Abstract: A combustion system is divided into a thermal decomposition section and a combustion section. The thermal decomposition section thermally decomposes or partially bums solid combustibles, thereby generating combustible gases. The quantity or quality of the generated combustible gases is measured, and combustion air corresponding to the measured value is supplied to the combustion section. The quality and temperature of the combustible gases in the thermal decomposition section are detected, and the quantity of solid combustibles and air (or the quantity of heat) supplied to the thermal decomposition section are controlled.

Abstract: A programmed temperature controller including a difference detector which detects a temperature difference .DELTA.T between a quick-response temperature TC2 and a slow-response temperature TC3 at a quickly-responding portion and a slowly-responding portion of a workpiece (e.g., on the surface and core portions thereof). Also included is a comparator which compares the temperature difference .DELTA.T against an allowable difference limit preset by a difference setter. When the temperature difference .DELTA.t is found to be outside the allowable difference limit, a slope operator is actuated by the comparator, so as to calculate a slope of temperature change with respect to time of a program pattern PP which keeps the temperature difference .DELTA.t within the allowable limit. The above-mentioned slope in the program pattern PP is modified to the calculated value, and the temperature difference .DELTA.T is maintained within the allowable difference limit.

Abstract: A computerized method of digitally controlling the temperature profile of a heated article in which the temperature profile is defined by a plurality of temperature zones spaced about the article. The temperature profile of the article is monitored and a heating cycle requirement of the temperature zones of the profile is computed. A train of minute increments of power is supplied to heat each respective zone in accordance with the computed heating cycle requirements to achieve a precision approximately between .+-.0.1.degree. and .+-.0.5.degree. C. in a temperature range of approximately 400.degree. C. to 1,350.degree. C.

Abstract: A system to continually monitor the integrity of control and safety thermocouples within a furnace comprising a low furnace temperature reader connected in parallel with a high furnace temperature reader to a single safety thermocouple.

Abstract: A condition control system adapted to supply a working fluid that has been modified by transferring energy to or from the working fluid is disclosed wherein a minimum energy loss is accomplished in operating the control system. The control system adjusts the setpoint of the system in response to parameters measured around the system and further provides for a minimum on/off cycling of the system in the event that the system is applied to a device which alters the working fluid between a fixed lower rate and an upper rate as would be typical in a burner-boiler configuration.

Abstract: A fluid fuel burning system is mounted in a firetube and generates heat of combustion which is transferred to industrial fluid flowing through a vessel in which the firetube is mounted. The air for combustion flows into the burner as primary air mixing with the fluid fuel and a secondary air which is regulated as it flows to the combustion being completed downstream of the burner. The regulation is carried out with a damper positioned in the entrance to the firetube.

Abstract: The control system includes a controller and a clocking circuit along with a computer for each one of the coke oven chambers. A first control signal is responsive to the occurrence of charging coal into a given oven chamber and starts the clock. A second control signal is responsive to the pushing of coke from the oven chamber and stops the clock. When the duration of the coking time for a given oven chamber exceeds a predetermined coking time, the controller provides a signal for operating valves to terminate the flow of combustion gases into heating flues at the sides of that coke oven chamber. In the system, the computer updates coking time and establishes from time-to-time from data fed to it, the thermal state of each heating flue in the battery.

Abstract: A digital process control function generator wherein a timing clock, in conjunction with programmable read only memories controls variables in a process with respect to time.