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: Techniques for monitoring operation of a flame ignitor are provided. In one embodiment, multiple inputs are received. The inputs are received from at least one of a first group of inputs and a second group of inputs. The first group includes a flame rod voltage, a stop signal for deactivation of the flame ignitor, a fuel supply interruption signal, and an air supply interruption signal. The second group includes a start signal for activation of the flame ignitor, and a flame proven signal indicating presence of a flame produced by the flame ignitor. If inputs from the first group are received, a cause of a failure of the flame ignitor is determined. If inputs from the second group are received, a reliability of the flame ignitor is determined.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a characteristic of a flame are provided by the present invention. Provided are methods as well as devices. A flame is monitored across a contiguous spectral range to detect light emitted by the monitored flame. The contiguous spectral range is segmented into a plurality of discrete ranges, and detected light across each of the one or more of the plurality of discrete ranges is respectively processed to determine at least one characteristic of the flame.

Abstract: A method of operating a solid fuel-fired furnace having a plurality of windboxes each having a plurality of compartments through which fuel and air are introduced into the furnace and a fuel and air arrangement operated in accordance with the method are provided. Solid fuel is fed into the furnace and primary air and fuel are fed through the same compartments into the furnace in a direction tangential to a first imaginary circle generally located in the center of the furnace so as to interact with the fuel fed into the furnace so as to create a rotating fireball. Overfire air and offset air are also supplied into the furnace, the offset air being that portion of the air supplied to the furnace so as to support a second imaginary circle concentric to, and having a larger diameter than, the first imaginary circle.

Abstract: A particle size measuring device for effecting with regard to particles present in a fluid substance the simultaneous measurement in situ of two parameters thereof; namely, particle size distribution and volumetric density. The particle size measuring device comprises a laser light source (14), a laser light conveying device (40), a collimator, a first focusing device (64), a defined sample path (74) through which particles to be measured pass, a second focusing device (78) and a detector device (82). The mode of operation of the particle size measuring device is such that the laser light from the laser light source (14) is conveyed by means of the laser light conveying device (40) to the collimator. After being collimated the laser light is transmitted to the first focusing device (64) whereby the laser light is focused and is then made to pass across the sample path (74).