Patents Assigned to URS Corporation
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Patent number: 8980207Abstract: Processes and methods exist for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fossil fuels such as coal. Halide salts can be effective when used at locations where they are thermally decomposed to form reactive halogen species, or in combination with an adsorbent material such as activated carbon. Halide salts, such as calcium bromide and sodium bromide, are not typically used at locations downstream of the economizer, where the temperature is typically below around 500° C., because these salts are non-thermolabile and do not decompose to produce reactive halogen species. However, in flue gas streams that certain flue gas constituents, such as sulfur trioxide or sulfuric acid, reactive halogen species can be produced via chemical reaction. These species react with elemental mercury through various means to form an oxidized form of mercury that is more easily captured in downstream pollution control devices such as particulate control devices or SO2 scrubbers.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: Sterling M. Gray, James B. Jarvis, Steven W. Kosler
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Patent number: 8865099Abstract: Processes and methods exist for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fossil fuels such as coal. Halide salts can be effective when used at locations where they are thermally decomposed to form reactive halogen species, or in combination with an adsorbent material such as activated carbon. Halide salts, such as calcium bromide and sodium bromide, are not typically used at locations downstream of the economizer, where the temperature is typically below around 500° C., because these salts are non-thermolabile and do not decompose to produce reactive halogen species. However, in flue gas streams that certain flue gas constituents, such as sulfur trioxide or sulfuric acid, reactive halogen species can be produced via chemical reaction. These species react with elemental mercury through various means to form an oxidized form of mercury that is more easily captured in downstream pollution control devices such as particulate control devices or SO2 scrubbers.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: Sterling M. Gray, James B. Jarvis, Steven W. Kosler
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Patent number: 8425868Abstract: An improvement in the method for preventing re-emissions of mercury from a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system by addition of an additive to the FGD scrubber liquor which interacts in the system scrubber with mercury present in the flue gas to curtail the mercury re-emissions; the mercury re-emissions are reduced to substantially zero by use of an additive selected from one or more members of the group consisting of a dithiol, a dithiolane, and a thiol having a single thiol group and either an oxygen or a hydroxyl group.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, David W. DeBerry, Judith Gres DeBerry
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Publication number: 20120321539Abstract: An improvement in the method for preventing re-emissions of mercury from a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system by addition of an additive to the FGD scrubber liquor which interacts in the system scrubber with mercury present in the flue gas to curtail the mercury re-emissions; the mercury re-emissions are reduced to substantially zero by use of an additive selected from one or more members of the group consisting of a dithiol, a dithiolane, and a thiol having a single thiol group and either an oxygen or a hydroxyl group.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: URS CorporationInventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, Judith Gres DeBerry
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Patent number: 8257672Abstract: An improvement in the method for preventing re-emissions of mercury from a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system by addition of an additive to the FGD scrubber liquor which interacts in the system scrubber with mercury present in the flue gas to curtail the mercury re-emissions; the mercury re-emissions are reduced to substantially zero by use of an additive selected from one or more members of the group consisting of a dithiol, a dithiolane, and a thiol having a single thiol group and either an oxygen or a hydroxyl group.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, David W. DeBerry, Judith Gres DeBerry, legal representative
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Patent number: 8226754Abstract: An FGD system is provided which can be retrofitted on existing utility coal-fired boilers. The design is based on a horizontal co-current scrubber capable of generating a pressure rise across the absorber. Modifications to existing plant equipment are minimized by the co-current horizontal scrubber design. The system includes features, which eliminate much equipment typically associated with other FGD designs, and reduces the use of support equipment such as tanks, agitators, and pumps. It also minimizes or eliminates the need for new buildings.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: Jonas Klingspor, J. David Colley, Greg N. Brown
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Patent number: 8186654Abstract: A sieve tray is used in a gas treatment tower, wherein the tray openings are hexagonal in shape, enabling a higher open area in the tray while maintaining the tray structural integrity, thereby enabling use of the tray in higher velocity towers.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: URS CorporationInventor: Jonas Klingspor
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Patent number: 8083156Abstract: A dispersion apparatus for dispersing a treating agent into a fluid treatment system that includes a flow duct in which a fluid stream flowing through the duct is mixed with the treating agent. The apparatus is based on a multi-pipe lance positioned in the stream flow, where each pipe supplies a minimum of feed discharge nozzles (typically one to four), and the individual pipes branch off from the same location. Use of the multi-pipe lance, in combination with a suitable baffle, results in better overall dispersion/distribution of the injected medium by surface area. By improving the surface area distribution, better utilization of the injected sorbent can be achieved. The baffle acts to generate a low pressure zone on its downstream side and creates a high-intensity turbulence plume in the fluid. The orifices of the pipe are located to inject the treating agent into the turbulence plume to better distribute and intermix the injected treating agent into the surrounding fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: Scott D. Miller, Mark A. Denlinger
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Publication number: 20110262326Abstract: An improvement in the method for preventing re-emissions of mercury from a wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system by addition of an additive to the FGD scrubber liquor which interacts in the system scrubber with mercury present in the flue gas to curtail the mercury re-emissions; the mercury re-emissions are reduced to substantially zero by use of an additive selected from one or more members of the group consisting of a dithiol, a dithiolane, and a thiol having a single thiol group and either an oxygen or a hydroxyl group.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: URS CorporationInventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, David W. DeBerry, Judith Gres DeBerry
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Patent number: 8011601Abstract: A dispersion lance is for use in combination with a fluid treatment system of the type which includes a flow duct in which a fluid stream is mixed with a treating agent. The dispersion lance includes a pipe mounted in the duct with its axis approximately transverse to the direction of the fluid stream flow, the pipe having a series of openings along its length for injecting a treating agent into the fluid stream. A baffle extends lengthwise along the pipe, the baffle having a cross-section the central portion of which is V-shaped, with the apex of the V facing upstream of the fluid stream flow, and with generally flattened wing portions extending from the legs of the V beyond the sides of the pipe in a direction where they transversely intersect the stream flow. The baffle acts to generate a low pressure zone on its downstream side which enhances turbulence in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: Mark A. Denlinger, Jim Noblett, Scott D. Miller
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Patent number: 6808166Abstract: A venturi scrubber for scrubbing a gas stream to remove undesired gaseous and particulate components. The device includes a scrubber vessel having an external wall, an upper inlet for admitting the gas stream, and a collecting reservoir at the bottom of the vessel for collecting scrubbing liquid. An internal wall extends from the upper part of the external wall to define an axial converging passage for receiving and converging the gas stream from the inlet. An adjoined downwardly extending venturi passage receives the downwardly flowing gas stream from the converging passage, the internal wall abounding the venturi passage terminating above the liquid level at the reservoir; and an annular space is thereby defined between the internal and external walls. An outlet duct for the scrubbed gas stream intersects the annular space at the upper part of the space.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: URS CorporationInventors: Oliver W. Hargrove, Jr., Mark A. Denlinger
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Publication number: 20040203172Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas detection system comprises a sample cell containing at least one aperture and a substrate. The substrate comprises a chemiluminescent material that produces photons upon exposure to a fluorine-containing compound. A photo-detector is positioned to receive at least a portion of the photons, wherein the photo-detector generates an electrical output signal relating to a concentration of the fluorine-containing compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: URS CORPORATIONInventors: Curtis T. Laush, Thomas Chi-Tung Huang, Brett Geoffrey Wilson, Reginald William Hunter
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Patent number: 4674571Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving oil production in oil wells. The lower end of an elastic steel column is attached to the upper end of a liner. The upper end of the column extends above the top of the well and is attached to a reaction mass lying vertically thereabove through (1) an accelerometer and (2) vertically mounted compression springs in parallel with a vertically mounted servo-controlled hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly. A substantially constant upward load is applied to the reaction mass, and the piston of the hydraulic assembly is reciprocated under servo control to apply vertical vibration to the upper end of the column. This vertical vibration is adjusted through the servo control to an appropriate resonant frequency for the column in the range of 5 Hz to 25 Hz, and the frequency is maintained at resonance by a feedback system relying on maintaining a phase difference of 90.degree.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1985Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: URS CorporationInventor: Wayne V. Vogen
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Patent number: 4674591Abstract: Method and apparatus for downhole seismic exploration employing vibration emanating from a point deep in a well. An elastic steel column has an upper end extending above the top of the well. A reaction mass is attached vertically thereabove through a vertically mounted compression spring system, in parallel with it a vertically mounted servo-controlled hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly. The displacement of a spear or bit on the lower end of the column relative to earth develops a displacement signal. The piston in the hydraulic cylinder is under reciprocated servo control to apply vertical vibration to the upper end of the column and thereby to the spear, while developing an electrical, pressure-differential signal corresponding to the pressure across the cylinder-piston assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1986Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: URS CorporationInventor: Wayne V. Vogen
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Patent number: 4574888Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering a stuck element from deep in a well. The lower end of an elastic steel column is attached to the upper end of the stuck element. The upper end of the column extends above the top of the well and is attached to a reaction mass lying vertically thereabove through (1) an accelerometer and then (2) vertically mounted compression springs in parallel with a vertically mounted servo-controlled hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly. A substantially constant upward load is applied to the reaction mass, and the piston of the hydraulic assembly is reciprocated under servo control to apply vertical vibration to the upper end of the column. This vertical vibration is adjusted through the servo control to an appropriate resonant frequency for the column in the range of 1/2 Hz to 25 Hz, and the frequency is maintained at resonance by a feedback system relying on maintaining a phase difference of 90.degree.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1984Date of Patent: March 11, 1986Assignee: URS CorporationInventor: Wayne V. Vogen