Abstract: A steam reformer tube assembly includes a reformer tube including a wall defining an interior space for receiving fluid delivered into the reformer tube, a plug at least partially positioned in an opening in the interior space such that a gap is defined between the plug and the wall of the reformer tube, and a sealing member positioned in the gap to either limit or prevent the passage of fluid toward the opening in the interior space of the reformer tube and along the gap that is defined between the exterior surface of the plug and the interior wall of the reformer tube. A method of assembling a steam reformer tube assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A method of vaporizing liquefied natural gas includes passing liquefied natural gas through a submerged combustion vaporizer having a water bath at a bath temperature and a burner to provide a vaporized gas output at a send-out temperature, drawing water from the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer and supplying it to an atmospheric heating tower having an ambient air temperature, returning water from the atmospheric heating tower to the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer, modulating the operating rate of the burner of the submerged combustion vaporizer, and modulating the operating rate of the atmospheric heating tower.

Abstract: A flameless thermal oxidizer including a matrix bed containing media and an inlet tube extending into the matrix bed and having an outlet positioned to deliver reacting gases into the matrix bed is disclosed. The matrix bed defines a void proximal the outlet of the inlet tube. Also disclosed is a method of reducing pressure losses in a flameless thermal oxidizer including the step of introducing reacting gases from an inlet tube into a void defined by a matrix bed.

Abstract: A system is provided for vaporizing a cryogenic liquid. The system includes means for producing an exhaust gas by flameless thermal oxidation of a fuel. The system also includes means for transferring heat from the exhaust gas to the cryogenic liquid. The heat transferring means is coupled to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas producing means. The means for producing an exhaust gas optionally includes an oxidizer having a matrix bed, a fuel/air mixture inlet positioned to deliver the fuel/air mixture to the matrix bed, and an exhaust outlet positioned to deliver the exhaust gas from the oxidizer to the heat transferring means. The means for transferring heat optionally includes a receptacle configured to hold a heat transfer medium, a conduit for cryogenic liquid extending into the receptacle, and a sparger positioned to deliver exhaust gas from the exhaust gas producing means to the receptacle.