Abstract: An apparatus and method for retarding the formation of a slag ring on the inner wall of a rotary lime kiln where coal combustion gases are used to provide heat in the calcining chamber of a rotary lime kiln. The inner wall of the kiln, at a predetermined location where a slag ring would tend to form, is cooled so as to cool the dispersed slag prior to contact with the inner wall of the calcining chamber sufficiently to prevent adherence of the slag to the inner wall. Cooling chambers or a cooling channel may be provided in the refractory lining forming the inner wall, or transpiration devices may be provided to inject coolant into the calcining chamber, at the predetermined location, to cool the slag and prevent adherence thereof to the inner wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calcining limestone to produce lime wherein coal is combusted to provide heat for the calcination. The coal is combusted in a two stage combustion unit, with at least seventy-five percent of the slag formed by the coal combustion removed from the first stage of the combustion unit. Residual gases and fuel are further combusted in the second stage of the two stage combustor, with hot combustion gases therefrom, having the molten slag removed, fed directly to the calcining chamber of a rotary lime kiln. The coal may be carbonized to form a char and a fuel gas for use in the two stage combustor.

Abstract: A fuel cell generator is made, containing fuel cells, a fuel inlet, and an oxidant manifold feed system containing a plurality of conduits which extend into the fuel cells, where the manifold system and conduits contain thermally conducting material resistant to oxidizing gas, and where no oxidant passes into the interior of the generator before passage into the fuel cells.

Abstract: A multi-annular swirl burner includes a plurality of overlapping tubular wall members which form a rich combustion zone and a lean combustion zone with a throat section therebetween. Annular passages are located between adjacent wall members, and vanes located therein input a tangential velocity to entering air. The tangential velocity of the swirling flows increases with increasing radius to produce centrifugal separating force on particulates moving from the rich combustion zone to the throat section. A collection system scavenges particulates from the throat section for disposal.

Abstract: A compact gas power burner is provided which includes a cylindrical mixing tube into which combustion air is discharged tangentially from a centrifugal blower located adjacent the closed end of the mixing tube, and gaseous fuel is admitted into the discharge airstream of the blower upstream from the admission location of the airstream into the mixing tube so that the swirling component of the air in the mixing tube during its passage to the open end of the tube will promote the mixing of the air and gaseous fuel, the mixing tube being provided with a honeycomb ceramic disc at its end to which it is attached to a cylindrical heat exchanger, and ignition means and flame sensors are provided on the downstream side of the ceramic disc.