Abstract: A precombustor having a chamber having a first end and a second end, and an inlet configured to deliver a substantially parallel flow of solid fuel surrounded by oxygen at the first end. The first end further includes a recirculation step and the second end fluidly communicates with a furnace. The inlet and the recirculation step are arranged to form a recirculation zone of at least a portion of the solid fuel and the oxygen. A combustion system and method for operating a combustion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A precombustor system to be used in conjunction with an oxy-fuel burner employing recycled flue gas is disclosed. A method of introducing streams into the precombustor to achieve desired improvements in flame properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat transfer system having a a radiant source, a first heat exchanger configured to permit a first fluid to flow therethrough, and a thermal shield configured to provide controlled radiative heat from the radiant source to the first exchanger. The radiant source is a flame. The thermal shield is a second heat exchanger configured to permit a second fluid to flow therethrough or a non-contact thermal shield fabricated from a material arranged to provide controlled radiative heat exposure from the radiant source to the first exchanger. Oxy/coal combustion systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A burner system and method of operating a burner for reduced NOx emissions. The burner system comprises a flame stabilizer, at least one fuel staging lance, an actuated valve, a temperature sensor and a controller. The amount of fuel to the flame stabilizer relative to the amount of fuel to the fuel staging lances is controlled depending on furnace temperature and/or furnace production rate.

Abstract: A method of operating a pyrolysis heater for reduced emissions of NOx and carbon monoxide. One or more wall burners, typically premix burners, are operated with more excess oxidant gas than one or more of the floor or hearth burners, which are typically non-premix burners. The invention takes advantage of different NOx emissions characteristics from different types of burners.

Abstract: A burner system and method of operating a burner for reduced NOx emissions. The burner system comprises a flame stabilizer, at least one fuel staging lance, an actuated valve, a temperature sensor and a controller. The amount of fuel to the flame stabilizer relative to the amount of fuel to the fuel staging lances is controlled depending on furnace temperature and/or furnace production rate.