Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When a failed ignition of a burner is detected, the control system is configured to enter a soft lockout state if the voltage level of a burner of the fuel-fired appliance is low during the failed ignition and a hard lockout state if the voltage level of the burner is not low during the failed ignition. In some cases, if a period of time has elapsed and/or the voltage level of the burner has increased after the control system enters the soft lockout state, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more subsequent ignition trials. In some cases, if the one or more subsequent ignition trials fail, the control system may be configured to then enter the hard lockout state.

Abstract: Fire ignition systems, combustible ignition structures, and methods of manufacturing and using such systems and devices are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a fire ignition system may include a combustible container and a combustible ignition structure removably insertable into an interior of the combustible container. In various embodiments, the combustible ignition structure may include a base having a top surface and a chimney extending from the top surface. In various embodiments, the chimney may have an inner flue, a top opening into the flue, and an aperture through a side of the chimney into the flue. Other embodiments may be disclosed herein.

Abstract: An ignition system for a combustor includes an access port through a wall of the combustor and a laser outside the combustor and aligned with the access port to generate a beam along a path. A lens in the path of the beam focuses the beam at a focal point inside the combustor, and a shutter has a first position in the path and a second position out of the path. A method for igniting a combustor includes generating a beam along a path, focusing the beam to a focal point inside the combustor, and moving a shutter from a first position in the path to a second position outside of the path.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions.

Abstract: A method for operating a hearth furnace encompassing a furnace chamber heated by at least one burner, including: a) introducing metal-containing material into the hearth furnace, b) melting the metal-containing material in a first melting phase until a melting bath surface has formed, c) melting the metal-containing material in a second melting phase after the melting bath surface has formed, d) removing and/or holding the melted metal, characterized in that the at least one burner is operated during the phase (b) such that a larger portion of burner capacity is emitted in convection rather than in radiant energy, and that respective portions of convection heat and of radiant heat emitted by the at least one burner are adjusted specifically via adjustment of brightness and/or size, in particular length of a flame of the at least one burner.

Abstract: A system for determining a flame condition in a combustor includes a pressure sensor that generates a pressure signal reflective of a pressure in the combustor. A controller receives the pressure signal and generates a flame signal reflective of the flame condition in the combustor. A method for determining a flame condition in a combustor includes measuring a pressure in the combustor, comparing the measured pressure in the combustor to a predetermined limit, and generating a flame signal based on the comparison of the measured pressure in the combustor to the predetermined limit, wherein the flame signal reflects the flame condition in the combustor.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas furnace being controlled by a main controller and having at least one burner is provided. The ignition system may include at least one flame sensor and an interface module. The flame sensor may be disposed in close proximity to the burner and configured to output a flame check signal indicative of a status of a flame at the burner. The interface module may be configured to receive the flame check signal and generate a fault check signal based on the flame check signal.

Abstract: A control system, and method for using the same, for controlling a boiler having a furnace is provided. The system includes at least one camera positioned in visual communication with a combustion chamber in a furnace. The camera is in communication with a controller and is operable to transmit signals indicative of a parameter of a flame within the furnace. Based at least in part on the received signals, the controller generates control adjustments for one or more of the boiler components. The control adjustments are communicated to the boiler components, which in turn are adjusted to optimize the performance of the boiler and reduce pollution.

Abstract: A system for converting potential energy into heat including a tower configured to contain a fluid and to permit the formation of a substantially nitrogen-free combustion chamber defined by the tower and the surface of the fluid in the tower and at a pressure less than ambient, a first tower outlet in fluid communication with a first fuel valve configured to regulate a flow of the fluid out of the tower, an oxygen source in fluid communication with an oxygen valve in fluid communication with an oxygen inlet in fluid communication with the tower, a source of combustible fuel including hydrogen in fluid communication with a fuel valve in fluid communication with a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the tower, and an ignition source positioned so that it resides within the combustion chamber and is configured to initiate a reaction between oxygen and fuel.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashback protector (1) for limiting the propagation of a flame towards a fuel supply. The flashback protector comprises a downstream side (34) and an upstream side (32) defining a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator (10, 20) is arranged to generate a magnetic field (40) across the flow path such that when a flashback occurs fluid flows in the flow path towards the fuel supply through the magnetic field (40). This causes a flow of current (50) to be induced in the fluid. This results in a force being generated on the fluid away from the fuel supply, preventing the flashback from reaching the fuel supply and causing an explosion.

Abstract: Method and system for the production of a combustible gas from a fuel, comprising the conversion of the fuel, at a temperature that is between 600 and 1000° C. and at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar, into at least a combustible gas that comprises CH4, CO, H2, CO2, H2O and higher hydrocarbons in a reactor installation (1). At least part of the higher hydrocarbons present in the combustible gas is catalytically converted into at least CH4, CO, H2, CO2 and H2O in a reactor (45) at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar. After this catalytic conversion, an amount of H2O and an amount of CO2 are removed from the combustible gas in a separator installation (50) at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar. After the removal of H2O and CO2, the pressure of the combustible gas is raised by a compressor (71).

Abstract: A method for burning raw materials by which method the raw material and a secondary fuel are separately introduced to one and the same rotary kiln in which the raw material as well as the secondary fuel are heated by gases formed by burning of a primary fuel in the rotary kiln so that the secondary fuel is converted to gases and solid matter in the form of combustion residues such as ashes and coke. The secondary fuel during the process of conversion to gases and solid matter is kept separate from the introduced raw material, which may ensure that the secondary fuel and hence the locally reducing zones and major areas with reducing conditions are brought into minimum contact with the raw material.

Abstract: Cooking appliance (1A,1B) having an external and control panel (2,2?) equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ (6) is equipped with various peripheral openings (16-19) for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments (1A, 1B) of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob (9) or a bezel disk (22) in the external panel (2) are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ (6) for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening (18,19) with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix (14) in the control knob (9) guided in a slide groove (20) on the control panel (2) of the appliance, or a tongue (24) on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an adsorber or absorber on board a submarine, wherein the adsorber or absorber is present in the interior of the submarine for binding metabolically generated CO2-containing harmful gases, and wherein the metabolically generated CO2-containing harmful gases are transferred outboard via a compressor. The thermal energy for regenerating the adsorber or absorber is generated by burning a hydrocarbonaceous energy carrier with oxygen, wherein at least one combustion product, together with the metabolically generated CO2-containing harmful gases, is transferred outboard via the compressor.

Abstract: A method for operating a burner comprising a burner axis and at least one jet nozzle is provided. The nozzle or nozzles include a central axis, a jet nozzle outlet, a wall that runs in a radial direction starting from the central axis and that faces the burner axis and a volumetric fluid flow that includes a fuel and flows through the jet nozzle or nozzles to the jet nozzle outlet. An air film is formed at the jet nozzle outlet between the volumetric fluid flow including the fuel and the wall that faces the burner axis by means of air that is injected into the jet nozzle or nozzles along the wall that faces the burner axis.

Abstract: Secure containers are disclosed for disposal of unused, experimental, and/or expired pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, veterinary medicines, and/or similar materials, where the containers include at least one unidirectional apparatus for depositing materials into an interior of the container, while resisting normal attempts at retrieval of deposited materials. Methods are also disclosed for making and using the secure containers including a unidirectional member supporting deposition of materials into an interior of the container, while resisting withdrawal of deposited materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for igniting a fuel/air mixture in one or more combustion chambers which are delimited by walls that are at ground potential, wherein an electric resonant circuit is excited in which an ignition electrode, which is guided through one of the walls delimiting the combustion chamber in an electrically insulated manner and which extends into the combustion chamber, in cooperation with the walls of the combustion chamber that are at ground potential constitutes a capacitance, and in which the excitation of the resonant circuit is controlled such that a corona discharge igniting the fuel/air mixture is created in the combustion chamber at the ignition electrode.

Abstract: A burner for use in furnaces such as in steam cracking.

Abstract: A method of influencing combustion dynamics, including measuring a combustion dynamics parameter, and controlling a diluent flow (26) delivered to a fuel flow (32) upstream of a pilot burner fuel outlet (40) in response to the measured combustion dynamics parameter.

Abstract: A method of monitoring combustion properties in an interior of a boiler of the type having walls comprising a plurality of parallel steam tubes separated by a metal membrane. First and second penetrations are provided in the metal membrane between adjacent tubes on opposite sides of the boiler. A beam of light is projected through a pitch optic comprising a pitch collimating lens and a pitch relay lens, both residing outside the boiler interior. The pitch relay lens projects the beam through a penetration into the boiler interior. The beam of light is received with a catch optic substantially identical to the pitch optic residing outside the boiler interior. The strength of the collimated received beam of light is determined. At least one of the pitch collimating lens and the catch collimating lens may then be aligned to maximize the strength of the collimated received beam.

Abstract: The invention and its group of variants consists of metal heat treating methods, a method for the combustion of liquid or gaseous fuel and hot air in a directly or indirectly fired furnace, and a heating device and regeneration nozzles for the carrying out of said method. The invention, and its variants, relate to the field of metallurgy and mechanical engineering, and can be used for metal heat processing (e.g., melting, heating for deformation, heat treatment) and for the sintering, drying (and other types of heat treatment) of non-metallic products such as ceramics. The essence of the invention are the novel technical features that make it possible to attain, while implementing the invention, the air excess factor (?) values in fuel and hot air mixture that are greater than 2.0 and mainly set within a range equal or less than 6.0.

Abstract: Fire retardant or flame retardant additives are incorporated into thermoplastic, thermoset, and/or elastomeric polymer materials to form polymer compositions having improved fire retardant properties. More particularly, the polymer compositions of the present invention comprise additive compositions which have the effect of improving the FR effectiveness, the additive compositions comprising a mesoporous silicate additive. In addition, the polymer compositions of the present invention comprise additive compositions comprising a mesoporous silicate additive and a filler, wherein the filler is a flame retardant addition, an inert filler, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for using bromine and/or bromide-containing compounds derived from a nitrogen-containing compound, such as ammonia, sulfamic acid, or one or more salts thereof, to reduce mercury emissions during coal combustion.

Abstract: A burner system and a method of control. The system includes a supply unit that provides a gas/air mixture to a burner assembly. The burner assembly includes a distribution outlet having a plurality of openings and an electrode. The electrode provides an electrical arc to ignite the gas/air mixture for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When an electrical characteristic of a flame detector fails to cross a threshold level during an ignition attempt and when the electrical characteristic of the flame detector changes by a predetermined amount, the control system may activate an indicator indicating a problem with the flame detector (e.g. dirty, misaligned, or otherwise unable to properly detect the flame).

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.

Abstract: A low NOx burner includes an upper plate and a lower plate joined together. A chamber is defined between an upper inner portion and a lower inner portion. The peaks of upper and lower scalloped ridges are in contact such that multiple ports are defined. The ports extend radially outward from the chamber. The chamber is adapted to receive a fuel/air mixture through a fuel/air intake opening. The ports permit a flow of the fuel/air mixture from the chamber for combustion to create a diffuse flame. An intermediate portion is positioned such that the flame attaches to the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion and a trough are arranged such that flame is directed downwards to the trough from the intermediate portion and attaches to the trough. An outer rim is positioned and angled to attach the flame to the trough and to direct the flame upwards from the trough.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an organic compound selected from a bicyclic monoterpene, substituted bicyclic monoterpene, adamantane, propylene carbonate and mixtures thereof, to improve the solubilisation of a solid, fuel-soluble iron compound in a fuel composition or in a precursor liquid to be added to fuel composition.

Abstract: A fire lighter apparatus and method for using the apparatus are described herein. The fire lighter apparatus comprises a containment pot that stores a flammable liquid and a wand torch that removably inserts into the containment pot. The wand torch includes a shaft, a handle at one end of the shaft, and an igniting head located at an opposing end of the shaft. The igniting head is removably affixed to the shaft through a non-threaded fastener. This fastener includes a first and a second component, which generally positions the igniting head. The handle further comprises a bended loop, which faces upward when the wand torch is laying flat upon a horizontal surface. The method for using the fire lighter comprises submerging the wand torch in the flammable fluid within the containment pot and lighting the igniting head attached after removal from the flammable fluid within the containment pot.

Abstract: A flare stack comprises an upwardly extending gas discharge duct 10 and a pilot burner 16 operative at an burner location near the open top end of the duct 10 to ignite gas discharged by way of the duct. Atmospheric samples from the burner location are delivered to a monitoring station 20 remote from the duct 10 and at ground level 12. A sensor at the monitoring station 20 is responsive to a parameter of the sample indicative of combustion at the burner location such as increased CO2 or NOx or decreased O2. An igniter is operatively associated with the sensor and arranged to light the pilot burner 16 automatically if the sensor does not detect said parameter in the sample.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating oxygenated fuel. In one aspect, a method of producing an oxygenated fuel from biomass waste for use in a combustion system includes dissociating the biomass waste to produce one or more carbon donors. The biomass waste produced carbon donors are reacted with an oxygen donor to produce the oxygenated fuel comprising oxygenated carbon. Reacting the carbon donors with the oxygen donors includes applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source to the reaction of carbon donors and oxygen donor. The oxygenated fuel is combusted in the combustion system.

Abstract: A high velocity burner apparatus and method includes an air intake funnel and an air-fluid mixer connected with the air intake funnel. A fluid input is connected with the air-fluid mixer. A magnetic tube container with an entrance and an exit is provided where the entrance is connected with the air-fluid mixer and where the magnetic tube container includes a plurality of individual magnetic tubes connected within the magnetic tube container such that adjacent magnetic tubes are misaligned with each other. An air suction device is connected with the exit of the magnetic tube container such that suction is applied through the magnetic tube container to the air intake funnel and a burner device is connected with the air suction device for burning fluid that passes through the magnetic tube container.

Abstract: A renewable energy microgeneration system is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for directed introduction of primary combustion air into the primary heating space of a coke oven chamber is shown. Primary air is admitted through entry ports in the top of a coke oven chamber or in the frontal coke oven chamber walls above the coke oven chamber door or in the coke oven chamber door or in several or all of the mentioned positions These entry ports have inserts that are equipped with oven-inwardly directed spouts, with the spouts having an opening-outwardly directed angle through which primary air is conducted at a chamfered angle onto the coke cake so that the primary air from the opening ports in the coke oven chamber top streams to the coke oven at an angle of less than 90° and primary air from the opening ports in the coke oven chamber wall above the coke oven chamber door or in the coke oven chamber door streams to the coke oven at an angle of greater than 0°. Also shown is a method for a directed introduction of primary air with the described device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to control of smoke suppressant flow rate to a flare that disposes of combustible gas, such as waste from refineries and chemical plants. One or more detectors produce signals that enable separate monitoring of both particulate emissions from the flare and combustion efficiency of the flare. Adjusting the flow rate of the smoke suppressant to the flare in response to such dual monitoring facilitates operation of the flare so as to manage environmental pollution caused by unburned volatile organic compounds and smoke emitted from the flare.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting up a gasifying reactor comprising a plurality of burners. Each burner is thereby charged with combustible dust from a metering vessel (1) via a dense flow conveyor line (51, 52, 53, 54), which is assigned thereto, and with fuel gas via a gas conveyor line (62, 63), wherein a fuel mixture of combustible dust and combustible gas is provided prior to a moment of ignition of a burner, wherein a first composition of combustible dust and combustible gas, with which a first burner is charged for ignition, is regulated as a function of the fuel quantity, which was supplied to the second burner for ignition, after the ignition of a second burner, which is charged with a second composition of combustible dust and combustible gas for ignition, following the ignition of the first burner, so that the starting up of each of the plurality of burners of the gasifying reactor takes place under a regulated supply of the fuel load.

Abstract: A reaction vessel that integrates and balances an endothermic process with at least one exothermic process of the fuel cell system. Preferably the exothermic process is conducted in stages to provide more uniform and/or controllable heat generation and exchange, and to produce a uniform and/or controllable temperature profile in the endothermic reaction process. The invention allows for the elimination of the working fluid loop of prior art systems that had unsatisfactory response times at startup, and during transient conditions, and also added to the overall mass and volume of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems of detecting useful material in a mixed solid, liquid and/or gaseous material stream. The methods include defining a value range requirement for at least one parameter of interest of useful material to be selected from the material stream, passing the material stream through at least one detector adapted to measure the parameter of interest of the material stream, and separating the material stream into useful material and residue based on the measured parameter. The systems comprise at least one detector adapted to measure a parameter of interest of the material stream passing therethrough; and at least one separator for separating the material stream into useful material and residue based on the measured parameter after passing through the detector. The system may further comprise treaters, processors, and controllers.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of producing ageing gas for ageing components for the after-treatment of exhaust gas in a burner which comprises a combustion chamber with at least one fuel injection nozzle and with a combustion gas supply system with means for generating swirl, wherein the swirl of the combustion air is set as a function of the selected combustion air ratio ?.

Abstract: Heat retaining hood assemblies include a plenum with an interior side and an exterior side, wherein the plenum restricts heat from flowing from the interior side to the exterior side, and an exhaust duct fluidly connected to the exterior side of the plenum, wherein the plenum includes one or more contours to direct the exhaust on the interior side to an intake opening of the exhaust duct, and wherein the exhaust flows from the intake opening to a release vent of the exhaust duct disposed on the exterior side of the plenum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of burners, particularly in burners intended for household use, such as stoves.

Abstract: The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulating plug (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions of the regulating plug (6) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, adjusted each one for a different type of gas N gas or LP gas. The outlet conduit (5) of the valve is equipped with a further injector nozzle (21,23) for adjusting a constant gas flow Qmax to be fed into the conduit (25) of the correspondent burner, when the cooking appliance is supplied with a LP gas.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovering petroleum products from underground reservoirs. The recovering of the petroleum products relies on introduction of heat and solvent into the reservoirs. Supplying water and then solvent for hydrocarbons in direct contact with combustion of fuel and oxidant generates a stream suitable for injection into the reservoir in order to achieve such thermal and solvent based recovery.