Abstract: A heat detection system for a fire alarm, the heat detection system including: a heat detection device including at least one heat sensor and an alarm system for triggering an alert when the heat sensor indicates a temperature exceeding a threshold; and a self-regulating heater operable to maintain the heat detection device at a predefined application temperature during use.

Abstract: A food waste treatment apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a space that is configured to dehydrate and dry food waste, the housing having a drain pipe that is configured to discharge water included in the food waste and an exhaust duct that is configured to exhaust air that dried the food waste. The apparatus further includes a dryer that is configured to dry the food waste by supplying dry air to the housing. The apparatus further includes an exhaust unit connected to the drain pipe and the exhaust duct, the exhaust unit being configured to prevent the air exhausted from the exhaust duct from flowing back into the drain pipe.

Abstract: A down-fired flame burner includes a flame holder positioned below the burner. The flame holder includes a plurality of perforations that collectively confine a combustion reaction of the burner to the flame holder.

Abstract: A flexible hinge type baffle panel for bottom ash hopper water seal trough protection is made up of several baffle plates arranged vertically and horizontally with each other, forming several baffle columns which are positioned next to each other to cover a water seal trough in a coal burning power plant from damage due to impact from clinker debris. In each of the baffle columns, a several hinge interfaces hingedly connects the baffle plates to each other in series, allowing the columns to be raised or folded into themselves to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

Abstract: A method for controlling the atmosphere in a protective gas chamber for the continuous treatment of metal strips. A metal strip is guided into and out of the protective gas chamber via locks. At least one lock has at least two sealing elements for the metal strip which runs through it, with the result that a sealed chamber is formed between the two sealing elements. The gas pressure (P2, PD) is measured in the protective gas chamber and in the sealed chamber of the lock and the pressure (PD) in the sealed chamber is regulated, to be precise in such a way that, during operation, the differential pressure between the protective gas chamber and the sealed chamber is kept as far as possible to an optimum value.

Abstract: A furnace system that generates heat by combustion is provided. The furnace system includes a sensor (100) that detects a gas concentration. The sensor is in communication with the flue gas (15). A controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller monitors the gas concentration and acts to control or deactivate the furnace.

Abstract: A furnace protector has a normally caged frame structured to accommodate at least one selected component of a furnace and also enables access to and visibility of the furnace components being protected. Legs and mounting tabs are used to install the furnace protector into a position wherein it encompasses at least one selected furnace component to provide for protection such as to inhibit damage thereto during normal operation.

Abstract: A method for improving the operation safety of the smelt spout area of a recovery boiler, which smelt spout area comprises a working area (6), as well as smelt spouts (2) connected to the lower part of the boiler for directing the smelt from the boiler to a dissolving tank (4). In the method the smelt spouts (2) are separated from the working area (6) by a shielding wall (8, 10) arranged movable in relation to the smelt spouts. The invention also relates to a smelt spout area of a recovery boiler.

Abstract: A furnace system that generates heat by combustion is provided. The furnace system includes a sensor (100) that detects a gas concentration. The sensor is in communication with the flue gas (15). A controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller monitors the gas concentration and acts to control or deactivate the furnace.

Abstract: A device enabling limitation of the risk of formation of an explosive atmosphere in the furnace of a continuous heat treatment line of metal strips the sections of which are under an atmosphere consisting of a mixture of inert gas and hydrogen the hydrogen volume content of which is between 5 and 100%, provided with a rapid induction heating section and a rapid cooling section comprising: a chamber (9) maintained under inert gas at the inlet of the rapid heating section of the furnace and at the outlet of the rapid cooling section, the pressure in the chamber (9) being equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure when the heating of the furnace operates normally; a device (10) for entering the strip into the chamber (9), from the atmospheric air; a device (11) for atmosphere separation and for entering the strip in the heating section of the furnace from the chamber (9) under inert gas, said device (11) being provided with a gas take-off (4); a device (13) for atmosphere separation and for removing the s

Abstract: A furnace includes: a furnace housing defining a combustion chamber therein and having a top end section that is provided with an emergent stack which defines a gas-releasing channel in fluid communication with said combustion chamber; and a safety valve mounted in the gas-releasing channel and including a shaft that is secured to the emergent stack, and opposite first and second covering plates that are pivoted to the shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft for closing and opening the gas-releasing channel.

Abstract: A detector of combustion products in air gaps adjacent to chimneys or flues has an air gap detection unit coupled to a displaced control unit. The control unit can be located adjacent to a proximal, exposed, surface of a wall. When so installed, the detection unit is located in an air space adjacent to the chimney or flue. The assembly can be removed for cleaning or maintenance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus thereof for monitoring leakage of process cooling water (PCW) in a furnace. In the method, a bellows used to deliver the process cooling water is covered by a protecting tubing, so as to protect the bellows from being corroded by the process environment and to control the flow direction of the cooling water leaking from the bellows, thus avoiding the cooling water sprinkling. In addition, a tray is installed under the bellows to receive the leaking cooling water, so as to prevent the leaking cooling water from spilling on wafers. Besides, sensors are installed in the tray to send a signal while the cooling water falling on the tray.

Abstract: An incinerator room to store secret documents and destroy them automatically according to a burn sequence by spraying slow burning flammable liquid on the contents of said room from one or more reservoirs. A control circuit, preferably supplied with energy from a secure source such as a battery, controls the ignition sequence to spray the flammable liquid, then start ignition means and start an exhaust fan and open optional electrically operated shutters or flue. The electrically operated flue prevents unauthorized access to the room by humans or fiber optic spying apparatus via ingress through the chimney of the exhaust system. Pressurized reservoirs and electrically operated valves are used in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: An incinerator includes a furnace, a heat-insulating shield, an air conduit, an air blower, and a dryer. The heat-insulating shield has a top wall, a vertically extending peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the top wall and that surrounds and that is spaced apart from the furnace by a gap, and an open bottom end. The peripheral wall of the heat-insulating shield has an air outlet that is disposed adjacent to the top wall and that is in fluid communication with the gap. Atmospheric air is introduced via the open bottom end through the gap and the air conduit and into the dryer.

Abstract: An incinerator includes a furnace, a heat-insulating shield, an air conduit, an air blower, and a dryer. The heat-insulating shield has a top wall, a vertically extending peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the top wall and that surrounds and that is spaced apart from the furnace by a gap, and an open bottom end. The peripheral wall of the heat-insulating shield has an air outlet that is disposed adjacent to the top wall and that is in fluid communication with the gap. Atmospheric air is introduced via the open bottom end through the gap and the air conduit and into the dryer. A feed motor is used to deliver solid waste into the furnace. A control unit controls rotating speed of the feed motor based on temperature in the dryer so as to adjust the temperature in the dryer.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus, and method of operation, for controlling and suppressing the explosive destruction of munitions by detonation in an explosion chamber. The apparatus comprises a double-walled steel explosion chamber which is moved by wheeled carriage means to a desired location. Granular shock-damping silica sand is introduced into fillable cavities within the chamber walls, ceiling and floor prior to use. After use, the sand is removed to lighten the chamber prior to transport. The floor of the chamber is covered with granular shock-damping pea gravel which may be added before use and removed before further transport. A munition to be destroyed is placed within an open-topped steel fragmentation containment unit. Vaporizable plastic bags of energy-absorbing water are disposed about the munition in a spaced array. An array of vent pipes vents the chamber into manifolds leading to an expansion tank or scrubber for further cooling and environmental treatment of the explosion products.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for its use in the decontamination and remediation of soils laden with organic hydrocarbons and toxic inorganic compounds. The soil to be treated is placed in a soil treatment tray which is subsequently placed within the treatment chamber. A multiple radiant heater rack is placed over the treatment chamber and the contaminant compounds are heated and vaporized. A blower fan creates a vacuum which pulls the organic hydrocarbon gases and other vaporized contaminants through the soil and out to the contaminant vapor removal/condenser unit where the compounds are liquified and containerized. A novel automatic safeguard system insures that all burners and fans are running continuously and automatically shuts down one or more components of the system should a burner or fan malfunction so that the potentially dangerous accumulation of explosive gasses is prevented.

Abstract: A robotic mechanism which can be attached to a furnace hopper and includes a frame which supports a pole insertion mechanism for inserting a pole into a furnace hopper. The pole insertion mechanism is supported from the Fame by a gimbal and moves the pole axially. Hydraulic actuators rotate the pole insertion mechanism about the gimbal. A control system is associated with the mechanism and enables an operator to position the end of the pole within the hopper to remove clinkers.

Abstract: The specification describes a system for the thermal treatment of energetic materials which generate a tremendous volume of gaseous products upon combustion. The system includes a containment system which maintains an interface between hot exhaust gas products and a cooler gas, yet allows the relatively slow removal and treatment of the exhaust gas products from the containment system while permitting the inflow of gas into the containment system to replace an equivalent volume of exhaust gas products removed therefrom.

Abstract: A mobile incinerator suitable for burning explosive material, has armored walls capable of withstanding internal explosions, a primary combustion chamber within which initial burning of the material to be incinerated takes place, a secondary combustion chamber to burn exhaust from the primary combustion chamber a second time to reduce pollution and safety hazards, and a trailer for providing transportation. The armored walls may include steel plates reinforced by steel channel beams. The mobile incinerator includes: vents for allowing air and exhaust to pass into; between and out of the combustion chambers, assisted by a draft induction fan, with flammable fluid delivered to and ignited within the combustion chambers; pressure release hatches; a loading cart mounted on telescoping rails by which material to be incinerated can be inserted through an opening; refractory material lining the primary combustion chamber; an exterior shell of aluminum sheeting; and a control system powered by a generator.

Abstract: A unit for disposing of refuse and contaminants by thermal oxidation includes a housing having a bottom, side walls and a top disposed in surrounding relation to an interior thereof. A partial wall structure divides the housing interior to define a first thermal oxidation chamber sized and configured to contain the refuse and contaminants and a second flue gas burning chamber disposed in air-flow communication with said first chamber. Heating elements are provided in the first and second chambers to raise the temperature to a predetermined level in order to induce thermal oxidation of refuse in the first chamber and the resultant flue gasses passing through the second chamber. An exhaust stack receives the flue gasses exiting from the second chamber and includes a filter therein for removing remaining contaminants from the flue gasses prior to entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for disposing of refuse-derived fuel ("RDF") and converting the refuse-derived fuel into a fuel gas is described. The system includes a positive pressure combustion chamber and a feed system for feeding the RDF into the combustion chamber at high speed. No compaction of the low density RDF is required. The feed system includes a feed conveyor, first and second air locks with a first conduit between the feed conveyor and the first air lock, and a second conduit between the first and second air locks. Both conduits are generally vertically oriented, but sloped at an angle that prevents bridging of the RDF.

Abstract: A method to prevent freezing of water in a conduit that carries the water out of a building. The method uses a device that alternately accumulates the water in a container and then dumps it. The water is then carried to the outside of the building through a conduit. The water, being released in batches, does not have time to freeze in the conduit.

Abstract: A livestock incinerator is provided, and includes a compartment or incineration chamber defined by opposite sidewalls, opposite end walls, a bottom wall, and an open top which is selectively closed by a plurality of lids pivotally connected to the walls of the incinerator. The interior of the incinerator is lined with firebricks, including all the walls and the lids. The firebricks are secured in place by a plurality of T-shaped brackets which define channels for receiving the edges of the firebricks. A primary burner is operatively connected to the incinerator for heating the chamber such that the carcasses burn to ashes. An exhaust stack is connected to one of the lids, and includes an afterburner for further combusting the products of combustion from the chamber so as to prevent atmospheric pollution. The primary burner and afterburner are operatively connected in series so that if one burner fails to operate, the other burner will automatically cease operation.

Abstract: A system for the controlled safe shutdown of a hazardous waste incinerator upon loss of power. The system includes a primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber, a gas treatment system, and two standby power sources. One standby power source is available immediately for elements that cannot be shut down even for a second. The other standby power source is a heavy duty generator that takes a short time to get up to speed but is used to power elements that can be allowed to coast for a short time without causing damage to the equipment or the environment. The system includes an uninterruptable power source connected to continue supplying heat and air to the secondary combustion chamber and prevent opening an emergency vent stack cap and thereby prevent the unwanted discharge of gas from the system.

Abstract: An electronic safety circuit for a portable gas heater includes a transformer and half wave rectifier connected in parallel with a fan motor for charging a capacitor, and a solid state switching circuit, which may be either a pair of cascaded transistors, an SCR, or a Darlington switch, for applying a reverse polarity voltage across the solenoid of a solenoid operated gas valve to immediately turn off the gas valve in the event of loss of power to the combustion fan motor. The electronic safety circuit may be conveniently mounted on a PC board and enclosed in the combustion fan motor.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to orient a closure cap over an entrance opening of a chimney stack to prevent a fire from projecting through the stack with the apparatus to include a spring-biased member and a fusible link permitting release of a plug member to secure the plug member within the chimney stack upon release of the fusible link.

Abstract: The present invention includes a chamber for containing refuse, a porous membrane at least partially enclosing the chamber, and a housing enclosing the porous membrane and the chamber. Combustion fuel is supplied to the porous membrane so that surface combustion taken place at the surface of the porous membrane facing the chamber for burning the refuse contained in the chamber. Electrical means may also be employed to provide combustion of the refuse. Safety features include pressure feed-back means for monitoring and regulating the pressure within the apparatus and temperature feed-back means for monitoring and regulating the temperature within the apparatus. A particle bin is positioned below the chamber for receiving burned particles from the chamber.

Abstract: A method of stopping combustion in a restrained combustion furnace in which wastes to be incinerated are gasified and then burnt with an air amount lower than a theoretical combustion air amount, in case of emergency, the method including steps of shutting off a combustion air supply line connected to the restrained combustion furnace, simultaneously feeding inert gas to lower portions and an outlet side of the furnace, and opening a bypass line connected to an upper portion of the furnace to flow gas in the furnace through a filter to a waste gas stack, thereby safely stopping the combustion in the restrained combustion furnace in case of emergency.

Abstract: A safeguard arrangement for a plant, which comprises a plant auxiliary provided with a lid and so designed that the lid is opened for maintenance of the inside thereof, switching means installed on a piping connected to said plant auxiliary, and driving means to give a driving output to the switching means in response to an opening or closing instruction signal for said switching means, and which is employed when operations for maintenance of the aforesaid plant auxiliary are executed, is provided additionally with lid opening detecting means to detect the opening of the lid of the afore-said plant auxiliary or the release of locking means thereof, in gearing with either of them, and checking means to check the opening of the aforesaid switching means on the basis of the opening instruction signal for the switching means when it is detected by said lid opening detecting means that the lid is opened or to be opened.

Abstract: An anti-slagging apparatus for a furnace viewing system removes slag build up deposited on a closed circuit television camera lens tube by occasionally releasing a blast or large volume of air through specially designed ports surrounding the tube containing a furnace viewing lens system. The anti-slagging apparatus comprises a double walled cylindrical tube extending through a wall of a furnace for housing a lens tube assembly. An end plate is positioned at the furnace end of the tube and has formed therein a plurality of ports or openings, with each port being directed outwardly at a 30.degree. angle with respect to the axis of the tube assembly into the furnace and with each port being connected to the space formed between the double walled tube. A source of air is provided to the ports from a supply tank, which in turn is connected to a source of air pressure, such as a compressor, or a shop supply. A quick acting, high volume solenoid valve connects the air tank to the tube.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for preventing explosions within solid waste disposal facilities having a shredder, a shredder infeed conveyor, a shredder discharge conveyor, a trough conveyor, and a boiler. The system includes a gas sensor, a foam generator and associated nozzles, and gas dilution fans. The foam nozzles are positioned adjacent to the trough conveyor and are actuated when a signal is generated by the gas sensor. The foam acts as a fire and explosion break between the shredder and all subsequent areas of the facility.

Abstract: A safeguard arrangement for a plant, which comprises a plant auxiliary provided with a lid and so designed that the lid is opened for maintenance of the inside thereof, switching means installed on a piping connected to said plant auxiliary, and driving means to give a driving output to the switching means in response to an opening or closing instruction signal for said switching means, and which is employed when operations for maintenance of the aforesaid plant auxiliary are executed, is provided additionally with lid opening detecting means to detect the opening of the lid of the aforesaid plant auxiliary or the release of locking means thereof, in gearing with either of them, and checking means to check the opening of the aforesaid switching means on the basis of the opening instruction signal for the switching means when it is detected by said lid opening detecting means that the lid is opened or to be opened.

Abstract: A furnace system for the automatic, continuous and efficient ignition and combustion of pelletized or similar fuel. An electric-arc ignition means responsive to a thermostat is combined with a non-conductive refractory fire pot with air passageways on the bottom surface of the fire pot, two electrodes configured relative to said fire pot and a system control means, for controlling and sequencing the operation of the system elements. A system control means is also disclosed which de-energizes the fuel feed device if the temperature in the combustion chamber exceeds a pre-determined value, automatically re-energizes the fuel feed device once the temperatue falls back within acceptable levels, and which de-energizes the fuel feed device if the temperature measured in the combustion chamber falls below a pre-determined value.

Abstract: A vent cap for a heat treating furnace provides bidirectional pressure relief. The cap is weighted and balanced over the furnace vent such that the vent is closed as long as the furnace has a slightly positive internal pressure. If the internal pressure exceeds a preselected upper limit the cap opens the vent to relieve the overpressure. The vent cap has a controlled inlet which opens to equalize the pressure differential if the internal pressure falls below a preselected lower limit below the ambient pressure outside the furnace. Such controlled equalization prevents the formation of undesirable combustible mixtures of air and treating gas in the furnace.

Abstract: An instrument assembly is mounted to view the inside of a furnace or boiler, its probe extending into a port in the furnace wall. To remove slag built up within the port, a deslagger unit is mounted upon the assembly and includes a shiftable blade surrounding the probe lens. A displacing mechanism mounted upon the assembly is periodically actuated to rectilinearly shift the blade within the confines of the port to dislodge built up slag therein.

Abstract: A batch-type pyrolysis furnace fired by a main heat source such as a gas burner or an electric heating coil in combination with an afterburner to burn volatiles generated in the furnace's main chamber, is operated to incinerate high-polymer loads smokelessy, yet is effectively safeguarded from explosions. A single thermocouple (throat TC) senses the instantaneous temperature in the throat of the furnace and in cooperation with a programmable controller, maintains a preselected ramp and soak temperature profile over the entire burn cycle. When the temperature required by the profile is exceeded, a single water spray actuated by a signal from the PC lowers the temperature below the profile. The throat TC thus maintains a fire under controlled temperature conditions in the main chamber without an explosion, using a single-stage system.

Abstract: A releasable and gas tight sealing apparatus for construction panels of a paint baking oven which relieves the buildup of gas pressure within the oven in the event of an explosion. The apparatus has tongue and groove members and a compressible cord rope received in the groove members. In assembly and during normal use of the oven, the tongue is received in the groove and bears on and compresses the cord rope to provide a gas tight seal. In the event of an explosion, the construction panels are forced outwardly which disengages the tongue and groove members and relieves the buildup of gas pressure in the oven.

Abstract: An improved trap assembly for a high efficiency fossil fuel furnace includes a vertical tube closed at its lower end with a condensate inlet immediately above the lower end and a condensate outlet above the inlet. A flue gas inlet is provided at the top end of the tube with a flue gas outlet immediately adjacent thereto. A float with a sealing cap is positioned within the tube and rises in response to the level of condensate to block the flue gas outlet.

Abstract: An emergency exhaust system (59) is provided for a mobile incineration system (10). A hinged gate (76) controls access to the emergency exhaust system (59), and operates only upon the sensing of a malfunction in one of a plurality of critical incineration system components (114, 36, 56) by sensors/relays (122-126). A malfunction as sensed by Sensors/relays (122-126) causes the power to be cut through switch (98) to the main incineration system components (114, 36, 56, 46, 116, 118, 22). In a preferred embodiment, the emergency exhaust system (59) comprises a plurality of water sprayers (64) to cool the volatile waste combustion products, and a granulated activated carbon column (68) to remove hazardous substances.

Abstract: An instrument for viewing the vent of a chimney while the chimney is working that includes a quartz rod that is mounted in the chimney above the flue entrance thereto. The rod is adapted to transmit light travelling down the chimney to a viewing station outside the chimney wall to provide valuable visual information concerning the condition of the chimney and the burning efficiency of the fire.

Abstract: A batch-type pyrolysis furnace fired by a main gas burner and an afterburner, is effectively safeguarded from explosions and runaway fires due to an undue build-up of flammable vapors within its main chamber, by the simple expedient of maintaining a fire under controlled temperature conditions in the main chamber. This is done by a dual-stage control system requiring three thermocouples, one (first) in the main chamber, a second in the exhaust stack downstream of the afterburner, and a third upstream of the afterburner in the vent passage ("throat") connecting the main chamber with the afterburner chamber. The first thermocouple in the main chamber senses the ambient, essentially instantaneous temperature at that location. The effectiveness of the control system, in large measure, derives from the unexpected difference in temperatures sensed by the first and third thermocouples.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the heat gradient in a heat-producing system is disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus which can be used in the process. In this process, at least three heat sensors, which are situated downstream from a heat source, determine the temperature of the exhaust gas from the heat source. Each of the heat sensors used produces a substantially identical response to a given temperature. The output from each two sequential heat sensors is operatively connected to an indicator, which evaluates whether the downstream heat sensor is reporting a temperature lower than the upstream heat sensor; if the downstream heat sensor does report a lower temperature than the upstream heat sensor, then the indicator reads positive; but if the downstream heat sensor reports a highter temperature than the upstream heat sensor, then the indicator reads negative.

Abstract: A control circuit for a stoker-fed heating system is effective, whenever the primary sensing control (thermostat or aquastat) of the system calls for heat, to determine whether there is sufficient fire in the furnace to assure maintained combustion, and if this is not the case, to shut the system down until combustion is again assured.

Abstract: Radiation detectors measuring gamma radiation from radioactive accumulations in an incinerator through low density refractory windows therein for burning combustible, contaminated wastes from nuclear fuel manufacturing activities.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of controlling temperatures within a cleaning or reclamation furnace which is normally used to reclaim metal parts contaminated with combustible materials by pyrolyzing the combustible materials. A reclamation furnace usually includes a primary heat-input burner employed to heat the contaminated parts in the primary heating chamber, an afterburner chamber contained within the heating chamber having a secondary burner to burn volatile gases which are given off by the combustible materials as the parts are heated, and two separately-controlled automatic valve and spray nozzle assemblies connected to the primary heating chamber. Each nozzle assembly is connected to a pressurized water source to deliver a water-spray injection into the heating chamber.

Abstract: A creosote buildup detector utilizes a change in temperature between two sensors. The temperature between the two sensors changes as the creosote builds up. This change in temperature is established by providing an electric heater to heat one of the sensor supports. A temperature comparator senses the change in relative temperatures between the two sensors and annunciates when a sufficient creosote buildup has occurred to indicate that cleaning the chimney is necessary.

Abstract: A creosote detector for ascertaining a critical amount of creosote buildup on a chimney flue includes a collector probe mounted contiguous to the chimney flue for a buildup of creosote material thereon. An electrical resistance is variously detected corresponding to the deposit level of the creosote across two conductive plates of the collecting probe. A silicon unilateral switch is designed to operably respond to a certain resistance presented thereto causing the silicon unilateral switch to conduct which triggers the alarm circuit including a flag alarm mounted to the exterior of the chimney proper. Thus, the homeowner is warned of a critical creosote buildup within the chimney flue so that preventive maintenance can then be performed.

Abstract: A pinhole camera system utilizing a sealed optical-purge assembly which provides optical access into a coal combustor or other energy conversion reactors. The camera system basically consists of a focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly, a conventional TV vidicon receiver, an external, variable density light filter which is coupled electronically to the vidicon automatic gain control (agc). The key component of this system is the focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly which utilizes a purging inert gas to keep debris from entering the port and a lens arrangement which transfers the pinhole to the outside of the port assembly. One additional feature of the port assembly is that it is not flush with the interior of the combustor.