Abstract: A method and apparatus for the demilitarization of ammunition. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated tubular ammunition conveying chamber having a wall, an inlet opening, and a discharge opening; a heater in thermal communication with the elongated tubular chamber; and a first discharge barrier obstructing at least a first portion of the discharge opening of the elongated tubular chamber.

Abstract: Described herein is a combustor having a first burn chamber and a second burn chamber. The first burn chamber has a first burner and the second burn chamber has a second, separate burner. The first burn chamber is in fluid communication with the second burn chamber which allows particles or vapor to move from the first burn chamber to the second burn chamber. The first burn chamber is configured to perform a primary burn on particles or vapors that have been introduced into the first chamber and the second burn chamber is configured to perform a secondary burn on particles that have not been burned in the first chamber and move to the second burn chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid fuel units having a fuel supply chamber wherein the fuel to be sent for combustion to the combustion region found in the body is placed and the feed mechanism carrying the solid fuel found in the chamber forward. It is characterized in that it includes a main burning block having a fuel and air cell connected to the solid fuel supply chamber and air outlet vents formed on the external wall surface. A preventive surface is positioned on the main burning block external wall surface in a way that it would form a closed volume in a certain distance.

Abstract: A reversible jamb block for a furnace, oven or kiln, having an attachment side adapted to removably attach to the first side of a doorway for the furnace, oven or kiln, and adapted to removably attach to the second side of the doorway, such that one face of the jamb block is directed away from the furnace when the attachment side of the jamb block is attached to the first side of the doorway, and a second face opposite the first face, is directed away from the furnace when the attachment side of the jamb block is attached to the second side of the doorway.

Abstract: An air preheater 100 is described having an air damper assembly 162 that partially restricts an air inlet 130 and a flue gas damper assembly 152 that partially restricts flue gas inlet 124 during periods of reduced boiler load. Restricting the flue gas inlet 124 reduces the effective surface area of the preheater causing more heat to pass to the cold end of the air preheater 100, reducing acid condensation and fouling. Restricting the gas inlet 124, increases gas velocity, thereby eroding accumulations in the air preheater 100, also reducing fouling. Restricting the air inlet 130 reduces the effective heat transfer surface area of the air preheater, which raises the gas temperature in the cold end of the air preheater and thereby reduces acid condensation and fouling.

Abstract: A method and a burner for combustion in a heating furnace of a fuel with an oxidant in the form of oxygen gas, wherein fuel and oxidant are supplied to a burner head. Fuel and oxidant, respectively, are injected via the burner head through at least two pairs of nozzles, wherein one nozzle pair is defined by a separate fuel nozzle and a separate oxidant nozzle. The nozzles of the nozzle pairs are uniformly distributed over the furnace-interior-facing surface of the burner and within the circumference of the burner head. An oxidant nozzle is provided on each side of a fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A method for enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing harmful emissions of any furnace fueled by coal or other carbonaceous fuels includes the steps of providing a high-output electrolyzer assembly which includes spaced-apart stainless steel plates submerged in an electrolytic bath. A voltage is applied between the plates and sufficient electrical power is supplied to generate a desired production of hydrogen and oxygen gases. Those gases are captured and directed directly into the combustion air intake of the furnace. Gas flow is controlled, primarily, by varying current flow and electrolyte concentration in the electrolyzer unit. The method differs from those of the prior art in its simplicity in that the oxyhydrogen gas is captured and directed directly into the combustion air intake of the furnace without the use of gas storage tanks, pressure regulators, mass flow controllers, or any other costly control equipment.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for optimizing the exhaust gas burnout in combustion plants having a solid bed combustion zone and an exhaust gas burnout zone wherein oxygen-containing gas is injected into the exhaust gas flow in the burnout zone by way of a plurality of secondary gas injection nozzles, wherein each injection nozzle is provided with a control valve, means are provided for determining the presence of incompletely burned exhaust gas components in the exhaust gas burn out zone and a control unit converts the signals into control signals by which the valves or group of valves are individually controlled so as to inject oxygen containing gas into the exhaust gas flow in order to concentrate the injection of the oxygen containing secondary gas into the areas in which incompletely burned exhaust gas components are present.

Abstract: A design and method of operation for the floor of solid fuel boilers is described. The combustion region includes a stepped-floor that improves combustion in the lower furnace. In some embodiments, the fuel is moved between the steps of the floor by a gas, rather than by mechanical means, and the fuel is moved from an upper to a lower step as it is burned. In some embodiments, the steps are fixed steps having a layer of a refractory material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor (10) and a steam generator (70) and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor (10) is delivered to the direct contact steam generator (70) at pressure, and upon direct contact with water, produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial applications. The combustor (10) can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.

Abstract: A solid biomass-to-energy combustion method includes introducing an oxygen containing gas into a combustion chamber of a suspension furnace to form a flow of gas through the combustion chamber; injecting a particulate solid biomass fuel into the combustion chamber through a port in the furnace wall and into the gas flow, and combusting the particulate solid biomass fuel in the gas flow to form a flame in the gas flow.

Abstract: Radioactive waste treatment method, includes: (a) loading waste into plasma shaft furnace by conveying waste by hermetic conveyor from automated storage into plasma shaft furnace, wherein conveying is loading is controlled; (b) pyrolizing waste; (c) oxidizing coke; (d) withdrawing pyrogas and slug from furnace; (e) afterburning pyrogas in combustion chamber at an afterburning temperature of 1200-1350° C.; (f) supplying air into combustion chamber at two levels during afterburning step: (1) prechamber pyrogas air supply level, and (2) an upper part of combustion chamber air supply level; and (g) quenching an off-gas to 200-250° C. with subsequent mechanical cleaning and absorption cleaning and further cooling. A radioactive waste treatment plant is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying combustion residues (6) along a conveying path out of a combustion chamber (1) in a conveying device (2), comprising the following steps: a) conveying the combustion residues (6) out of the combustion chamber (1) by means of a conveying device (2) which has at least one housing (4); b) producing a first pressure level (12) in the housing (4); c) additionally treating the combustion residues (6) in a treatment device (5) arranged in the conveying path; d) producing a second pressure level (13) in the conveying direction (7) of the combustion residues (6) downstream of the treatment device (5) by introducing a fluid (14) in order to form a pressure gradient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a cleaning device for cleaning outlet ports (11) or the like and/or outlet spouts (12) or the like in soda recovery boilers (13) or the like, the cleaning device comprising at least one connecting rod (9). The cleaning device has at least one front tool part (1a-d, 3, 6), mounted on said connecting rod (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and system for power generation using a high efficiency combustor in combination with a CO2 circulating fluid. The methods and systems advantageously can make use of a low pressure ratio power turbine and an economizer heat exchanger in specific embodiments. Additional low grade heat from an external source can be used to provide part of an amount of heat needed for heating the recycle CO2 circulating fluid. Fuel derived CO2 can be captured and delivered at pipeline pressure. Other impurities can be captured.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling retention time of a fluid medium in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace in a gasification facility are provided. A fluid medium is guided to any of a plurality of fluid-medium charge ports connected to a gasification furnace at intervals from an upstream end thereof toward a downstream side in a distribution direction of a fluid medium longitudinally of the gasification furnace. A raw material is guided to any of a plurality of raw-material charge ports connected to the gasification furnace at positions longitudinally of the gasification furnace and correspondingly to the fluid-medium charge ports. The fluid medium is extracted and guided to a combustion furnace from a fluid-medium extraction port connected to a downstream end of the gasification furnace longitudinally thereof in the distribution direction of the fluid medium. Thus, retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace is controlled.

Abstract: A fluid medium separated by a medium separator 8 is supplied to a gasification furnace 2 into which a raw material is also charged. The fluid medium is extracted through any of fluid medium extraction ports 40a, 40b and 40c connected to a gasification furnace 2 at vertical intervals, and is guided to a combustion furnace 5. Thus, a bed height and a retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace 2 are separately controlled.

Abstract: A burner for melting material in a furnace includes an elongated member having a first end with a heat source, a second end with an exhaust, and a combustion chamber disposed in the elongated member interconnecting the first and second ends, a portion of the elongated member between the first and second ends in contact with the material to be melted. A method for melting the material is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are fuel feed means 3, an air separation unit 6 air feed means 7, a combustion furnace 11 with a burner 9 for combustion, an exhaust gas line 14 for leading an exhaust gas from the combustion furnace 11 to outside of the combustion furnace 11, exhaust gas treatment means 20a and 20b included in the exhaust gas line 14, and a recirculation line 15 for circulating a portion of the exhaust gas at least exhaust gas treatment means 20a and 20b for recirculation of a portion of the exhaust gas at least dust-removed by the exhaust gas treatment means 20a and 20b to the burner. Further provided are exhaust gas capture means 18 for taking out carbon dioxide gas from a remaining non-recirculating exhaust gas, and carbon dioxide gas feed means 33, 40 and 46 for introducing carbon dioxide gas to equipments 10, 20a and 20b of the oxyfuel combustion boiler facility.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein relate to a recuperative combustion system that recuperates energy from fuel combustion that would otherwise be lost. The recuperative combustion system minimizes or eliminates the need for an air separator unit through the use of a clean water splitter section, consisting of a thermochemical cycle or high-temperature electrolysis. Water is split into its component hydrogen and oxygen, primarily with process heat from the combustion process. The oxygen produced by the water splitter provides oxygen necessary for oxy-fuel combustion, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the power intensive air separator unit and/or external oxygen source, significantly increasing the efficiency of the oxy-fuel combustion cycle. Hydrogen produced by the water splitter may be used for a variety of industrial uses, or combined with carbon dioxide (captured from the flue gases produced by said combustion process) to produce methanol.

Abstract: An exemplary heating system can be configured with a control system configured for controlling the heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively optimum manner. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system may be configured to control various portions of the heating system based, at least in part, upon signals and/or information received from various sensors of the heating system. For example, among various other types of information provided within a closed-loop feedback, control may be configured based upon the pressure within the combustion chamber. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the closed-loop control system may determine a portion of the heating system is not operating properly, based at least in part upon feedback from one or more sensors configured within the heating system.

Abstract: Clean combustion and equilibration equipment and methods are provided to progressively deliver, combust and equilibrate mixtures of fuel, oxidant and aqueous diluent in a plurality of combustion regions and in one or more equilibration regions to further progress oxidation of products of incomplete combustion, in a manner that sustains combustion while controlling temperatures and residence times sufficiently to reduce CO and NOx emissions to below 25 ppmvd, and preferably to below 3 ppmvd at 15% O2.

Abstract: In a method for operating a steam generator, a transport reactor is provided. Only a substantially pure oxygen feed stream is introduced into the transport reactor in an amount sufficient to maintain the transport reactor at or above a specific system load. The specific load is the system load when only the substantially pure oxygen feed stream is provided to the transport reactor at a minimum flow velocity for operating the transport reactor. A fuel is combusted in the presence of the substantially pure oxygen feed stream to produce a flue gas, which contains solid material. The solid material is separated from the flue gas and passed to a heat exchanger. The heat exchange may be one of a moving bed heat exchanger or a fluidized bed heat exchanger. The solid material is directed to the transport reactor to contribute to the combustion process.

Abstract: A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks.

Abstract: A biomass stove includes a housing enclosing a firebox that defines a ceiling portion opposite a bottom, a firepot disposed within the firebox, an air intake assembly coupled to the firebox, and at least one duct disposed entirely inside the firebox and extending between the ceiling portion of the firebox and the air intake assembly. The duct(s) provide a heat exchanging flow path for ambient air entering the air intake assembly, where the ambient air is heated within the duct(s) prior to exiting through the ceiling portion of the biomass stove.

Abstract: High-temperature furnace (10) for processing carbon-containing material in an inner zone (8) at a high-temperature. The furnace (10) comprises an in-feed side (20) for continuously feeding said carbon-containing material into said inner zone (8) and an output side (30) where a Syngas is provided. The infeed side (20) comprises an infeed section (23) providing for an atmosphere being essentially oxygen-free. There is gas inlet (22.1) at the infeed section (23) which is connected to the output side (30) for feeding some of said Syngas into said infeed section (23).

Abstract: A collapsible material is provided which maintains a predetermined strength and shape until it is heated and increased in temperature to a desired temperature and then can collapse, after a lapse of a predetermined time. The collapsible material of the present invention is characterized by comprising a base formed of a hydrate of a hydraulic material and unexpanded vermiculite particles dispersed in the base. In the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that the hydraulic material is formed of at least one of cement and gypsum and the unexpanded vermiculite particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 15 wt %. Also, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that ash balloon particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 20 wt %. Further, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that a coating film formed of a hydrate of the hydraulic material and silica powder is formed on the surface of the base.

Abstract: In a power generation system biomaterial is grown in a biomass field near a furnace. The plants or oils from the plants are periodically harvested and burned by the furnace to generate steam which runs a generator. Waste heat from the furnace and condenser is collected and returned to the biomass field. The by-products of combustion, principally heat, carbon dioxide, water vapor and ash, are in part cycled back to a biomass field as input energy and nutrients.

Abstract: A combustion system with a burner and a membrane unit including a retentate side and permeate side for separating oxygen from air is provided. The permeate side of the membrane unit is connected to the burner via a line. A heat exchanger is connected in a combustion gas flow such that a hot combustion gas arising from fossil combustion is applied to the primary side of the heat exchanger and air applied to the secondary side of the heat exchanger is heated to a temperature required for operating the membrane unit and fed to the membrane unit. Further, a method for operating the combustion system is provided.

Abstract: Combustion apparatus for use with a solid fuel has a firebox constructed at least in part of a fired refractory carbide material. The fired refractory carbide material has a catalytic effect on the combustion process providing a cleaner and more efficient combustion. The fired refractory material also absorbs heat from the combustion process directly or indirectly by heat exchange with combustion products and dissipates the absorbed heat over an extended period of time providing space heating after the combustion process is completed.

Abstract: A burner is operated by providing a monitoring unit and monitoring the firing rate of the burner and feeding an input signal representing the firing rate to the monitoring unit. The respective proportions of gases in exhaust emissions from the burner are monitored and input signals representing the respective proportions are fed to the monitoring unit. From a combination of the input signals representing the firing rate of the burner and the respective proportions of gases in exhaust emissions, the amounts of one or more of the gases emitted from the burner are calculated in the monitoring unit. At least one of the amounts is displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus for batch processing source material into charcoal in a battery of kilns, each of which use forced convection of process gases through the source material to shorten the process cycle time, and all of which use an external combustor to burn the process waste gases from each kiln to provide the primary source of applied energy for the process.

Abstract: A burner includes a first oxidant conduit to transmit a first stream of an oxidant; a solid fuel conduit having an outtake and surrounding the first oxidant conduit, thereby forming a first annulus to transmit a mixture of a transport gas and particles of a solid fuel; a second oxidant conduit surrounding the solid fuel conduit, thereby forming a second annulus to transmit a second stream of the oxidant or an other oxidant; and means for segregating the mixture proximate the outtake into a lean fraction stream and a dense fraction stream. The first stream of the oxidant exiting the first oxidant conduit combines during combustion with the lean fraction stream, thereby forming an inner combustion zone adjacent the outtake, and the second stream of the oxidant, or the other oxidant, exiting the second oxidant conduit combines during combustion with the dense fraction stream, thereby forming an outer combustion zone.

Abstract: An oil reconversion devices 1a and 1b for waste plastics which thermally crack a waste plastic Ro by heating it and converts a generated cracker gas Gr into oil by cooling it, equipped with a thermal cracking bath 2 which has a bath main body 4 placed inside a coil 3 . . . , induction-heats the bath main body 4 by feeding a high-frequency current through the coil 3 . . . , and thermally cracks at least a molten plastic Rd obtained from the waste plastic Ro to generate the cracker gas Gr, an injection port 5 through which the waste plastic Ro is injected, a feeder 6 which supplies the waste plastic Ro injected through this injection port 5 to the thermal cracking bath 2 via a forced or direct feeding means Ua or Ub without a bath, and an oil conversion processor 7 which cools and converts the cracker gas Gr generated by the thermal cracking bath 2 into oil.

Abstract: A furnace system for heating a poultry brooder house includes a firebox for burning biomass fuel, and a grate within the firebox for burning the biomass fuel thereon. A distributor assembly may positioned within the firebox and is located directly above the grate. The distributor assembly includes a distributor plate having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a distributor arm above the distributor plate that is movable relative to the distributor plate to cause biomass fuel supported on the plate to pass through the apertures and fall onto the grate. The furnace system may include a hopper assembly that defines a well for receiving a volume of biomass fuel for delivery to the grate or to the distributor plate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for estimating the impact of fuel distribution on emissions and corrosion responses of a fossil fuel-fired furnace. A variable is determined, termed herein separation number, by inputting fuel oil and air into the furnace, wherein the variable provides a linear relationship to multiple furnace process responses. Emission measurement equipment is located at various furnace outlet positions and thermocouples are located in tubes of the furnace, wherein the responses can be measured to obtain operating data. This operating data is interpreted based on different modes of operation of the furnace, and a change is estimated in the responses as a function of the separation number, wherein the change can be quantified to determine an impact of the fuel distribution or the furnace configuration as a result of the operating data lying on a plane defined by the separation number and a load variable.

Abstract: A method of burning fuel in a combustion chamber whereby reducing overall carbon emissions, comprising: feeding an oxidizing component and a combustible component to a combustion chamber in a ratio based on zero oxygen balance principle, wherein the oxidizing component has an oxygen balance value of more than zero, and the combustible component has an oxygen balance value of less than zero. The method of burning fuel can reduce overall carbon emissions, even to zero.

Abstract: A granular biomass burning furnace for use with any appropriate granular biomass, such as grains, cherry pits, etc. The furnace includes a three stage heat exchanger, a fuel injector, a fuel stirrer, an ash ejector, a wash down system, a three stage air inducer, a fuel igniter, and supporting components. The unit includes a computer controller which controls all aspects of the operation of the unit based on information from sensors located throughout the unit. The unit includes a smart logic thermal controller to adjust the output heat of the unit via a variable speed air inducer. The three stage heat exchanger system includes a spiral water jacket surrounding the burn pot, a plurality of heat exchanger baffles in the unit, and a fine finned heat exchanger at the top of the unit. The air inducer provides air to the burn pot from three directions to promote complete combustion.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion apparatus is equipped with a reactor for catalytically burning a gas to be treated containing a combustible organic compound, which further comprises a condensate forming means for condensing a part of a gas after reaction in the reactor, to form a condensate, and a pH measuring means for measuring a pH of the resultant condensate. It is preferred that the catalytic combustion apparatus still further comprise a temperature adjusting means for adjusting a temperature of at least a catalyst-packed portion of the reactor based on data measured by the pH measuring means.

Abstract: A water heater having of a tank defining a storage space for water. A heat source in a combustion chamber is operable to heat water in the storage space and has a first state and a heating state. A flue is part of a gas flow passage through which combustion gases are communicated towards a first location. A flue damper has closed and open states. A powered device in an on state induces flow of combustion gases from the combustion chamber towards the first location. A control is configured to: a) process a user input identifying a target output water temperature and generate a call for heat; and b) in response thereto i) cause the powered device to change from its first state; ii) cause the flue damper to change from its closed state towards its open state; and iii) cause the heat source to change from its first state into its heating state.

Abstract: A boiler furnace avoids NOx and increases thermal efficiency with a small boiler. The boiler furnace has an outer water wall and an inner water wall with flared top and bottom portions.

Abstract: A mobile destruction apparatus for use with oil contaminated with a toxic organic pollutant material includes a housing, which defines a first heating combustion chamber for heating the oil to generate a toxic fluid using a first burner connected thereto. The apparatus includes a rotating transition cylinder that defines a drying chamber, which is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber to receive the toxic fluid. The cylinder includes an amount of a desiccant material to dry the toxic fluid. A second heating destruction chamber is provided downstream of the cylinder to heat the toxic fluid to substantially convert it and destroy it into an inert fluid, which exhausts from the apparatus. A method of destructing toxic contaminants from contaminated oils is also described.

Abstract: A monitoring system that provides a display, either local or remote, of operation information regarding an outdoor furnace or boiler system. The monitor polls various sensors, including information relative to water temperature, draft fan operation, pump operation, various switch status, safety status, and emissions status. The various sensors may be operationally connected wirelessly with the monitor. The monitor displays operational status information, including indications requiring operator attention. Thus, operator maintenance is more effectively applied as needed rather than also on an information gathering basis.

Abstract: Methods by which new or used boilers or furnaces ranging from small industrial to the largest utility units that are designed for coal or oil or natural gas or shredded waste or shredded biomass firing can substantially improve their technical operation and sharply reduce their capital and operating costs by implementing component modifications and process steps that (a) minimize the adverse impacts of coal ash and slag on boiler surfaces and particulate emissions thereby also facilitating the use of oil or gas designed boilers for coal firing, (b) drastically reduce the loss of water used to transport coal in slurry form to power plants, (c) essentially eliminate the combined total nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), mercury (Hg), trace metals, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, (d) separate and permanently sequester carbon dioxide released during combustion and (e) improve the coal and solid fuel combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A boiler for combustion of solid fuel, especially biomass, a first combustion stage with a primary air supply, an igniter, a fuel supply, a second combustion stage a burn-up and calcination space, a combustion chamber which is upwardly open and with a flue, the burn-up and calcination space being located underneath the combustion site such that fuel can be moved from the combustion site of the first combustion stage into the burn-up and calcination space. The primary air supply is located within the combustion chamber above the combustion site such that air can be blown into the first combustion stage, flue gases which form in the burn-up and calcination space are routed essentially passed the primary air supply means and the combustion site so that the flue gases of the second combustion stage do not adversely affect the combustion of the fuel at the combustion site.

Abstract: A memorial object cast in a mold and formed of a concrete mix having up to about 50% sand, up to about 25% aggregate, up to about 25% cement, and water. In one embodiment of the invention cremation ash is incorporated in the mix up to about 60% of the mix, with the percentage of at least one of the other ingredients, preferably sand and/or aggregate, being reduced corresponding to the amount of cremation ash added. In another embodiment, a cavity is formed in the object for receiving and holding a separate container holding cremation ashes. Various additives can be added to the mix, either alone or in combination, including an accelerator, an air entrainer, a plasticizer, and glass fibers. One or more of a motion detector, voice-activated recording, water effects and/or an illumination device can be mounted in the object.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.

Abstract: A method for handling a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes. A method for handling a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes, in which, when such substance is handled inside an apparatus with a high degree of hermeticity, air is introduced into the apparatus and the substance is handled in a state in which the volatilized combustible gas is diluted to a concentration at which neither explosion nor fire occurs. With this method for handling a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes, the combustible gas is diluted with air to a concentration at which neither explosion nor fire occurs, without using inactive gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide that have to be produced or purchased. Therefore, a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes can be inexpensively and safely handled in operations such as mixing and storing.

Abstract: A temporary casket made substantially from burnable material, having a positionable inclining mechanism inside a casket shell. The temporary casket may be inserted into a formal, traditional casket where the temporary casket shell protects the traditional casket. Inside the temporary casket, a plank is attached by a clamp or bracket to an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle between the plank and the floor of the casket shell. The mechanism also includes a vertical threaded rod that engages the clamp, allowing the rod to be rotatable and move the clamp axially along the rod to lift or lower the plank. This allows a funeral director to easily adjust the deceased to achieve the most “restful” state, and without jostling or appearing disrespectful to the deceased. After a service, the deceased, along with the temporary casket and the mechanism itself, may be cremated.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting a metal load includes a furnace having a melting chamber with a hearth and a molten metal outlet. The apparatus further includes non-regenerative burners that are operative to fire into the melting chamber, and regenerative burners that also are operative to fire into the melting chamber. The method includes the steps of firing non-regenerative burners into the chamber to provide heat for melting the load, and also firing regenerative burners into the chamber to provide heat for melting the load.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the return stroke polarity of distant lightning for distances beyond 600 km by detecting the electric field associated with a return stroke of distant lightning, and processing the electric field signal to determine the polarity of the slow tail of the VLF waveform signal associated with the detected electric field. The polarity of the return stroke of distant lightning is determined based upon the polarity of the slow tail portion of the waveform.