Abstract: A flame rod analysis system, methods for determining a condition of a flame and a flame rod, and circuits for determining a condition of a flame and a flame rod. The flame rod analysis system comprises energy storage connectable to a flame rod, a pulsed source connected to the energy storage and providing a voltage pulse or a current pulse, and a buffer to allow a processor to measure a buffered voltage at various time points. Flame rod analysis systems can distinguish between various flame conditions (no flame, low flame, etc.) while simultaneously characterizing the condition of the flame rod (shorted to ground, contaminated, etc.). Some flame rod analysis systems can directly measure the resistance of the flame rod.

Abstract: A coal fired oxy boiler power plant is disclosed in which a steam coil oxygen preheater located on an oxygen line Air Separation Unit is thermally integrated with the condensate system. Thermal energy for the steam coil oxygen preheater is provided via an extraction line connected to a steam extraction port of an intermediate pressure steam turbine. A drain line of the steam coil oxygen preheater fluidly connects the steam coil oxygen preheater to a point of the Rankine steam cycle fluidly within the condensate system.

Abstract: The method and apparatus provides a controller (which might comprise a microprocessor) that can control gas flow to a pilot burner in fluid communication with a manual pilot valve and an automatic pilot valve. The exemplary embodiments can comprise a selectable input device that can open the manual pilot valve to allow gas flow to the pilot burner. A pilot flame can then heat one or more thermal detection devices in thermal communication with the pilot burner, wherein the one or more thermal detection devices can output a variable voltage potential to the controller. The controller can then open the automatic pilot valve to maintain gas flow to the pilot burner after the manual pilot valve has been closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the only voltage potential used to power the controller is supplied by the one or more thermal detection devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling a boiler system. One illustrative method includes controlling the bypass temperature by increasing the firing rate of the boiler. Further methods include bypass temperature control methods wherein both regular and fast control methods are used, where the regular method operates to control bypass temperature by using, first, a bypass valve, and second, possible increases in firing rate. The fast control method responds to particular situations suggesting potential condensation in a primary heat exchanger to increase firing rate without waiting for a bypass valve to fully open. Further embodiments include controllers programmed for or containing programming for performing steps of the method embodiments, as well as systems incorporating such controllers.

Abstract: The flow rate of water into a pressurized steam boiler heated by a burner is controlled by monitoring the level of water in the boiler, monitoring the pressure of steam in the boiler and monitoring the firing rate of the boiler. The level of water in the boiler is measured by a pair of capacitance probes. By controlling the water flow with regard not only to variables relating to the boiler but also variables relating to the burner, it is possible to provide a better control of water flow. Also, by assessing variables relating both to the burner operation and the boiler operation, an assessment of the mass flow rate of steam from the boiler can be made without employing a steam flow meter.