Abstract: A system and method for converting hazardous waste vapors into a renewable energy source is disclosed. The system comprises a feeding system operatively coupled to a combustion system. The feeding system includes a vapor byproduct source capable of producing hydrocarbon vapors and a means for separating any liquids or particulates from the hydrocarbon vapor to create a purified vapor. The combustion system includes a compressor operable to pressurize the purified vapor to a select pressure range, a means for enriching the purified vapor with a select percentage of natural gas to form a fuel mixture, and a generator operable for converting the combined fuel mixture into electricity. Optionally, the combustion system may utilize a microturbine in combination with a fuel storage system, eductor, and a calorimeter and density meter to ensure maximum energy efficiency based on a select input range for fuel composition and pressure.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data characterizing a speed of an acoustic signal through a gas mixture in a pipe. The speed of the acoustic signal can be detected by an ultrasonic flow meter coupled to the pipe. The method also includes receiving data characterizing a concentration of one or more inert gases in the gas mixture detected by an inert gas analyzer. The method further includes determining, based on the received data characterizing the speed of the acoustic signal and the received data characterizing the concentration of the one or more inert gases in the gas mixture, a net heating value of the gas mixture. The method also includes adjusting a processing of the gas mixture based on the determined net heating value.

Abstract: A gas meter system is configured to: derive a unit heating value of a gas passing through a first gas meter; and estimate a heating value of a gas passing through a second gas meter provided separately from the first gas meter based on the heating value of the gas of the first gas meter that is arranged within a predetermined range with respect to the second gas meter on a gas supply pipe configured to supply the gas. The gas meter system and a heating value estimation method can estimate a heating value of a gas with high accuracy.

Abstract: A measurement unit (101) acquires a first value serving as a thermal conductivity index and a second value serving as a thermal diffusivity index, with respect to a fuel gas to be measured, at a first temperature, a second temperature, and a third temperature that are different from each other. A change rate calculation unit (102) calculates a temperature change rate ?1 of the first value between the first temperature and the second temperature, measured by the measurement unit (101), a temperature change rate ?2 of the first value between the second temperature and the third temperature, a temperature change rate ?1 of the second value between the first temperature and the second temperature, and a temperature change rate ?2 of the second value between the second temperature and the third temperature.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of a hydrocarbon containing gas mixture, especially natural gas or biogas, comprising: allowing the gas mixture to flow through a measuring arrangement; determining a pressure- and temperature dependent viscosity measured value, an associated measured value of temperature and an associated pressure measured value of the flowing gas mixture; ascertaining a first value of a first variable, which characterizes the energy content of the flowing gas mixture, based on viscosity measured value, the associated measured value of temperature, and the associated pressure measured value, wherein the first variable characterizing the energy content is the Wobbe index or the calorific value of the flowing gas mixture, wherein the Wobbe index is preferable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for testing simultaneously multiple fuel materials for suitability of producing excess heat. In some embodiments, multiple fuel materials are placed on a substrate with a thermoelectric converter inserted in between each fuel material and the substrate. When a triggering condition is applied, exothermic reactions may be triggered in some of the fuel materials. The voltage output of the thermoelectric converters is a direct measurement of the temperature of each fuel material, which is an indicator of whether an exothermic reaction is taking place in the fuel material. A known fuel material may be included in the testing array to establish the baseline of voltage readings.

Abstract: Analyzer 1 for analyzing a fluid 3 containing at least one substance to be analyzed and at least one inflammable substance containing: a source of gas 9 to provide a flux of diluent gas, an injecting nozzle 11 for introducing samples of the fluid into the flux of diluent gas and for producing a gaseous flux, and a detector 7 for analyzing the gaseous flux, wherein: the source of gas is intended to deliver a flux of diluent gas containing a material capable of supporting the combustion of the inflammable substance, preferably to deliver a flux of air, the injection nozzle is configured so as to introduce into the diluent gas samples of the fluid such that the average volume fraction of the fluid in the gaseous flux is less than 1/2,000 and preferably less than 1/20,000, and the detector contains at least one microsensor for detecting the substance to be analyzed. Corresponding method.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a light source device configured by an excitation light source, a light guiding member and a wavelength converter that are connected in order, and an operation check device. The system further includes: a connector configured to directly and physically connect the operation check device to a light signal emitting end which includes the wavelength converter; a detector configured to detect a light signal emitted from the light signal emitting end when the light signal emitting end and the operation check device are connected by the connector; and an operation determiner configured to determine the operations of the excitation light source, the light guiding member, and the wavelength converter by a detection result in the detector.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and methods for facilitating combustion of a gaseous fuel are provided. The sensor apparatus comprises a combustion apparatus defining a combustion chamber therein. The combustion apparatus is configured to combust a fuel-air mixture within the combustion chamber to produce at least one combustion product. At least one optical diagnostic apparatus is coupled to the combustion apparatus for measuring at least one property of the at least one combustion product within the combustion chamber. A controller is coupled to the at least one optical diagnostic apparatus, and is configured to determine the Wobbe index of the fuel in real-time based on the measured at least one property of the at least one combustion product and pre-determined combustion state data stored within the controller.

Abstract: A calorific value measuring system having a container filled with a mixed gas to be measured; a microchip includes a heating element producing heat at a plurality of heat producing temperatures, disposed within the container; a measuring portion measuring a value of an electric signal from the heating element contacting the mixed gas being measured, at each of the plurality of heat producing temperatures; an equation storage device storing a calorific value calculating equation that has, for independent variables, the electric signals from the heating element at the plurality of heat producing temperatures and, as the dependent variable, the calorific value; and a calorific value calculating portion calculating the value of the calorific value of the mixed gas being measured by substituting the measured values for the electric signal from the heating element into the independent variables in the calorific value calculating equation.

Abstract: A calorific value measuring system, includes a gas flowing in a pipe; the flow rate controlling device; a temperature measuring element in the pipe; a heater element, in the pipe, producing a plurality of temperatures; a measuring portion measuring a value from a temperature measuring element that is dependent on the temperature of the gas, and a value from the heater element at each of a plurality of temperatures; an equation storage device storing a calorific value equation using values from the temperature measuring element and values from the heater element at the plurality of temperatures as independent variables and uses the calorific value as the dependent variable; and a calorific value portion calculating a value for the calorific value of a gas through substituting a value from the temperature measuring element and a value from the heater element into the independent variables of the calorific value equation.

Abstract: A calorific value measuring system, includes a gas flowing in a pipe; the flow rate controlling device; a temperature measuring element in the pipe; a heater element, in the pipe, producing a plurality of temperatures; a measuring portion measuring a value from a temperature measuring element that is dependent on the temperature of the gas, and a value from the heater element at each of a plurality of temperatures; an equation storage device storing a calorific value equation using values from the temperature measuring element and values from the heater element at the plurality of temperatures as independent variables and uses the calorific value as the dependent variable; and a calorific value portion calculating a value for the calorific value of a gas through substituting a value from the temperature measuring element and a value from the heater element into the independent variables of the calorific value equation.

Abstract: An ultra accurate gas injection system with vehicle transient air simulation is provided. The device includes an input device, at least one mass flow device, an air flow device, a controller, such as a PC based controller, and an output device. The air flow device issues an air flow rate signal indicative of at least the actual air flow rate and receives an air flow control signal. The controller issues gas and air flow control signals, repeatedly reads the air flow rate signal and compares the actual air flow rate with the target air flow rate. The controller adjusts the air flow control signal such that the actual air flow rate is substantially equal to the target air flow rate. The mass flow device injects at least one gas into the air stream which is subsequently emitted into the external system to simulate exhaust gas from a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for determining the concentration of a critical first component, such as hydrogen, of an atmosphere or environment (E), wherein the first component is capable of forming a combustible mixture with a second component, such as oxygen; the apparatus comprises: (A) a sampling unit (10) including: (A1) a small measuring chamber (12) operatively connected with an ignition means (135) capable of being operated so as to initiate in said chamber a combustion of said critical first component by reaction with said second component, and (A2) at least one sensor (15) operatively connected with said measuring chamber for generating a signal formed by essentially proportionate contributions from all significant components contained in said measuring chamber; (B) at least one flame arrestor (14) intervening between said measuring chamber (12) and aid environment (E) of interest; and (C) a control unit (16) capable of imposing a mode of operation in at least two distinct phases wherein, during a first phase,

Abstract: Ceramic liners for use with closed bomb devices are disclosed. The closed bomb devices measure performance properties of energetic materials, such as solid propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnic formulations. The closed bomb devices include a body and a ceramic liner. Alumina silicate and boron nitride are two currently preferred ceramic liner materials which have low compressibility, low thermal conductivity, and excellent durability.

Abstract: The heating value of a sample gas is calculated by a microcontroller (12) from the heating value of a reference gas, and from flow ratios and power levels determined as the gas is combusted by a flameless combustion process. The combustible gas is mixed with a combustion supporting gas, such as air, and flowed to a body of material (26, 52) which is heated to a temperature sufficient for oxidation of the gas mixture. The size of spaces in a first embodiment of a heater device (9, 11, 25, 26) and in a second embodiment of a heater device (50) are limited to prevent formation of an open flame. In a preferred "lean mixture" embodiment, the gas-air mixture of the reference gas, and the gas-air mixture of the sample gas, respectively, are each adjusted until a selected power level of combustion at a temperature lower than the point of stoichiometric combustion is reached.

Abstract: The heating value of a sample gas is calculated by a microcontroller (12) from the heating value of a reference gas, and from an oxidation energy ratio determined as the gas is combusted by a flameless combustion process. The combustible gas is mixed with a combustion supporting gas, such as air, in a volume chamber (4) and injected into a combustion device (8, 50) in which a body of inert material (26, 51, 53) is heated above the auto-ignition temperature of the gas mixture. The inert material (26, 51, 53) is arranged to have a void dimension that is small enough to prevent the formation of an open flame during combustion. The process is repeated with a sample gas. During the injection cycle, the microcontroller (12) receives signals which monitor the power of combustion. The microcontroller (12) calculates the heating value of the sample gas and generates an output signal to a visual display or other output device.

Abstract: The heating value of a sample gas is calculated by a microcontroller (12) from the heating value of a reference gas, and from flow ratios and power levels determined as the gas is combusted by a flameless combustion process. The combustible gas is mixed with a combustion supporting gas, such as air, and flowed to a body of material (26, 52) which is heated to a temperature sufficient for oxidation of the gas mixture. The size of spaces in a first embodiment of a heater device (9, 11, 25, 26) and in a second embodiment of a heater device (50) are limited to prevent formation of an open flame. In a preferred "lean mixture" embodiment, the gas-air mixture of the reference gas, and the gas-air mixture of the sample gas, respectively, are each adjusted until a selected power level of combustion at a temperature lower than the point of stoichiometric combustion is reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the calorific value of a combustible gas including passing an amount of gas through a hydrocarbon detection device comprising interconnected first and second measuring cells, the first measuring cell including a catalyzing substance, wherein the first and second measuring cells provide a signal, the signal is integrated to determine a value, and the value is compared with calibrated values to determine the calorific value. In another embodiment, the Wobbe index of natural gas is determined further including determining the density of the gas and calculating the Wobbe index from the calorific value and density.

Abstract: A microcalorimeter includes instrumentation for reducing measurement errors due to system fluctuations. One or more sensors is utilized to detect heat content of a sample gas, and create a composition independent system. Instrumentation for automatically compensating for pressure and temperature variations is also employed in the microcalorimeter. A method for continuously measuring the BTU content of a gas utilizing the microcalorimeter includes steps for adjusting system parameters in response to changes in ambient conditions and sample gas composition to further reduce measurement error.

Abstract: Device for determining the Wobbe index of a first gas mixture, including a Wobbe index meter having a mixing chamber, and a feed system for supplying a first gas mixture and an oxidation gas to the mixing chamber of the Wobbe index meter. The feed system includes structure for supplying the first gas mixture to the mixing chamber via a first number of openings, structure for supplying an oxidation gas to the mixing chamber via a second number of openings, structure for keeping a constant ratio between the a quantity of first gas mixture and the a quantity of oxidation gas supplied to the mixing chamber, structure for burning the second gas mixture formed in the mixing chamber and structure for determining the oxygen content of the combustion gas obtained after combustion.

Abstract: A gas sensor for measuring gas constituents, particularly exhaust gas constituents for an internal combustion engine, comprising a pair of polysilicon plates, each plate supporting a pair of resistors, one serving as a heater and the other as a thermometer, one plate being coated with a catalyst to promote combustion of unburned combustible gas constituents, wherein provision is made for reducing temperature gradients across the plates and for effecting temperature uniformity of the catalyst while maintaining a high degree of structural integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the heat of combustion of a material. The apparatus comprises a burner capable of producing a diffusional flame; a device for conveying a sample of the material to the burner, so that the sample is burned within the diffusional flame; and a mechanism for determining the height of the flame in the burner. The method of the invention comprises forming a diffusional flame; burning a sample of the material within the diffusional flame; determining the height of the diffusional flame which results as the sample is burned; and comparing the height determined when the sample was burned with heights determined when standards were burned, the standards having known values for their heats of combustion.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the combustion characteristics of a gaseous fuel. Wobbe index and calorific value are measured with a fast response time by maintaining a stoichiometric mixture in a mixer supplied with the gaseous fuel at a constant pressure together with ambient air. The pressure of ambient air is controlled by measuring the residual oxygen from combustion of the mix and employing variations in that measured value to control the ambient air supplied to the mixer. The control signal for the ambient air is proportional to the Wobbe index. A separate measurement of the oxygen in the stoichiometric mix provides a signal proportional to the calorific fuel value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the mass and energy flow rate of a gas through a pipeline. The invention determines the ratio of the mass flow rate of pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline compared to the mass flow rate of sample gas tapped from the pipeline line. The invention involves tapping sample gas from the pipeline and flowing the sample gas to a capillary tube or a similar device for creating a pressure differential in a small flow. The sample gas is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the gas in the pipeline while the sample gas is in the capillary tube. The sample gas flows through the capillary tube continuously as controlled by a flow controller at a rate that is independent of the pipeline gas flow rate. A differential pressure cell measures the pressure differential of the sample gas across the capillary tube and also measures the pressure differential of the pipeline gas across an orifice in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the calorific value of a first combustible gas involves mixing the first combustible gas with a second combustible gas having a known calorific value and with a combustion supporting gas and burning the resulting mixture, detecting a property of the burning mixture indicative of whether the burning occurred at the stoichiometric point, adjusting the relative flow rates of the first and second combustible gases and the combustion supporting gas so that said burning occurs substantially at the stoichiometric point or at a selected offset from that point, and ascertaining the volume ratios of the gases at the adjusted flow rate to produce a value proportional to the overall calorific value of the mixture of the first and second combustible gases. Based on the foregoing, the contribution to the overall calorific value made by the second combustible gas having a known calorific value can be deleted to yield the calorific value of the first combustible gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the mass and energy flow rate of a gas through a pipeline. The invention determines the mass flow ratio of a pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline compared to sample gas tapped from the pipeline line when the volumetric flow of pipeline gas through the pipeline is measured by a linear flow meter. Sample gas tapped from the pipeline is flowed to a chamber having a section with a fixed volume until the pressure in the chamber section is substantially equal to the pipeline gas pressure. The sample gas is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the gas in the pipeline while the sample gas is in the chamber section. A timer measures the time interval for the sample gas to flow from the chamber section at a selected rate for a calculated pressure drop the selected rate being controlled by a flow controller. The mass flow ratio is computed using the measured time interval and a signal from the linear flow meter.

Abstract: A gas calorimeter and method of measuring the calorific value of fuel gases in which a fixed volume of gas to be measured is burned in a controlled environment. The temperature increase of the air in the environment caused by the burning is used to determine the calorific value of the gas. The gas to be measured is intermittently supplied to the controlled environment using a base plate which has portions defining a plurality of dispersion holes in a distributed manner so that a greater number of the plurality of dispersion holes are in and around the periphery of the base plate than are in and toward the center of the base plate.

Abstract: The BTU content of a sample of natural gas is measured using a computer controlled microcalorimeter micro-sensor instrument employing a catalytic sensor. The instrument is portable for in field use and is able to obtain measurement accuracy of better than .+-.1%. A carrier gas, a standard reference gas and the sample gas to be measured are injected in a controlled manner through use of computer controlled solenoid valves and flow control valves, and a measurement loop injects precise gas volumes to enable a highly accurate BTU measurement by the catalytic sensor.

Abstract: A calorimetry system for measurement of the heating value of coal having a combustor 24 and a mixing unit 30 wherein heat from combustion gases is transferred to air. The system has a gravimetric feeder 64 for providing coal at a measured mass feed rate; the coal including any moisture present therein. The coal is pulverized in an air-driven mill or pulverizer 14 which is fed coal from the feeder and is separated by a cyclone separator 16 into two streams; one carrying coal and air mixed together in a controlled ratio to the combustor. The air which drives the separator, together with fines of the coal and moisture is fed to an afterburner 26 of the combustor so that the thermal dynamics of the entire coal stream is involved in the heating value measurement. Instrumentatoin measures the flow rates of cooling air, primary air which carries the coal streams into the combustor and secondary combustion air as well as the mass flow rates of the coal into the combustor as measured with the gravimetric feeder.

Abstract: A calorimeter of the liquid flow type. The calorimeter includes a chamber in communication with a medium to be delivered to the chamber at a steady rate of flow. It also includes a heat exchanger having a liquid flowing therethrough at a steady rate of flow in a non-recirculating manner. The chamber is submerged within the heat exchanger and formed so as to release the heating medium from the chamber into the liquid as the liquid is flowing through the heat exchanger. The calorimeter also is capable of measuring an increase in temperature from a first point to a second point as the liquid is flowing at a steady rate through the heat exchanger. As a result, the calorimeter can measure the heating value of a heating medium at preselected intervals or continuously.

Abstract: A calorimetry systems for the continuous measurement of the heating value of coal, which provides heating value data used to control coal-fired furnaces. The system has apparatus for pulverizing the coal, a gravimetric feeder for providing pulverized coal at a measured mass feed rate, an initiating self-sustained combustion of the coal therein without the need for further supporting fuel gases. Instrumentation measures the flow rates of the cooling air, primary and secondary combustion air as well as the mass flow rates of the coal into the combustor. A computer is provided which is responsive to the measuring instruments (thermocouples and pressure gauges) for controlling the feeding of the coal and fuel gases during initiation of combustion and for computing the heating value of the coal. The computer has a memory with storage for specific heat values of the constituents of the products of combustion of various ranks of coal (bituminous, subbituminous, lignite, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the heating power of a combustible gas. The ratio of the temperature of gases entering and exiting a calorimeter is maintained substantially equal to 1, and the entering air is maintained at its water saturation limit. The calorimeter comprises two concentric cells having a central chimney closed at the top and housing a burner. A coiled tube discharges gases from the chimney. Two temperature probes transmit signals to a microprocessor which actuates a heat exchanger provided in an external wall of the outermost concentric cell.

Abstract: A bench-scale apparatus for measuring the heat-release rate of pyrolysis vapors of a material sample includes an oven having a heated chamber for receiving the sample, a flue and at least one entry port, a radiometer having a radiation sensor disposed in relation to the flue of the oven such that an area into which burning pyrolysis vapors are directed from the flue is adjacent to the radiation sensor, a fuel-gas control valve in communication with the entry port of the oven, and an electronic flow meter for measuring the amount of fuel-gas passing through the control valve, wherein signals from the radiometer operate the fuel-gas control valve to provide an amount of fuel-gas sufficient to maintain a flame of the vapors at a predetermined height, and wherein the meter measures the amount of fuel-gas such that the measurement of the meter is used to indicate the heat-release rate of the pyrolysis vapors.

Abstract: Impurity compensation for compensating the analysis of the calorific content for fuel having an unknown amount of a known additional constituent of interest (impurity) is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment oxygen is the impurity. In that embodiment, the fuel containing the impurity is combusted to achieve substantially stoichiometric combustion by varying the air/fuel ratio supplied to a combustion means by a rotary speed controlled in response to the sensing of oxygen in the combustion products. A first measurement of the calorific content is made using a normal operation of the analyzer and a second measurement is made using a known amount of air added to the combustible gas stream. The true air/fuel ratio and the calorific content is then computed using a predetermined relationship among the system variables.

Abstract: A catalytic calorimeter measures the heat value of a gas and includes a chamber for receiving gas and air. A catalyst within the chamber causes the combustion of the gas and air, while a first thermocouple provides a signal indicating the temperature of the gas and air prior to combustion. A second thermocouple indicates the temperature of the catalyst, which is heated by an electrical resistance heater. A first temperature controller is connected to the second thermocouple and the heater for maintaining the catalyst at a predetermined temperature. A heat sink within the chamber absorbs heat from the products of the combustion of the gas and a third thermocouple indicates the temperature of the heat sink. A Peltier effect thermoelectric cooler is provided to remove heat from the heat sink. A second temperature controller connected to the third thermocouple and the cooler maintains the heat sink at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method of determining heat losses due to incomplete fuel combustion consists in that periodic sampling of fuel combustion products is carried out. The sample is separated into two parts, one of which includes a gaseous phase, and the other, solid and gaseous phases. Oxygen concentration in each part is assessed, after which both parts are heated and burnt up to determine oxygen concentration after burning. Oxygen losses in the gaseous phase and in the mixture of the solid and the gaseous phases are determined, and heat losses due to chemical and total underburning of fuel are defined as the ratio between oxygen losses. Then heat losses due to mechanical underburning of fuel are estimated as the difference of heat losses due to total chemical and mechanical underburning, and chemical underburning of fuel.

Abstract: The apparatus materializing the method of determining the content of combustibles in the products of fuel combustion incorporates an oven with an electric heater connected into the load circuit of a controllable voltage source. The oven is provided with a pipe for introducing a sample of the end products of fuel combustion and with pipes for admitting an oxidizing agent and removing the end products of combustion of the combustibles. The sample is heated in the presence of the oxidizing agent to a temperature equal to or higher than the fire point of the combustibles present in the sample which, consequently, burn down. The temperature during the process of combustion is maintained constant with the aid of a temperature controller having its input connected to a temperature transducer located in the oven and its output connected to the output of the controllable voltage source.

Abstract: A calorific content analyzer for determining the calorific content of a combustible gas while compensating the analysis of the calorific content for fuel entrained oxygen. The gas is combusted to achieve substantially stoichiometric combustion by varying the air/fuel ratio supplied to a combustion chamber by a rotary valve which is speed controlled in response to a sensing of oxygen in the combustion products. A first measurement of the calorific content of the fuel gas is made using a normal operation of the analyzer and a second measurement is made using a known amount of air added by the rotary valve to the combustible gas stream. The true air/fuel ratio and the calorific content of the fuel gas is then computed using a predetermined relationship among the system variables.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring the heating power of a fuel gas comprises a calorimeter containing a vertical cell whose lower part accomodates a burner. The burner and the cell are respectively fed with fuel gas and with combustion air at a predetermined pressure and feed rate. The calorimeter has an external wall defining an annular vertical space with a wall of the cell. A dividing wall parallel to the external wall divides the annular space into concentric enclosures having a thickness which is small as compared with their length and circumferential size. The enclosures contain a same measurement gas and are operatively associated in a differential gas thermometer arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heat load in a plant fed with natural gas of variable calorific value and density consisting of withdrawing a portion of gas from the feed line, burning it in a special combustion chamber, withdrawing the combustion products from the chamber, determining the quantity of free oxygen contained in the dry burnt gas and varying the volumetric throughput of the natural gas on the main line.

Abstract: A method of determining heat losses due to incomplete fuel combustion consists in that periodic sampling of fuel combustion products is carried out. The sample is separated into two parts, one of which includes a gaseous phase, and the other, a solid and a gaseous phases. Oxygen concentration in each part is assessed, after which both parts are heated and burnt up to determine oxygen concentration after burning. Oxygen losses in the gaseous phase and in the mixture of the solid and the gaseous phases are determined, and heat losses due to chemical and total underburning of fuel are defined as the ratio between oxygen losses. Then heat losses due to mechanical underburning of fuel are estimated as the difference of heat losses due to total chemical and mechanical underburning, and chemical underburning of fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas analyzing system uses a rotary valve for mixing fuel gas to be analyzed for calorific content and air. The speed of the rotary valve which determines the air-fuel ratio is controlled by a controller sensing combustion products resulting from a combustion of the fuel gas and air mixture. The control of the air-fuel ratio is arranged to produce a substantially stoichiometric combustion at which condition the calorific content of the fuel gas is determined from the controller operation. The air supplied to the rotary valve is initially pumped through a dehumidifier for removing water vapor to minimize the error in the measurement of the calorific content of the fuel gas produced by the entrained water vapor. The dehumidifier includes a labyrinth in the air flow path which is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler below the dew point temperature of the air stream but above the freezing point of water to produce a condensation of the entrained water vapor on the cooled surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for measuring and determining the total energy flow, that is, BTUs per minute, of combustible gas flowing through a line such as a pipeline. One method includes taking a continuous sample of the gas flowing through the line which sample is a constant proportion of the gas flowing through the line, and burning the sample in equipment which supplies air to the sample in an amount which maximizes its burning temperature. The flow rate of air which produces the maximum burning temperature of the sample is a flow rate which is directly proportional to the rate of energy flow in the main pipeline. Alternately, the flow rate of air which produces a stoichiometric mixture is directly proportional to the rate of energy flow in the main pipeline. Still further, if an excess of air is flowed to the flame, the amount of excess unconsumed oxygen is also a function of the rate of energy flow in the main pipeline. One or another of these parameters is measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the heating value of gaseous fuels is disclosed which include the novel means for establishing a mixture of air and the gaseous fuel of interest in known volumetric proportions. An electrochemical sensor is provided to sense the products of combustion of the precise volumetric mixture and the output of the sensor is indicative of the relation of the mixture to a stoichiometric mixture of fuel and air. This system is provided for adjusting the proportions of fuel and air in the mixture of interest in response to the output of the electrochemical sensor until the sensor indicates that the mixture of known proportions is substantially stoichiometric. The system is provided for determining the heating value of the fuel from a known relationship between the heating value of the constituents of the fuel and the amount of oxygen required for stoichiometric combustion.

Abstract: A combustible gas analyzer for determining the Wobbe Index of a combustible gas uses a constant pressure combustible gas supply and constant flow rate air supply to provide oxygen and gas for combustion. The air is supplied directly to be mixed with the combustible gas while the gas is passed through a variable orifice or valve before mixing with the air supply. A zirconium oxide detector is arranged to measure the oxygen content of the combustion products to enable a predetermined oxygen level to be reached. The valve is operated by a valve control response to the output of the zirconium oxide detector to maintain the preset oxygen level. The position of the valve is monitored as a representation of the Wobbe Index of the combustible gas.

Abstract: A combustible gas analyzer for determining the calorific content of a combustible gas uses a constant flow rate air supply and a constant pressure combustible gas supply to provide oxygen and gas for combustion. The regulated air is supplied directly to be mixed with the combustible gas. On the other hand, the combustible gas is passed through a series connection of a pressure regulator and a variable orifice or valve before mixing with the air supply. A feedback pressure to control the pressure regulator for the gas is obtained from the output of the valve. The mixture of air and gas is burned in a combustion chamber, and a zirconium oxide detector is arranged to measure the oxygen content of the combustion products to enable a predetermined oxygen level to be reached, e.g., stoichiometric combustion. The valve is operated by a valve control apparatus responsive to the output of the detector to maintain the preset oxygen level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the Wobbe Index of gaseous fuels is disclosed in which a mixture of sample fuel, the flow of which is monitored by pressure differential across a flowmeter, and a substantially constant amount of air is burned in the presence of an electrochemical sensor which exhibits a rapid change in output signal about a certain combustion product composition. The fuel content of the mixture is adjusted in response to the sensor output signal until the certain combustion product composition is attained and the Wobbe Index determined from a known relationship between the heating value of the fuel constituents and the amount of oxygen required for the combustion thereof at said certain combustion product composition and the pressure differential across the fuel flowmeter. Calibration of the system may be accomplished with standard gases.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the mass and energy flow rate of a gas through a pipeline. The invention determines the mass flow ratio of a pipeline gas flowing through a pipeline compared to sample gas tapped from the pipeline line when the volumetric flow of pipeline gas through the pipeline is measured by a linear flow meter. Sample gas tapped from the pipeline is flowed to a chamber having a section with a fixed volume until the pressure in the chamber section is substantially equal to the pipeline gas pressure. The sample gas is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the gas in the pipeline while the sample gas is in the chamber section. A timer measures the time interval for the sample gas to flow from the chamber section at a selected rate for a calculated pressure drop the selected rate being controlled by a flow controller. The mass flow ratio is computed using the measured time interval and a signal from the linear flow meter.