Patents Assigned to Babcock & Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9901856
    Abstract: A fabric filter for separating particulate matter from a gas stream includes a filter compartment and an inlet opening for delivering at least a portion of the gas stream to the filter compartment. The fabric filter further includes one or more filter elements within the filter compartment and a louver assembly for providing access for the at least a portion of the gas stream to said filter compartment. The louver assembly has a first louver associated with the inlet opening and movable between a first-louver-first position and a first-louver-second position. The louver assembly has a second louver associated with the inlet opening and movable between a second-louver-first position and a second-louver-second position. The first louver and the second louver are movable independent of each other to facilitate or restrict fluid communication through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Robert E Snyder
  • Patent number: 9896308
    Abstract: An overhead catalyst loading device eliminates the need for lower flanges of the overhead catalyst structural support frame or dedicated overhead trolley beams to prevent ash build up collecting on a selective catalytic reactor (SCR) reactor box and provides an advantageous electric hydraulic lifting mechanism suitable for integration into a SCR device. The overall width of the SCR device is reduced since the structural support frame in the SCR device fits in the gaps between catalyst blocks. The overhead electric hydraulic catalyst loading device also minimizes the chance of injury during catalyst block installation by using an electric hydraulic actuated lifting mechanism consisting of spacers and structural telescopic members which may comprise holes and pins for height adjustment to allow for loading and unloading catalyst blocks into and out of a SCR device. Methods of lifting and loading and unloading a catalyst block are also presented therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE BABCOCK & WILCOX COMPANY
    Inventors: Norman D Nelson, Adam N DePizzo, Walter L Calhoun
  • Patent number: 9874350
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of emission control equipment for boilers, heaters, kilns, or other flue gas-, or combustion gas-, generating devices (e.g., those located at power plants, processing plants, etc.) and, in particular to a new and useful method and apparatus for reducing or preventing the poisoning and/or contamination of an SCR catalyst. In another embodiment, the method and apparatus of the present invention is designed to protect the SCR catalyst. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for increasing the service life and/or catalytic activity of an SCR catalyst while simultaneously controlling various emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Mandar R Gadgil, S. Behrooz Ghorishi, Donald P Tonn
  • Patent number: 9874346
    Abstract: A supercritical steam generator includes a downdraft furnace enclosure, a hopper tunnel, and a convection pass enclosure, with the hopper tunnel joining the downdraft furnace enclosure and convection pass enclosure together. Flue gas passes down through the downdraft furnace enclosure through the hopper tunnel and up through the convection pass enclosure. This structure permits the outlet steam terminals, which provide access to the resultant supercritical steam and/or reheat steam, to be located at a base of the steam generator rather than at the top of the steam generator as with conventional boilers. This reduces the length of the steam leads from the steam generator to a steam turbine that produces electricity using the supercritical steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Paul S Weitzel
  • Patent number: 9829217
    Abstract: A solar power system comprises a solar receiver, a heated solids storage tank downstream of the solar receiver, a fluidized bed heat exchanger downstream of the heated solids storage tank, and means for transporting solid particles from the fluidized bed heat exchanger to a cold solids storage tank upstream of the solar receiver. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes a first fluidized bed and a second fluidized bed. Solid particles flow through the fluidized bed heat exchanger and transfer heat energy to heating surfaces in the two fluidized beds. The system permits the solid particles to absorb more energy and permits a constant energy output from the fluidized bed heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Mikhail Maryamchik, David L Kraft, Shengteng Hu, Andrew J Mackrory, Bartev B Sakadjian
  • Publication number: 20170227216
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the generation of steam via the use of a combustion process to produce heat and, in one embodiment, to a device, system and/or method that enables one to control one or more process parameters of a combustion process so as to yield at least one desirable change in at least one downstream parameter. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system and/or method for controlling at least one process parameter of a combustion process so as to yield at least one desirable change in at least one downstream process parameter associated with one or more of a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) unit, a particulate collection device and/or control of additives thereto and/or a nitrogen oxide control device and/or control of additives thereto and/or additives to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Johnson, Shannon R. Brown
  • Patent number: 9683735
    Abstract: A system for supporting horizontal boiler tubes comprises a support plate, a vertical stringer tube, and a shear lug. The shear lug attaches the support plate to the vertical stringer tube through a slot in the support plate. A plurality of supporting arms extend outwardly from the first and second sides perpendicular to a main body portion of the support plate. Each supporting arm includes a retaining lip extending upwardly from a distal end of the supporting arm and a rounded recess, the rounded recess and retaining lip defining a cradle within which a horizontal boiler tube may rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Michael P Bowyer, Angela S Liberatore, Fernando B Sartori
  • Patent number: 9587827
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide (CO) boiler or steam generator having a water cooled CO boiler floor with screen gas distribution inlet to enhance distribution of CO gas in a CO boiler. Either the front or rear wall tubes of the steam generator form an integral screen and the tubes continue, forming a membraned, gas tight enclosure. The floor has a “knee” to redirect the incoming waste CO gas up into the integral screen. The screen may be provided with tube erosion shields to prevent erosion of the screen tubes and to control the distribution of waste gas across the plan area of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Eric L Wells, John A Kulig, Daniel E Knopsnider, Jr., Richard A Wessel
  • Patent number: 9581330
    Abstract: A regenerative oxidant preheater internal arrangement, including a system and method for use thereof, utilizing a unique recycle oxy-combustion methodology which includes at least two primary combustion oxidant sectors placed adjacent to both the flue gas side as well as a secondary oxidant sector positioned between the two primary sectors. A tri-sector regenerative oxidant preheater apparatus, method and arrangement for utilization with oxy-fired pulverized coal combustion power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Dennis K. McDonald, Kiplin C. Alexander, David L. Kraft
  • Patent number: 9495413
    Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing data from a database are provided. A user selection of a database object may be received. One or more input fields for obtaining user input associated with the selected database object may be dynamically generated and presented to the user. User input associated with the selected database object may be received via the one or more generated input fields. A database query may then be generated utilizing the received user input, and the database may be queried utilizing the constructed database query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Quan Chi Tran, Xiaoda Gong
  • Patent number: 9482428
    Abstract: A dual phase fuel feeder is disclosed that can be used to provide both solid fuels and liquid fuels to a boiler, such as a fluidized bed boiler. The fuel feeder includes a sloped chute which defines a solid feedpath. Gas distribution nozzles are located at the base of the fuel feeder, and secondary nozzles are located so as to be able to distribute a liquid or particulate fuel into the solid feedpath. This permits the liquid fuel to contact the solid fuel and be carried into the fluidized bed instead of becoming suspended above the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: James F DeSellem, Karl M Heil, Jeremiah J Yoder, Albert D LaRue, Mikhail Maryamchik, William R Stirgwolt
  • Patent number: 9481837
    Abstract: Processes, systems and equipment can be used to convert carbonaceous fuel to an output gas stream that includes CO as a primary C-containing product. In some embodiments, the processes and systems also can produce H2 in a separate reaction, with the H2 advantageously being capable of being combined with the CO from a partial oxidation process to provide syngas which, in turn, can be used to produce fuels and chemicals. The processes and systems can be tuned so as to not produce significant amounts of CO2 and do not require an air separation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Luis G Velazquez-Vargas, Thomas J Flynn, Bartev B Sakadjian, Douglas J DeVault, David L Kraft
  • Patent number: 9457826
    Abstract: An overhead catalyst loading device eliminates the need for lower flanges of the overhead catalyst structural support frame or dedicated overhead trolley beams to prevent ash build up collecting on a SCR reactor box and provides an advantageous lifting mechanism suitable for integration into a SCR device. The overall width of the SCR device is reduced since the structural support frame in the SCR device fits in the gaps between catalyst blocks. No extra space is required on either side of the catalyst blocks for the structural support frame. The overhead catalyst loading device also minimizes the chance of injury during catalyst block installation by using a hydraulic actuated lifting mechanism for loading and unloading catalyst blocks into and out of a SCR device. Methods of lifting and loading and unloading a catalyst block are also presented therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Norman D Nelson, Adam N DePizzo
  • Patent number: 9458838
    Abstract: A power plant includes a solar receiver heating solid particles, a standpipe receiving solid particles from the solar receiver, a pressurized heat exchanger heating working fluid by heat transfer through direct contact with heated solid particles flowing out of the bottom of the standpipe, and a flow path for solid particles from the bottom of the standpipe into the pressurized heat exchanger that is sealed by a pressure P produced at the bottom of the standpipe by a column of heated solid particles of height H. The flow path may include a silo or surge tank comprising a pressure vessel connected to the bottom of the standpipe, and a non-mechanical valve. The power plant may further include a turbine driven by heated working fluid discharged from the pressurized heat exchanger, and a compressor driven by the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Bartev B Sakadjian, Thomas J Flynn, Shengteng Hu, Luis G Velazquez-Vargas, Mikhail Maryamchik
  • Patent number: 9457316
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of emissions control and, in particular to a new and useful method and/or system by which to control various types of corrosion and/or precipitation issues in at least a portion of a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) scrubber system. In one embodiment, the method and/or system of the present invention relies on the supply of at least one reducing agent to the slurry of a wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber to lower the oxidation reduction potential in the absorber slurry contained within the wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber. In still another embodiment, the method and/or system of the present invention control the oxidation-reduction potential in at least one bleed stream of an absorber slurry, filtrate, and/or solution from a wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Richard F DeVault, Paul J Williams, Sandy P Ulbricht, Shannon R Brown
  • Patent number: 9459005
    Abstract: A method for improving pulp mill steam cycle efficiency includes the steps of providing at least one deaerator tank having a first pressure, and lowering the pressure of said deaerator tank to a second pressure. Feedwater is supplied to a pre-economizer, where it is heated. The water is then delivered to at least one feedwater heater, where it is heated. The water is then delivered to an economizer. By this method boiler steam rate is increased while boiler efficiency is maintained and turbine extraction for deaerator and feedwater heating is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Timothy E. Hicks, John E. Monacelli
  • Patent number: 9377397
    Abstract: A method is provided of calibrating a system that detects presence of a pollution component within exhaust gases proceeding along an exhaust passageway. A measurement cell of a probe is isolated by movement of either the entire probe or a shield within the probe from the exhaust gas to allow reference gas to be detected by a laser beam in the mid-infrared range in the measurement cell to calibrate the system. In another example, a laser source is placed on one side of an exhaust passageway and a detector is placed on the other side. A reference cell is provided that is used to receive reference gas and calibrate the system. In yet another example, the exhaust gas is extracted from the passageway and is measured in a reference cell. The reference cell is also filled with reference gas when it is desired to calibrate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Yu Wang, William Howard Eberhardt, Mark Wayne Holt, Jamison W. Janawitz
  • Patent number: 9377191
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a center air jet burner for burning low quality fuel including an annular pipe having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. A core pipe that includes a first opening and an opposite second opening that defines an inner zone, the core pipe extends within the annular pipe defining a first annular zone. A burner elbow is configured to supply a fuel airflow mixture including pulverized coal and primary air to the fuel inlet and the first opening. The first opening of the core pipe is eccentrically aligned relative to the fuel inlet of the annular pipe such that the fuel airflow mixture passing through the burner elbow is divided into an outer fuel rich stream having an increased amount of pulverized coal within the first annular zone and an inner fuel-lean stream having an increased amount of primary air within the inner zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Albert D LaRue, Zumao Chen, Keir D McQuistan
  • Patent number: 9366458
    Abstract: A solar receiver is disclosed. The solar receiver is modular, has multiple tube panels in a rectangular/square/polygonal/circular configuration, and is designed for use with molten salt or another heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid flows in a vertical serpentine path through the sides (facets) of the solar receiver. The solar receiver can be shop assembled and can be used with a support tower to form a solar power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: David T. Wasyluk, David L. Kraft, Jason M. Marshall, Steven P. Iannacchione, Ruth E. Irwin
  • Patent number: 9347686
    Abstract: A dual-exposure heat absorption panel is disclosed, which can be used in a solar receiver design. Generally, the heat absorption panel includes a tube panel through which a heat transfer fluid is flowed to absorb solar energy from heliostats that are focused on the tube panel. A structural support frame surrounds the tube panel. A stiffener structure runs across the exposed faces of the tube panel. The headers and other support structures on the periphery are protected by use of a heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: David T Wasyluk, David L Kraft, Justin A Persinger, Jason M Marshall, Melvin J Albrecht