Patents by Inventor John Saunders Stevenson
John Saunders Stevenson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20150008670Abstract: A method for monitoring functionality of a seal assembly within an injector feed assembly is described. The method includes providing a buffer fluid to the seal assembly, measuring at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid, and determining a functionality of the seal assembly based at least partially on the at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Anthony Holmes Furman, John Saunders Stevenson, Raymond Douglas Steele, Beth Etta McCracken
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Patent number: 8869598Abstract: A method for monitoring functionality of a seal assembly within an injector feed assembly is described. The method includes providing a buffer fluid to the seal assembly, measuring at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid, and determining a functionality of the seal assembly based at least partially on the at least one of a pressure and a flow rate of the buffer fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Anthony Holmes Furman, John Saunders Stevenson, Raymond Douglas Steele, Beth Etta McCracken
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Publication number: 20140270993Abstract: A pressure control system is provided. The pressure control system includes a first pressure sensing device configured to obtain a first pressure measurement including at least one of a first differential pressure and a first pressure, the first pressure measurement obtained from at least one of within and downstream from a solids supply system, a second pressure sensing device configured to obtain a second pressure measurement including at least one of a second differential pressure and a second pressure within the solids supply system, and a pressure controller configured to use the first pressure measurement and the second pressure measurement to control a pressure within the solids supply system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Judith Pauline Oppenheim, Anthony Holmes Furman, Thomas Frederick Leininger, Steven Craig Russell, Michael Kent Cueman
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Patent number: 8828109Abstract: A method of assembling a gasification reactor includes extending an injection device at least partially into the gasification reactor. The injection device includes a plurality of substantially concentric conduits coupled to a modular tip and at least one outer surface. The modular tip includes a plurality of cooling channels and a plurality of substantially annular nozzles defined therein. The method further includes forming at least one layer of insulation about at least a portion of the at least one outer surface to facilitate insulating at least a portion of the injection device from heat within the gasification reactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, John Duckett Winter, Constantin Bugescu, Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews
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Publication number: 20140150288Abstract: A system includes a multi-feeder assembly. The multi-feeder assembly includes a first solids feeder, a liquid removal section, and a second solids feeder. The first solids feeder is configured to receive a solids flow from an upstream system. The liquid removal section is configured to reduce an amount of liquid in the solids flow. The second solids feeder is configured to receive the solids flow in series with the first solids feeder and output the solids flow to a downstream system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, John Saunders Stevenson
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Publication number: 20140151191Abstract: In a first embodiment, a system includes a first solids feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second solids feeder having a second inlet and a second outlet, and an adjustable volume coupled to the first outlet and the second inlet. The first solids feeder is configured to supply a feedstock at a first feed rate and the second solids feeder is configured to supply the feedstock at a second feed rate. The adjustable volume is configured to adjust based at least in part on first feed rate and the second feed rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Anthony Holmes Furman, Steven Craig Russell
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Publication number: 20140150873Abstract: A system includes a multi-stage solids feeder. The multi-stage solids feeder includes a first solids feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second solids feeder having a second inlet and a second outlet, and a conduit disposed between the first outlet and the second inlet. The second solids feeder is disposed adjacent to the first solids feeder, and the conduit routes a solids flow from the first solids feeder to the second solids feeder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Anthony Holmes Furman, Derek Leslie Aldred
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Patent number: 8722003Abstract: A system and method of capturing carbon dioxide from a flow of raw synthesis gas generated in a gasification system are provided. The carbon capture system includes an acid gas removal subsystem configured to generate a flow of reduced acid gas content syngas, a flow of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) lean gas, and a first flow of H2S-rich gas from a stream of particulate-free raw syngas, an H2S selective membrane separator, said H2S selective membrane separator configured to separate the flow of H2S-lean gas from the AGR into a second flow of H2S-rich gas and a flow of CO2 gas, and a sulfur recovery unit (SRU) coupled in flow communication with said H2S membrane separator downstream of said membrane separator, said SRU configured to generate a flow of elemental sulfur and a flow of tail gas from the first flow of H2S-rich gas and the second flow of H2S-rich gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron John Avagliano, John Saunders Stevenson
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Publication number: 20140124604Abstract: An annular injector is described. The injector includes a first bayonet assembly and a second bayonet assembly each including a terminal end and a tip end. The second bayonet assembly is configured to be concentrically coupled at least partially about the first bayonet assembly. An outer diameter of the first bayonet assembly and an inner diameter of the second bayonet assembly vary at the tip end to define a first substantially annular nozzle. The first bayonet assembly includes a maximum outer diameter that is greater than a minimum inner diameter of the second bayonet assembly and at least a portion of at least one of the first bayonet assembly and the second bayonet assembly extends from the tip end to the terminal end. The injector includes a third bayonet assembly configured to be concentrically coupled at least partially about the second bayonet assembly to define a second substantially annular nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Robert Michael Zirin, Raymond Douglas Steele, Constantin Bugescu, Roger Ma, David R. Matthews, Kenneth M. Sprouse
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Patent number: 8662408Abstract: An annular injector is described. The injector includes a first bayonet assembly and a second bayonet assembly each including a terminal end and a tip end. The second bayonet assembly is configured to be concentrically coupled at least partially about the first bayonet assembly. An outer diameter of the first bayonet assembly and an inner diameter of the second bayonet assembly vary at the tip end to define a first substantially annular nozzle. The first bayonet assembly includes a maximum outer diameter that is greater than a minimum inner diameter of the second bayonet assembly and at least a portion of at least one of the first bayonet assembly and the second bayonet assembly extends from the tip end to the terminal end. The injector includes a third bayonet assembly configured to be concentrically coupled at least partially about the second bayonet assembly to define a second substantially annular nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Robert Michael Zirin, Raymond Douglas Steele, Constantin Bugescu, Roger Ma, David R. Matthews, Kenneth M. Sprouse
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Patent number: 8651772Abstract: A method for transporting a solid particulate within a gasifier system is provided. The method includes discharging solid particulate through an inlet into an opening defined within a rotor, wherein the inlet and the solid particulate are at a first pressure. The method further includes rotating the rotor such that at least one end of the opening is aligned in flow communication with a duct at a second pressure that is different from the first pressure. The solid particulate is discharged from the rotor opening through an outlet such that the solid particulate is at the second pressure, and the rotor is rotated such that at least one end of the rotor opening is aligned in flow communication with a pressure source that is at approximately the first pressure, and such that the opening is at the first pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jyung-Hoon Kim, John Saunders Stevenson, Steven Craig Russell, Aaron John Avagliano
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Patent number: 8579103Abstract: A system includes a solid feed pump configured to transport a solid feedstock. The solid feed pump includes at least one passage for the transport of the solid feedstock. The solid feed pump also includes at least one movable wall configured to move along the passage. The solid feed pump further includes a retractable gripping element configured to extend from the at least one movable wall into the at least one passage to grip a portion of the solid feedstock. In addition, the retractable gripping element is configured to retract away from the at least one passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Derek Leslie Aldred, Jeffrey Allen Rader
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Patent number: 8512446Abstract: A method is provided that includes removing carbon dioxide from untreated syngas received from a gasifier to produce a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide, modifying the gas stream by adding carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or any combination thereof, and providing the gas stream from an acid gas remover to a feed system for use as a conveyance gas to convey a feedstock into the gasifier. Systems implementing these and other methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Anindra Mazumdar, John Saunders Stevenson, Sunil Ramabhilakh Mishra
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Publication number: 20130192139Abstract: A system includes a gasifier configured to gasify a gasification fuel during a gasification mode. The system also includes a first injector configured to inject a heat control fuel and an oxygen enriched air into the gasifier for combustion during a heat control mode. The heat control fuel is the same or different from the gasification fuel, and the oxygen enriched air includes air enriched with additional oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Shashishekara Sitharamarao Talya
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Publication number: 20130192137Abstract: A system includes a gasifier injector configured to inject a heat control fuel and a mixed air into a gasifier for combustion during a heat control mode. The heat control fuel is the same or different from the gasification fuel, and the system is configured to create the mixed air from independent supplies of oxygen and nitrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Shashishekara Sitharamarao Talya
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Patent number: 8496412Abstract: A system for controlling gas leakage in a solids delivery system is provided. The system includes a bulk solids pump comprising an inlet for a particulate material and an outlet for discharge of said particulate material. The system also includes a buffer gas channel configured to impede backflow of process gas into the bulk solids pump, such as from a downstream system or process. The system further includes a pressure differential system configured to control a flow rate of the buffer gas and maintain a positive differential in pressure between the buffer gas and the process gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Cook Livingood, III, John Saunders Stevenson, Randy Scott Longtin
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Publication number: 20130183204Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to systems for deaerating a stream of slag sump water produced by a gasifier. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes a flash vessel having a first inlet configured to introduce a first fluid into the flash vessel, wherein the flash vessel is configured to flash the first fluid to produce a first flash gas, a second inlet configured to introduce a stream from slag sump into the flash vessel, wherein the stream from slag sump comprises a mixture of a gasification fine slag, dissolved oxygen (O2), and water. A gas-liquid contactor in the flash vessel is configured to contact the stream from slag sump with the first flash gas to enable the first flash gas to deaerate the stream from slag sump. A first outlet of the vessel is configured to output an overhead discharge comprising the first flash gas and oxygen from the stream from slag sump.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rupinder Singh Benipal, George Morris Gulko, John Saunders Stevenson, Srikanth Konda, Vishal Rugnathbhai Brahmbhatt
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Publication number: 20130180175Abstract: A system includes a gasification feed injector. The gasification feed injector includes a first injector portion configured to inject a first fuel at a first flow rate and a second injector portion configured to inject a second fuel at a second flow rate. The system also includes a fuel circulation system configured to circulate at least one fuel and supply the at least one fuel to the gasification feed injector and a controller configured to transition the gasification feed injector from injecting the first fuel to injecting the second fuel based at least on a pressure downstream of the gasification feed injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, John Saunders Stevenson
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Patent number: 8434700Abstract: Methods and systems for a feed injector are provided. The feed injector system includes a plurality of annular channels that are substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis. The plurality of annular channels direct a flow of fluid substantially axially therethrough from a respective source to a reaction zone. The feed injector system also includes a swirl member extending into the fluid flow path defined in at least one of the plurality of annular channels wherein the swirl member is configured to impart a circumferential flow direction to fluid flowing through the at least one annular channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Cliff Yi Guo, John Saunders Stevenson, Dustin Wayne Davis, Aaron John Avagliano
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Publication number: 20130081925Abstract: A system includes a solid feed pump configured to transport a solid feedstock. The solid feed pump includes at least one passage for the transport of the solid feedstock. The solid feed pump also includes at least one movable wall configured to move along the passage. The solid feed pump further includes a retractable gripping element configured to extend from the at least one movable wall into the at least one passage to grip a portion of the solid feedstock. In addition, the retractable gripping element is configured to retract away from the at least one passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Saunders Stevenson, Derek Leslie Aldred, Jeffrey Allen Rader