Abstract: A water-desalination and carbon dioxide extraction method employs a greenhouse having a transparent, double-pane roof structure and containing an open-top receptacle for a receiving quantity of saline water or an aqueous mixture, derived from flue gas, of dissolved and suspended alkaline metal salts, which roof structure and receptacle are substantially coextensive and rectangular. A series of remotely controllable nozzles, capable of producing sheet-like discharges, withdraw the saline water or the aqueous mixture from the receptacle and discharges it into the overlying space for exposure to solar radiation passing through the roof structure, for controlled absorption of solar energy by the saline water or for effecting release carbon dioxide at elevated temperatures. Ambient air, heated during passage through channels in the transparent roof structure, may be used in a second greenhouse for promoting evaporation of free water or in other method steps.

Abstract: A water-desalination and carbon dioxide extraction method employs a greenhouse having a transparent, double-pane roof structure and containing an open-top receptacle for a receiving quantity of saline water or an aqueous mixture, derived from flue gas, of dissolved and suspended alkaline metal salts, which roof structure and receptacle are substantially coextensive and rectangular. A series of remotely controllable nozzles, capable of producing sheet-like discharges, withdraw the saline water or the aqueous mixture from the receptacle and discharges it into the overlying space for exposure to solar radiation passing through the roof structure, for controlled absorption of solar energy by the saline water or for effecting release carbon dioxide at elevated temperatures. Ambient air, heated during passage through channels in the transparent roof structure, may be used in a second greenhouse for promoting evaporation of free water or in other method steps.

Abstract: A micro-algae growing method employs a greenhouse having a transparent, double-pane roof structure and containing an open-top receptacle for a bed of aqueous micro-algae medium, which roof structure and receptacle are substantially coextensive and rectangular. A series of remotely controllable nozzles, capable of producing thin, sheet-like discharges, withdraw the aqueous liquid medium from subsurface regions along the length of the bed and discharge it into the overlying space, thus optimally exposing the medium to solar radiation passing through the roof structure and thereby promoting micro-algae growth. Ambient air, heated during passage through channels in the transparent roof structure, is used in a second greenhouse for lofting small droplets that comprise sprays of the concentrated micro-algae medium received from the first greenhouse, thus promoting evaporation of free water and cooperating in harvesting of micro-algae product.

Abstract: A micro-algae growing method employs a greenhouse having a transparent, double-pane roof structure and containing an open-top receptacle for a bed of aqueous micro-algae medium, which roof structure and receptacle are substantially coextensive and rectangular. A series of remotely controllable nozzles, capable of producing thin, sheet-like discharges, withdraw the aqueous liquid medium from subsurface regions along the length of the bed and discharge it into the overlying space, thus optimally exposing the medium to solar radiation passing through the roof structure and thereby promoting micro-algae growth. Ambient air, heated during passage through channels in the transparent roof structure, is used in a second greenhouse for lofting small droplets that comprise sprays of the concentrated micro-algae medium received from the first greenhouse, thus promoting evaporation of free water and cooperating in harvesting of micro-algae product.

Abstract: A method of injection and combustion control and related injection nozzles and lances are described which facilitate the merging of the combustion of fossil fuels and separately added solid biomass waste product fuels in the form of pelletized chars and fine particulates. An assembly of five concentric, annular tubes and conically shaped exit tips is used to deliver air conveyed biomass fuel as an annular stream between two higher velocity air streams, both of which converge so as to accelerate and propel the biomass fuel, and distribute it into the flame zone produced in a conventional fossil fueled boiler. The additional air required for combustion of the biomass fuel is fed to the expanding plume produced by the fuel delivery stream and adjoining air streams. A portion of the combustion air is delivered through the inside of the inner tube in sufficient volume to provide the entrainment flow produced by the expanding air streams.

Abstract: Method and means are described that constitute systems for utilizing solar energy to facilitate the following processes: 1. Grow and collect micro-algae as a source of bio-fuel or industrial products; 2. Desalinate sea, brackish or waste water for industrial use; 3. Extract carbon dioxide from flue gas. The method employs two modified greenhouses, one for growing algae and/or preheating air and aqueous liquid mixtures, and the other for harvesting and drying algae or other finely dispersed solids content of slurries. The processes are controlled by varying the degree of atomization with linear nozzles. In the first greenhouse, linear nozzles spray liquid sheets and coarse droplets to absorb solar energy. In the second greenhouse, linear nozzles finely atomize suspensions for solar drying. The method and greenhouses are also utilized for solar desalination of water and for extraction carbon dioxide coupled with its absorption in magnesium hydroxide slurry.

Abstract: Diverse methods of utilization and the corresponding, related modifications, of linear type, Variable Gas Atomization (VGA) nozzles and lances are described. Therein is joined the mixing and gas atomization of chemicals that react to form active products that further react with harmful flue gas constituents of combustion so as to enable their effective collection. One version combines, in a lance assembly of nozzles, the injection of reactants, in the form of finely divided dry solids conveyed in a carrier air stream, and the fine atomization of water, aqueous solutions or slurries. Atomization of such streams is employed to effectively wet the surfaces of the dry particles and, thereby, promote the rapid sorption of gaseous constituents of flue gas being treated. Another version simultaneously mixes and atomizes reacting chemicals to produce, and release into the flue gas stream, strongly oxidizing, transient, species of their reaction products.

Abstract: Diverse methods of utilization and the corresponding, related modifications, of linear type, Variable Gas Atomization (VGA) nozzles and lances are described. Therein is joined the mixing and gas atomization of chemicals that react to form active products that further react with harmful flue gas constituents of combustion so as to enable their effective collection. One version combines, in a lance assembly of nozzles, the injection of reactants, in the form of finely divided dry solids conveyed in a carrier air stream, and the fine atomization of water, aqueous solutions or slurries. Atomization of such streams is employed to effectively wet the surfaces of the dry particles and, thereby, promote the rapid sorption of gaseous constituents of flue gas being treated. Another version simultaneously mixes and atomizes reacting chemicals to produce, and release into the flue gas stream, strongly oxidizing, transient, species of their reaction products.

Abstract: A method of injection and combustion control and related injection nozzles and lances are described which facilitate the merging of the combustion of fossil fuels and separately added solid biomass waste product fuels in the form of pelletized chars and fine particulates. The teachings of this inventor's earlier patent, “Variable Gas Atomization,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,670, (referred to herein as VGA) are employed. They are applied in a distinctly different manner so as to enable air conveyed and injected solids to be accelerated, propelled and distributed in the combustion zone of fossil or biomass fuel boilers. While the use of an annular nozzle configuration with conically flared exit tips is generally similar, the functions to be performed, and the related conical exit configuration, differ.