Abstract: A mounting bracket for locating an actuator in a predetermined position relative to a valve at least partially controlled by the actuator. The mounting bracket includes a body element and three or more arms attached to the body element. Each arm extends between an inner end attached to the body element and an outer end distal to the body element, the outer ends of said at least three arms being positioned to define a plane on which the actuator is locatable, to maintain the actuator in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly for controlling flow of a mixture. The ball valve assembly includes a body with a cavity therein and a ball positioned in the cavity with a passage therethrough, and a low-pressure valve seat and a high-pressure valve seat for locating the ball therebetween. The ball is movable between an open position, in which flow of the mixture through the passage is permitted, and a closed position, in which flow of the mixture through the ball is substantially prevented. The low-pressure valve seat includes one or more scallops formed to permit movement of at least a portion of the solid particles past the low-pressure valve seat when the ball is in the open position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for combusting and/or gasifying a generally viscous liquid or a slurry wherein the liquid or slurry are atomized in a central atomization device within a burner housing the central atomization device using a portion of a gaseous oxidant introduced into the burner to atomize the liquid or slurry as it exits the atomization device.

Abstract: A staged oxy-fuel burner for producing a generally flat fuel rich flame overlying a highly radiative fuel lean flame, the burner having a fuel passage terminating in a nozzle, the fuel passage and nozzle having a generally elongated cross-section, a housing of complementary shape surrounding the fuel passage, so that when fuel is introduced into the fuel passage and an oxidizer is introduced into the passage defined by a space between the housing and the fuel passage a generally flat fuel rich flame is produced at the nozzle end of the fuel conduit and a staging nozzle for introducing oxidizer underneath and in a shape complementary to said fuel rich flame to produce a highly radiative fuel lean flame under said fuel rich flame.

Abstract: An oxy-fuel burner for producing a generally flat luminous flame, the burner having fuel passage terminating in a nozzle, the fuel passage and nozzle having a generally elongated cross-section, a housing of complementary shape surrounding the fuel passage, so that when fuel is introduced into the fuel passage and an oxidizer is introduced into the passage defined by a space between the housing and the fuel passage a generally flat luminous flame is produced at the nozzle end of the fuel conduit. A precombustor having a cross-sectional shape complementary to that of flame end of the burner can be disposed on the flame end of the burner housing to further enhance combustion and protect the burner from the furnace atmosphere.