Abstract: A burner, particularly for use in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) applications, is provided having a fuel distribution tube with integrated swirl vanes adjacent exit holes in the sides of the fuel distribution tube, a ceramic burner cap attached the top end of the fuel distribution tube and a liquid fuel being provided through a fuel feed tube protruding through the bottom end of the fuel distribution tube, thereby forming a burner assembly. The burner assembly fits slidably into a cylindrical burner sleeve which forces primary combustion air through a passage formed between the sleeve and the swirl vanes. The primary combustion air mixes with the fuel in the vanes and burner slot formed between the burner cap and sleeve. The fuel feed tube used to supply fuel to the burner is a heated tube having a small orifice at the burner end. The tube is heated using an internal heater that vaporizes the fuel and can also use recuperated heat from the burner combustion process.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a solids and gas flow in a combustor having a fluid circulating system uses a plurality of separators adjacently positioned and horizontally spaced in a path of a solids and gas flow. Each separator includes four tubes. A membrane connected between selected tubes creates a concave-shaped configuration that will capture oncoming solids particles entrained within the flue gas. In one embodiment, fluid from the fluid circulating system flows serially from an inlet into a first leading tube of a first separator through the tubes in each separator in a given row and finally through the second leading vertical tube of a last separator in that row to an outlet and back to the fluid circulating system. Connector tubes communicate with the first leading tube and the first rear tube, the first rear tube and the second rear tube, and the second rear tube and the second leading tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a solids and gas flow in a combustor having a fluid circulating system uses a plurality of separators adjacently positioned and horizontally spaced in a path of a solids and gas flow. Each separator includes four tubes. A membrane connected between selected tubes creates a concave-shaped configuration that will capture oncoming solids particles entrained within the flue gas. In one embodiment, fluid from the fluid circulating system flows serially from an inlet into a first leading tube of a first separator through the tubes in each separator in a given row and finally through the second leading vertical tube of a last separator in that row to an outlet and back to the fluid circulating system. Connector tubes communicate with the first leading tube and the first rear tube, the first rear tube and the second rear tube, and the second rear tube and the second leading tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling gas containing a reactive particulate solid phase flowing through a duct and for communicating a representative sample to a gas analyzer. A sample probe sheath 32 with an angular opening 34 extends vertically into a sample gas duct 30. The angular opening 34 is opposite the gas flow. A gas sampling probe 36 concentrically located within sheath 32 along with calibration probe 40 partly extends in the sheath 32. Calibration probe 40 extends further in the sheath 32 than gas sampling probe 36 for purging the probe sheath area with a calibration gas during calibration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling a gas containing a reactive particulate solid phase flowing through a duct and for communicating a representative sample to a gas analyzer. A sample probe sheath 32 with an angular opening 34 extends vertically into a sample gas duct 30. The angular opening 34 is opposite the gas flow. A gas sampling probe 36 concentrically located within sheath 32 along with calibration probe 40 partly extend in the sheath 32. Calibration probe 40 extends further in the sheath 32 than gas sampling probe 36 for purging the probe sheath area with a calibration gas during calibration.