Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate matter from a biomass combustion gas stream, the apparatus having a mist-producing element that mixes a gas stream entering the apparatus with liquid droplets; a Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) section that includes ionizing electrodes that electrically charge the particulate matter and the intermixed liquid droplets and collecting surfaces under the influence of an electrical field which attract and remove electrically-charged particulate matter and intermixed liquid droplets from the gas stream; and a scrubbing section that provides for additional scrubbing of the gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for injecting natural gas in an RTO. The RTO may be, for example, a known type that has a rotary distributor, a center section divided into pie-shaped segments above the rotary distributor, a heat exchanger section above the center section, and a combustion chamber above the heat exchanger. According to an aspect of the invention, the system introduces gas into segments of the center section in a sequenced manner via cycling on/off control valves. In a particular embodiment, the natural gas is injected at a specific location of a respective segment within the center section that is past the rotary distributor seals and directly under the bottom of the heat exchanger bed. According to the injection sequence, the injection of natural gas into the segment commences when the segment begins to receive inlet waste gas streams, and injection ceases before the flow through the sector changes or stops.

Abstract: A circuit-like system which includes a lower conveyor line, an upper conveyor line and a pair of lift or transfer mechanisms at the end of each line constructed for moving a work piece. A travel and hoist mechanism and a beam assembly are provided for discontinuously moving work pieces along the lower line and raising and lowering them for treatment. A hook assembly is provided for restraining the downward movement of a work piece at a selected location when the hook assembly is in an operative position. The lift or transfer mechanism is provided which includes telescoping arms for grasping a work piece, which arms are carried by a vertically moveable carrier that is mounted in a stationary frame.

Abstract: A circuit-like system which includes a lower conveyor line, an upper conveyor line and a pair of lift or transfer mechanisms at the end of each line constructed for moving a work piece. A travel and hoist mechanism and a beam assembly are provided for discontinuously moving work pieces along the lower line and raising and lowering them for treatment. A hook assembly is provided for restraining the downward movement of a work piece at a selected location when the hook assembly is in an operative position. The lift or transfer mechanism is provided which includes telescoping arms for grasping a work piece, which arms are carried by a vertically moveable carrier that is mounted in a stationary frame.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring a ware supporting hanger from one conveyor to another conveyor. The unit is positioned between the conveyors and includes a centrally positioned rotatable support. There is provided a linear rail or arm assembly suspended from the support. A shuttle is mounted to the linear rail or arm so as to move between one end of the rail or arm assembly and the other end of the rail or arm assembly and thus between conveyors. The shuttle is generally linearly shaped and has a hook engaging member at either end. The shuttle is constructed and arranged so that when the shuttle is positioned at the end of the rail or arm assembly one end of the shuttle is positioned in line with the vertical axis of the rotatable support and the other end is positioned to cooperate with a conveyor. The method of operating the transfer unit in combination with the conveyors is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer to position a rotatable valve body relative to a lower fixed surface and an upper surface and support the valve body from the lower surface. However, the support and positioning provides for sealing engagement between the body and the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of assemblies, each secured to the lower surface engage an external and circumferential support flange on the valve body for accomplishing the support and positioning.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is constructed to receive polluted waste gases from an industrial process, cleanse the gas and permit cleansed gas to exit the RTO to the environment. The RTO includes a lower section having an inlet to receive polluted or incoming gas, and a centrally positioned rotary distributor in the lower section for cooperation in controlling gas flow via a segmented center section. The rotary distributor is substantially smaller than the lower section and is of a substantially smaller cross section. Incoming gas is directed to a middle section segment(s), fills the segment(s) and then flows through a peripheral opening to a segmented upper section where it passes through a heat exchanger to a combustion chamber where it is oxidized or cleansed. From there cleansed gas passes through another upper section segment through a heat exchanger and back to center section segment(s).

Abstract: An exhaust gas system for receiving and treating exhaust gases from different processing tanks including a hood supported by a moveable crane to direct exhaust gases from a selected tank to a selected exhaust duct. Exhaust gas then flows to a treatment site. A connector system is provided to connect the duct to the hood/crane combination. A flow rate sensor and air admission damper system is provided in association with the duct to sense the flow rate in the duct, to permit the addition of ambient air to the duct, by opening the damper, and thus assure a substantially constant flow rate to the treatment site.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a drive system and a coupling system for each roller in a roller hearth kiln. The drive system is modular and encased and includes a plurality of aligned drive worms that engage driven gears that in turn rotate a drive shaft. The casing defines an oil sump which lubricates and cools the worm and gear and permits higher precision elements to be used. A cup-like ball-bearing style coupling system is used to drivingly couple the drive shaft to the roller.