Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a contactor/separator vessel for reacting with fine particles. The contractor/separator vessel includes a spouted bed containing fine Geldart class C particles; and an additional spoutable media to facilitate spouting of the fine Geldart class C particles in order to improve mixing, gas-solid contact/separation.

Abstract: A high efficiency, Vortex Inertial Staged Air (VIStA) combustor provides ultra-low NO.sub.X production of about 20 ppmvd or less with CO emissions of less than 50 ppmvd, both at 3% O.sub.2. Prompt NO.sub.X production is reduced by partially reforming the fuel in a first combustion stage to CO and H.sub.2. This is achieved in the first stage by operating with a fuel rich mixture, and by recirculating partially oxidized combustion products, with control over stoichiometry, recirculation rate and residence time. Thermal NO.sub.X production is reduced in the first stage by reducing the occurrence of high temperature combustion gas regions. This is achieved by providing the first stage burner with a thoroughly pre-mixed fuel/oxidant composition, and by recirculating part of the combustion products to further mix the gases and provide a more uniform temperature in the first stage. In a second stage combustor thermal NO.sub.

Abstract: A raining bed heat exchanger includes: a hollow stack; a feed inlet located near the top of the stack for introducing particulate material into the stack so that the material falls through the stack; a gas inlet located near the bottom of the stack for introducing rising gases into the stack so that the gases flow counter to the falling material; a plurality of baffles supported within the stack between the feed and gas inlets for retarding the falling material and prolonging its exposure to the gases; and a disengagement section located near the top of the stack for separating from the gases particulates entrained by the rising gases. The disengagement section includes a screen positioned within the stack and having a plurality of gaps through which the rising gases pass in order to sufficiently separate the entrained particulates. Alternatively, the disengagement section can include a filter media to separate the entrained particulates.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a Volatile Organic Compound environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a reactor-efficient coronal discharge zone, and at least one pair of high-dielectric coated electrodes. In particular embodiments Halogenated volatile organic compounds are reduced and the reaction chamber is chlorine and fluorine resistant.

Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant, high water vapor (about 3% to about 18%) tolerant, packing-free coronal-catalyst. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of high water vapor tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation of an electrical field to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream, where the electrical field has a minimum field power density of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter, and optionally, accompanying downstream scrubbers. In a particular embodiment, downstream wet or dry absorption arrest particular NO.sub.x reduction products NO.sub.2 and HNO.sub.3, optionally upon exposure to an arresting agent, including basic, caustic, or alkali materials such as CaO or NH.sub.3.

Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst such as high dielectric coronal-catalysts like glass wool, ceramic-glass wool or zirconium glass wool and method of use. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream at a minimum of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter.

Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst such as high dielectric coronal-catalysts like glass wool, ceramic-glass wool or zirconium glass wool and method of use. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream at a minimum of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter.

Abstract: A flow control device for solid particulate material such as recycled granular solids utilized in a fluidized bed combustion vessel includes a generally horizontal material feeder conduit having an outlet end in communication with the fluidized bed of the combustion vessel and a receiving end remote therefrom. An upstanding material collector conduit having a lower end in communication with a receiving end of the feeder conduit is provided and an upper end of the collector conduit is adapted to receive a flow of particulate solid material to be fed at a controlled flow rate into the combustion vessel. The upstanding collector conduit forms a standpipe for retaining a quantity of material to establish a pressure sealing head or column of material extending upwardly of the receiving end of the feeder conduit.