Patents by Inventor Herbert E. Andrus Jr.
Herbert E. Andrus Jr. 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).
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System, method and apparatus for controlling the flow direction, flow rate and temperature of solids
Patent number: 10429064Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of a material includes an inlet for receiving the material from a source, and a seal mechanism connected to the inlet, the seal mechanism having a fluidizing bed configured to receive the material from the inlet, a first discharge passageway and a second discharge passageway. The fluidizing bed includes a first transport zone associated with the first discharge passageway and a second transport zone associated with the second discharge passageway, wherein the first and second transport zones are configured to receive transport gas from a transport gas source. The transport gas is controllable to selectively divert a flow of the material into the first discharge passageway and the second discharge passageway.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Jonq-Hai Chiu, Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Christoph Herbert Weingaertner, Hans-Peter Dornik, Olaf Stallmann -
SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE FLOW DIRECTION, FLOW RATE AND TEMPERATURE OF SOLIDS
Publication number: 20170284660Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of a material includes an inlet for receiving the material from a source, and a seal mechanism connected to the inlet, the seal mechanism having a fluidizing bed configured to receive the material from the inlet, a first discharge passageway and a second discharge passageway. The fluidizing bed includes a first transport zone associated with the first discharge passageway and a second transport zone associated with the second discharge passageway, wherein the first and second transport zones are configured to receive transport gas from a transport gas source. The transport gas is controllable to selectively divert a flow of the material into the first discharge passageway and the second discharge passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: JONQ-HAI CHIU, HERBERT E. ANDRUS, JR., CHRISTOPH HERBERT WEINGAERTNER, HANS-PETER DORNIK, OLAF STALLMANN -
Patent number: 9550680Abstract: A chemical looping system that contains an oxidizer and a reducer is in fluid communication with a gas purification unit. The gas purification unit has at least one compressor, at least one dryer; and at least one distillation purification system; where the gas purification unit is operative to separate carbon dioxide from other contaminants present in the flue gas stream; and where the gas purification unit is operative to recycle the contaminants to the chemical looping system in the form of a vent gas that provides lift for reactants in the reducer.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Glen D. Jukkola, Paul R. Thibeault, Gregory N. Liljedahl
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Publication number: 20140377158Abstract: A chemical looping system that contains an oxidizer and a reducer is in fluid communication with a gas purification unit. The gas purification unit has at least one compressor, at least one dryer; and at least one distillation purification system; where the gas purification unit is operative to separate carbon dioxide from other contaminants present in the flue gas stream; and where the gas purification unit is operative to recycle the contaminants to the chemical looping system in the form of a vent gas that provides lift for reactants in the reducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Herbert E. Andrus, JR., Glen D. Jukkola, Paul R. Thibeault, Gregory N. Liljedahl
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Patent number: 8562933Abstract: A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating at least one predetermined output based on what the specific nature of the primary purpose of the hot solids process is for which the at least one predetermined output that is selected from a multiplicity of predetermined outputs, such as H2 and CO2, is being produced, and wherein such primary purpose of the hot solids process is designed to be pre-selected from a group of primary purposes of the hot solids process that includes at least two of the generation of H2 for electric power purposes, the generation of SynGas for electric power production as well as for other industrial uses, the production of steam for electric power generation as well as for other uses, the production of process heat, the production of CO2 for agricultural purposes, and the generation of a feedstock such as H2 for use for the production of liquid hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., John. H. Chiu, Gregory N. Liljedahl, Paul R. Thibeault, Carl R. Bozzuto, Corinne Beal, Michal T. Bialkowski, Andreas Brautsch, Laurent Maghdissian, Michel Vandycke
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Patent number: 8480768Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Michael S. McCartney
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Patent number: 8230796Abstract: A combustor 110 is operative to effect therewith the combustion of fossil fuel 114? in order to thereby both heat to a working fluid 102 and generate a flue gas 104. An air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 104 generated in the combustor 110. A blower 180 causes air 188 to flow to the air preheater 144 when operating in an air fired mode, and causes both O2 and recycled flue gas 188? to flow when operating in the O2 firing mode. The air preheater 144 is operative to transfer heat from the flue gas 150 received thereby to the air 188 that is received when operating in an air fired mode or to both the received O2 and the recycled flue gas 188? that is received when operating in the O2 firing mode in order to thereby effect a preheating of the air 188 or of both the O2 and recycled flue gas, 188? depending upon the specific nature of the mode of operation thereof, and to thereby effect therewith a cooling of the flue gas received thereby.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Gregory N. Liljedahl, John L Marion, Nsakala Ya Nsakala
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Patent number: 8196532Abstract: A combustor 110 combust a fluidized bed of fossil fuel 114, 114? to heat a working fluid 102 and generate flue gas 104. An air preheater 144 has first and second gas passageways 144a, 144b for respectively directing the generated flue gas 150 and another gas 250 with captured CO2 generated by combustion outside of the combustor 110. When operated in a non-CO2 capture, the air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 150, but not the other gas 250, and the first gas passageway 144a directs the flue gas 150 so as to preheat the air 188. However, when operated in the CO2 capture mode, the air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 150 and the other gas 250, and the second gas passageway 144b also directs the other gas 250 so as to preheat the air 188?. In either mode, the preheated air 188, 188? is applied by the combustor 110 to fluidize a bed of fossil fuel 114, 114?.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Gregory N. Liljedahl, John L Marion, Nsakala Ya Nsakala
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Publication number: 20110243803Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Michael S. McCartney
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Patent number: 7988752Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Michael S. McCartney
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Patent number: 7896951Abstract: A system for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from gasses generated in burning fossil fuel, includes a vessel, separator and reheater. The upper portion of the vessel receives downward flowing, first type solid particles capable of absorbing heat from upward flowing gasses and second type solid particles capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the gasses. The separator separates the second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide from the gasses discharged from the first vessel discharge, and directs the separated second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide to a separator discharge. The reheater directs the first type solid particles and the second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide in a downwardly flow to a first reheater discharge, such that heat from the first type solid particles causes the captured carbon dioxide to be released from the second type solid particles.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Glen D. Jukkola, Michael S. McCartney
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Publication number: 20100290975Abstract: A hot solids process operable selectively for combustion purposes and gasification purposes wherein a pre-identified product is selected from a group of products to be generated through the use of the hot solids process. Based on the nature of the pre-identified product, which is to be generated through the use of the hot solids process, a specific fuel from which the pre-identified product is capable of being derived is selected from a group of fuels. Then, from a group of reactors there is selected a first reactor, which is operable for generating in the first reactor the pre-identified product as an output from the first reactor. Thereafter, from a group of reactors, there is selected a second reactor, which is operable for effecting in the second reactor the conversion of air and of a predetermined carrier selected from a group of carriers to produce a predefined output from the second reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Herbert E. ANDRUS, JR., John H. CHIU, Gregory N. LILJEDAHL, Paul R. THIBEAULT, Carl R. BOZZUTO, Corinne BEAL, Michal T. BIALKOWSKI, Andreas BRAUTSCH, Laurent MAGHDISSIAN, Michel VANDYCKE
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Publication number: 20100288678Abstract: A hot solids process wherein a predetermined output, which is designed to be suitable for use as an input to a petrochemical process, is capable of being generated through the use of the hot solids process. The mode of operation of such a hot solids process is designed to be such that preferably a portion of the otherwise normally unusable product output, which is produced from a petrochemical process, is designed to be utilized as an input to the hot solids process for purposes of generating from the hot solids process the predetermined output that is suitable for use as an input to a petrochemical process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Herbert E. ANDRUS, JR., John H. CHIU, Gregory N. LILJEDAHL, Paul R. THIBEAULT, Carl R. BOZZUTO, Corinne BEAL, Michal T. BIALKOWSKI, Andreas BRAUTSCH, Laurent MAGHDISSIAN, Michel VANDYCKE
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Publication number: 20100281769Abstract: A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating a predetermined output based on the nature of the specific application for which the predetermined output is being produced, and wherein such specific application is designed to be pre-selected from a group of specific applications that includes a new steam generator application, a retrofit steam generator application, a CO2 capture ready Hot Solids Combustion application, a CO2 capture ready hot solids gasification application, a CO2 capture hot solids combustion application, a CO2 capture hot solids gasification application, a partial CO2 capture hot solids combustion application, and a partial CO2 capture hot solids gasification application.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventors: Herbert E. ANDRUS, JR., John H. CHIU, Gregory N. LILJEDAHL, Paul R. THIBEAULT, Carl R. BOZZUTO, Corinne BEAL, Michal T. BIALKOWSKI, Andreas BRAUTSCH, Laurent MAGHDISSIAN, Michel VANDYCKE
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Publication number: 20100284894Abstract: A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating at least one predetermined output based on what the specific nature of the primary purpose of the hot solids process is for which the at least one predetermined output that is selected from a multiplicity of predetermined outputs, such as H2 and CO2, is being produced, and wherein such primary purpose of the hot solids process is designed to be pre-selected from a group of primary purposes of the hot solids process that includes at least two of the generation of H2 for electric power purposes, the generation of SynGas for electric power production as well as for other industrial uses, the production of steam for electric power generation as well as for other uses, the production of process heat, the production of CO2 for agricultural purposes, and the generation of a feedstock such as H2 for use for the production of liquid hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventors: Herbert E. ANDRUS, JR., John. H. CHIU, Gregory N. LILJEDAHL, Paul R. THIBEAULT, Carl R. BOZZUTO, Corinne BEAL, Michal T. BIALKOWSKI, Andreas BRAUTSCH, Laurent MAGHDISSIAN, Michel VANDYCKE
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Publication number: 20090211500Abstract: A combustor 110 combust a fluidized bed of fossil fuel 114, 114? to heat a working fluid 102 and generate flue gas 104. An air preheater 144 has first and second gas passageways 144a, 144b for respectively directing the generated flue gas 150 and another gas 250 with captured CO2 generated by combustion outside of the combustor 110. When operated in a non-CO2 capture, the air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 150, but not the other gas 250, and the first gas passageway 144a directs the flue gas 150 so as to preheat the air 188. However, when operated in the CO2 capture mode, the air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 150 and the other gas 250, and the second gas passageway 144b also directs the other gas 250 so as to preheat the air 188?. In either mode, the preheated air 188, 188? is applied by the combustor 110 to fluidize a bed of fossil fuel 114, 114?.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, JR., Gregory N. Liljedahl, John L. Marion, Nsakala Ya Nsakala
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Publication number: 20090211503Abstract: A combustor 110 is operative to effect therewith the combustion of fossil fuel 114? in order to thereby both heat to a working fluid 102 and generate a flue gas 104. An air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 104 generated in the combustor 110. A blower 180 causes air 188 to flow to the air preheater 144 when operating in an air fired mode, and causes both O2 and recycled flue gas 188? to flow when operating in the O2 firing mode. The air preheater 144 is operative to transfer heat from the flue gas 150 received thereby to the air 188 that is received when operating in an air fired mode or to both the received O2 and the recycled flue gas 188? that is received when operating in the O2 firing mode in order to thereby effect a preheating of the air 188 or of both the O2 and recycled flue gas, 188? depending upon the specific nature of the mode of operation thereof, and to thereby effect therewith a cooling of the flue gas received thereby.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, JR., Gregory N. Liljedahl, John L. Marion, Nsakala Ya Nsakala
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Publication number: 20090205492Abstract: A system for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from gasses generated in burning fossil fuel, includes a vessel, separator and reheater. The upper portion of the vessel receives downward flowing, first type solid particles capable of absorbing heat from upward flowing gasses and second type solid particles capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the gasses. The separator separates the second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide from the gasses discharged from the first vessel discharge, and directs the separated second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide to a separator discharge. The reheater directs the first type solid particles and the second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide in a downwardly flow to a first reheater discharge, such that heat from the first type solid particles causes the captured carbon dioxide to be released from the second type solid particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, JR., Glen D. Jukkola, Michael S. McCartney
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Publication number: 20090013602Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, JR., Michael S. McCartney
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Patent number: 7445649Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Michael S. McCartney