Abstract: An on-line sipping air delivery system that propels bubbles across the entire surface of the fuel assembly. A pump delivers liquid through an aspirator located near the bottom of the fuel handling mast. Liquid flow through a venturi in the aspirator causes a drop in pressure inside the aspirator and pulls air into the aspirator through an ambient air line that extends above the surface of the liquid. The air is mixed with liquid as it flows through the aspirator and the mixture is injected under the fuel assembly through nozzles positioned at the bottom of the assembly. Suction nozzles above the liquid level at the top of the fuel assembly are used in a conventional manner to capture and deliver the released air and gases to appropriate testing equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emissions of a fossil fuel fired boiler including a high temperature fabric filter house with an SCR catalyst situated therein for receiving flue gases along with an injected ammoniacal compound and sorbent. The sorbent reacts with the SO.sub.x while the ammoniacal compound reduces the NO.sub.x in the presence of the SCR catalyst inside the high temperature fabric filter house. Both the SO.sub.x and the particulates are removed upstream of the SCR catalyst to diminish the problems of SO.sub.2 or SO.sub.3 poisoning of the catalyst and erosion and fouling of the catalyst with the fly ash. Since the sulfur oxides and particulates are removed prior to the heat recovery system, the fouling and corrosion potential are substantially decreased thus allowing the heat recovery system to be operated at a lower outlet flue gas temperature which yields an incremental improvement in energy recovery.

Abstract: A two-stage flue gas treatment condensing heat exchanger system allows for flue gas to be passed into a two-stage housing at an inlet of the housing. The flue gas is channeled downwardly through a first stage of the housing having a first condensing heat exchanger which cools the flue gas. The flue gas is then upwardly channeled in the housing through a second stage having a second condensing heat exchanger which is located near an outlet. A collection section is located between the first stage and the second stage of the housing for collecting liquids, condensate, particulate and reaction product. Steam is injected into the housing at a plurality of locations for enhancing particulate removal.

Abstract: A low NO.sub.x, integrated boiler-burner cogeneration apparatus includes a horizontally fired, factory assembled package boiler having an inlet plenum and a furnace space. A gas turbine-generator having an outlet for providing turbine exhaust gas to the furnace space is connected to the boiler. A multi-nozzle burner (MNB) array including a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced burner nozzles is located at an entrance to the furnace space for supplying fuel for combustion into the furnace space while distributing the heat of the combustion exhaust gases across the furnace space to minimize NO.sub.x formation. One or more chill tube assemblies are located within the furnace space immediately downstream of the MNB array for rapidly reducing the temperature of the combustion exhaust gases.

Abstract: A buckstay system for a membraned-tube wall of a steam generator having a first wall section which meets a second wall section at an angle to form a corner. At least one buckstay extends across at least part of each wall section. A pair of tie bars are welded to each other at the corner, an end connection corner tie is welded at the corner to the pair of tie bars, and a pair of end connection buckstay brackets are welded to each end of the buckstays. A pair of pinned end connection links, an end connection corner tie and the end connection buckstay bracket transmit forces from one buckstay to the other wall's tiebar. Bending forces which tend to bend each wall section are transmitted to each respective buckstay which resists such forces.

Abstract: A wet flue gas desulfurization scrubbing tower has means therein for evenly distributing the flue gas flowing through the tower for more efficient treatment therein including a ring plenum for evenly exhausting the flue gas around the periphery of the tower through a series of differently sized openings and a centrally located annular opening for evenly exhausting the flue gas to the center of the tower.

Abstract: An automated sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable. The automated sludge lance and method can be used in the no-tube-lane, in the annular chamber, or in combination.

Abstract: A power plant utilizing combined mode steam and gas turbines runs a refrigeration cycle powered by the energy in the rejected heat from the steam turbines and/or other waste heat source to cool the ambient inlet air to the gas turbines to have them operate more efficiently.

Abstract: An improved atomizer removes deposits from the end cap. The atomizer housing carries a flow of atomizing slurry. A spraying head is connected at one end of the housing and an end cap is connected to the spraying head. A plurality of exit orifices are provided in the end cap for discharging atomized slurry into a flue gas. A connecting ring is detachably engaged with the end cap and has a elastomeric diaphragm for covering an outer surface of the end cap. Energizing fluid is provided through the sprayer head and end cap for expanding the diaphragm away from the end cap surface for releasing particles which adhere to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pile is plugged at its lower end or tip region so as to make it easier to drive. Additionally, such a plugged pile facilitates the transportation and handling of the pile prior to its driving.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying liquor onto the walls of a recovery boiler furnace has a biased opening at the end of a nozzle. The bias and reduced opening size cause the liquor stream to be flattened and allow for direction of the stream onto specific walls of the furnace. A method for using the apparatus to direct the stream of liquor onto a particular furnace wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing chemical cleaning solvent waste that combines evaporation, purification, and detoxification. The method is mobile and thus allows the processing to be done at the site of the cleaning where the entire processing can be completed. Evaporation produces a concentrated solvent and vapor and gas. The concentrated solvent is detoxified to produce a dry residue for long term storage or disposal and a liquid that is filtered and then released to the surrounding environment. The vapor and gas are scrubbed and condensed to produce a gas that is suitable for release and a distillate. The distillate is purified by filtration and reverse osmosis to produce a distillate that is suitable for release.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate with a corrosion resistant surface comprises the steps of coating a portion of the substrate with a nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate solution. The solution-coated substrate is then heated to a temperature greater than 303.degree. C. until a nickel oxide coating remains.

Abstract: A plurality of lost foam cast materials that are integrally connected with a controlled spacing between the cast materials are heated to a predetermined temperature for a preset time to improve through hardness of the lost foam cast materials.

Abstract: A method of setting out long mooring lines that includes the use of both a traction, or drum, winch and a linear winch. An anchoring vessel is provided with supply drums that contain the mooring line, a traction winch, and a linear winch. When the mooring line is lowered or retrieved, the traction winch, is used to maintain tension on the line until a connector approaches the traction winch. The linear winch is then engaged to maintain tension on the line, with the traction winch under low tension, until the connector passes through the linear winch. The traction winch is then reengaged to maintain all the tension on the line and the linear winch is disengaged until the next connector approaches the traction winch.

Abstract: A system for providing heated fluidized bed gasification of a residual waste liquor provides a bed of granular material and a source of liquor provided to the material bed. An injector is situated in the material bed and communicates with an air source, a fuel source and a steam source. Fuel and air are combusted in the injector and mixed with the steam which forms a combustion product and steam mixture which is in turn injected into the material bed. The combustion and mixing is separated from the bed material by being confined within the injector. The injector is a bubble cap having at least one hole or an injector made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling NO.sub.x produced by a natural gas fired combustion source includes establishing a control curve for the combustion source for indicating NO.sub.x levels based on steam injection rates and fuel flow rates provided to the burners. The atomizing steam injection flow rate provided to the burner is measured as well as the fuel flow rate. A NO.sub.x level is determined for the combustion source based on the atomizing steam injection flow rate, the firing rate, and the fuel flow rate. NO.sub.x levels are lowered by adding atomized steam to the burners according to the pre-programmed control curve.

Abstract: A dual-fluid low pressure drop atomizer utilizes extended wear life material and comprises a nozzle head having a secondary mix chamber therein for receiving a mixture of a first compressible fluid and a second fluid containing solids from a primary mix chamber. The nozzle head also has an orifice therein communicating with and adjacent to the secondary mix chamber for discharging a jet of the mixture. The orifice and the secondary mix chamber form an approximate right angle therebetween. An inner barrel is connected to the nozzle head at the primary mix chamber and supplies the first fluid to the nozzle head. An outer barrel is arranged around the inner barrel creating an annulus therebetween and is also connected to the nozzle head for supplying the second fluid to the nozzle head. Wear resistant material provided in the primary and secondary mix chambers reduces erosion within the atomizer head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emissions of a fossil fuel fired boiler including a high temperature fabric filter house with an SCR catalyst situated therein for receiving flue gases along with an injected ammoniacal compound and sorbent. The sorbent reacts with the SO.sub.x while the ammoniacal compound reduces the NO.sub.x in the presence of the SCR catalyst inside the high temperature fabric filter house. Both the SO.sub.x and the particulates are removed upstream of the SCR catalyst to diminish the problems of SO.sub.2 or SO.sub.3 poisoning of the catalyst and erosion and fouling of the catalyst with the fly ash. Since the sulfur oxides and particulates are removed prior to the heat recovery system, the fouling and corrosion potential are substantially decreased thus allowing the heat recovery system to be operated at a lower outlet flue gas temperature which yields an incremental improvement in energy recovery.

Abstract: A pile handling tool for use in lowering and stabbing a pile underwater. The tool incorporates a simple release mechanism to engage or disengage the tool from the pile using an ROV. A sleeve is sized to be received over the top end of the pile. A lifting eye is provided on the top of the sleeve. A stop plate is provided in the sleeve that allows it to rest on top of the pile. A pile centralizer provided in the sleeve substantially centers the pile in the sleeve when the sleeve is lowered over the pile. Pile support pins movably received in cylinders on the sleeve are form the release mechanism and are movable by an ROV for installation of the tool and lifting and installing of a pile.