Abstract: Provided is a system for enhancing combustion in a kiln, including a kiln combustion chamber disposed within the kiln, the kiln combustion chamber having an atmosphere therein; a main burner for heating the atmosphere; a calciner assembly for providing a substance to be heated into the kiln combustion chamber; a precalciner including a precalciner combustion chamber disposed within the precalciner for receiving a biomass fuel for combustion in the precalciner combustion chamber, the precalciner combustion chamber in communication with the kiln combustion chamber; and a precalciner oxygen injector in fluid communication with the precalciner combustion chamber for providing a first oxygen stream into the biomass fuel for the combustion. A related apparatus and method for enhancing combustion with oxygen and biomass fuel are also provided.

Abstract: A cupola furnace includes at least one tuyere opening into an interior of the cupola; and at least one oxygen stream and at least one natural gas (NG) stream in fluid communication with said at least one tuyere for providing oxygen and NG to the cupola furnace interior. A related method is also provided for heating a cupola furnace, and includes introducing at least one oxygen stream and at least one NG stream into the cupola furnace for reaction therein.