Abstract: A gas premix burner in which gas and air are mixed in a suction region of an impeller to form a combustion mixture. The impeller is associated with a blower housing and an electronic control circuit board, all of which are arranged upstream in a blower chamber having at least one flame separating wall. The arrangement prevents the gas and the combustion mixture from reaching the motor landings or the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Improved methods for the destruction of methane gas within a colliery ventilation stream are provided that include the efficient utilization of the energy obtained from the oxidation of the methane gas. In practicing the methods, a colliery vent gas, containing a dilute concentration of methane in air, is oxidized within a matrix bed of heat resistant material to convert the methane to oxidation products with the simultaneous release of heat energy. The heat energy is recovered to thermally heat a working fluid used to operate a steam turbine to produce electricity.

Abstract: The oblique bed wall (6) of the furnace main unit (1) is inclined in downward direction towards the ash discharge outlet (5). Oblique side walls (24R, 24L) are formed in the right and left side walls (1c, 1d) on the inlet (4) side of the furnace main unit (1), and fluidized bed material (S) blown up from the side fluid layers (RS, LS) is guided into the central fluid layer (CS). The fluidized bed material (S) is caused to circulate in succession from the central fluid layer (CS) at the inlet (4) side towards the central fluid layer (CS) at the ash discharge outlet (5) side towards side fluid layers (RS, LS) at the ash discharge outlet (5) side towards side fluid layers (RS, LS) at the inlet (4) side towards central fluid layer (CS) at the inlet (4) side, by dispersive air emitted from dispersive air pipes (21A, 21B, 25). In this way, the fluidized bed material (S) is caused to circulate in virtually a horizontal plane without partitioning walls.

Abstract: A packing as a porous body for burners, in particular for heating systems, is provided with a housing having an inlet for a gas/air mixture as a combustable gas mixture, a combustion chamber, an ignition device in the combustion chamber and an exhaust gas outlet. The combustion chamber is at least partly filled with a three-dimensional ordered packing of heat resistant ceramic material, foil material, or sheet metal material having continuous hollow cavities for the formation of a defined flame zone.

Abstract: A low emission combustion system for use in a fuel-fired apparatus includes a fuel-fired burner (30) operative for generating a flame extending substantially axially outwardly from the outlet of the burner, a heat transfer tube (40) opposed to the outlet of the burner whereby the flame extending from said burner passes into a flame inlet section (48) of the gas flow conduit (46) of the heat transfer tube, a radiator body (50) disposed within the flame inlet section of the gas flow conduit of the heat transfer tube, and a catalytic converter (60) for oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The radiator body (50) has a thermal mass sufficient to reduce peak flame temperatures in the flame inlet section to less than 2800 F. The catalytic converter is disposed within the gas flow conduit at a location downstream of the radiator body.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse. Temperature is sensed within the bed of heat exchange media in order to monitor the temperature profile and control a bypass of hot combustion gases should the temperature exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention concerns a two-stage catalytic burner (1) with at least one feed (3) for a hydrogen or hydrocarbon-containing fuel gas and at least one feed (17) for a combustion gas such as oxygen or air, two combustion stages (15, 16), the second (16) of which is a monolithic burner through which the mixture of gases leaving the first stage (15) passes, and a heat exchanger (8) connected to the burner (1). The first combustion stage (15) is a diffusion burner in which a chamber (6) containing fuel gas is separated from the chamber (7) containing combustion gas by a catalytic layer (burner element 4) which is permeable to the fuel gas. The burner element (4) is made of highly porous catalytically active material with a porosity of >50% and pore size of 0.001 to 100 .mu.m and has a thickness of 0.05 to 10 mm. The fuel gas is fed into chamber (6) and the combustion gas into chamber (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic combustion system comprising a casing (1) having an inlet (2) for an oxidizer such as air, several fuel injection means (3, 5; 7) intended for a multistage fuel injection, and at least a first monolithic element (4) that may be covered with a combustion catalyst and situated downstream from a first fuel injection means (3) in relation to the direction of progress of an air-fuel mixture in the system, said first injection means performing a partial fuel injection, and comprising at least a second monolithic element (6) situated downstream from a second injection means (5), said second monolithic element (6) being intended to stabilize the combustion. The second monolithic element (6) can be covered with a combustion catalyst.

Abstract: An improved fluidized bed reactor having a reactor shell and a reaction chamber within the shell, the reaction chamber having chamber walls and a chamber bottom portion, the improvement comprising at least one baffle disposed within the reaction chamber, the baffle comprising a pair of outer refractory walls, an inner refractory wall between and contiguous with the outer refractory walls, and a metallic reinforcement member embedded within the inner refractory wall, the inner and outer walls being attached to at least the chamber bottom portion.

Abstract: A system for feeding a coal-water paste material coaxially upwardly through a feed nozzle assembly into a pressurized fluidized bed reactor having a lower portion and a larger diameter upper portion. The feed nozzle assembly includes a nozzle unit for atomizing the coal paste feed material, and a concentric outer shroud tube enclosing the nozzle unit. The feed nozzle assembly is inserted upwardly through an opening in the bottom portion of the pressurized fluidized bed reactor into a coaxial orientation with the bed, so as to provide substantially complete combustion and/or carbonization of the coal paste material fed into the reactor to produce a combustible gas product. If desired, a sorbent material nay be fed into the fluidized bed together with the coal paste feed, so as to absorb sulfur from the coal and produce a clean fuel gas. During reactor operations at 130-200 psig pressure and 1,600.degree.-1,800.degree. F.

Abstract: The burner comprises a cylindrical body defining an oil vaporizing chamber, an inlet on the body for oil, and inlet on the body for air and a bed of imitation fuel such as ceramic briquettes. The bed of imitation fuel receives vapor from the chamber for combustion around the imitation solid fuel. Heat generated by such combustion is arranged to vaporize oil in the chamber received rom the oil inlet.

Abstract: The fuel in the fuel rich inner cone of the flame is catalyzed by a partial oxidation catalyst into carbon monoxide and hydrogen which have a lower peak flame temperature thereby reducing thermal NO.sub.x. The insert is heated and radiates heat with a further reduction of peak flame temperature.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system in which a separator receives a mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate material from a fluidized bed in a furnace. A loop seal valve, in the form of three ducts, connects an outlet of the separator to the furnace for recycling the separated particulate material back to the furnace. One of the ducts extends vertically from the separation and another duct extends horizontally from the latter duct and connects this latter duct to an angled duct which registers with an opening in the furnace wall. The last duct is angled downwardly to provide an increased throughput when compared to standard loop seal devices.

Abstract: The method of combusting lean fuel-air mixtures comprising the steps of:a. obtaining a gaseous admixture of fuel and air, said admixture having an adiabatic flame temperature below a temperature which would result in any substantial formation of nitrogen oxides but above about 800.degree. Kelvin,b. contacting at least a portion of said admixture with a catalytic surface and producing reaction products,c. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber, thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: The method of combusting lean fuel-air mixtures comprising the steps of:a. obtaining an admixture of fuel and air, said admixture having an adiabatic flame above about 900.degree. Kelvin;b. passing least a portion of said admixture into contact with one or more mesolith combustion catalysts operating at a temperature below the adiabatic flame temperature of said admixture thereby producing reaction products of incomplete combustion; andc. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber;thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for a combustion device in which an improved flame shape is achieved in that a bundle comprising a plurality of small tubes is arranged in an outer tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for fluidizing a dense phase bed of solid particles, preferably a dense bed of solid catalyst particles. The system includes a dense bed solids housing, a dense bed solids support within the housing, a fluid injection component which sends fluids toward the solids supported within the housing, and a stuctural component which is capable of decreasing the distance between the dense bed solids support and the fluid injection component as the fluid is sent toward the solids that are supported within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cleaning exhaust air containing combustible components comprises at least one combustion chamber for thermally cleaning an exhaust fluid stream and at least two containers adapted for gases to flow therethrough and containing heat storage material for heating the exhaust fluid stream to be cleaned before it enters the combustion chamber and for receiving heat from the cleaned exhaust fluid stream exiting the combustion chamber. Each of the containers has at least one first opening for connecting the container interior to the combustion chamber and at least one second opening for supplying exhaust fluid stream to be cleaned to the container interior and for withdrawing the cleaned exhaust fluid stream from the container interior. The containers accommodating the heat storage substances can be flexibly configured and, if desired, arranged one behind the other in a row.

Abstract: Apparatuses for treating gas streams containing variations in VOC concentration whereby the VOC's are destroyed in a combination non-catalytic/catalytic oxidation system are disclosed. A non-catalytic destruction matrix composed of inert ceramic materials that enhance process mixing and provide thermal inertia for process stability is used when VOC concentrations are high and a catalytic oxidizer is principally used when VOC concentrations are low. The exhaust from the non-catalytic destruction matrix is passed through the catalytic oxidizer to maintain proper catalytic oxidizer operating temperatures. Supplemental fuel and air are added as appropriate upstream or downstream of the non-catalytic oxidizer to maintain proper heat values in each portion of the system.

Abstract: Gas phase combustion producing lower emissions in gas turbines is stabilized in a lean pre-mixed combustor, by flow of the fuel/air mixture through a catalyst which is heated by contact with recirculated, partially reacted combustion gases.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle heater includes a combustion air fan, an intermittently rotating, absorbent wick, a glow plug for initiating combustion and a water jacket surrounding a combustion chamber. Fuel is supplied to the rotating wick by a metering pump and the hot combustion gases enter the combustion chamber and give up heat to the vehicle coolant surrounding it in the water jacket. The coolant is then pumped to the heater core of the vehicle heater. A thermocouple in the exhaust passage of the combustion chamber senses the exhaust temperature and three thermostats in the water jacket provide temperature data to a microprocessor which controls operation of the heater in response to sensed conditions and operator commands.

Abstract: A gas burner is described, provided with a connection for supplying a mixture of combustible gas and combustion air, and a burner pack comprising a plurality of stacks of at least one metal plate which is deformed transversely to its flat plane, and at least one flat metal plate on both sides of each deformed plate, which stacks of burner plates are separated by a solid filler and said plates with their main surfaces being parallel to the flow direction of the gas/air mixture, wherein per stack the flow direction of the gas/air mixture from the flow channels bounded by said deformed plate and said flat plates is the same.According to the invention, each stack of burner plates comprises two or more deformed plates.

Abstract: The method of combusting lean fuel-air mixtures comprising the steps of:a. obtaining an admixture of fuel and air, said admixture having an adiabatic flame above about 900.degree. Kelvin;b. passing least a portion of said admixture into contact with one or more mesolith combustion catalysts operating at a temperature below the adiabatic flame temperature of said admixture thereby producing reaction products of incomplete combustion; andc. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber;thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: The method of combusting lean fuel-air mixtures comprising the steps of:a. obtaining a gaseous admixture of fuel and air, said admixture having an adiabatic flame temperature below a temperature which would result in any substantial formation of nitrogen oxides but above about 800.degree. Kelvin,b. contacting at least a portion of said admixture with a catalytic surface and producing reaction products,c. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber, thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: A unique purge system for a two heat exchanger RTO system uses separate purge valves associated with each of the first and second heat exchangers. In this way, the purge valves allow strict control over the flow of clean gas through the purge valves and into the heat exchanger. The inventive system insures that the two RTO systems can continue to operate efficiently and safely, while insuring that no dirty gas will reach the outlet passages.

Abstract: A nozzle and gas injection method using the nozzle wherein the nozzle comprises a section of porous material. Gas passes through one or more passageways running the length of the porous material section and also diffuses through the porous material section exiting across the nozzle face. This gas passing through the face serves to keep deleterious material, such as zone vapors, from contacting and fouling the nozzle.

Abstract: A combustion device (1) incorporated in an apparatus for combustion and/or decomposition of pollutants in air or other gases. The device has a stationary bed of e.g. sand having heat-accumulating and heat-exchanging properties. The bed is provided with heating means to heat a central part of the bed to the self-decomposition and/or the self-combustion temperature of the medium to be treated. The stationary bed (2) is placed on an essentially horizontal support (3), and at the remaining sides it is enclosed by side elements (4, 5) and a roof element (6), the latter resting directly on the upper face of the bed (2) so that the bed supports the roof element (6) and the loads to which the latter is exposed. Inside the bed upper, essentially horizontal tubes (7) are arranged as well as lower, essentially horizontal tubes (8), all said tubes being provided with valve systems at their ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the monitoring and abatement of fugitive VOC emissions is disclosed. Suction, generated by a fume pump or a venturi type ejector, pulls air and VOC's from one or more sources of VOC emissions such as the mechanical seals of pumps or compressors. These VOC fumes are collected, separated from any liquids in a knock-out pot, and directed to a flameless combustor/thermal oxidizer comprising a tube packed with heat resistant material and surrounded by an electric heater and thermal insulation. This matrix bed of heat resistant materials is heated to a temperature sufficient to oxidize/destroy the VOC emissions. Thereafter, an optional convective quench section may be used to lower the temperature of the exhaust gases prior to their release to the atmosphere. By monitoring the temperature and/or the amount of power needed, changes in VOC emissions can be detected.

Abstract: A burner with a housing enclosing a combustion chamber and with an inlet for a gas/air fuel mixture and an outlet for combustion gas is disclosed. The combustion chamber is filled with a porous material whose porosity varies along the combustion chamber in such a way that the pore size increases in the direction of flow of the gas/air mixture so that a critical Peclet number for the pore size and accordingly for flame development results at a boundary surface or in a determined zone of the porous material, above which number a flame can develop and below which number the flame development is suppressed.

Abstract: A premixed gas burner has a hollow body including a closed end and an entry end into which a combustible gas and air mixture may flow. The body has a multiplicity of apertures through which the mixture may pass from the hollow interior. A burner portal deck is positioned in superposed relationship over the apertures for permitting the gas air mixture to form a controlled flame. A porous woven fabric formed from ceramic fiber having high thermal insulation properties is located above the deck and separates the deck from the flame front formed when the mixture is ignited. The fabric insulates the deck from excessive temperatures, prevents flash back, allows use of conventional stainless steel for the deck and body components and makes possible the manufacture of long burner sections. A long burner section has a number of decks in side-by-side relationship with an insulating fabric mat over the decks for not only providing insulation, but also forms a gasket between the adjacent decks.

Abstract: This invention is an improved catalyst structure and its use in highly exothermic processes like catalytic combustion. This improved catalyst structure employs integral heat exchange in an array of longitudinally disposed adjacent reaction passage-ways or channels, which are either catalyst-coated or catalyst-free, wherein the configuration of the catalyst-coated channels differs from the non-catalyst channels such that, when applied in exothermic reaction processes, such as catalytic combustion, the desired reaction is promoted in the catalytic channels and substantially limited in the non-catalyst channels. The invention further comprises an improved reaction system and process for combustion of a fuel wherein catalytic combustion using a catalyst structure employing integral heat exchange, preferably the improved structures of the invention, affords a partially-combusted, gaseous product which is passed to a homogeneous combustion zone where complete combustion is promoted by means of a flameholder.

Abstract: This invention is an improved catalyst structure and its use in highly exothermic processes like catalytic combustion. This improved catalyst structure employs integral heat exchange in an array of longitudinally disposed, adjacent reaction passage-ways or channels, which are either catalyst-coated or catalyst-free, wherein the configuration of the catalyst-coated channels differs from the non-catalyst channels such that, when applied in exothermic reaction processes, such as catalytic combustion, the desired reaction is promoted in the catalytic channels and substantially limited in the non-catalyst channels.

Abstract: This invention is both a partial combustion process in which the fuel is partially combusted using specific catalysts and catalytic structures and also a catalyst structure for use in the process. The choice of catalysts and supports solves problems in the art dealing with the stability of the overall catalyst structure and ease of catalyst operation. The catalyst structure is stable due to its comparatively low operating temperature, has a low temperature at which catalytic combustion begins, and yet is not susceptible to temperature "runaway". The combustion gas produced by the catalytic process typically is below the autocombustive temperature for the gas mixture; the gas may be used at that temperature, or fed to other combustion stages for ultimate use in a gas turbine, furnace, boiler, or the like.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed reactor includes a lower zone having a fluidization grid, primary and secondary air injection inlets, and fuel feed inlets, an upper zone, internal bubbling beds at the top of the lower zone collecting solid matter from recirculation internal to the reactor and delivering a fraction thereof to external bubbling bed heat exchangers close coupled with the walls of the reactor level with the internal beds. The external heat exchangers reject the solid matter into the lower zone after exchanging heat with an external fluid. The reactor is simple in structure and benefits from the advantages of bubbling external beds while maintaining conventional design in the lower zone.

Abstract: A method of heating of bed material in a PFBC plant including a combustor and wherein bed level adjustment due to a load change is accomplished by injecting bed material into or discharging it from the combustor through feeding devices, the method including the steps of arranging two storage vessels, each adapted for injecting the bed material therefrom into the combustor and for storing bed material discharged from the combustor, and heating and maintaining the bed material in the storage vessels at the temperature corresponding to the bed temperature while maintaining the bed level of the combustor constant, by discharging bed material with the temperature of the bed from the combustor via the feeding device adapted for discharge of bed material, into one of the storage vessels with a predetermined feed speed and at the same time and at the same feed speed injecting bed material from the second storage vessel into the combustor via the feeding device adapted for injection of bed material.

Abstract: A porous matrix, surface combustor-fluid heating apparatus in which combustion of a fuel/oxidant mixture is carried out in stages within a stationary porous bed disposed in a combustion chamber. A fuel-rich fuel/oxidant mixture is burned within a region of the stationary porous bed disposed near the inlet end of the combustion chamber, forming a primary combustion zone. A secondary oxidant is introduced into the stationary porous bed downstream of the primary combustion zone forming a secondary combustion zone. Finally, heat resulting from the combustion is removed by fluid flowing through heat exchanger tubes embedded within the stationary porous bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a pollutant-containing outgoing air from the industrial installations has a heat exchanging bed, which has a predetermined thickness, consist of a suitable, preferably mineral, material, and is located in the interior of a shaft-like reactor housing. During the purifying operation, the pollutant-containing air flows through the heat exchanging bed into a combustion chamber, and heated purified air flows from the combustion chamber through the heat exchanging bed in opposite direction, giving up its heat to the heat exchanging bed and thereby being cooled down. The pollutants contained in the pollutant-containing air are burned in the heat exchanging bed and, if needed, in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Lean fuel--air mixtures having an adiabatic flame above about 900.degree. Kelvin are combusted by passing at least a portion of the admixture into contact with a mesolith combustion catalyst operating at a temperature below the adiabatic flame temperature, to produce reaction products of incomplete combustion. The incomplete combustion products are then ignited in a reaction chamber, thereby stabilizing combustion.

Abstract: A multi-stage combustion apparatus and method for use with externally fired power plants that allows the temperature of the heat released at any stage to be matched to the thermal characteristics of the working fluid from the power plant.

Abstract: Hot gases from a pressurized fluidized bed reactor system are purified. Under superatmospheric pressure conditions hot exhaust gases are passed through a particle separator, forming a flitrate cake on the surface of the separator, and a reducing agent--such as an NO.sub.x reducing agent (like ammonia), is introduced into the exhaust gases just prior to or just after particle separation. The retention time of the introduced reducing agent is enhanced by providing a low gas velocity (e.g. about 1-20 cm/s) during passage of the gas through the filtrate cake while at superatmospheric pressure. Separation takes place within a distinct pressure vessel the interior of which is at a pressure of about 2-100 bar, and-introduction of reducing agent can take place at multiple locations (one associated with each filter element in the pressure vessel), or at one or more locations just prior to passage of clean gas out of the pressure vessel (typically passed to a turbine).

Abstract: A burner device of regenerative and alternate combustion type including a pair of burners and a regenerative bed, which permits flow passage changeover to be taken selectively between the pair of burners, via the regenerative bed, by four-way and three-way valves which are simultaneously operated by one actuator. Preferably, both two valves are connected coaxially together. The four-way and three-way valves have a same angle of rotation for executing their respective flow passage changeover actions, but they each have its own inoperative area defined differently from each other to produce a difference in timing for supply of fluid to one of the two burners, thereby providing a lead time for prior supply of air and a delay time for delaying supply of fuel to facilitate ignition in one of the burners during the alternate combustion operation.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine utilizing a catalytic combustion system comprises a cylindrical outer casing, a combustion cylinder concentrically disposed inside the outer casing with an annular space between an outer periphery of the combustion cylinder and an inner periphery of the outer casing as a combustion air supply passage, the combustion cylinder having one end facing the closed one end of the casing with a space therebetween, and a catalyst unit disposed inside the combustion cylinder, the air for combustion being supplied to the catalyst unit. A heat exchanging device is formed in the air supply passage for heating the combustion air passing the air supply passage to a temperature more than a catalytic combustion starting temperature through a heat exchanging operation by a thermal energy of a combustion gas in the combustion cylinder.

Abstract: A regenerative bed incinerator 10 is provided with a gas recirculation duct 80 through which a controlled amount of gaseous fuel is injected in the contaminated process exhaust gases 3 prior to admission to the regenerative bed incinerator 10 to increase the heating value of the process exhaust gases 3 so as to improve overall contaminated destruction efficiency for process exhaust gases which have a low level of combustible contaminants therein.

Abstract: An exothermic apparatus uses heat generated by the combustion of gas fuel or liquid fuel. The exothermic apparatus comprises a mixing section in which fuel gas and air are mixed with each other; and a casing disposed downstream of the mixing section and accommodating a combustion chamber. A fin provided in the combustion chamber is substantially parallel with the flow direction of mixed gas. A catalyst layer is in close contact with an inner surface of the combustion chamber and an outer surface of the fin. In this manner, fuel gas is efficiently brought in contact with the surface of the catalyst layer and the temperature of the catalyst is prevented from fluctuating even though heating quantity in an exothermic section changes. Thus, catalytic combustion can be reliably accomplished in the compact combustion chamber.

Abstract: Regenerative glass melting furnace of the type having a batch section where glass is melted, a port neck where combustion air is introduced, and burners supplied by fuel inlet nozzles in the floor, the roof, and the lateral walls of the port neck.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly which comprises nozzle duct having inlet and discharge ends is provided with a tubular support. The support has a first end in fluid communication with the nozzle duct adjacent the discharge end thereof. The second end of the support extends to a location where it is accessible, to enable a source of cleaning fluid to be coupled thereto, and is normally capped.

Abstract: A catalyst combustor is here disclosed which comprises a catalyst section for permitting the catalyst combustion of a fuel, a burner for preheating the catalyst section, a cross flow type heat exchanger for preheating air for combustion which is disposed in a combustion gas generated by the catalyst combustion, and a fan for feeding the air for combustion to the burner via the cross flow type heat exchanger.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer for oxidizing a contaminant in an air or other gas stream includes a heat transfer material which heats the incoming air and collects heat from the exiting air. The direction of flow of the air through the oxidizer is periodically reverse for the regenerative heat exchange. When flow is reversed, a quantity of untreated air in the oxidizer which would otherwise be discharged to the atmosphere is collected in a purge chamber which surrounds the lower portion of the discharge stack. The untreated air enters the bottom of the chamber and the air already in the chamber is forced out from vent holes in the top of the chamber into the stack. The untreated air in the chamber is fed back to the oxidizer through the inlet of the blower feeding the oxidizer while clean air is drawn into the chamber from the stack through the vent holes.

Abstract: A porous matrix, surface combustor-fluid heating apparatus comprising a combustion chamber, a cooled flow distributor proximate an inlet end of said combustion chamber and supporting a stationary porous bed within said combustion chamber, porous bed heat exchanger means embedded in said stationary porous bed and means for introducing a fuel/oxidant mixture into said stationary porous bed said fuel/oxidant mixture burning in said stationary porous bed.

Abstract: A method and a device for preheating a particulate fluidized bed which is supplied with air for fluidization of bed material and for combustion of main fuel through gas paths that include fluidization members for injection and distribution of the air over the fluidized bed. The bed material is preheated to the ignition temperature for the main fuel used in the fluidized bed by members arranged in the gas paths for combustion of starting fuel. These members are designed and arranged so that the air is supplied to the fluidized bed along the same path through gas paths and fluidization members upon preheating with starting fuel as upon combustion of main fuel in the fluidized bed. The members for combustion of starting fuel are arranged in the fluidization members and comprise fuel injectors, fuel pipes, ignition members and control members.