Abstract: A cyclone separator adapted for attachment to the upper outlet end of a fluidized bed reactor such as an atmospheric (ACFB) or pressurized fluidized bed combustor (PFBC) has its gas flow capacity increased while maintaining high inlet gas flow velocity and particle separation efficiency. The cyclone inlet flow passageway has aspect ratio h/w increased to at least 4/1 and preferably to the range of 5/1 to 10/1. Also, the inlet passage inner wall is tapered or curved so that the inlet opening area exceeds that of the outlet opening adjacent the cyclone barrel. The cyclone outlet vortex tube lower portion has a truncated cone shape attached to a cylindrical-shaped vortex tube upper portion. The cyclone separator can be formed from multiple parallel tubes each having longitudinal fins for carrying a cooling fluid such as water or steam, and having a refractory material covering the tubes and fins.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system in which a fluidized bed of particulate fuel material is established in a furnace. A duct is formed in the upper portion of said furnace for passing a mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate fuel material to a separator located adjacent the furnace outlet. A heat exchanger is also disposed in the upper portion of the furnace at approximately the same height as the duct so that a portion of the mixture passes over the heat exchanger and then exits via the duct and another portion of the mixture exits directly through the duct.

Abstract: A combined cycle power generation system and method in which a fluidized bed reactor is incorporated in a combined cycle system to recover heat from the hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine and to drive a series of steam turbines. Additional heat is provided by a combustor receiving fuel gas from a fuel gas generator and the hot gases thus generated are used to drive the gas turbine. The hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine are used as the primary fluidizing gas for the circulating fluidized bed reactor. The reactor is used to recover heat from the hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine and to generate steam to power a series of steam turbines. Additional heat is recovered, and pollutants are removed from flue gases by a condensing lower economizer.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and process is disclosed, in which full load stoichiometry is maintained at lower loads. The system and process includes an enclosure and a partition disposed in the enclosure to define a furnace section and an overfire air plenum section. A bed of combustible particulate material is formed in the furnace section and air is passed into the bed in quantities sufficient to fluidize the material and insufficient to completely combust the material. Overfire air is passed into the overfire air plenum, through control dampers in the partition and into the furnace section in quantities sufficient to completely combust the material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the mass flow rate of solids in a cyclone separator having an inlet for receiving a mixture of solids and gases and an outlet for discharging the separated gases. The method includes measuring the gas pressures at the inlet, in the separator, and at the outlet, and utilizing these pressure values to establish a ratio of the pressure drop across the outlet to the pressure drop across the separator. This ratio is then used to determine the mass flow rate of the solids into the cyclone.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system in which a separator receives a mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate material from a fluidized bed in a furnace. A pressure seal valve, in the form of two ducts, connects an outlet of the separator to the furnace for recycling the separated particulate material back to the furnace. A pressure head builds up in one of the ducts and air is introduced to the other duct to dampen pressure fluctuations in the furnace and promote the flow of the particulate material back to the furnace.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and method in which a plurality of enclosures, each having a furnace section and integral recycle section are joined using common walls. Openings are provided in lower portions of the common walls for permitting the fluidized bed material to flow between adjacent or opposing furnace sections and between adjacent recycle sections. Openings are also provided in upper portions of the common walls for equalizing the gas pressure between the adjacent or opposing furnace sections.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system in which a duct connects a reactor and a separator and extends within the furnace section of the reactor. The duct is wedge shaped, having an inlet width greater than its outlet width, and the bottom wall of the duct angles upwardly from the outer side wall of the duct. A portion of the duct extending within the furnace section is formed by cooling tubes which also form a portion of a side wall of the reactor, and a portion of the duct extending outside the furnace section is formed by cooling tubes which also form a portion of an outer wall of the separator. The portion of the duct extending within the furnace section is secured to the portion of the duct extending outside the furnace section to connect the reactor and separator without the use of expansion joints or seals.

Abstract: A combustion system in which a furnace having a fluidized bed disposed therein is divided into multiple sections by one or more partitions. Openings are provided in the lower portion of each partition for permitting the fluidized bed material to flow between the furnace sections, and openings are provided in the upper portion of each partition for equalizing the gas pressure between the furnace sections.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a bed of particulate material including fuel is formed in a furnace section. Air is passed through the bed at a velocity to fluidize said material and promote the combustion of the fuel. A cooler is located adjacent the vessel for receiving particulate material from the vessel and for removing heat from the material. Drain pipes are provided in the furnace section and in the cooler for selectively removing particulate material from the furnace section and the cooler.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and method in which a recycle section is located integrally with the furnace section in an enclosure and operates as a combustor. Heat exchange surfaces are provided in at least one compartment of the combustor/heat exchanger for removing heat from the solids, and a bypass compartment is provided through which the solids directly pass to the furnace during start-up and low load conditions. Fluidizing air is discharged at the internal recirculation of the solids and a partition is located in the central portion of the furnace enclosure for introducing secondary air.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and method in which a recycle heat exchange section is located within an enclosure housing the furnace section of the combustion system. The flue gases and entrained solids from a fluidized bed in the furnace section are separated and the flue gases are passed to a heat recovery section and the separated particulate material to the heat exchange section. The heat exchange section includes a bypass chamber for permitting the separated solids to pass directly from the separator to the furnace section. A heat exchange chamber is provided in the recycle heat exchange section which receives the separated materials from the bypass chamber and transfers heat from the separated material to a fluid flow circuit. The separated material in the heat exchange chamber is then passed back to the furnace section.