Abstract: A fired equipment system and process for operating same is provided that combines stationary industrial burner technology and a catalyst bed that converts pollutants formed during combustion of fuel and air in the burner to yield stack gases that need no further treatment before discharge to the atmosphere. The system and process disclosed reduces CO, NOx and VOC's by at least 90 to 95%.

Abstract: A quench system for cooling hot flue gases from combustion systems is disclosed. The quench system includes a venturi mounted in a quench vessel. The water level in the quench vessel may be raised or lowered in accordance with the flow rate of the gases to be quenched. When the pressure drop across the venturi is insufficient to achieve the desired cooling to adiabatic saturation temperature, the water level is increased so that the downcomer connected to the venturi is submerged and the additional pressure drop further cools the flue gases.

Abstract: A system for reducing volatile organic compounds, particulates and carbon monoxide in exhaust from a wood products dryer is disclosed. The dryer exhaust is combined with waste wood or biomass fuel and partially combusted in a rotary gasifier, then fully combusted in a secondary combustion chamber. Hot flue gasses form the secondary combustion chamber are used to heat the conduits carrying the exhaust from the dryer, to heat oil, and to preheat air input to the dryer.

Abstract: A vapor recovery unit comprising a vapor inlet for taking up hydrocarbon vapor from a loading facility or the like, and thereafter alternately allowing the vapor to flow to one of at least two adsorber vessels. Each adsorber vessel includes an entry port in the bottom of the adsorber vessel for receiving vapor. Hydrocarbons are retained on activated carbon beds in the adsorber vessels, resulting in purified air or other carrier gas which is removed through a discharge port also in the bottom of each adsorber vessel and released through an elevated vent to the atmosphere. Hydrocarbon vapor is desorbed from the adsorber vessel by a vacuum system and directed to a separator/absorber vessel wherein the desorbed vapor which has passed through the vacuum system is brought into contact with a hydrocarbon absorbent liquid or condenser. In use, when one adsorber vessel is taking in vapor from the vapor inlet, the other adsorber vessel is having its adsorbent bed desorbed or regenerated.

Abstract: A burner assembly for process heaters or the like comprising a burner block, primary gas jets, secondary gas jets, a flame holder, and an air register for installation in a furnace wall or furnace floor is described. The burners are characterized in that primary fuel is introduced into the primary combustion zone of the burner at an angle horizontal to the flame holder whereby the fuel induces furnace gases from the furnace into the primary combustion zone. Similarly, the secondary fuel jets introduce a secondary fuel through the burner block for consumption in a combustion zone at the surface of the burner block. The secondary fuel also draws furnace gases into the combustion zone for consumption. The design provides for intense mixing of combustion air with the fuel and furnace gases, resulting in low NO.sub.x levels.