative reformer has a flue gas flow path for conducting hot exhaust gas from a thermal process and a reforming mixture flow path for conducting a reforming mixture. At least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is positioned adjacent to the flue gas flow path to permit heat transfer from the hot exhaust gas to the reforming mixture. The reforming mixture flow path contains substantially no material commonly used as a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., nickel oxide, platinum group elements or rhenium), but instead the reforming mixture is reformed into a higher calorific fuel via reactions due to the heat transfer and residence time. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is positioned outside of flue gas flow path for a relatively large residence time.

Abstract: A non-catalytic recuperative reformer has a flue gas flow path for conducting hot flue gas from a thermal process and a reforming mixture flow path for conducting a reforming mixture. At least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is embedded in the flue gas flow path to permit heat transfer from the hot flue gas to the reforming mixture. The reforming mixture flow path contains substantially no material commonly used as a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., nickel oxide, platinum group elements or rhenium), but instead the reforming mixture is reformed into a higher calorific fuel via reactions due to the heat transfer and residence time. In a preferred embodiment, extended surfaces of metal material such as stainless steel or metal alloy that are high in nickel content are included within at least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path.

Abstract: A non-catalytic recuperative reformer has a flue gas flow path for conducting hot flue gas from a thermal process and a reforming mixture flow path for conducting a reforming mixture. At least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is embedded in the flue gas flow path to permit heat transfer from the hot flue gas to the reforming mixture. The reforming mixture flow path contains substantially no material commonly used as a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., nickel oxide, platinum group elements or rhenium), but instead the reforming mixture is reformed into a higher calorific fuel via reactions due to the heat transfer and residence time. In a preferred embodiment, extended surfaces of metal material such as stainless steel or metal alloy that are high in nickel content are included within at least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path.

Abstract: A submerged combustion melter having a plurality of side walls, a bottom wall adjacent the side walls, and a top wall adjacent the side walls, the walls collectively enclosing a melting chamber, and the bottom wall forming a plurality of openings, each of which is adapted to receive a submerged combustion burner. Each of the submerged combustion burners is positioned at least 4 inches from the side walls, at least twice as far apart from each other as the distance between the submerged combustion burners and the side walls, and less than or equal to about 20 inches apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing radiant heat in which a mixture of fuel and primary combustion oxidant is introduced into a combustion chamber having a heat radiating wall, which mixture has less than a stoichiometric requirement for complete combustion of the fuel, and igniting the mixture, forming heated partial combustion products. At least a portion of the heat in the heated partial combustion products is transferred to the heat radiating wall. The heated partial combustion products are passed from the combustion chamber into an exhaust gas plenum disposed adjacent to the combustion chamber. A secondary combustion oxidant is introduced into the exhaust gas plenum in an amount sufficient to complete combustion of the partial combustion products, forming exhaust gases. Heat in the exhaust gases is transferred to the primary combustion oxidant disposed in a combustion oxidant plenum disposed adjacent to said exhaust gas plenum.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A single-ended, internally recuperated, radiant tube annulus system in which at least part of the heat recovery takes place within the furnace to which the system is attached and in which the oxidant and/or fuel are preheated not only by heat transfer from the exhaust gases, but also directly from the combustion process. The system includes a plurality of concentric radiant tubular members arranged in a manner providing an outer annular region in which the combustion process is carried out, an inner tubular member through which exhaust gases are exhausted from the system, and intermediate annular regions between the inner tubular member and the outer annular region through which preheated oxidant is provided to the outer annular region for the combustion process. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, the internal recuperator is used as a fuel reformer.

Abstract: A single-ended, internally recuperated, radiant tube annulus system in which at least part of the heat recovery takes place within the furnace to which the system is attached and in which the oxidant and/or fuel are preheated not only by heat transfer from the exhaust gases, but also directly from the combustion process. The system includes a plurality of concentric radiant tubular members arranged in a manner providing an outer annular region in which the combustion process is carried out, an inner tubular member through which exhaust gases are exhausted from the system, and intermediate annular regions between the inner tubular member and the outer annular region through which preheated oxidant is provided to the outer annular region for the combustion process. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, the internal recuperator is used as a fuel reformer.

Abstract: A system and method for fuel reforming in which at least a portion of the exhaust gases from a combustion process, such as an industrial furnace, is mixed with a fuel, such as natural gas, and the mixture is introduced into a first stage heat exchange vessel in which the fuel is reformed. The reformed fuel is then returned to the combustion process for burning. In accordance with one embodiment, primary combustion oxidant is introduced into a second stage heat exchange vessel in which it is heated by a portion of the exhaust gas exiting the first stage heat exchange vessel. The heated oxidant is then introduced into the combustion process for burning of the fuel(s) therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing radiant heat in which a mixture of fuel and primary combustion oxidant is introduced into a combustion chamber having a heat radiating wall, which mixture has less than a stoichiometric requirement for complete combustion of the fuel, and igniting the mixture, forming heated partial combustion products. At least a portion of the heat in the heated partial combustion products is transferred to the heat radiating wall. The heated partial combustion products are passed from the combustion chamber into an exhaust gas plenum disposed adjacent to the combustion chamber. A secondary combustion oxidant is introduced into the exhaust gas plenum in an amount sufficient to complete combustion of the partial combustion products, forming exhaust gases. Heat in the exhaust gases is transferred to the primary combustion oxidant disposed in a combustion oxidant plenum disposed adjacent to said exhaust gas plenum.

Abstract: A submerged combustion burner having co-axial fuel and oxidant tubes forming an annular space therebetween, wherein the outer tube extends beyond the end of the inner tube. A burner nozzle having an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the outer tube is connected to the outlet end of the inner tube and forms a centralized opening in fluid communication with the inner tube and at least one peripheral longitudinally oriented opening in fluid communication with the annular space. In accordance with one embodiment, a longitudinally adjustable rod is disposed within the inner tube for adjustment of fluid flow therethrough, and a cylindrical insert having at least one flame stabilizer for stabilizing a flame produced by the burner is attached to the outlet end of the outer tube. In accordance with another embodiment, fluid flow through the inner tube is achieved by a flow control valve operably connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a thermochemical recuperator in which a fuel is reformed. The thermochemical recuperator is heated by exhaust gases from the reciprocating internal combustion engine and steam for the reforming process is produced by passing feed water through an engine lubricating oil heat exchanger, an engine cooling system heat recovery system and an exhaust gas heat recovery system arranged in series.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cooking non-cured food products in which the non-cured food products are heated in an atmosphere comprising less than about 0.5 vppmd of NO2, producing a cooked food product having substantially no pink discoloration on its outer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of a solid carbonaceous material in which the solid carbonaceous material is preheated and at least a portion thereof pyrolyzed on a stoker grate disposed in the lower portion of a combustion chamber to produce pyrolysis products. Overfire oxidant is then introduced into the combustion chamber above the stoker grate to ensure complete combustion of combustibles in the products of combustion generated by combustion of the solid carbonaceous material and the pyrolysis products. Preheating and pyrolysis of the solid carbonaceous material is carried out by the introduction of a pyrolysis agent directly into the bed of solid carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A fossil fuel-fired apparatus for steaming food having at least one housing wall forming a housing, a steam chamber disposed within the housing and forming an annular space between the steam chamber and the housing wall, and at least one fossil fuel burner disposed beneath the bottom portion of the steam chamber and oriented to produce steam from water in a bottom portion of the steam chamber. Disposed within the annular space are guides for directing the hot products of combustion generated by the burners along the exterior wall surface of the steam chamber, thereby maintaining the temperature of the steam chamber walls above the temperature of the saturated steam and preventing condensation of the steam in the steam chamber.

Abstract: A fossil fuel-fired apparatus for steaming food having at least one housing wall forming a housing, a steam chamber disposed within the housing and forming an annular space between the steam chamber and the housing wall, and at least one fossil fuel burner disposed beneath the bottom portion of the steam chamber and oriented to produce steam from water in a bottom portion of the steam chamber. Disposed within the annular space are guides for directing the hot products of combustion generated by the burners along the exterior wall surface of the steam chamber, thereby maintaining the temperature of the steam chamber walls above the temperature of the saturated steam and preventing condensation of the steam in the steam chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of a solid carbonaceous material in which the solid carbonaceous material is preheated and at least a portion thereof pyrolyzed on a stoker grate disposed in the lower portion of a combustion chamber to produce pyrolysis products. Overfire oxidant is then introduced into the combustion chamber above the stoker grate to ensure complete combustion of combustibles in the products of combustion generated by combustion of the solid carbonaceous material and the pyrolysis products. Preheating and pyrolysis of the solid carbonaceous material is carried out by the introduction of a pyrolysis agent directly into the bed of solid carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of a fuel and oxidant in which at least a portion of a fuel and at least a portion of an oxidant are introduced into an annular region formed by an outer tubular member closed off at one end and an inner tubular member open at both ends concentrically disposed within the outer tubular member, forming a fuel/oxidant mixture. The fuel/oxidant mixture is ignited in the annular region, forming products of combustion therein. The products of combustion are then exhausted through the inner tubular member providing oxidant preheating prior to forming the fuel/oxidant mixture.