Abstract: A heat exchanger including a shell extending in a longitudinal direction D from a first end to a second end and including a mantle extending from the first end to the second end, and a solid inner core made of a core material and located inside the shell, the core extending in direction D from a first extremity towards the first end to a second extremity towards the second end. Whereby, at least one first flow path is provided inside the core, each first flow path extending from the first extremity to the second extremity of the core, n circuitous second flow paths extend through the core and/or between the core and the mantle, so that the at least one first flow path is surrounded by the n second flow paths over a non-zero rectilinear distance ?L in direction D, n being an integer greater than 1.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a shell extending in a longitudinal direction D from a first end to a second end and including a mantle extending from the first end to the second end, and a solid inner core made of a core material and located inside the shell, the core extending in direction D from a first extremity towards the first end to a second extremity towards the second end. Whereby, at least one first flow path is provided inside the core, each first flow path extending from the first extremity to the second extremity of the core, n circuitous second flow paths extend through the core and/or between the core and the mantle, so that the at least one first flow path is surrounded by the n second flow paths over a non-zero rectilinear distance ?L in direction D, n being an integer greater than 1.

Abstract: A radiative recuperator preheats oxidant and/or fuel for combustion at one or more burners of a furnace. The recuperator includes a duct, at least portions of which comprise a material having a thermal conductivity of greater than 1 W/(m·K), preferably greater than 3 W/(m·K), that receives hot flue gas produced by the burner(s). The duct radiatively transfers heat to oxidant or fuel (for preheating) flowing through one or more metallic pipes disposed in between the duct and an insulating wall.

Abstract: A radiative recuperator preheats oxidant and/or fuel for combustion at one or more burners of a furnace. The recuperator includes a duct, at least portions of which comprise a material having a thermal conductivity of greater than 1 W/(m·K), preferably greater than 3 W/(m·K), that receives hot flue gas produced by the burner(s). The duct radiatively transfers heat to oxidant or fuel (for preheating) flowing through one or more metallic pipes disposed in between the duct and an insulating wall.

Abstract: A radiative recuperator preheats oxidant and/or fuel for combustion at one or more burners of a furnace. The recuperator includes a duct, at least portions of which comprise a material having a thermal conductivity of greater than 1 W/(m·K), preferably greater than 3 W/(m·K), that receives hot flue gas produced by the burner(s). The duct radiatively transfers heat to oxidant or fuel (for preheating) flowing through one or more metallic pipes disposed in between the duct and an insulating wall.

Abstract: A radiative recuperator preheats oxidant and/or fuel for combustion at one or more burners of a furnace. The recuperator includes a duct, at least portions of which comprise a material having a thermal conductivity of greater than 1 W/(m·K), preferably greater than 3 W/(m·K), that receives hot flue gas produced by the burner(s). The duct radiatively transfers heat to oxidant or fuel (for preheating) flowing through one or more metallic pipes disposed in between the duct and an insulating wall.

Abstract: A method for creating optical links between two or more optical devices. The method eliminates the need for precision active alignment of the individual components to be joined. After the components to be joined have been bonded in place on a package the optical axis of each component is found and an optical link among the components is fabricated in-place.

Abstract: A splitter divides a flow of low heating value biomass into a central stream and an annular stream. A stable flame may be achieved by combusting the central stream with oxygen. This avoids the use of costly fossil fuels or biomass (that have higher heating values than the biomass fuel) as an auxiliary fuel for achieving a stable flame.

Abstract: An improved reactor process is provided. This process includes providing at least one reactor tube, the reactor tube comprising an exterior and an interior, the interior comprising an inside surface, providing a heat source to the exterior of the at least one reactor tube, providing a reactant gas stream to the interior of the at least one reactor tube, placing at least one heat transfer structure in thermal contact with the inside surface of the at least one reactor tube, and transferring heat from the heat source to at least a portion of the reactant gas stream at least partially through the at least one heat transfer structure, thereby producing a product gas stream. There may be a catalyst on the interior of the at least one reactor tube. The reactant gas stream may comprise methane and steam.