Patents by Inventor Douglas C Comrie

Douglas C Comrie has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20100251938
    Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: NOX II, LTD.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7776301
    Abstract: Calcium bromide is a component of sorbent compositions that can be added on to coal to reduce the amount of sulfur gases released into the atmosphere from a coal burning facility. The sorbent components are added onto coal before the coal is added into the furnace and combusted. The fuel being burned is any fuel that contains sulfur, such as lignite, bituminous, and anthracite coal. The sorbent can contain other components such as silica, alumina, cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, Portland cement, and aluminosilicate clay. Sulfur emissions are monitored during combustion of the fuel, and the rate of sorbent addition can be changed or a adjusted based on the monitored sulfur levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: NOx II, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7758827
    Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, silica, and halogen are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components ? reduce emissions of mercury and sulfur; ? reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; ? increase the efficiency of the coal burning process through de-slagging of boiler tubes; ? increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; ? decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and ? make a highly cementitious ash product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: NOx II, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20100139482
    Abstract: Calcium bromide is a component of sorbent compositions that can be added on to coal to reduce the amount of sulfur gases released into the atmosphere from a coal burning facility. The sorbent components are added onto coal before the coal is added into the furnace and combusted. The fuel being burned is any fuel that contains sulfur, such as lignite, bituminous, and anthracite coal. The sorbent can contain other components such as silica, alumina, cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, Portland cement, and aluminosilicate clay. Sulfur emissions are monitored during combustion of the fuel, and the rate of sorbent addition can be changed or a adjusted based on the monitored sulfur levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20100068109
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing carbon dioxide present in an industrial effluent fluid stream containing carbon dioxide. A scrubbing material comprising a first component, a second component (distinct from the first component), and preferably water, is contacted with the effluent fluid stream. The first component comprises a source of calcium oxide and a source of alkali metal ions. The second component comprises a slag having one or more reactive silicate compounds. Methods of reducing carbon dioxide from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided. Carbon dioxide emission abatement systems are also disclosed. Methods of recycling industrial byproducts are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas C Comrie
  • Patent number: 7674442
    Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20090117019
    Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20090081093
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and/or carbon dioxide present in industrial effluent fluid streams. A solid particulate material comprising a slag component, a binder component (distinct from the slag component), and optionally water is formed and then contacted with the effluent fluid stream to reduce at least one of the sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and/or carbon dioxide. The contacting of the effluent stream may occur in a packed bed reactor with the solid dry particulate material. Methods of reducing pollutants from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7507083
    Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas C Comrie
  • Patent number: 7468170
    Abstract: Sorbent compositions for coal contain nitrogenous components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon combustion. The sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; directly into the fireball during combustion; are added to the fuel before combustion and into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone, preferably where the flue gas temperature is at least 500° C. The sorbent compositions comprise a source of nitrate ions, a source of nitrite ions, or a combination of nitrate and nitrite sources. The sorbents are added as solids or as solutions in water. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions further comprise a source of halogen such as bromide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas C Comrie
  • Publication number: 20080286703
    Abstract: A process for burning coal or other carbonaceous fuels captures sulfur and other undesirable compounds are captured and retained in non-reactive ceramic-like form after the combustion phase. The process involves addition of multiple element alkali powders and/or sorbents preferably containing oxidizing anions such as nitrates and nitrites, preferably based on calcium. In various embodiments, the remediation materials when applied in a complex powder and/or liquid containing multiple elements, result in higher sulfur capture than the materials would otherwise achieve on an individual basis. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbents contain elements that minimize or lower the melting point of the ash. This leads to lowered cohesiveness and toughness of the ash so that less ash builds up on the boiler and better heat transfer is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: NOX II INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Comrie, Vincent A. Vellella
  • Publication number: 20080178525
    Abstract: An inorganic binder composition has a first constituent which is a poly(sialate) or a poly(sialate-siloxo) admixed with a second constituent which has one or more of: fly ash F, fly ash C, fumed silica, Al2O3, pozzolan, ground slag, nepheline syenite, anhydrous aluminum silicate, hydrous aluminum silicate, hydrous sodium hydroxide, silicic acid, potassium salt, and sodium salt. The binder is used to recycle and reuse revert materials from metal smelting operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20080121142
    Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, silica, and halogen are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components ? reduce emissions of mercury and sulfur; ? reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; ? increase the efficiency of the coal burning process through de-slagging of boiler tubes; ? increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; ? decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and ? make a highly cementitious ash product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: NOX II INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Comrie, Vincent Vellella
  • Patent number: 7294193
    Abstract: Cementitious materials including slag and geopolymer can be added to conventional cement compositions, such as Portland cement, as a partial or total replacement for conventional cement materials. The slag may comprise silicates and/or oxides of calcium, silicon, magnesium, iron, aluminum, manganese, titanium, sulfur, chromium and/or nickel. The geopolymer may comprise aluminum silicate and/or magnesium silicate. In a preferred embodiment, curing of concrete materials by the action of water on the cementitious materials is enhanced with the addition of an activator component selected from calcium bromide, calcium nitrate, calcium nitrite, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, and sodium bromide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas C Comrie
  • Publication number: 20070184394
    Abstract: The use of the cementitious ash in building products as total or partial replacement for Portland cement results in reduced carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise result form the manufacture of Portland cement. In addition to avoided carbon dioxide emissions from calcining of limestone to make Portland cement and the burning of fossil fuels to provide the energy needed to make Portland cement, use of the sorbent components tends to increase the efficiency of energy production from burning of coal, further reducing greenhouse emissions from the burning of fossil fuel to produce energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20070163476
    Abstract: A power plant may include a furnace, a coal supply, and a sorbent supply. The furnace may have at least one face with a distribution of a plurality of injectors. The coal supply may be in communication with the furnace. The injectors may be in communication with the source of sorbent and provide injection thereof into the furnace. The sorbent may include an alkaline powder having at least one calcium compound, silica, and alumina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Publication number: 20070168213
    Abstract: Methods involve adding sorbent components, such as calcium oxide, alumina, and silica, as well as optional halogens as part of environmental control. Use of the sorbents leads to significant reductions in sulfur and mercury emissions that otherwise would result from burning coal. Use of the sorbents leads to production of waste coal ash that, while higher in mercury, is nevertheless usable as a commercial product because the mercury in the ash is non-leaching and because the coal ash has a higher cementitious nature by virtue of the increased content of the sorbent components in the ash. Thus, the methods involve adding powders having qualities that lead to the production of a cementitious coal ash while at the same time reducing emissions from a coal burning facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7141112
    Abstract: Cementitious materials including stainless steel slag and geopolymer can be added to conventional cement compositions, such as Portland cement, as a partial or total replacement for conventional cement materials. The stainless steel slag may comprise silicates and/or oxides of calcium, silicon, magnesium, iron, aluminum, manganese, titanium, sulfur, chromium and/or nickel. The geopolymer may comprise aluminum silicate and/or magnesium silicate. In a preferred embodiment, curing of concrete materials by the action of water on the cementitious materials is enhanced with the addition of an activator component selected from calcium bromide, calcium nitrate, calcium nitrite, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, and sodium bromide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas C Comrie
  • Patent number: 5820668
    Abstract: An inorganic binder composition has a first constituent which is a poly(sialate) or a poly(sialate-siloxo) admixed with a second constituent which has one or more of: fly ash F, fly ash C, fumed silica, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, pozzolan, ground slag, nephelene cyanite, anhydrous aluminum silicate, hydrous aluminum silicate, hydrous sodium hydroxide, silicic acid, potassium salt, and sodium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: IB Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie