Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor including a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis, a cover fixed relative to the sensor, and a duct mounted to the sensor and extending through the axis. The cover is positioned to expose a circumferential portion of the sensor window. The circumferential portion extends circumferentially relative to the axis from a first end adjacent to the cover to a second end adjacent to the cover. The circumferential portion includes a midpoint circumferentially between the first end and the second end. The duct includes an inlet and an outlet. The outlet extends circumferentially from the first end of the circumferential portion to the second end of the circumferential portion. The duct includes a deflector positioned to direct airflow from the inlet to the outlet at the first end and second end of the circumferential portion before the airflow reaches the midpoint of the circumferential portion.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a tank for storing water; a flue assembly positioned within the tank, the flue assembly adapted to transfer heat from flue gases within the flue assembly to water in the tank; a burner in fluid communication with an inlet end of the flue assembly and operable in at least a high input mode and a low input mode to deliver the flue gases to the flue assembly, the exhaust assembly having a threshold temperature above which the exhaust assembly is not suitable; and an exhaust assembly including a fan, wherein at least in the low input mode, the flue gases condense in the flue assembly, and wherein operation of the fan reduces a temperature of the flue gases in the exhaust assembly to below the threshold temperature at least in the high input mode.

Abstract: A windband for an exhaust fan system. The windband comprises an elongate housing receivable about a exit nozzle of the exhaust fan system, an air inducer formed from a perforated material and positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the elongate housing, and a discharge sleeve positioned adjacent and secured to the top portion of the elongate housing. The discharge sleeve is formed from a perforated material and forms a passageway through which gas from the nozzle and induced ambient air passing through the elongate housing are discharged. The perforated air inducer and discharge sleeve together assist in the minimization of a pressure differential between an upwind side of the windband and a downwind side of the windband when the windband is subjected to wind striking the windband at an angle.

Abstract: A gas pulse jet pump for use with a fluid transfer system is provided. The gas pulse jet pump includes a main body including at least one suction chamber configured to receive production fluid. The gas pulse jet pump further includes an inlet configured to receive the production fluid into the gas pulse jet pump, at least one valve configured to regulate flow of the production fluid through the gas pulse jet pump, at least one gas injection port configured to intermittently inject high pressure gas into the at least one suction chamber, and an outlet configured to receive the production fluid from the at least one suction chamber and discharge the production fluid from the gas pulse jet pump.

Abstract: A device for releasing an explosive gas via a stack arranged on a roof of a building is provided. The upper free end of the stack is provided with a discharging head including a plurality of distribution pipes projecting from the stack in the form of a star. Each pipe includes an outlet on the free end thereof. The device reduces the pressure wave load exerted during an explosion even during adverse wind conditions. To this end, the end regions of the distribution pipes are embodied as jet pumps in which the explosive gas is the propellant sucking the ambient air.

Abstract: Heat retaining hood assemblies include a plenum with an interior side and an exterior side, wherein the plenum restricts heat from flowing from the interior side to the exterior side, and an exhaust duct fluidly connected to the exterior side of the plenum, wherein the plenum includes one or more contours to direct the exhaust on the interior side to an intake opening of the exhaust duct, and wherein the exhaust flows from the intake opening to a release vent of the exhaust duct disposed on the exterior side of the plenum.

Abstract: A burner having a fuel tube, a heat recuperator disposed at least partially around the fuel tube, a cover disposed at least partially around the heat recuperator, and a housing coupled to the fuel tube. The housing has an air inlet, an exhaust outlet, and an eductor body. The eductor body has a first pathway for directing inlet air toward the heat recuperator and a second pathway directing inlet air into the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A gasifier and gasifier system based on the gasifier, which contains as a major component, a novel feed system for feeding organic materials into the burn pile of the gasifier. The gasifier feed system is a horizontal auger driven feed system that feeds directly through a ceramic elbow into the furnace without having to auger the feed through significant vertical elevations.

Abstract: The combination of a vent assembly with a conduit assembly bounding a flow space into which discharged combustion gases are exhausted. The conduit assembly has a first conduit length in which: a) combustion gases are communicated in a first direction in a first path between the flue outlet and a vent outlet; and b) backflow is communicated in the first path in a direction opposite to the first direction. The conduit assembly has a draft control assembly, with a conduit portion defining a flow passage in which backflow is diverted out of the first path. The draft control assembly further has a flow guide assembly that intercepts and guidingly diverts the backflow into the conduit portion to be exhausted.

Abstract: The smokeless liquid two-phase burner system of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for burning a wide variety of flammable liquids using an integrated burner system. The system has both a primary injection path and an alternate injection path for the liquid fuel to be burned, as well as a main air pump or blower. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for selectably injecting a secondary stream of a gas or vapor or volatile liquid into a flare system for the purpose of enhancing combustion.

Abstract: A damper and overfire air duct in a combustion system having a combustion structure defining a flue gas passage, the damper and overfire air duct including: an inlet to the overfire air duct and an outlet to the duct discharging overfire air into the flue gas passage, and the damper aligned with an axis of the overfire air duct, and having an open position axially distal to the inlet and a closed position at least partially in the inlet and duct, wherein the damper is movable axially between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A ventilation system for urging flue gases from an exhaust source through an exhaust conduit has an exhaust outlet for venting the gases and an exhaust inlet communicating with the exhaust source. A blower fan is provided for creating a positive air flow away from the exhaust inlet to urge the flue gases through the exhaust conduit and out of the exhaust outlet. A blower pipe channels air from the blower fan into the exhaust conduit past the exhaust inlet so as to create a venturi effect to draw exhaust from the exhaust inlet into the exhaust conduit. Duct work may be provided so that the blower fan draws fresh air from the ambient, namely from outside the structure housing the exhaust sources, rather than from inside the structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pellet fuel burning heating unit for burning corn or wood pellets having a balanced pressure system having a four-way split combustion intake airstream. The invention includes a combustion air blower system for providing combustion air into a firebox containing a burner under positive pressure and at the same time providing a negative pressure to remove the combustion gases from the firebox. A pressure regulator and air splitter maintains a balance between the positive and negative pressure and adjusts the air flow into the firebox and out the exhaust. The exhaust is provided through a bank of exhaust tubes running from the top of the firebox to an exhaust manifold. The blower air moves into the pressure regulator and air splitter dividing the air flow such that a portion enters the heating unit exhaust manifold to produce a negative pressure and the remaining portion enters the heating unit burner under positive pressure.

Abstract: A pellet fuel burning heating unit having a firebox with a burner therein connected to a combustion air duct, an exhaust pipe to remove combustion gases from the firebox, a blower to provide combustion air and a pressure regulator and air splitter to divide the air flow from the blower into the combustion air duct and into the exhaust pipe. The air flow into the combustion air duct creates a positive pressure in the burner and the air flow into the exhaust pipe creates a suction of the exhaust gases in the firebox.

Abstract: Back draft is prevented in a conventional furnace or woodstove system in which the combustion gases are generally sufficient to generate the positive draft for combustion but occasionally fails due to pressure differences, combustion conditions or outside temperature conditions. The back draft device comprises a nozzle mounted in the flue which is connected to a duct supplying pressurized air from a fan which is passed over a heater so that heated air is injected into the flue. A flow control device comprises a housing which is divided by a transverse sheet. In a front face on one side of the divider is provided a flap valve controlling air inlet into the duct of the fan. On the other side of the divider is provided a flap valve controlling an air outlet from the outside of the building. The flow control device automatically controls whether the air for the nozzle is drawn from the interior or the exterior of the building depending upon the pressure differences.

Abstract: This invention is an attachment for installation along a flue duct between a heater and a chimney, including a flue duct section, having a jet tube therein, receiving air from an exterior motor-driven fan, so as to create a vortex and a third stage burner at the jet tube end.

Abstract: A vent device is provided for common venting of exhaust gases discharged from separate apparatus at different vent pressures. The vent device provides a passageway and exhaust gas inlets for combining the exhaust gases and conveying them to a single vent stack. The higher vent pressure exhaust gases are discharged within the passageway using a venturi or jet pump effect to provide a zone of reduced pressure in the passageway for inducing the flow of the lower vent pressure exhaust gases into the device.

Abstract: An improved stack construction for an incinerator. A layer of refractory material is disposed on the inner surface of the stack and an elongated tubular member is positioned longitudinally within the stack and spaced from the layer of refractory material to provide an annular passage therebetween. An air supply conduit is connected to one end of the tubular member, while the opposite end of the tubular member is closed. The tubular member is provided with a plurality of outlet ports disposed along a length of the tubular member with the outlet ports facing laterally outward and downwardly to direct air toward the refractory liner and in contact with the waste gases passing upwardly through the annular passage to thereby increase the turbulence of the waste gases and provide an increased efficiency of combustion.

Abstract: A method for preventing deposits or build-ups of dust in off-gas channels for dust-containing off-gases from electrothermal smelting furnaces. This is done by blowing an additional gas tangentially into the furnace off-gas channels at the positions where build-ups or deposits of dust normally occurs. Hence a gas spiral is provided between the inner wall of the furnace off-gas channels and the dust-containing, hot furnace off-gas. Recirculated and cooled furnace off-gas is preferably used as additional gas. For open furnaces where the furnace off-gas is completely combusted before it enters into the furnace off-gas channels, air can be used as additional gas. The temperature of the additional gas is preferably kept below the sintering temperature of the dust in the furnace off-gas.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe outlet is surrounded by a jacket part having an inlet of ger diameter, permitting air to be drawn into the jacket part to isolate it from contact with the hot exhaust gases. Blocking air may be injected at the downstream end of the jacket part.

Abstract: An apparatus to induce drafts in combustion chamber stacks can operate at temperatures from 1400.degree. to 2600.degree. while being fabricated from mild steel with refractory lining. The induced draft apparatus includes an exhaust stack connected to a combustion chamber and has an annular plenum formed around the base of the stack with a narrowed annular outlet from the plenum into the stack. An air blower is connected to the annular plenum for directing air under pressure thereinto and into the stack at a predetermined position. An annular refractory surface is formed on the inside of the plenum wall in the stack and the stack is similarly lined with a refractory material.

Abstract: An auxiliary exhaust system for use with a flue includes a conduit communicating at one end with an opening formed in the flue wall and a blower operable to introduce auxiliary air into the flue through the conduit. The conduit is angled so that the auxiliary air enters the flue with a velocity component extending in the downstream direction of the flow of the products of combustion to aid in venting the combustion unit. A damper located within the conduit operates an on-off switch in a blower control circuit which starts and stops the blower when the damper is opened and closed, respectively. The blower control circuit also includes an automatic combustion control which is responsive to flue temperature to increase the speed of the blower whenever the flue temperature is below a predetermined value and to decrease the blower speed whenever the flue temperature is above a predetermined value. The blower includes an access port which enables a fire extinguishing chemical to be introduced into the flue.

Abstract: A prefabricated chimney assembly of the dual-wall type, adapted to be coupled to the flue outlet of a fireplace, is disclosed. The chimney assembly includes an inner conduit extending the length of the chimney assembly to form the flue through which combustion gases flow upwardly, and an outer conduit mounted in spaced relationship to the inner conduit so as to define an annular passage for conducting only outside air downwardly therethrough.

Abstract: A new and improved incinerator steam generation system subjecting to combustion debris such as municipal waste, utilizing the heat derived therefrom to produce steam for steam boiler, electrical generating facilities, heating facility for industrial or commercial plants, and so forth. This is provided with a series of boilers and controls, both manually adjustable and also automatic, whereby the possibility of fire dangers are minimized, created temperature ranges of boiler gases are constrained to desirable limits, dump stack facilities are automatically controlled as to particular effectiveness for differing types of operating conditions, and where safety features are incorporated to shut down gas flow through the boiler during periods of boiler-water deficiency, excess steam generation relative to demand, and other conditions. Within the furnace area proper the pressure conditions are predetermined and are controlled during operation for desired efficiency, vapor removal, and materials' combustion.

Abstract: A chimney comprises a central column through which the combustion gases or the like are forced, this column terminating at its upper end in a nozzle of smaller cross-section, and an outer wall which surrounds the column while leaving an annular intermediate space into which air is forced under a pressure slightly above the pressure of the combustion gases within the central column, this outer wall joining the periphery of the column in the zone of the upper nozzle. Apertures are provided in the wall of the column just below the nozzle to connect the annular space and the inside of the column.

Abstract: There is provided a method of constructing a chimney or duct, which comprises an external structural wall, a protective layer of moving air adjacent to and inwardly therefrom, and curved ring devices situated in the gas stream which by their shape control the gas flow and prevent the breakdown of the layer of protective air.

Abstract: A balancing air device for a heating unit in a building having a flue for the passage of waste combustion gases from a combustion chamber of the heating unit into a stack capable of having a draft flowing therein, comprising, a fresh outside air line connected to the combustion chamber of the heating unit for supplying air from outside the building and an air return line connected directly between the outside fresh air line and the stack for returning air supplied from outside the building to the stack when the heating unit is not operating. The cross-sectional flow areas of the outside fresh air line extending to the combustion chamber and the air return line are chosen so that, when the heating unit is not operating, the air return line satisfies a substantially constant draft flowing in the stack so that fresh outside air is not supplied to the combustion chamber when the heating unit is not operated.

Abstract: In a home heating system having a furnace with a combustion chamber for burning fuel and creating heat, and a chimney with a draft therein, an improvement comprising, an exhaust flue connected between the combustion chamber and the chimney for venting heated exhaust products from the furnace, a heat reclaimer connected into the exhaust flue between the combustion chamber and the chimney for reclaiming heat from the heated exhaust product, and an outside air line for supplying air from the outside of the house to the combustion chamber. A first flue portion of the exhaust flue is connected between the combustion chamber and the heat reclaimer, and a second insulated flue portion of the exhaust flue is connected between the heat reclaimer and the chimney. An outside air by-pass or balancing line is connected between the outside air line and the chimney for satisfying the chimney suction at flame-out.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging to the atmosphere, combustion gases containing sulphur trioxide, means are provided for injecting into the stream, prior to venting to the atmosphere, a selected quantity of diluting gas. The diluting gas and sulphur containing combustion gases are turbulently mixed to provide dilution of the sulphur trioxide in the combined effluent from the stack. In one embodiment, the diluting gases are injected through a pipe positioned axially in the stack, below the top. A column of diluting gas is injected at high velocity into the upwardly moving combustion gases to entrain, mix with, and dilute the sulphur trioxide in the combination gases prior to escape from the stack to the atmosphere. In an improved embodiment, an annular plenum is constructed around the stack at a point upstream of the top of the stack, and a plurality of pipes are directed inwardly radially and upwardly through the wall of the stack.

Abstract: Flow of gas through a conduit of a gas-handling system, particularly the exhaust system of a material processing furnace operating at high temperatures, is controlled by directing a control gas (usually air) into the conduit in opposition to the normal flow of gas therethrough at a location such that it can comprehend substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the conduit substantially without diminution of such area or interference with fluid flow at such location when full normal flow is desired. The apparatus includes a duct leading from a pressure source of control gas to nozzle means disposed substantially entirely outside the conduit but with the discharge therefrom directed into the conduit from at least one side thereof and in opposition to normal gas flow through the conduit.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for exhausting rising fume from a fume-producing apparatus into a hood opening located above but laterally displaced from the fume-producing apparatus. A first jet producing a moving curtain of air is directed generally across the fume-producing apparatus from the side thereof which is remote from the hood, with the curtain at least wide enough to span substantially the whole of the rising fume. A second jet produces a second moving curtain of air travelling generally upwardly toward the hood opening from a position spaced generally beneath that opening. The energy and direction of the first jet and the resultant air curtain are such that, if the second jet were not present, the resultant paths for all portions of the air/fume mixture would traverse the general region between the hood opening and the position of which the second jet originates.

Abstract: A heat engine producing a hot gas is cooled by a fluid which in turn is cooled by the convective updraft of air in a cooling tower. The convective updraft is increased by adding a portion of the hot gas to the air in the cooling tower downstream of the heat exchange between the air and the cooling fluid. The heat engine may be an internal combustion engine of the gas turbine or piston type or a compressor or the like, and the hot gas may be product or exhaust.

Abstract: A furnace for the combustion of moist waste materials having an axial combustion chamber surrounded in part by two communicating air jackets between which air jackets the waste combustible material is disposed, air being forced through the air jackets into the moist combustible material and combustion chamber. A second embodiment having vertical draft pipes disposed in the moist combustible material to reduce odors produced therein and having an additional air jet provided in the exhaust stream of the combustion chamber.