Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing polymers using a plug flow reactor. The process includes providing an aqueous monomer solution comprising amide monomers; evaporating the aqueous monomer solution to form a concentrated monomer solution; and polymerizing the concentrated monomer solution in a plug flow reactor comprising a shell side and a tube side to form a first process fluid comprising polymers. The concentrated monomer solution flows on the shell side from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing polymers using a plug flow reactor. The process includes providing an aqueous monomer solution comprising amide monomers; evaporating the aqueous monomer solution to form a concentrated monomer solution; and polymerizing the concentrated monomer solution in a plug flow reactor comprising a shell side and a tube side to form a first process fluid comprising polymers. The concentrated monomer solution flows on the shell side from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A system for detecting a combustion-related condition in a pulverizer includes a pulverizer configured to receive coal chunks via an inlet, to grind the coal chunks into coal powder and to output the coal powder via an outlet. The system includes sensors configured to detect heat input characteristics supplied to the pulverizer and heat output characteristics emitted from the pulverizer. The system also includes a controller configured to determine, based on signals from the sensors, whether a combustion-related condition exists in the pulverizer based on a heat balance function including the heat input characteristics and the heat output characteristics.

Abstract: A gas outlet monitoring system for a boiler system includes a gas probe(s) with a plurality of gas sensing locations wherein each location measures a plurality of parameters of the gas flow, such a oxygen concentration and temperature. The multi-sensor probe includes a tubular lance and a plurality of sensor pods spaced along the lance. Each sensor pod has an oxygen sensor disposed in a first port, and a first temperature sensor disposed in a second port. An enclosure is disposed at one end of the tubular lance. The enclosure has a respective pressure sensor for each oxygen sensor port. A plurality of first tubes passes through the lance between the enclosure and the first port of a respective sensor pod to provide a gas to the respective first port for the purpose of providing cleaning air.

Abstract: A gas pipe ignitor for igniting a non-premixed air and fuel mixture includes a housing having an axially interior space along its length, a supply end segment, a flame end segment axially spaced from the supply end segment, and a flexible segment spaced between the supply end segment and the flame end segment. A fuel supply conduit extends axially within the housing, and the fuel supply conduit is operatively flexible with the flexible segment. An ignition conduit extends axially within the housing, and the ignition conduit is operatively flexible with the flexible segment. A detector conduit extends axially within the housing, and the detector conduit is operatively flexible with the flexible segment. An air supply conduit is operatively connected to the housing at the supply end segment and provides combustion air within the interior space.

Abstract: A system for detecting a combustion-related condition in a pulverizer includes a pulverizer configured to receive coal chunks via an inlet, to grind the coal chunks into coal powder and to output the coal powder via an outlet. The system includes sensors configured to detect heat input characteristics supplied to the pulverizer and heat output characteristics emitted from the pulverizer. The system also includes a controller configured to determine, based on signals from the sensors, whether a combustion-related condition exists in the pulverizer based on a heat balance function including the heat input characteristics and the heat output characteristics.

Abstract: A system for detecting a combustion-related condition in a pulverizer includes a pulverizer configured to receive coal chunks via an inlet, to grind the coal chunks into coal powder and to output the coal powder via an outlet. The system includes sensors configured to detect heat input characteristics supplied to the pulverizer and heat output characteristics emitted from the pulverizer. The system also includes a controller configured to determine, based on signals from the sensors, whether a combustion-related condition exists in the pulverizer based on a heat balance function including the heat input characteristics and the heat output characteristics.

Abstract: A gas outlet monitoring system for a boiler system includes a gas probe(s) with a plurality of gas sensing locations wherein each location measures a plurality of parameters of the gas flow, such a oxygen concentration and temperature. The multi-sensor probe includes a tubular lance and a plurality of sensor pods spaced along the lance. Each sensor pod has an oxygen sensor disposed in a first port, and a first temperature sensor disposed in a second port. An enclosure is disposed at one end of the tubular lance. The enclosure has a respective pressure sensor for each oxygen sensor port. A plurality of first tubes passes through the lance between the enclosure and the first port of a respective sensor pod to provide a gas to the respective first port for the purpose of providing cleaning air.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for transferring cash to and from branch banks. The method may include the steps of inputting first data relating to cash usage at a plurality of branch banks; inputting second data relating to cash usage at the particular branch bank, the second data including a known ending balance at the particular branch bank; and assimilating the first data and the second data to constitute forecasting data; and performing forecast processing to determine an amount of cash to be transferred to or from the branch bank. The forecast processing may include (1) forecasting a cash in amount and forecasting a cash out amount based on the forecasting data, and generating a projected ending balance based on the forecasted cash in amount, the forecasted cash out amount, and the known ending balance; (2) generating a forecasted ending balance; and (3) comparing the projected ending balance with the forecasted ending balance to determine a cash shipment amount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of constructing a stationary wear-resistant stationary nozzle 200 and/or nozzle liner 230 for solid fueled furnaces. A transition section 210 is constructed from several flat pieces 211-218 several that may have identical starting shapes. This reduces manufacturing complexity and costs. All pieces 211-218 have a high-wear weld overlay on their inner surface 316, 416. Corner pieces 215-218 are folded into a corner shape at an outlet edge 412 and rolled into a curved shape at an inlet edge 411. Horizontal 211, 212 and vertical pieces 213, 214 are only rolled at an inlet edge 311. The pieces have seam tab 240 along longitudinal edges that are welded together to construct a transition section 210. The transition section 210 may be used as a liner to reduce wear in an existing stationary nozzle or may be constructed to be connected to an inlet piece 220 to form a strong, wear-resistant coal nozzle 200.

Abstract: A gas pipe ignitor for igniting a non-premixed air and fuel mixture includes a housing having an axially interior space along its length, a supply end segment, a flame end segment axially spaced from the supply end segment, and a flexible segment spaced between the supply end segment and the flame end segment. A fuel supply conduit extends axially within the housing, and the fuel supply conduit is operatively flexible with the flexible segment. An ignition conduit extends axially within the housing, and the ignition conduit is operatively flexible with the flexible segment. A detector conduit extends axially within the housing, and the detector conduit is operatively flexible with the flexible segment. An air supply conduit is operatively connected to the housing at the supply end segment and provides combustion air within the interior space.

Abstract: A system for detecting a combustion-related condition in a pulverizer includes a pulverizer configured to receive coal chunks via an inlet, to grind the coal chunks into coal powder and to output the coal powder via an outlet. The system includes sensors configured to detect heat input characteristics supplied to the pulverizer and heat output characteristics emitted from the pulverizer. The system also includes a controller configured to determine, based on signals from the sensors, whether a combustion-related condition exists in the pulverizer based on a heat balance function including the heat input characteristics and the heat output characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for transferring cash to and from branch banks. The method may include the steps of inputting first data relating to cash usage at a plurality of branch banks; inputting second data relating to cash usage at the particular branch bank, the second data including a known ending balance at the particular branch bank; and assimilating the first data and the second data to constitute forecasting data; and performing forecast processing to determine an amount of cash to be transferred to or from the branch bank. The forecast processing may include (1) forecasting a cash in amount and forecasting a cash out amount based on the forecasting data, and generating a projected ending balance based on the forecasted cash in amount, the forecasted cash out amount, and the known ending balance; (2) generating a forecasted ending balance; and (3) comparing the projected ending balance with the forecasted ending balance to determine a cash shipment amount.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring the operating condition of a pulverizer, a sensor interface module positioned on or proximal to the pulverizer. The sensor interface module is operable to receive information generated by one or more sensors mounted on the pulverizer. An operator control station is in communication with the sensor interface module and is operable to receive data from the sensor interface module relevant to the signals received from the sensors. The operator control station is also operable to generate operational information indicative of a functional characteristic of the pulverizer and to track the operational information to determine whether degradation of the functional characteristic is occurring.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring the operating condition of a pulverizer, a sensor interface module positioned on or proximal to the pulverizer. The sensor interface module is operable to receive information generated by one or more sensors mounted on the pulverizer. An operator control station is in communication with the sensor interface module and is operable to receive data from the sensor interface module relevant to the signals received from the sensors. The operator control station is also operable to generate operational information indicative of a functional characteristic of the pulverizer and to track the operational information to determine whether degradation of the functional characteristic is occurring.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to synchronize or rendezvous multiple virtual users across multiple distributed devices in a load testing tool with reduced network message exchange between devices.

Abstract: An integrated system [1000] is described for reducing operating costs of power plants while keeping gaseous pollutants in exhaust flue gasses, such as Mercury (Hg), below acceptable limits. Controller [1800] monitors and controls operation of a scrubber [1300], activator injection system [1400], sorbent injection system [1500] and a filter [1600]. Scrubber [1300] provides a neutralizer to remove SO2 emissions. Activator injection system [1400] provides and activator that increases affinity of the pollutant gasses for a sorbent. Sorbent injection system [1500] employs novel low friction injection lances [1590] that evenly distribute the sorbent particles. A filter [1600] collects the sorbent particles that cake onto filter bags [1620] that are periodically cleaned. A controller [1800] receives the costs of materials consumed and the filter bag life for the plant and performs an optimization of the multiple variables to minimize costs while keeping the pollutant emissions below a prescribed limit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of constructing a stationary wear-resistant stationary nozzle 200 and/or nozzle liner 230 for solid fueled furnaces. A transition section 210 is constructed from several flat pieces 211-218 several that may have identical starting shapes. This reduces manufacturing complexity and costs. All pieces 211-218 have a high-wear weld overlay on their inner surface 316, 416. Corner pieces 215-218 are folded into a corner shape at an outlet edge 412 and rolled into a curved shape at an inlet edge 411. Horizontal 211, 212 and vertical pieces 213, 214 are only rolled at an inlet edge 311. The pieces have seam tab 240 along longitudinal edges that are welded together to construct a transition section 210. The transition section 210 may be used as a liner to reduce wear in an existing stationary nozzle or may be constructed to be connected to an inlet piece 220 to form a strong, wear-resistant coal nozzle 200.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel pivot pin assembly 410, 420 430, 600 for pivotally attaching nozzle tips 200 to stationary nozzles in a solid fuel furnace. The pivot pin assemblies allow rapid replacement of the nozzle tips 200. The pivot pin assembly 410, 420 430, 600 employs fasteners that or recessed or have an aerodynamically shaped head 610. The head 610 includes a leading edge 613 and optionally a trailing edge 615 that are aerodynamically shaped to reduce corrosion and erosion. The pivot pin assembly pivotally attaches the nozzle tip 200 to the stationary nozzle 110. It employs fasteners that are accessible from a furnace side through a central opening of the nozzle tip 200. This allows removal of the nozzle tip 200 from inside the furnace greatly simplifying nozzle tip 200 replacement.

Abstract: An integrated system [1000] is described for reducing operating costs of power plants while keeping gaseous pollutants in exhaust flue gasses, such as Mercury (Hg), below acceptable limits. Controller [1800] monitors and controls operation of a scrubber [1300], activator injection system [1400], sorbent injection system [1500] and a filter [1600]. Scrubber [1300] provides a neutralizer to remove SO2 emissions. Activator injection system [1400] provides and activator that increases affinity of the pollutant gasses for a sorbent. Sorbent injection system [1500] employs novel low friction injection lances [1590] that evenly distribute the sorbent particles. A filter [1600] collects the sorbent particles that cake onto filter bags [1620] that are periodically cleaned. A controller [1800] receives the costs of materials consumed and the filter bag life for the plant and performs an optimization of the multiple variables to minimize costs while keeping the pollutant emissions below a prescribed limit.