Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve pulverizer operation and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from furnaces which burn pulverized coal from at least one pulverizer. A duct type burner burns a fuel in the primary air which heats the primary air supplied to the pulverizers. The combustion increases the primary air temperature and improves the drying of the coal, thus improving the pulverizer throughput and/or the fineness of the pulverized coal. Operation of the duct burner also reduces the oxygen in the primary air. The reduction in oxygen reduces the propensity of the coal to ignite in the pulverizers and cause fires or even explosions. The reduced oxygen in the primary air also reduces NO.sub.x formation.

Abstract: A combustible fuel containing 3% to 45% of the fuel needed to operate a gas turbine is introduced into the compressor air stream for the gas turbine. The mixed fuel and air stream is introduced to the gas turbine prior to the combustor stage through a pipe, orifice or nozzle. The mixed air and fuel stream serves to reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions of the gas turbine. Waste air streams such as mine ventilation air may be used as the mixed fuel and air stream.

Abstract: In a process to limit the production of flyash by dry bottom boilers, flyash is collected from flue gas using a collector such as an electrostatic precipitator. The collected flyash is carried in a carrier gas stream to which a fuel is added. The stream is introduced into the boiler in a manner to cause the flyash to soften, agglomerate and fall into the bottom ash pit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from the products of combustion is provided in which a vortex generator introduces natural gas, or other fluid fuel into the upper portion of a combustion device. The fuel introduced forms vortices, such as vortex rings, and the fuel reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the combustion products to form ammonia-like compounds, hydrogen cyanide and similar compounds, and nitrogen. The ammonia and cyanide-like fragments react with additional amounts of nitrogen oxide in the combustion products to form nitrogen gas, water vapor and carbon dioxide. The vortex rings can be controlled and will maintain their integrity longer than puffs or simple jets of fuel.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxide and dioxide content of flue gas from combustion devices is reduced by mixing combustion air and a gas or volatilized fuel in proportions below the lower combustible limit of the mixture and utilizing that mixture for at least a part of the combustion air supplied to the devices. The mixture may take the form of air contaminated with a fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from furnace flue gas is provided in which natural gas or other fluid fuel which has little or no fixed nitrogen is introduced into the upper portion of the furnace. The fuel diffuses by laminar or turbulent diffusion into oxygen-rich flue gas where it reacts with oxygen and nitric oxide to form CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and N.sub.2, thus reducing the nitrogen oxide emissions from the furnace. In this manner, the amount of nitrogen oxide in the flue gas is reduced. The apparatus and method can be easily applied to new furnaces or retrofitted on existing furnaces.

Abstract: A method of recycling fly ash as slag in a wet bottom furnace is described. The furnace may have a cyclone furnace, a pulverized coal furnace, or any other type of furnace producing wet slag. All or part of the collected fly ash is collected and returned to the furnace and combined with enough fuel to melt the ash. Melted ash directed against a wall, floor or side of the cyclone or furnace will flow to the bottom of the furnace so as to facilitate the liquid slag. The fly ash may be collected by an electrostatic precipitator, baghouse, cyclone (multiclone) or other device. The fly ash may be returned to the furnace or the cyclone using air, flue gas, steam, fuel, or other gas as a carrier.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which overcomes the problems which tend to occur in the retrofitting of coal burners for low-NOx emission. A gaseous or volatile liquid fuel is introduced into the primary or secondary air with the amount ranging from 2% to 25% of the boiler energy input as necessary to achieve the necessary NOx reduction and improved load following without operational problems. Optionally gas can be injected through gas burners in an amount ranging from 2% to 50% of the boiler energy input.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for combustion of carbonaceous substances containing ash and sulfur in slagging combustors wherein the fraction of sulfur retained in the slag is enhanced, emissions of nitrogen oxide are reduced, and operating problems with the furnace are avoided. The process comprises control of slag within a temperature range of 2000.degree.-2500.degree. F., slag stoichiometry less than oxidizing, and gas phase stoichiometry near stoichiometric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from furnace flue gas is provided in which a pulse generator introduces natural gas, or other fluid fuel which has little or no fixed nitrogen, into the upper portion of the furnace. The fuel pulse reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the flue gas to form ammonia-like compounds and nitrogen gas. These ammonia-like compounds react with additional amounts of nitrogen oxide in the flue gas to form nitrogen gas, water vapor and carbon dioxide. In this manner, the amount of nitrogen oxide in the flue gas is reduced using a process which can be easily applied to retrofitted furnaces.