Abstract: A method for starting high-performance entrained flow gasification reactors with a combination burner or a plurality of pulverized fuel burners, and an ignition and pilot burner. The ignition and pilot burner is ignited, substoichiometrically with fuel gas and a gasifier containing free oxygen. The reactor is brought to the pressure intended and a flow of a fuel gas is supplied with a partial flow of the gasification agent at a substoichiometric ratio through the fuel lines leading to the fuel burner and ignited by the flame of the ignition and pilot burner with a partial flow of the gasification agent. Next, the pulverized fuel is supplied together with a further oxygen-containing gasifying agent through the supply lines to the pulverized fuel burner and is ignited by the flame of the ignition and pilot burner and by the fuel gas flames of the combustible gas generated at the pulverized fuel burner.

Abstract: A single-ended, internally recuperated, radiant tube annulus system in which at least part of the heat recovery takes place within the furnace to which the system is attached and in which the oxidant and/or fuel are preheated not only by heat transfer from the exhaust gases, but also directly from the combustion process. The system includes a plurality of concentric radiant tubular members arranged in a manner providing an outer annular region in which the combustion process is carried out, an inner tubular member through which exhaust gases are exhausted from the system, and intermediate annular regions between the inner tubular member and the outer annular region through which preheated oxidant is provided to the outer annular region for the combustion process. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, the internal recuperator is used as a fuel reformer.

Abstract: A feeder assembly (28) for projecting solid fuel, such as coal (24), into a combustion chamber (11) of a furnace (10) includes a distributor (44) and a feeder (42) disposed in a housing (40). The distributor (44) includes a rotor (48) having blades (46) extending outwardly therefrom, and the rotor (48) is rotatable to project the solid fuel into the combustion chamber (11). The feeder (42) includes a conveyor assembly (50) for providing the solid fuel to the rotor (48). The housing (40) includes an aperture (41) disposed therein, through which the solid fuel is projected into the combustion chamber (11). The housing (40) also includes a portion (45) movable between: a first position wherein the aperture (41) is open to allow the solid fuel to be projected into the combustion chamber (11), and a second position wherein the movable portion (45) closes the aperture (41) to shield the rotor (48) from heat emitted from the combustion chamber (11) and allow maintenance and/or replacement of the distributor (44).

Abstract: An afterburner device and a method for operating an afterburner device, especially for chemical reformers for obtaining hydrogen, for making heat available from fuels and/or residual gases from a reforming process and/or a fuel cell process. In this context, heat is supplied in a controlled manner from recirculated combustion gases to a first housing and/or a combustion chamber situated in it and at least in part filled with heat resistant, open-pored foamed ceramics. The regulation takes place, for instance, based on a temperature recorded in the combustion chamber using an infrared light measurement.

Abstract: Pulse detonation combustors of valveless construction. One valveless pulse detonation combustor, having a tube with a closed end and an open end, is constructed with a flame accelerator within the tube, adjacent the open end. A valveless, apertured flow restrictor is positioned between the flame accelerator and the closed end of the tube. A sparking device is positioned within the tube, between the flow restrictor and the flame accelerator. Valveless fuel and air ports are positioned between the flow restrictor and the closed end of the tube. Substantially right-angle manifold passageways are in communication with each of the ports.

Abstract: A furnace includes a chute extending from the back of a combustion chamber to allow for the material in the combustion chamber to be pushed into the chute and ejected from the chute by the force of new fuel being pushed into the furnace. No time is lost in cleaning out the furnace as the cleaning of the furnace happens as a byproduct of fuel being loaded into the furnace. The ease and efficiency of operation, in that the cleaning happens by performing the necessary task of loading the furnace with fuel, will allow furnace operation in a more simple, convenient, and safe manner without requiring the furnace to be shut down.

Abstract: A burner device having a burner chamber (26) filled at least partially by a porous body (28), an evaporation zone (12) upstream of the burner chamber (26) for evaporating liquid fuel supplied via a fuel inlet line (16), an igniter (30) for igniting a combustion mixture of evaporated liquid fuel and combustion air supplied via a combustion air inlet line (18) to the evaporation zone (12) as well as an exhaust discharge (38) downstream of the combustion chamber (26). A mixing zone (20) is disposed between the evaporation zone (14) and the combustion chamber (26) in which fuel gas is introduced via a fuel gas inlet line (22, 24) and is mixed with the combustion air and/or the combustion mixture. The burner device can be used as an afterburner in a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A charcoal cooking grate which is hinged to fold up to trap charcoal in a tight pile that is necessary for efficient burning. The grate folds completely over the top and lays flat to allow for three sheets of crumpled up newspaper to be placed under one side. Both sides then fold up to trap the charcoal in the middle of the grate. There are also two hinged sides which fold up to trap the charcoal. These hinged sides wrap around the grate to complete the enclosure. The charcoal can then be loaded onto the center of the cooking grate. Because you have a defined area to pour the charcoal, you get the exact amount of charcoal that is needed to use the grill. After the coals have become hot enough to cook with, then the chains can simply be pulled to release the hinged sides and the end grates to their original positions. The charcoal is automatically dispersed across the charcoal grate as the end grates are lowered back down to a flat position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma gasification of waste materials consisting of organic and inorganic portions is provided which includes a refractory-lined reactor vessel, a feeder mechanism, and a DC electrode device. The refractory-lined reactor vessel has a processing chamber formed therein. The feeder mechanism feeds continuously waste materials into the processing chamber at a controlled feed rate. The DC electrode device is used for heating the processing chamber to a sufficient temperature so as to convert the organic portions of the waste materials to a synthetic gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and to a carbon particulate, and to convert the inorganic portions of the waste materials to a molten material consisting of a lower metallic layer and a slag layer formed on top of the metallic layer.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to restraint devices for gas tanks. In a first embodiment, the tank retainer includes a bracket for engaging with the collar of a gas tank and a tray for engaging with the base of the gas tank. The bracket is preferably stationary wherein the tank, while supported by the tray, is rotated into engagement with a slot formed into the bracket. The tray preferably includes a channel for receiving and restraining the base of a gas tank. The brackets and trays can be used in combination or independently of one another. The bracket and tray are preferably distinct components of a gas grill; however, it is contemplated that the features of the bracket and tray can be incorporated into other components of a barbecue grill such as the frame members and lower shelf of the grill cart.

Abstract: A burner-based exhaust gas generation system, for producing exhaust gas, typically for use in testing exhaust system devices. Post-burner exhaust gas is recirculated back to a main exhaust line, and used for purposes such as cooling or enhancing the burner output.

Abstract: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

Abstract: A pneumatic signal conditioning device may have a first fluid path and a second fluid path. The first fluid path includes a first inlet and a first outlet, and is configured such that the first outlet provides a first conditioned signal representing a pressure at the first inlet. Similarly, the second fluid path is configured such that the second outlet provides a second conditioned signal representing a pressure at the second inlet. A pressure switch may be disposed in fluid communication with the first fluid path and the second fluid path such that the first fluid path and the second fluid path pass through the pressure switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying solid waste to a furnace includes an opening to an elongated channel into which waste material is received and an outlet open to the furnace. A reciprocating ram with a head plate located in the channel opposite the outlet forces the waste toward the outlet. The ram also has an upper shield dimensioned to be slightly greater in area than the opening such that the opening is blocked when the ram is extended. The channel also includes an actuator-impelled restrictor plate for compressing waste as it is forced through said channel into a narrower portion, and a isolation door operable to close off the channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having bodies of different thermal expansion rates comprises a first body, a second body having a different thermal expansion rate than the first body, and a plurality of high conductivity members attached to both the first and second bodies. The high conductivity members are more flexible than the first and second bodies in order to allow for varied thermal expansion of the first and second bodies. The assembly may comprise a solar collector assembly, wherein the first body is a solar cell attached to a substrate, and the second body is a heat sink.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for the combustion of metals and other fuels are provided. The system can include: a fuel combustion apparatus including a combustor having a combustion chamber for burning ground particles from a fuel charge, and a fuel supply apparatus for supplying the ground particles of fuel from the fuel charge to the combustor. The fuel supply system can include a fuel charge holder assembly to house and store the fuel charge, a grinder assembly including a grinder housed within the charge holder assembly and configured to pulverize the fuel charge to produce a combustible fuel to be consumed in the combustion chamber, and a fuel charge linear feed assembly including a piston in contact with the fuel charge within the charge holder assembly to selectively bias the fuel charge into the grinder to thereby a control consumption rate of the fuel charge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device (3) for the combustion of granular, solid fuel, for example pellets and the like, comprising; a combustion chamber (16), an air inlet (24) for feeding air to the combustion chamber (16) via at least one air chamber (38,39,40) and at least one air-duct (41,42) for attaining an air flow through the combustion chamber (16), a feeding and dosing arrangement (10, 11, 12) for feeding of the fuel into the combustion chamber (16), an ignition device (28) for ignition of the fuel, a control unit (32) for operation of the combustion device (3) and parts co-operating therewith, an outlet (26) for hot combustion gases from the combustion chamber (16), a movably arranged ash feeder (29) with a drive unit (30), controlled by the control unit (32) for automatic feeding of ashes, unburned fuel, and slag products (31), out of the combustion chamber (16), wherein the ash feeder (29) comprises a movable front part (51) having a perforated bottom which constitutes the above mentioned inner bott

Abstract: A pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly 34 includes a fuel feed pipe 38 and a nozzle tip 36 pivotally secured relative to the fuel feed pipe 38. The fuel feed pipe 38 includes a generally cylindrical shell 99 having a round outlet end 102 and a bulbous protrusion 106 disposed around a perimeter of the round outlet end 102. The nozzle tip 36 includes an inner shell 40 having a round inlet end 108 arranged in concentric relationship with the round outlet end 102 of the generally cylindrical shell 99. The round inlet end 108 is disposed around the bulbous protrusion 106 for forming a seal between the inner shell 40 and the fuel feed pipe 38. The nozzle tip 36 also includes an outer shell 39 arranged in coaxial relationship with the inner shell 40, and an annular air channel 42 disposed between the inner and outer shells 40, 39. The nozzle tip 36 is pivotable about at least one axis 52, 250 for directing a stream of pulverized solid fuel from the inner shell 40.

Abstract: The inventive multi-level furnace comprises a furnace wall delimiting a cylindrical space having a vertical axis, a plurality of beds defining the levels inside said cylindrical space and at least one scraping arm which is provided with a wall scraper and associated with the bed in such a way that it is rotatable about the vertical axis of the furnace. During scraping arm rotation, said wall scraper defines a scraped area on the internal surface of the furnace wall which comprises a plurality of wall cavities forming a row of access openings in the scraped area, thereby making it possible to avoid the formation of a hardened crust adhered to the internal surface of the furnace wall and to develop braking shocks in the scraping arm.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a smelt spout of a boiler is provided. The boiler includes a boiler wall defining an outlet port for discharging molten smelt and the smelt spout is positioned with respect to the outlet port so that the molten smelt is able to flow along the smelt spout. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tool having a pair of cleaning blades generally aligned with respective side walls of the smelt spout and an actuating assembly configured to move the cleaning blades from a first position to a second position. The cleaning blades each engage the respective side walls of the smelt spout to dislodge hardened smelt deposits therefrom when in the cleaning blades are in the second position.