Patents Assigned to URS Corporation
  • Patent number: 8980207
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: Sterling M. Gray, James B. Jarvis, Steven W. Kosler
  • Patent number: 8865099
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: Sterling M. Gray, James B. Jarvis, Steven W. Kosler
  • Patent number: 8425868
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, David W. DeBerry, Judith Gres DeBerry
  • Publication number: 20120321539
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: URS Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, Judith Gres DeBerry
  • Patent number: 8257672
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, David W. DeBerry, Judith Gres DeBerry, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8226754
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: Jonas Klingspor, J. David Colley, Greg N. Brown
  • Patent number: 8186654
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventor: Jonas Klingspor
  • Patent number: 8083156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Miller, Mark A. Denlinger
  • Publication number: 20110262326
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: URS Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Steen, John E. Currie, Gary M. Blythe, Jennifer L. Paradis, David W. DeBerry, Judith Gres DeBerry
  • Patent number: 8011601
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Denlinger, Jim Noblett, Scott D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6808166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver W. Hargrove, Jr., Mark A. Denlinger
  • Publication number: 20040203172
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: URS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Curtis T. Laush, Thomas Chi-Tung Huang, Brett Geoffrey Wilson, Reginald William Hunter
  • Patent number: 4674571
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne V. Vogen
  • Patent number: 4674591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne V. Vogen
  • Patent number: 4574888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: URS Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne V. Vogen