Patents by Inventor Melvin J. Albrecht

Melvin J. Albrecht 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).

  • Patent number: 11686470
    Abstract: A boiler includes a steam drum, an intermediate drum, and a lower drum. Each drum is divided into a clean section and a concentrated section. A channel that is fluidly connected to the clean section also runs down one side of the concentrated section in the intermediate drum and the lower drum. The presence of the channels permits low-quality feedwater tubes and high-quality feedwater tubes to be arranged in parallel rows next to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Melvin J Albrecht, Jason M Marshall, Jonathan B Ford, Jeremy L Remus
  • Patent number: 11415314
    Abstract: A boiler includes an upper steam drum, an optional intermediate drum, and a lower drum. Each drum is divided by an internal divider into a clean section and a concentrated section. Downcomers connect the upper steam drum to the lower drum, and tubes are connected to convey a heated steam-water mixture from the lower drum into the upper steam drum (through the optional intermediate drum, if provided). An optional superheater has an input terminal connected to receive steam from the clean section of the upper steam drum. An attemperator may be provided to attemperate superheated steam output from an output terminal of the superheater, and the attemperation fluid may optionally be provided from the concentrated side of the upper steam drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Melvin J Albrecht, Jason M Marshall, Jeremy L Remus
  • Publication number: 20200400305
    Abstract: A boiler includes an upper steam drum, an optional intermediate drum, and a lower drum. Each drum is divided by an internal divider into a clean section and a concentrated section. Downcomers connect the upper steam drum to the lower drum, and tubes are connected to convey a heated steam-water mixture from the lower drum into the upper steam drum (through the optional intermediate drum, if provided). An optional superheater has an input terminal connected to receive steam from the clean section of the upper steam drum. An attemperator may be provided to attemperate superheated steam output from an output terminal of the superheater, and the attemperation fluid may optionally be provided from the concentrated side of the upper steam drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Melvin J. ALBRECHT, Jason M. MARSHALL, Jeremy L. REMUS
  • Publication number: 20200256556
    Abstract: A boiler includes a steam drum, an intermediate drum, and a lower drum. Each drum is divided into a clean section and a concentrated section. A channel that is fluidly connected to the clean section also runs down one side of the concentrated section in the intermediate drum and the lower drum. The presence of the channels permits low-quality feedwater tubes and high-quality feedwater tubes to be arranged in parallel rows next to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Melvin J. ALBRECHT, Jason M. MARSHALL, Jonathan B. FORD, Jeremy L. REMUS
  • Patent number: 9347686
    Abstract: A dual-exposure heat absorption panel is disclosed, which can be used in a solar receiver design. Generally, the heat absorption panel includes a tube panel through which a heat transfer fluid is flowed to absorb solar energy from heliostats that are focused on the tube panel. A structural support frame surrounds the tube panel. A stiffener structure runs across the exposed faces of the tube panel. The headers and other support structures on the periphery are protected by use of a heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: David T Wasyluk, David L Kraft, Justin A Persinger, Jason M Marshall, Melvin J Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9273884
    Abstract: A solar receiver has an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a heat transfer fluid phase separator, such as a vertical steam/water separator, fluidly interconnected thereto. The receiver includes a plurality of heat transfer fluid filled components, and at least one alternate heat source. When various temperature measurements indicate freezing or solidification of the fluid is possible, the alternate heat source is activated to maintain a temperature of the fluid greater than the freezing/solidification point of the fluid. The application of the alternate heat source further induces natural circulation of the fluid within the components, further providing freeze/solidification protection to the receiver. A controller may be configured to receive sensed temperatures of the fluid, components, ambient air, etc., and use these temperatures relative to a threshold temperature to activate, vary output, and deactivate one or more alternate heat sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Melvin J Albrecht, Jason M Marshall, Justin A Persinger, Thanneeru D Rao, David T Wasyluk, Andrew G Heap, Phani Meduri, James E Pacheco, Gaurav Soni
  • Patent number: 9194609
    Abstract: A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Iannacchione, Dennis R. Shiffer, David T. Wasyluk, Jason M. Marshall, David L. Kraft, George Grant, Kiplin C. Alexander, Rickey A. Wilson, Justin A. Persinger, Adam N. DePizzo, Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9127857
    Abstract: A solar receiver includes a multi-sided central assembly with wing assemblies extending from corners thereof. The central assembly includes one-sided heat absorption panels, while the wing assemblies use two-sided heat absorption panels. Stiffener structures run across the exposed faces of the various heat absorption panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Melvin J Albrecht, Kiplin C Alexander, Steven P Iannacchione, Jason M Marshall, Justin A Persinger, David T Wasyluk
  • Publication number: 20140041359
    Abstract: A rapid startup heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) comprises a gas inlet, a high pressure section, an optional intermediate pressure section, an optional low pressure section, and a gas outlet. At least one of the pressure sections includes a vertical steam separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin J. ALBRECHT
  • Patent number: 8317390
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas streams of different temperatures and/or compositions contemplates that at least one of the streams contains particle. The apparatus includes a main duct for the first gas stream and a plurality of duct assemblies extending in the main duct generally transversely to the first gas stream. Each assembly has plural inlets and outlets for receiving and discharging separate parts of the second gas stream, moving initially generally transverse to the first stream. The assemblies each have plural secondary ducts of mutually different lengths from inlet to outlet, the outlets being spaced from each other across the main duct for distributing the parts of the second gas stream into the first gas stream. A gas flow deflector is connected to each duct assembly for temporarily deflecting the first gas stream before it is combined with the parts of the second gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8286595
    Abstract: An integrated water coil air heater and economizer arrangement for a boiler has a feedwater inlet for supplying feedwater to the boiler, and conduits and a valve for splitting the feedwater from the inlet into a first partial lower temperature, lower mass flow stream, and a second partial higher temperature, higher flow stream. A water coil air heater for passage of air to be heated for the boiler contains at least one heat transfer loop in heat transfer relationship with the air, the heat transfer loop of the water coil air heater being connected to receive the first partial stream. An economizer for passage of flue gas to be cooled for the boiler contains at least one heat transfer loop in heat transfer relationship with the flue gas, the heat transfer loop of the economizer being connected to the heat transfer loop of the water coil air heater for receiving the first partial stream from the water coil air heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Cerney, William R. Stirgwolt, Melvin J. Albrecht, Kevin R. Thomas, George B. Brechun, John E. Monacelli
  • Publication number: 20110188338
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas streams of different temperatures and/or compositions contemplates that at least one of the streams contains particle. The apparatus includes a main duct for the first gas stream and a plurality of duct assemblies extending in the main duct generally transversely to the first gas stream. Each assembly has plural inlets and outlets for receiving and discharging separate parts of the second gas stream, moving initially generally transverse to the first stream. The assemblies each have plural secondary ducts of mutually different lengths from inlet to outlet, the outlets being spaced from each other across the main duct for distributing the parts of the second gas stream into the first gas stream. A gas flow deflector is connected to each duct assembly for temporarily deflecting the first gas stream before it is combined with the parts of the second gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20100229805
    Abstract: An integrated water coil air heater and economizer arrangement for a boiler has a feedwater inlet for supplying feedwater to the boiler, and conduits and a valve for splitting the feedwater from the inlet into a first partial lower temperature, lower mass flow stream, and a second partial higher temperature, higher flow stream. A water coil air heater for passage of air to be heated for the boiler contains at least one heat transfer loop in heat transfer relationship with the air, the heat transfer loop of the water coil air heater being connected to receive the first partial stream. An economizer for passage of flue gas to be cooled for the boiler contains at least one heat transfer loop in heat transfer relationship with the flue gas, the heat transfer loop of the economizer being connected to the heat transfer loop of the water coil air heater for receiving the first partial stream from the water coil air heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Brian J. Cerney, William R. Stirgwolt, Melvin J. Albrecht, Kevin R. Thomas, George B. Brechun, John E. Monacelli
  • Publication number: 20100101564
    Abstract: A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: STEVEN P. IANNACCHIONE, DENNIS R. SHIFFER, DAVID T. WASYLUK, JASON M. MARSHALL, DAVID L. KRAFT, GEORGE GRANT, KIPLIN C. ALEXANDER, RICKEY A. WILSON, JUSTIN A. PERSINGER, ADAM N. DePIZZO, MELVIN J. ALBRECHT
  • Patent number: 7637699
    Abstract: A conical cyclone separator for separating steam from water in a steam/water mixture supplied to a steam drum of a boiler. A widened tangential inlet extends the axial length of the conical portion of the separator, increasing the width of the inlet while causing no derogation in steaming capacity and substantially lowering pressure drop. The inlet design of this separator is compatible with smaller diameter steam drums unable to currently utilize conventional separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7587996
    Abstract: A steam generator circulation system is provided and includes a boiler feed pump for forcing water through an economizer, and through the waterwall tubes of an evaporator. A separator receives a mixture of steam and water and sends the steam to a steam utilization unit such as a superheater. A valve is provided below the separator. If the valve is open, the saturated water from the separator is mixed with feedwater and recirculated through the tubes of the evaporator. If the valve is closed, recirculation is terminated. At loads below the critical point, the valve below the separator system would be open and the boiler would operate like a natural circulation drum boiler. At loads above the critical point, the valve below the separator system would be closed resulting in a boiler that operates like a once-through boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7587995
    Abstract: A radiant syngas cooler used to contain and cool the synthesis gas produced by coal gasification processes employs radiant and convection surfaces in a specific arrangement to achieve a cost-effective, compact design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave L. Kraft, Kiplin C. Alexander, Steven R. Fry, Thomas E. Doyle, Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7578265
    Abstract: A gas temperature control system for maintaining a desired economizer outlet gas temperature across a range of boiler loads comprises a plurality of tubular configurations having surfaces that are in contact with the flue gas. Each tubular configuration, preferably, comprises a plurality of serpentine or stringer tubes arranged horizontally or vertically back and forth within the economizer, and each tubular configuration having a separate feedwater inlet. Heat transfer from the flue gas is accomplished by controlling the feedwater flow rates through the tubular configurations. In a temperature control system having two tubular configurations, the overall heat transfer capacity of the economizer may be reduced to maintain the desired economizer outlet gas temperature during low boiler loads by reducing feedwater flow through one tubular configuration and by overflowing the other tubular configuration, such that total flow of feedwater through the economizer is maintained substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20090178779
    Abstract: A heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a pair of vertical steam/water separators structurally interconnected to one another to provide an integral support structure for the heat exchanger. The structural interconnection includes upper and lower structural members extending between the pair of vertical steam/water separators. The upper and lower structural members include headers, and an arrangement of heating surface which extends between and is fluidically connected to the headers. A structural support framework surrounds the heat exchanger for bottom support thereof, the framework providing structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: William J. White, Melvin J. Albrecht, Jason M. Marshall, Dennis R. Shiffer
  • Publication number: 20090010721
    Abstract: A conical cyclone separator for separating steam from water in a steam/water mixture supplied to a steam drum of a boiler, comprises a conical portion with upper and lower cylindrical portions. Using a widened tangential inlet that extends the axial length of the conical portion of the separator, the disclosed separator has an inlet which is increased in width by approximately 16% with no derogation in steaming capacity but with substantially less pressure drop. The inlet design of this separator does not increase the overall length of the separator allowing for its use in smaller diameter steam drums that would be unable to currently utilize conventional separators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Melvin J. Albrecht