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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A bubble cap assembly for an air distribution grid includes a stem having a top region and a bottom region, a bubble cap connected to the top region of the stem, a membrane having an opening, the bottom region of the stem communicating with the opening; a flange connected to the bottom region of the stem; at least one clamp for pressing the flange against the membrane, and a gasket squeezed between the flange and the membrane by the clamp to provide an air-tight connection between the flange and the membrane.

Abstract: A solar receiver has an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a heat transfer fluid phase separator, such as a vertical steam/water separator, fluidly interconnected thereto. The receiver includes a plurality of heat transfer fluid filled components, and at least one alternate heat source. When various temperature measurements indicate freezing or solidification of the fluid is possible, the alternate heat source is activated to maintain a temperature of the fluid greater than the freezing/solidification point of the fluid. The application of the alternate heat source further induces natural circulation of the fluid within the components, further providing freeze/solidification protection to the receiver. A controller may be configured to receive sensed temperatures of the fluid, components, ambient air, etc., and use these temperatures relative to a threshold temperature to activate, vary output, and deactivate one or more alternate heat sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of catalysts for use in connection with one or more types of emissions control (e.g., emissions control associated with the combustion of one or more types of fossil fuel) and, in particular to catalyst compositions that possess an improved resistance to at least one type of poisoning. In another embodiment, the catalysts of the present invention are designed to be utilized in conjunction with an SCR and possess an improved resistance to phosphorus poisoning.

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) and, in particular to a new and useful method and apparatus designed to improve the water supplied to non-calcium-based, aqueous wet SOx scrubbers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a system and method for softening water for use in non-calcium-based, aqueous wet SOx scrubbers.

Abstract: An economizer arrangement particularly suitable for new or retrofit application to existing steam generators provides a water cooled stringer support tube system which can accommodate firing a wide range of fuels with varying characteristics in the steam generator. The economizer arrangement according to the present invention is particularly suited for retrofit applications to large supercritical steam generators. The use of water cooled stringer tube supports allows for higher flue gas temperatures in comparison to conventional non-cooled mechanical economizer supports. These features are provided in a design which fits within the existing economizer envelope of the steam generator.

Abstract: A solar-nuclear hybrid plant includes a nuclear energy loop, a solar energy loop, and an electrical generation loop. The three loops are closed loops. The nuclear energy loop transfers energy to the electrical generation loop through a steam generator. The solar energy loop transfers energy to either the nuclear energy loop and/or the electrical generation loop through one or more heat exchangers in the appropriate loop. This cogeneration plant has higher efficiency compared to a nuclear power plant alone.

Abstract: A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure.

Abstract: An integrated sorbent injection, heat recovery, and flue gas desulfurization system is disclosed. A dry sorbent is injected into the flue gas upstream of the air heater. This reduces the acid dew point temperature, permitting additional heat energy to be captured when the flue gas passes through the air heater. The flue gas then passes through a desulfurization unit and through a baghouse, where solids are captured. The capture of additional heat energy permits the overall boiler efficiency to be increased while safely operating at a lower flue gas temperature. The integrated system consumes no greater quantity of sorbent than conventional methods but provides the benefit of improved plant heat rate.

Abstract: Alkali-containing bottom ash produced by a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler is recycled to downstream spray dryer absorption (SDA) apparatus to more fully utilize the unused reagent present in the ash, and/or to reduce the amount of reagent used while not increasing NOx generation.