Submerged Flame Patents (Class 122/31.2)
  • Patent number: 11359811
    Abstract: A combustion system with surface-less heat energy exchange for efficient heat energy capture and lower pollutant emission, comprising: a first line feeding an oxygen-rich reactive; a second line feeding a hydrogen fuel; a vessel containing feed-water, a combustion enclosure without a bottom wall submersed into the feed water contained in a vessel, the combustion enclosure configured to receive the feed from each of the first and second line and combust a mixture of the two feeds in a pocket formed between an inner top and side walls of the combustion enclosure and a top surface of the feed-water contained in the vessel; and the combustion within the pocket yielding a high temperature and pressure combustion product and by-product directly into the feed-water of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Batushansky
  • Publication number: 20140345544
    Abstract: A system for heating water used to produce hydraulic fracturing fluid (“fracing fluid”). The system includes a mobile water heating system, and first and second pumps. The heating system is configured to heat water at a first flow rate from a first temperature to a second temperature. The first pump pumps water having the first temperature from a water source to the heating system at the first flow rate. The second pump pumps the heated water from the heating system at a second flow rate. Both the first and second flow rates are at least 20 barrels per minute. The second pump pumps the heated water to a location (e.g., one or more tanks) whereat a proppant and/or a chemical may be added to the heated water to produce fracing fluid. The fracing fluid may be pumped to one or more wells and used to hydraulically fracture an underground formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: James Alan Cooper, Jeffery K. Cooper, Gerald Wayne Lind, Justin Lydell Mason, Noland Harper Critchfield
  • Patent number: 8852394
    Abstract: Apparatus for evaporating waste water having chemicals therein which cause foaming comprises a holding tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, one or more submerged combustion chambers with burners suspended within the holding tank, and, one or more foam skimming weirs located in an upper portion of the holding tank, the one or more foam skimming weirs defining one or more foam collection zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Inproheat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Leopold Panz, Steven Eric Panz, Wesley Young, Roger P. Boulter
  • Patent number: 8852393
    Abstract: Apparatus for evaporating waste water having dissolved solids therein comprising a holding tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, a submerged combustion chamber with burner suspended within the holding tank, the submerged combustion chamber having a plurality of vertical slots defined therein near a bottom thereof which span a substantial portion of a height of the submerged combustion chamber, a blower connected to provide air under positive pressure to the burner, and, a vent stack coupled to an upper portion of the holding tank for allowing water vapor to exit the holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Inproheat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Leopold Panz, Steven Eric Panz, Wesley Young, Roger P. Boulter
  • Patent number: 8763564
    Abstract: A water heater includes a storage tank for storing water, a combustion chamber, a burner positioned in the combustion chamber, and a heat exchanger positioned in the storage tank. The burner produces products of combustion. The heat exchanger receives the products of combustion from the combustion chamber and transfers heat from the products of combustion to the water stored in the storage tank. The heat exchanger includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is positioned above the combustion chamber and the lower portion is positioned below the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Ayman Abdel-Rehim, Yonghua Cheng, Larry N. Chanasyk
  • Publication number: 20130145996
    Abstract: Mobile water heating systems for producing hot water are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a mobile water heating system includes a water heater having an oval-cylindrical shape. The water heater includes a shell, a lid and a water reservoir having a screen. A first heating coil and a second heating coil can extend between the screen and a first cone and a second cone, respectively. A first burner and a second burner can be configured to mix and combust fuel and air and direct the resulting flames through the heating coils. Pall rings can at least partially fill an interior volume of the water heater and the combustion of the fuel and air can heat the heating coils and the pall rings. Water can be heated by being directed through the heating coils and through a water manifold positioned to spray water on the pall rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ENERGY HEATING, LLC
    Inventor: Energy Heating, LLC
  • Publication number: 20120298053
    Abstract: A valve assembly including a block forming a bore. An air inlet opening is in communication with the bore, and provides a volume of air into the bore. The bore provides communication between the air inlet opening and at least one air outlet passage. A fuel inlet opening is in communication with the bore, and provides a volume of fuel into the bore. The bore provides communication between the fuel inlet opening and at least one fuel outlet passage. A pintle is slidably positionable within the bore to control the volume of air directed out of the bore through the air outlet passage and the volume of fuel directed out of the bore through the fuel outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Fuel Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Torey W. DEGRAZIA, JR., Margaret Rajski
  • Patent number: 8111980
    Abstract: A water heater including a water inlet line having an inlet opening that introduces cold water to a tank, a water outlet line having an outlet opening that withdraws heated water from the tank, and a heating element. The water heater further includes a control circuit. The heating element can be an electrical resistance heating element, a gas heating element, or a combination thereof. In one construction, the gas heating element includes a first combustive section and a second combustive section separately controlled from the first combustive section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Bradenbaugh
  • Patent number: 8033254
    Abstract: A submerged combustion vaporizer may include a premix burner with multiple integral mixers for forming premix and discharging the premix into the duct system that communicates the burner with the sparger tubes. The SCV may further include a NOx suppression system that injects a staged fuel stream into the exhaust in the duct system, and/or a NOx suppression system that mixes water with the premix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fives North American Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hannum, Thomas F. Robertson, John N. Newby, John J. Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 7954459
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing liquid are provided which employ a plurality of rods disposed within a storage vessel that serve as the heat transfer element. While the plurality of rods are generally submerged by the liquid fuel to facilitate heat transfer and vaporization of the liquid fuel, the rods may be packed closely together such that the liquid inventory required to maintain the rods in a submerged state is substantially less than required by conventional fuel supply systems, thereby permitting the weight of a fuel supply system that incorporates the apparatus and method to be reduced while still permitting effective vaporization of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan Z. Ullman, Albert D. Tomassian, Brian L. Wherley, Clyde D. Newman
  • Patent number: 7845314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of disposing of produced water and to a produced water disposal apparatus including a container for receiving and holding produced water; and a burner having a combustion chamber, wherein at least a portion of the combustion chamber is submerged in the water and the submerged portion of the combustion chamber comprises a sparger tube through which combustion gases emerge into, mix with and agitate the water. The present invention further relates to a mechanism for removing debris from the produced water disposal apparatus. In one embodiment, heat is supplied from an externally operated combustion system, rather than the submerged combustion. In one embodiment, the apparatus provides a concentrator, in which a solute can be removed and recovered from an aqueous medium containing the solute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: David G. Smith
  • Patent number: 7832365
    Abstract: A submerged combustion vaporizer may include a premix burner with multiple integral mixers for forming premix and discharging the premix into the duct system that communicates the burner with the sparger tubes. The SCV may further include a NOx suppression system that injects a staged fuel stream into the exhaust in the duct system, and/or a NOx suppression system that mixes water with the premix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fives North American Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hannum, Thomas F. Robertson, John N. Newby, John J. Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 7455060
    Abstract: A startup burner assembly for use in snow melting applications, and which permits initiation of snow melting without first supplying water as a coolant. The startup burner assembly comprises a fuel burner having adjustable combustion output and a nozzle to facilitate the emergence of products of combustion, and a combustion chamber having a first portion in substantially air-tight communication with the fuel burner and enclosing the nozzle and a second portion shaped and dimensioned for disposition into a snow melting receptacle or pit. The combustion chamber has a plurality of discharge holes formed at least on the second portion thereof to permit the egress of products of combustion from the fuel burner into the tank or pit, and thereby permit agitation and melting of snow loaded therein, The startup burner assembly also includes an air cooling assembly for supplying air to cool at least the first portion of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Trecan Combustion Limited
    Inventors: David Burnett, Steven Meredith, Glen Burnett
  • Publication number: 20080251036
    Abstract: A submerged combustion vaporizer may include a premix burner with multiple integral mixers for forming premix and discharging the premix into the duct system that communicates the burner with the sparger tubes. The SCV may further include a NOx suppression system that injects a staged fuel stream into the exhaust in the duct system, and/or a NOx suppression system that mixes water with the premix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Mark C. Hannum, Thomas F. Robertson, John N. Newby, John J. Nowakowski
  • Publication number: 20080035078
    Abstract: The invention is about a submerged combustion method and the device; in details, it is a submerged combustion method and the device utilizing turbine heat engine principle. In the invention, turbine power combustion means is used and substituted conventional submerged combustion system that must equip air blowing means. The high temperature gases generated from the combustion within the turbine power combustion means will do works on turbine, which will drive the air compressor means of the turbine power combustion means to induce air for combustion, and will drive the second-time complete combustion of high temperature gases and the complement fuel, and then the gases will come out from water bottom against tank water pressure and carry out heat interchange with tank water. The turbine submerged combustion boiler device of the invention need not equip air blowing means additionally which would consume energy. So it has high energy efficiency and a simple system structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Weicheng Li
  • Patent number: 7299769
    Abstract: A water heater is shown having a closed metal tank with an upwardly mounted combustion chamber and burner/blower assembly. Curved fire tubes convey the products of combustion from the chamber to an exterior mounted flue assembly. The closed tank is enclosed by a rotomolded jacket. A support stand with vertically arranged support legs supports the tank in a normally vertical position but also allows the tank to be pivoted to a horizontal position on the support stand for maintenance or repair operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: PVI Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Hubbard, Mark Allen Ferguson, Frank Austin Myers, Paul James Bothner
  • Patent number: 7281497
    Abstract: The invention concerns a heat exchanger comprising at least one helically bound bundle of tubes, whereof the thermally conductive wall has a flattened and oval cross-section, whereof the main axis is perpendicular to that (X-X?) of the helix, while the width of the interstice separating two adjacent turns is small and constant, said bundle being fixedly mounted inside a casing (1) fitted with a pipe for evacuating gases generated by a burner (6), means being provided for circulating cold water inside said bundle, said exchanger being further designed so that the hot gases pass radially through the bundle via the interstices of the turns. Said exchanger is characterized in that the casing is made of heat-resistant plastic material and means are provided for ensuring mechanical containment of the beam in the axial direction, and for damping the thrust loads resulting from the fluid internal pressure, preventing their being transmitted to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignees: Societe d'Etude et de Realisation Mecaniques Engeneering en Technologies Avancees
    Inventors: Joseph Le Mer, Rocco Giannoni
  • Patent number: 7168395
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method and device for vaporizing LNG with a submerged combustion vaporizer. The submerged combustion LNG vaporizer uses spiral tube heat transfer circuits and a submerged combustion heat source for vaporizing LNG. The submerged combustion heat source has a unique low submergence heat and mass transfer arrangement for heating circulation water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald E Engdahl
  • Patent number: 6938582
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanging type boiler that includes: a water retaining reservoir 10 in which a predetermined amount of water is charged; and a combustion chamber 33 for emitting heating gas at a high temperature to the water in the water retaining reservoir 10 through a heating gas supply pipe 20 such that the water in the water retaining reservoir 10 is raised to produce steam at a high pressure, the boiler characterized in that a water discharging film 32 disposed between the heating gas supply pipe 20 and the water and having a plurality of fine through holes such that the water in the water retaining reservoir 10 is not leaked to the combustion chamber 33 and at the same time the heating gas emitted to the water by means of the heating gas supply pipe 20 is distributed in substantially small bubble form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Chang Gun Shin
  • Patent number: 6820818
    Abstract: A high-efficiency hydronic heating system will make use of a direct-fired steam generator to directly heat the water in the hydronic heating system. The products of combustion, present with the steam due to the steam generator being direct-fired, are also introduced into the hydronic heating system water. Before venting the products of combustion from the packed column, heat from these products of combustion is extracted in a secondary heat exchanger to preheat the combustion air before it is used in the direct-fired steam generator. Water is a product of combustion. Over time, this excess water will overfill the hydronic heating system if it is not removed. A water dump system is used for the removal of the excess water. By measuring the water removed and the fuel used in the direct-fired steam generator, an efficiency can be calculated for visual feedback. The products of combustion will also tend to cause the water in the hydronic heating system to become acidic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: David P. Welden
  • Patent number: 6772712
    Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Vapor Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Aldon R. Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20040060522
    Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Vapor Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Aldon R. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 6666172
    Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Vapor Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Aldon R. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 6397786
    Abstract: An indirect damp generator is arranged atop water to generate moisture. The indirect damp generator mainly comprises a floating carrier, a vapor generator arranged atop the floating carrier and a heatproof article with capillary function below the vapor generator and assembled to the vapor generator. The heatproof article is inserted into water to guide the water upward to the vapor generator. The vapor generator evaporates tiny droplet from water with high efficiency and does heat water on bottom of container thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 6338337
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel two-stage heat recovery submerged combustion heating system. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel submerged combustion heating system with a lowered self-cooling combustion chamber and a two stage heat recovery system. The system can be installed singly or in combination with other similar submerged combustion systems to heat large quantities of liquids and liquid-solid solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Inproheat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Leopold Panz, Steven Eric Panz, Joseph Lech Jachniak
  • Patent number: 6293277
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel two-stage heat recovery submerged combustion heating system. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel submerged combustion heating system with a lowered self-cooling combustion chamber and a two stage heat recovery system. The system can be installed singly or in combination with other similar submerged combustion systems to heat large quantities of liquids and liquid-solid solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Inproheat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Leopold Panz, Steven Eric Panz, Joseph Lech Jachniak
  • Patent number: 6289852
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating water to one of a plurality of predetermined temperatures and for generating steam. A burner with a water jacket receives water from a pump which obtains water from a water source flowing through one of plurality of different flow circuits. The burner provides heat for heating the water to one of the predetermined temperatures as selected by an operator. The water flow through the burner is regulated by a temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the water within the water jacket. The water flow changes if the temperature sensor senses a temperature which is higher or lower than the predetermined value. Steam may further be generated though a further steam flow circuit to maintain water temperatures with the containers or to heat the water within the containers to desired temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: International Thermal Investments Ltd.
    Inventors: Cristian Murgu, Edgar C. Robinson, Leonard William Fleming
  • Patent number: 6223698
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for producing hot water comprising at least one burner (13) arranged to produce rapid combustion inside the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber consists of a sealed container (14) delimiting an internal volume separated from the water so as to allow dry combustion. Said container (14) is immersed in a water section (12) and it is extended by at least one smoke gas diffuser (15) diffusing the smoke gases above the water section within a mass of water showered by spraying means (10). A layer of nodules (11) can be interposed on the path of the smoke gases and the sprayed water so as to increase the thermal exchange generated, by direct contact between the smoke gases and the water spray, and by conduction between container (14) and water section (12). The invention enables to achieve excellent thermal efficiency levels while producing smoke gases with a reduced CO ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Lacaze S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Lacaze