Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate generally to furnaces, particularly to furnaces with combustors utilizing fuel and oxidizer jets, more particularly to furnaces used for glass production, and further to glass container production. In one embodiment, a furnace comprises first and second opposing walls, the first wall including a fuel nozzle having a fuel nozzle centerline extending toward the second wall, and an oxidizer nozzle having an oxidizer nozzle centerline extending toward the second wall and an oxidizer jet boundary. The first and second opposing walls are separated by a wall separation distance L. In this embodiment, the fuel nozzle centerline intersects the oxidizer jet boundary at a crossing distance xc, whereby xc is at least L/20 and at most L/2. In further embodiments, xc is at least L/9 and at most L/6.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a regenerative burner apparatus. The apparatus includes a burner housing having a gas channel and a single-stage heat regenerator equipped with a housing enclosing a fluid-porous heat regenerative media bed. A first gas passageway in the housing directly interconnects the gas channel and the lower surface of the media bed. A second gas passageway in the housing interconnects an opening in the housing communicating with the exterior and the upper surface of the media bed. This arrangement allows hot waste combustion gases to pass upwardly through the media bed so that any condensable contaminant in the gases condenses to a liquid and flows out of the bed under gravity before becoming solid and clogging the bed. The liquid contaminant may then be removed from the regenerator from a position below the media bed.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a smelt spout of a boiler is provided. The boiler includes a boiler wall defining an outlet port for discharging molten smelt and the smelt spout is positioned with respect to the outlet port so that the molten smelt is able to flow along the smelt spout. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tool having a pair of cleaning blades generally aligned with respective side walls of the smelt spout and an actuating assembly configured to move the cleaning blades from a first position to a second position. The cleaning blades each engage the respective side walls of the smelt spout to dislodge hardened smelt deposits therefrom when in the cleaning blades are in the second position.

Abstract: Method of making cellulose/plastic pellets in which a particulate cellulose/plastic mixture comprising more than 60 to 95 weight % of cellulosic material and 5 to less than 40 weight % of thermoplastic material, based on the total dry weight of cellulosic and thermoplastic materials, and 1 to 15 weight % of moisture, based on the total weight of the mixture, is supplied at a temperature T1 of at most 90° C. to a pelletizing device comprising an annular mould with holes having a diameter D of at most 8 mm and an effective hole length L to hole diameter D ratio R of at least 7, the values of R and T1 being chosen in relation to one another so that the temperature T2 of the pellets leaving the annular mould is between 80 and 125° C. and the T2-T1 rise in temperature is at least 10° C., and cellulose/plastic pellets obtainable by said method.

Abstract: The method and furnace according to the invention enable a continuous processing of anode slime and are particularly suited to be connected to a process where anode slime is treated by hydrometallurgic methods after roasting. In the method according to the invention, the slime containing valuable metals and selenium is dried, roasted, sulfatized and cooled. The method includes steps to be carried out in succession, in continuous operation, so that the slime forms a slime layer on the conveyor and is conveyed to be treated in successive drying, roasting, sulfatizing and sulfuric acid removal and cooling units.

Abstract: Both a process and an apparatus whereby a fuel with both a high carbon content, a relatively high sulphur content and a relatively low ash content, can be combusted without the release of potentially damaged amounts of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are described. Further, the process and apparatus each provide an operation whereby the carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions form the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel with both a high carbon content and a relatively high sulphur content can each be recovered as a useable product. Typically the fuel is petroleum coke, or certain grades of anthracite, coal and natural gas.

Abstract: A stopping member includes a shaft rod and a stopper. The stopper is provided at an end of the shaft rod. The shaft rod and the stopper are arranged so that the stopping member forms a substantially linear shape upon passing through a through hole provided in a heat insulating layer which is provided to enclose a heater and a muffle to accommodate a ceramic molded body in a firing furnace. The stopper is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the shaft rod so as to fix the heat insulating layer after the end of the shaft rod has passed through the through hole.

Abstract: A structure of a gasified and melting furnace comprising a freeboard portion whose center axis is shifted from a center axis of a lower furnace portion by 50% or more of an inner furnace diameter, to load waste and additives and to measure a height of a deposition layer formed in the lower furnace portion, without passing through the freeboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a domical structure capable of enclosing the majority of operational and integrating many of the structural elements of a waste-to-energy, waste processing or other combustion facility. The domical structure according to the present invention improves the aesthetic appearance of the facility by enclosing the majority of the machinery, equipment, activities and chimney from outside view. The domical structure also reduces the cost of construction and operation by reducing the support structure and improving lighting and climate control.

Abstract: A warm air furnace and method for securing a thermostat to a wall of a warm air furnace utilizes a thermostat mounting flange which has its ends forced inwardly into openings formed in a wall of the furnace, and the thermostat may be secured to the wall of the furnace without the use of screws.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a domical structure capable of enclosing the majority of operational and structural elements of a waste-to-energy or waste processing facility. The domical structure according to the present invention improves the aesthetic appearance of the facility by enclosing the majority of the machinery, equipment and activities from outside view. The domical structure also reduces the cost of construction and operation by reducing the support structure and improving lighting and climate control. Domical structure according to the present invention also includes means for easily transferring waste and materials between different areas or processing portions of a waste-to-energy facility and for reducing downwash airflow characteristics associated with wind patterns in the wake of tall chimneys and rectangular structures.

Abstract: A kiln method and apparatus wherein a kiln chamber is formed of appropriate material, preferably having an oval cross-section with grooves in the narrower sides of the oval and oval shaped shelves which can be inserted into the oval chamber and turned so as to be supported within said grooves, and heat producing apparatus exterior of said chamber surrounded in turn by appropriate insulating material, resulting in a kiln having the mechanical structure of an endo skeleton supporting heating elements, shelves, lid, insulation, temperature control apparatus, and the like.

Abstract: A laboratory scale incinerator simulation system having a primary combustion furnace and an associated secondary combustion furnace with both such combustion furnaces being adapted so that they can function with combustion chambers of various volumes to permit study of a wide variety of combustion parameters for determining optimum incineration conditions in commercial incinerators for both liquid and solid materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging a cyclone furnace in which a series of flexible hollow tubes are inserted into the combustion chamber and the explosive charges in each hollow tube are detonated sequentially. Each of the hollow tubes is biased outwardly against the accumulated slag and ash in the combustion chamber. The hollow tubes may be formed in arcs or rings in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber, and spacer rings may be positioned between each ring.

Abstract: The invention provides a furnace for the controllable combustion of thermite. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention comprises a furnace housing having a combustion chamber into which thermite, in the form of rods, wires, or ribbons of encapsulated pellets, may be fed by an automatic feeder. An electric arc within the housing ignites the thermite. Coils embedded in the furnace housing circulate fluids for drawing off the energy product of thermite combustion beyond the furnace housing for utilization. The rate of combustion may be controlled by use of a vented flue, an adjustable feeder, and by cutter edges which snip the thermite to prevent further burning. The furnace housing contains insulation for retaining combustion heat product so that heat retained by the housing may continue to be drawn off by the coils. The invention provides a compact and thermally efficient furnace for diverse energy purposes, such as home heating or producing steam for driving turbine generators.

Abstract: A touring system is provided on a waste processing plant which includes a number of processing stations, including reception, sorting, mixing na pumping, fermentation, pressing, and refining. A housing is provided on each station. A passage is connected between every two adjacent housings. A transparent dome is provided in each housing so that people in the housing may observe a processing or a treatment of the waste without feel disgust and may realize how the waste is reusable.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preheating of liquid waste having a heated sealed container, a liquid waste tank, a jacket positioned around the sealed container so as to form a heat exchange region between the interior of the jacket and the exterior of the sealed container, and an injector for transmitting a heated liquid waste from the tank into the interior of the sealed container. An inert gas container is connected to the waste tank so as to pass argon gas for displacing the oxygen from the interior of the liquid waste tank. An insulating layer is formed around the exterior of the sealed container and the waste tank. Suitable conduits connect the waste tank with the heat exchange region of the sealed container. A storage vessel is in valved relationship with the liquid waste tank. Suitable pumping is provided so as to transmit the liquid waste into the heat exchange region and back to the liquid waste tank.

Abstract: An igniter is provided for slip-on attachment to the free end of a thermal lance. The igniter includes a slip-on cartridge having a frictional support cap. A priming composition (12) and a primer (13) located within the cartridge. The primer (13) is designed as a friction primer and includes a spiral wire friction element within the primer and connected to the cap. Under the pressure of oxygen introduced into the lance, the cap is forced outwardly with the wire friction element activating the primer to create ignition of the priming composition (12), and the operation of the thermal lance.

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: The buildup of slag or ash on the interior surface of a furnace wall is monitored by disposing two coils to form a transformer which is secured adjacent to the inside surface of the furnace wall. The inductive coupling between the two coils of the transformer is affected by the presence of oxides of iron in the slag or ash which is adjacent to the transformer, and the application of a voltage to one winding produces a voltage at the other winding that is related to the thickness of the slag or ash buildup on the inside surface of the furnace wall. The output of the other winding is an electrical signal which can be used to control an alarm or the like or provide an indication of the thickness of the slag or ash buildup at a remote location.

Abstract: A fossil fuel furnace reactor is provided for simulating a continuous processing plant with a batch reactor. An internal reaction vessel contains a batch of shale oil, with the vessel having a relatively thin wall thickness for a heat transfer rate effective to simulate a process temperature history in the selected continuous processing plant. A heater jacket is disposed about the reactor vessel and defines a number of independent controllable temperature zones axially spaced along the reaction vessel. Each temperature zone can be energized to simulate a time-temperature history of process material through the continuous plant. A pressure vessel contains both the heater jacket and the reaction vessel at an operating pressure functionally selected to simulate the continuous processing plant. The process yield from the oil shale may be used as feedback information to software simulating operation of the continuous plant to provide operating parameters, i.e.

Abstract: A new and improved thermal torch or lance useful in boring, cutting, burning, and the like, of hard base materials having a metal burner pipe with fusible wire or rod-like elements therein forming gas passages therebetween. The wire or rod-like elements are surface-pitted by oxidation or other means to cause turbulence within the transient gaseous oxygen stream caused to pass through the torch assembly is heated at the outlet end of the torch to cause an effectively concentrated thermic reaction with the metallic burner pipe and the associated rod-like elements. The result is an exceptionally efficient cutting temperature.

Abstract: An exothermic cutting electrode or burning bar having an oxidizable metal fluid conduit (tube) surrounded by a mass of metal similar to that of the fluid tube, the entire structure covered with an outer oxidizable metallic tube and/or an electrically insulating water impervious cover, either end of the electrode being adapted for connection to a source of oxidizing fluid and electric current, so that, an arc can be struck between a workpiece and the free end of the electrode to produce a cutting flame. By proper selection of the type and mass of the materials of construction the electrode will burn after the electric current has been turned off.