Abstract: A method for enhancing the efficiency of a thermal process such as calcination. The incoming solid particulate material is preheated in the conveyor by partially cooled exhaust vapors from the thermal processor. In passage through the conveyor, the cooled, intermediate temperature vapors contact, fluidize and heat the particulate solids to increase the available throughput of the system.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fuel, such as bituminous coal, is copulverized with a basic metal reactant to provide a microground prepared fuel predominantly in minus 325 mesh particles of high specific surface area. The prepared fuel is fed directly to a burner and effects ninety-five percent (95%) or better removal of the sulfur from the fuel prior to emission.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the pulverization and burning of solid fuels, such as coal, that provides for introducing relatively coarsely divided solid fuel into the lower part of an upstanding, closed housing for impact crushing therein, and for carrying the fuel fines upwardly through a turbulent zone defined in the housing between rotating spiders that include widely spaced radial blades that are oppositely angled to generate opposing air flows to further pulverize the entrained fuel fines autogenously by attrition. The entrained fuel fines in the rising column of air are then discharged from the housing into a burner for the pulverized solid fuel.

Abstract: A solid fuel pulverizer especially useful in a system for pulverizing and burning solid fuel, such as coal or other fossil fuel, that is characterized by a possible turndown ratio of up to at least fifteen to one. The pulverizer is capable of both impact and autogenous pulverizing of the fuel so that about 80% will be no more than 40 microns in size and includes a series of impellers mounted for rotation on a preferably vertical shaft in a housing whose top wall has openings for the admission of air and a solid fuel to be pulverized. The fuel is pulverized by impact against the side walls of the housing and descends perpherially of the impellers to discharge adjacent to the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A solid fuel burner especially useful in a system for pulverizing and burning solid fuel, such as coal or other fossil fuel, that is characterized by a possible turndown ratio of up to at least fifteen to one. The burner includes a valved firing nozzle having a firing conduit with firing orifice and internal turbulating means for a mixture of primary air and pulverized solid fuel, and a controlled secondary air supply. A movable valve element, preferably in the form of a double-taper-ended diffuser positioned downstream from the firing orifice, controls the outflow of a turbulent stream of the mxied primary air and fuel from the firing orifice into an ignition chamber and controls flame shape.

Abstract: A system for pulverizing and burning solid fuel, such as coal or other fossil fuel, characterized by a possible turndown ratio of up to at least fifteen to one, includes a unique pulverizer capable of both impact and autogenous pulverizing of the fuel so that about 80% will be no more than 40 microns in size, and a unique burner which includes a valved firing nozzle having a firing conduit with firing orifice and internal turbulating means for a mixture of primary air and pulverized solid fuel, and a controlled secondary air supply. A movable valve element, preferably in the form of a double-taper-ended diffuser positioned downstream from the firing orifice, controls outflow of a turbulent stream of the mixed primary air and fuel from the firing orifice into an ignition chamber and controls flame shape.