Abstract: A self powered blue water gas generator includes a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an input air lock coupled to receive carbonaceous material and a lower output air lock. The column includes a grate positioned within the column and disposed to receive impinging carbonaceous material passed through the input air lock. The grate and column are heated through conduction by burners communicating with the interior of the column and positioned outside and below the column to establish a vertical temperature gradient therewithin. Blue water gas produced within the column by carbonaceous material refluxing within the column fuels the burners and is extracted for utilization by a pipe communicating with the interior of the column. A steam pipe is positioned beneath the grate and within the column for producing steam beneath the grate.After initial fire up the generator is self-powered by its own product and produces blue water gas having an increased CO yield with decreased CO.sub.2 production.

Abstract: A flame detection system comprising two light responsive photovoltaic photocell sensors in combination with corresponding light filters, a photovoltaic sensing amplifier, a control amplifier, and a power source. The photocell/filter combinations are responsive to spectral energy in two different regions of the spectrum, said regions being such that illumination from a hydrocarbon flame causes a reversal in voltage polarity of the signal from the pair of photovoltaic photocells. The photovoltaic photocells are serially connected in voltage opposition and the voltage produced by the combination is applied as an input coupled to the sensing amplifier. The latter is arranged and configured to respond to a selected voltage polarity generated by the photovoltaic combination, when illuminated by a hydrocarbon flame, by providing a control signal to the control amplifier. The control amplifier is typically coupled to a relay and/or solenoid valve which controls the turn-on of a fire alarm and/or extinguishing means.