Abstract: Systems and methods for sonar image feature extraction, which fit a parameterized statistical model to sonar image data to extract features that describe image textures for follow-on pattern classification tasks. The systems and methods estimate the parameters of an assumed statistical model from the pixel values in the sonar images. The parameters of the distribution can then be used as features in a discriminant classifier to perform tasks such as texture segmentation or environmental characterization. The systems and methods divide a sonar image into separate overlapping cells. The ACF parameters of each cell are sequentially estimated using various methods. Based on the ACF parameters obtained, each cell is assigned a label via a pattern classification algorithm. The labeled image can be used in target recognition, environmental characterization and texture segmentation.

Abstract: Exhaust gases containing oxides of nitrogen and sulfur from a fired process heater, a fossil fuel fired boiler, or a chemical process are diverted from a stack prior to admission to the atmosphere through a duct system containing heat exchangers that reduce the exhaust gas from an elevated temperature, if any, to about ambient temperature. Any heat extracted from the exhaust gas may be transferred to the boiler feed water which would serve to reduce the energy cost of operating a boiler. Once the exhaust gas is cooled to about ambient temperature, the gas is then mixed with an oxidant, such as ozone, at a preselected molar ratio to transform the oxides to higher orders of nitrogen and sulfur oxides to increase the absorbability of the nitrogen and sulfur oxides in a reagent solution. The reagent absorbs the oxidized contaminants from the exhaust gas. The oxides are transformed to dilute acids which are then neutralized to form salts that are acceptable for discharge to a municipal waste water treatment plant.

Abstract: Exhaust gases containing oxides of nitrogen and sulfur from a fired process heater, a fossil fuel fired boiler, or a chemical process are diverted from a stack prior to admission to the atmosphere through a duct system containing heat exchangers that reduce the exhaust gas from an elevated temperature, if any, to about ambient temperature. Any heat extracted from the exhaust gas may be transferred to the boiler feed water which would serve to reduce the energy cost of operating a boiler. Once the exhaust gas is cooled to about ambient temperature, the gas is then mixed with an oxidant, such as ozone, at a preselected molar ratio to transform the oxides to higher orders of nitrogen and sulfur oxides to increase the absorbability of the nitrogen and sulfur oxides in a reagent solution. The reagent absorbs the oxidized contaminants from the exhaust gas. The oxides are transformed to dilute acids which are then neutralized to form salts that are acceptable for discharge to a municipal waste water treatment plant.