Patents Represented by Attorney Rita D. Vacca
  • Patent number: 8292989
    Abstract: A power generation plant (112), a method, and a CO2 capture system (122) for removing carbon dioxide (104) from a flue gas stream (106) are disclosed. As shown in FIG. 2, a CO2 capture system (122), comprises an absorber vessel (202), a water wash vessel (210), and a stripper (214). The CO2 capture system (122) can be configured to introduce both a lean ionic ammonia solution (204) from a regeneration system (124) and a flue gas stream (106) from a cooling system (120) and to provide a rich ionic ammonia solution (206) to a regeneration system (124), wherein the introduction of the lean ionic ammonia solution (204) to the flue gas stream (106) produces a flue gas substantially devoid CO2 (224). The water wash vessel (210) can be configured to receive the flue gas substantially devoid CO2 (224) and produce ammoniated water (212) by introducing water (218) to the flue gas substantially devoid CO2 (224).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Frederic Z. Kozak, Arlyn V. Petig, Vikram Shabde
  • Patent number: 8277545
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method of reducing an amount of mercury discharged to an environment in a flue gas (12) generated by combustion of a fuel source. The method includes contacting the flue gas with a moist pulverous material upstream of a particle separator (24), mixing powdered activated carbon (PAC) in an amount between about 0.5 lb/MMacf and 10 lbs/MMacf with the flue gas (12) upstream of the particle separator (24), wherein the PAC interacts with at least a portion of mercury containing compounds in the flue gas (12), and separating the mercury containing compounds from the flue gas (12) containing the moist pulverous material and PAC, thereby reducing an amount of mercury in the flue gas (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Leif A. V. Lindau
  • Patent number: 8268040
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling dust particle emissions from an electrostatic precipitator (1), which has a first and a second bus-section (16, 20), are provided. Dust particle emissions are controlled by observing that a rapping event of the first bus-section (16) is about to be initiated, verifying, before allowing the rapping event of the first bus-section (16) to be initiated, that the second bus-section (20) is ready to receive the dust particles to be released during the rapping event of the first bus-section (16), and then initiating, after verification, the rapping event of the first bus-section (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Anders Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8268031
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fabric filter system, which may be used for removing particulate matter from a gas, such as a combustion process gas. The filter system includes a fabric filter (3) which is placed in a filter compartment. From the filter, gas flows via a filter plenary space (5) to an outlet duct (7), where the gas exits. A flow control device controls the amount of air exiting through the outlet duct. The flow control device comprises a louver-type damper (17). This provides reliable and efficient control of the gas flow. A collar (21), connecting the plenary space (5) with the outlet duct (7), improves the gas flow into the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Rune Sten Andersson, Anders Erik Martin Hjelmberg
  • Patent number: 8268275
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction reactor (8), which comprises at least one catalyst layer (14), is operative for removing NOx from a flow of process gas of a process plant, such as a combustion plant or an incineration plant. A device for controlling the feeding of a reducing agent, such as urea or ammonia, to said at least one catalyst layer (14), which has an attack area (A) facing the flow (P) of process gas, comprises at least one supply nozzle (32) which is operative for supplying reducing agent in at least one supply area (34) which corresponds to a part of the attack area (A), and a moving device (36) which is operative for moving said supply area (34) over the attack area (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Mikael Larsson
  • Patent number: 8268276
    Abstract: In a method for reducing lime consumption in DFGD systems, a slaker is provided wherein lime and water is introduced to produce a slaked lime slurry. The slurry is introduced into a spray dryer wherein the slurry is atomized. A flue gas stream is also introduced into the spray dryer and reacts with the atomized slurry, causing calcium sulfate and sulfite, as well as unreacted lime particulate to form. A portion of the particulate is filtered and sent back in a substantially dry form to the slaker to form part of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Thomas Edwin Pearson
  • Patent number: 8192529
    Abstract: An air quality control system (AQCS) (4) useful for processing a gas stream (DG), such as a flue gas stream emitted from a fossil fuel fired boiler (2), combustion process or the like, for at least partial removal of acidic and like contaminants. The air quality control system (4) includes a plurality of integrated components (12) equipped with both a dry scrubber system (8) and a fabric filter (10). The air quality control system (4) such as described possesses increased “turn down” capabilities thus increasing the efficiency thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Gatton, Jr., Alan W. Ferguson, Per H. F. Landmer
  • Patent number: 8181451
    Abstract: A method of controlling the feeding of a reducing agent, such as urea or ammonia, to a selective catalytic reduction reactor, which is operative for removing NOx from a process gas of a process plant, comprising the steps of estimating a present value of at least one predetermined parameter which is indicative of the amount of NOx that needs to be removed from said process gas in the selective catalytic reduction reactor. The rate of increase of said at least one predetermined parameter is then estimated. When said estimated rate of increase of said at least one predetermined parameter is found to be positive, the amount of said reducing agent being supplied is increased to a higher value than would be the case if said at least one predetermined parameter were to be kept constant at the estimated present value thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: David P. VanderVeen, Scott A. Boyden
  • Patent number: 8168149
    Abstract: A method and system for CO2 capture from flue gas uses an absorber vessel in which a flue gas stream containing CO2 is contacted with an ammoniated solution to remove CO2 from the flue gas, and a regenerator vessel in which CO2 is released from the ammoniated solution. Parasitic energy consumption of the system can be reduced by adding to the ammoniated solution a promoter effective to enhance the formation of ammonium bicarbonate within the ammoniated solution. The amount of ammoniated solution recycled from the regenerator vessel to the absorber vessel is less than that which would be required using the ammoniated solution without the promoter for removal of the same amount of CO2 from the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Eli Gal, Otto Morten Bade, Indira Jayaweera, Gopala Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8163070
    Abstract: A method for removal of CO2 from a gas stream by anti-sublimation, comprising the steps of: a) introducing a gas stream containing CO2 into a frosting vessel; b) reducing the temperature of at least a portion of the gas stream in said frosting vessel to a temperature at which solid CO2 is deposited by anti-sublimation; c) discharging the gas stream depleted of CO2 from the frosting vessel; and d) recovering the deposited solid CO2; wherein the pressure of the gas stream in step b) is higher than atmospheric pressure. An anti-sublimation system for removal of CO2 from a gas stream, comprising: a frosting vessel configured to receive the gas stream, said frosting vessel comprising a low temperature refrigeration device configured for reducing the temperature of at least a portion of a gas stream in said frosting vessel to a temperature at which solid CO2 is deposited by anti-sublimation; and a compressor configured to increase the gas pressure of the gas stream which is fed to the frosting vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Wolfgang Georg Hees, Charles Malcom Monroe
  • Patent number: 8118914
    Abstract: A system (10) for removing carbon dioxide from a process gas generated during the combustion of a fuel comprises at least one absorption vessel (12, 14) through which the process gas may be forwarded. The absorption vessel (12, 14) is provided with a sorbent material (50) which is operative for reversibly collecting carbon dioxide from the process gas being forwarded through the sorbent material (50). The sorbent material (50) comprises at least one amine, at least one carbon dioxide activating catalyst, and at least one porous material supporting the at least one catalyst and the at least one amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Zheng Liu, Alan W. Ferguson, Nareshkumar B. Handagama
  • Patent number: 8088198
    Abstract: A wet electrostatic precipitator (1) includes an inlet (2) for receiving a gas (4) containing a pollutant, and an outlet (6) for discharging therefrom the gas (8) from which said pollutant has been at least partially removed. Nozzles (24) are operative for purposes of spraying liquid onto at least one first vertical collecting surface (30) of at least one collecting electrode (18). A liquid distributor (42) is provided for purposes of pouring liquid onto at least one second vertical collecting surface (44), said at least one second vertical collecting surface (44) being located on a further collecting electrode (36), with said further collecting electrode (36) being located downstream of said at least one collecting electrode (18). The nozzles (24) are located upstream of the liquid distributor (42), as viewed with reference to the direction of flow of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Sune Bengtsson, Rikard Hakansson
  • Patent number: 7985281
    Abstract: A device useful for separating gaseous pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, from a gas by means of an absorption liquid is disclosed. The device includes a horizontal apertured plate mounted between an inlet and an outlet arranged for passage of a gas containing a gaseous pollutant therethrough. On an upper surface of the horizontal apertured plate is a flowing layer of absorption liquid. The separation of the gaseous pollutant from the gas is adjustable by varying the thickness of the flowing layer of absorption liquid by moving a throttle means to a position that provides the desired amount of resistance to the following layer of absorption liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Rikard Håkansson
  • Patent number: 7972399
    Abstract: A fabric filter (1) has at least a first compartment (2) and a second compartment (4). A hopper (42) is adapted for fluidisation of dust collected in the compartments (2, 4) to form a bed (52) of fluidised dust. A partition wall (62) is located between the compartments (2, 4) to separate them from each other. A passage (68) is formed at a lower end (66) of the partition wall (62) such that fluidised dust may pass through said passage (68). The partition wall (62) is arranged to extend into the bed (52) of fluidised dust for forming a seal (74) even when one of the compartments (2, 4) has been shut off. When shutting off a compartment (4) the inlets and outlets to that compartment (4) are closed and the dust in the hopper (42) is fluidised to provide a seal (74) between the compartments (2, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Stefan Ahman, Nils Bringfors
  • Patent number: 7758829
    Abstract: A system and method is proposed for removing mercury from a process gas stream containing mercury. The proposed invention provides for contacting an aqueous desulphurization liquor with a flue gas stream to capture mercury that may be contained in the flue gas stream. A promoter is mixed with the liquor to prevent oxidized mercury in the liquor from reducing into elemental mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Donald C. Borio
  • Patent number: 6908978
    Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more siloxysilane monomers or the copolymerization of one or more siloxysilane monomers with one or more aromatic or non-aromatic non-siloxy monomers, hydrophobic monomers or hydrophilic monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph C. Salamone, Jay F. Kunzler, Richard M. Ozark, David E. Seelye
  • Patent number: 6881809
    Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers with one or more aromatic or non-aromatic non-siloxy-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or hydrophilic monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph C. Salamone, Jay F. Kunzler, Richard M. Ozark, David E. Seelye, David P. Vanderbilt
  • Patent number: 6864341
    Abstract: Relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as for example intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-substituted polysiloxane prepolymers with one or more aromatic monomers, alkylated monomers or hydrophilic monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Yu-Chin Lai, Edmond T. Quinn
  • Patent number: 6852793
    Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more copolymers with one or more hydrophilic monomers and optionally one or more aromatic-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph C. Salamone, Jay F. Kunzler, Richard M. Ozark, David E. Seelye
  • Patent number: 6846897
    Abstract: Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers with one or more aromatic or non-aromatic non-siloxy-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or hydrophilic monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Bausch and Lomb, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Salamone, Jay F. Kunzler, Richard M. Ozark, David E. Seelye, David P. Vanderbilt