Abstract: A system and method for fuel reforming in which at least a portion of the exhaust gases from a combustion process, such as an industrial furnace, is mixed with a fuel, such as natural gas, and the mixture is introduced into a first stage heat exchange vessel in which the fuel is reformed. The reformed fuel is then returned to the combustion process for burning. In accordance with one embodiment, primary combustion oxidant is introduced into a second stage heat exchange vessel in which it is heated by a portion of the exhaust gas exiting the first stage heat exchange vessel. The heated oxidant is then introduced into the combustion process for burning of the fuel(s) therein.

Abstract: A combustion method and apparatus which produce a hybrid flame for heating metals and metal alloys, which hybrid flame has the characteristic of having an oxidant-lean portion proximate the metal or metal alloy and having an oxidant-rich portion disposed above the oxidant lean portion. This hybrid flame is produced by introducing fuel and primary combustion oxidant into the furnace chamber containing the metal or metal alloy in a substoichiometric ratio to produce a fuel-rich flame and by introducing a secondary combustion oxidant into the furnace chamber above the fuel-rich flame in a manner whereby mixing of the secondary combustion oxidant with the fuel-rich-flame is delayed for a portion of the length of the flame.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a concentration of hydrogen, helium or neon in a bulk gas mixture comprising the gas. The apparatus includes a membrane-substrate assembly of a porous, chemically inert substrate material and a chemically inert permeable membrane, a non-permeable housing disposed around the membrane-substrate assembly such that only an active portion of the chemically inert permeable membrane is exposed directly to the bulk gas mixture during operation of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a vacuum pump for evacuating the housing in between uses of the apparatus, at least one pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure of gas diffusing through the membrane-substrate assembly into the housing, at least one temperature controller for controlling temperature within the housing, at least one pressure sensor for measuring the bulk gas pressure, and at least one temperature sensor for measuring the bulk gas temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalytically-active material having at least one base component and at least one catalytically-active component in which the at least one base component is heated to a softening or melting temperature to form a softened or molten base component. While the base component is in the softened or molten state, at least one catalytically-active component is incorporated into or onto the base component, forming the catalytically-active material. In accordance with one embodiment, a catalyst precursor is introduced into the base component and subsequently transformed to a catalytically-active component.

Abstract: A submerged combustion burner having co-axial fuel and oxidant tubes forming an annular space therebetween, wherein the outer tube extends beyond the end of the inner tube. A burner nozzle having an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the outer tube is connected to the outlet end of the inner tube and forms a centralized opening in fluid communication with the inner tube and at least one peripheral longitudinally oriented opening in fluid communication with the annular space. In accordance with one embodiment, a longitudinally adjustable rod is disposed within the inner tube for adjustment of fluid flow therethrough, and a cylindrical insert having at least one flame stabilizer for stabilizing a flame produced by the burner is attached to the outlet end of the outer tube. In accordance with another embodiment, fluid flow through the inner tube is achieved by a flow control valve operably connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: A method for determining the heating value of a fuel gas or fuel gas mixture in which the chemiluminescense intensity of at least one chemical bond in a known volume of the fuel gas or mixture is measured. Based upon the results of the measurement(s), the amount of the at least one chemical bond in the known volume of the fuel gas or mixture is determined. Having determined the amount of the at least one chemical bond, the heating value of the fuel gas or mixture can be determined.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus comprising a pre-combustor stage and a primary combustion stage, the pre-combustor stage having two co-axial cylinders, one for oxidant and one for fuel gas, in which the fuel gas is preheated and the primary combustion stage having rectangular co-axial passages through which fuel and oxidant are admitted into a refractory burner block. Both passages converge in the vertical plane and diverge in the horizontal plane. The passage through the refractory burner block also has a rectangular profile and diverges in the horizontal plane. The outlets to the primary combustion stage are recessed in the refractory burner block at a distance which may be varied.