Abstract: Improved flare apparatus having long service lives for burning flammable and air and methods are provided. The flare apparatus is basically comprised of an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member positioned within the outer tubular member whereby an annular flammable gas discharge space is provided immediately adjacent to an annular air discharge space. The flammable gas is discharged into the atmosphere in an annular straight out pattern. At least a portion of the air is discharged into the atmosphere for mixing with the flammable gas in a swirling pattern immediately adjacent to the flammable gas which prevents internal burning and premature failure of the flare apparatus.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering one or more condensable compounds from inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is provided. The inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is flowed through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby the condensable compounds are removed from the mixture and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially condensable compound-free inert gas is produced and disposed of, e.g., vented to the atmosphere. A second bed of solid adsorbent is evacuated by vacuum pumping using a cooled liquid seal vacuum pump. As the resulting inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is contacted with the cooled seal liquid of the liquid seal vacuum pump, a major portion of the condensable compounds are condensed. The condensed compounds are recovered and a portion thereof are cooled and recycled as cooled seal liquid for the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Improved low NO.sub.x formation gas burner apparatus and methods of burning uel are provided. The burner apparatus includes a refractory burner tile having a base portion and a wall portion, the wall portion extending into the furnace, surrounding a central area of the base portion and having exterior sides which are slanted. Means are attached to the burner tile for mixing a portion of the fuel gas with the air and discharging the resulting mixture into a primary burning zone in the furnace from within the space defined by the wall portion of the burner tile. At least one secondary fuel gas nozzle means positioned for discharging the remaining portion of the fuel gas adjacent to an external slanted side of the wall portion whereby the fuel gas mixes with flue gases and air in the furnace and burns in a secondary burning zone therein.

Abstract: An improved radiant gas burner which includes a refractory burner tile hag an elongated passageway extending therethrough and a fuel-air mixture burner tube disposed within the passageway. The burner tube is of a one-piece elongated construction, includes a nozzle portion at the interior end of the passageway and is connected to means for introducing fuel gas and air therein by a threaded connection positioned adjacent the exterior end of the passageway. Secondary fuel is discharged from the passageway at a location adjacent the nozzle portion of the burner tube. An improved method of burning fuel gas and air using a radiant gas burner is also provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and burner apparatus are provided for discharging mixtures f fuel and air into furnace spaces wherein said mixtures are burned and flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom. The methods basically comprise discharging a first fuel mixture containing a portion of the fuel and flue gases from the furnace space into the furnace space whereby the mixture is burned in a primary reaction zone therein and flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom, and then discharging the remaining portion of the fuel into a secondary reaction zone wherein the remaining portion of fuel mixes with air and flue gases to form a second fuel mixture which is burned in the secondary reaction zone and additional flue gases having low NO.sub.x contents are formed therefrom.