Abstract: An improved apparatus for on-line coal flow control in vertical spindle mills comprising a plurality of independently adjustable flow control elements and positioning rods that adjust the positioning of those flow control elements. Each flow control element is positioned within the discharge turret of the vertical spindle mill along the outer wall of the discharge turret proximate the entrance to its corresponding coal outlet pipe. The adjustable rods are seated on the side or top of the discharge turret of the coal pulverizer and are connected to the flow control element horizontally or vertically as the case may be. The flow control elements can be independently rotated by +/?90 degrees about the positioning rod axis, moved back and forth in the horizontal plane, and can also be moved up and down in the vertical plane. Therefore, each flow control element has three degrees-of-freedom: one rotational and two linear displacements.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for on-line coal flow control in vertical spindle mills comprising a plurality of independently adjustable flow control elements and positioning rods that adjust the positioning of those flow control elements. Each flow control element is positioned within the discharge turret of the vertical spindle mill along the outer wall of the discharge turret proximate the entrance to its corresponding coal outlet pipe. The adjustable rods are seated on the side or top of the discharge turret of the coal pulverizer and are connected to the flow control element horizontally or vertically as the case may be. The flow control elements can be independently rotated by +/?90 degrees about the positioning rod axis, moved back and forth in the horizontal plane, and can also be moved up and down in the vertical plane. Therefore, each flow control element has three degrees-of-freedom: one rotational and two linear displacements.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for on-line coal flow control in vertical spindle mills comprising a plurality of independently adjustable flow control elements and positioning rods that adjust the positioning of those flow control elements. Each flow control element is positioned within the discharge turret of the vertical spindle mill along the outer wall of the discharge turret proximate the entrance to its corresponding coal outlet pipe. The adjustable rods are seated on the side of the discharge turret of the coal pulverizer and are connected to the flow control element horizontally. The flow control elements can be independently rotated by +/?90 degrees about the positioning rod axis, and can also be moved back and forth in the horizontal plane. Therefore, each flow control element has two degrees-of-freedom: rotational and linear displacements. The apparatus improves boiler performance by making it possible to operate the boiler with reduced pollutant levels (e.g. NOx, CO) and increased combustion efficiency.

Abstract: An adjustable device installed at the inlet of conventional junctions/splitters (116) for on-line control of the distribution of coal among the outlet pipes is herein disclosed. The device includes a plurality of wake inducing airfoils (60) each positioned upstream of a plurality of flow channels in the riffler (50) for directing coal flow to the outlet pipes. Each wake-inducing airfoil has a cross-section defined by a width W that varies along its length H for creating upstream turbulence, and a particle wake that preferentially diverts the coal flow to one of the outlet pipes at the splitter junction without affecting primary air flow. For example, each wake inducing airfoil may comprise a rounded convex edge leading to straight tapered sides. The surfaces of the sides may be roughened or textured (63) for promoting turbulent boundary layers. In addition, conventional fixed or variable orifices may be used in combination with the wake inducing airfoils for balancing primary air flow rates.

Abstract: A system for balancing and controlling the distribution of pulverized coal into multiple equal diameter outlet pipes of coal pulverizers for improving boiler performance. The device includes a plurality of flow control elements, one flow control element for each outlet pipe, all positioned a pre-determined distance upstream of the outlet pipes. Each flow control element is mounted on an independent adjustment mechanism and is thereby adjustable in position relative its corresponding outlet pipe to selectively vary the wake of the downstream coal particulate flow relative to primary air flow. The method of the present invention is practiced by monitoring coal particulate flow at the outlet pipes relative to primary air flow or individual flame characteristics, and then compensating for noted imbalances by selectively adjusting the flow control elements, thereby balancing and controlling the distribution of coal and improving combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A system for balancing and controlling the distribution of pulverized coal into multiple equal diameter outlet pipes of coal pulverizers for improving boiler performance. The device includes a plurality of flow control elements, one flow control element for each outlet pipe, all positioned a pre-determined distance upstream of the outlet pipes. Each flow control element is mounted on an independent adjustment mechanism and is thereby adjustable in position relative its corresponding outlet pipe to selectively vary the wake of the downstream coal particulate flow relative to primary air flow. The method of the present invention is practiced by monitoring coal particulate flow at the outlet pipes relative to primary air flow or individual flame characteristics, and then compensating for noted imbalances by selectively adjusting the flow control elements, thereby balancing and controlling the distribution of coal and improving combustion efficiency.

Abstract: An adjustable device installed at the inlet of conventional junctions/splitters (116) for on-line control of the distribution of coal among the outlet pipes is herein disclosed. The device includes a plurality of flow control elements (60) each positioned upstream of a plurality of flow channels in the riffler (50) for directing coal flow to the outlet pipes. Each flow control element preferably comprises a rounded convex edge leading to straight tapered sides (FIG. 9). The surfaces of the sides may be roughened or textured (63) for promoting turbulent boundary layers (FIG. 9). In addition, conventional fixed or variable orifices may be used in combination with the flow control elements for balancing primary air flow rates. The device allows fine-adjustment control of coal flow rates when used in combination with the slotted riffler, yet it has negligible effect on the distribution of primary air.

Abstract: An adjustable device installed at the inlet of conventional junctions/splitters (116) for on-line control of the distribution of coal among the outlet pipes is herein disclosed. The device includes a plurality of flow control elements (60) each positioned upstream of a plurality of flow channels in the riffler (50) for directing coal flow to the outlet pipes. Each flow control element preferably comprises a rounded convex edge leading to straight tapered sides (FIG. 9). The surfaces of the sides may be roughened or textured (63) for promoting turbulent boundary layers (FIG. 9). In addition, conventional fixed or variable orifices may be used in combination with the flow control elements for balancing primary air flow rates. The device allows fine-adjustment control of coal flow rates when used in combination with the slotted riffler, yet it has negligible effect on the distribution of primary air.

Abstract: A process for removing ammonia from fly ash during processing on an inclined fluidized bed. The process begins by introducing a mixture of particulates having ammonia adsorbed therein into an inclined fluidized bed. Concurrently, a fluidizing gas is pre-heated and is also introduced into the fluidized bed. The mixture is then processed along the fluidized bed with the pre-heated fluidizing gas to achieve bubbling fluidization of the particles. This causes segregation by which a dense fraction settles downward and a light fraction rises upward in the bed. Ammonia in the particles is desorbed by the pre-heated fluidizing gas. The fluidizing gas is then scrubbed after the processing step to remove the desorbed ammonia. The process may also include the use of acoustic enhancement whereby an acoustic field is imposed on the fluidized bed to improve fluidization and segregation of the particles and to increase the efficacy of ammonia removal.

Abstract: A process and device for separating different types of particulates from a mixture, which is especially suited for separating unburned carbon from raw fly ash. The process entails separating raw fly ash by size into a fine component and a coarse component (the coarse component having typically higher levels of unburned carbon). The coarse, high carbon, fly ash component (or optionally both components) are processed through an inclined fluidized bed to produce an upgraded coarse component with reduced unburned carbon. An acoustic field is imposed on the inclined fluidized bed(s) in order to enhance the bed's ability to fluidize and segregate the unburned carbon. The upgraded coarse and fine components are then mixed to yield a final product.