Abstract: In a fuel cell power plant, carbon monoxide contained in reformate gas which is produced by a reformer (3) by means of a catalytic fuel reaction is removed by the respective catalytic reactions of a shift converter (4) and a preferential oxidation reactor (5). During start up of the fuel cell power plant, a burner (6) burns fuel to produce combustion gas and the combustion gas is supplied individually to the reformer (3), shift converter (4) and preferential oxidation reactor (5) through combustion gas supply passages (71-73) thereby simultaneously completing warming up of these catalytic reactors (3-5).

Abstract: The invention provides a gas heater for connection to a heat source and a pressurized gas source, the gas heater comprising: a jacket having an inlet and an outlet and defining a cavity there between; a porous heat exchanger extender within said cavity, and means for providing heat to said heat exchanger along the length thereof. The invention also provides a gas supply apparatus and a method of providing gas.

Abstract: A method of combustion for pulverized hydro-carbonaceous fuel includes the steps of injecting an oxidant/fuel stream into a burner, causing a low-pressure zone; directing a flow of a high-temperature combustion gas from a combustion chamber into the low-pressure zone in the burner; mixing the high-temperature combustion gas with the injected oxidant/fuel stream to heat the injected oxidant/fuel stream, and injecting the heated oxidant/fuel stream from the burner to the combustion chamber, wherein the oxidant/fuel stream is rapidly devolatilized and combusted in a flame that has a high temperature; sensing a combustion parameter; and based on the sensed combustion parameter, controlling combustion to achieve at least one of a desired NOx reduction and a desired distance from the burner to a flame front.

Abstract: A waste oil burning system having a burner and a heat exchanger for preheating atomizing air before the atomizing air is supplied to the nozzle. The burner includes a fuel conduit for supplying waste oil to the burner and an air supply line for supplying atomizing air to the burner. The burner has a nozzle which atomizes the waste oil by mixing the waste oil with the air from the air supply line. The nozzle sprays the atomized waste oil into a combustion zone where the atomized waste oil is combusted. The heat exchanger is positioned in the combustion zone, so that energy produced from the combustion of the waste oil preheats the air supplied through the air supply line before the air is mixed with the waste oil.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that uses fired heater having two types of burners. The first burner is located in a duct which provides oxygen-containing gas to the heater to be combusted with the fuel provided by the burner. The second burner is located in the heater and provides both air and fuel for combustion. The heater may be located downstream of a gas turbine engine that cogenerates electricity and provides the oxygen-containing gas. The second burners are operated at a low flow rate until the flow rate of oxygen-containing gas through the duct is diminished, in which case the flow rate to the second burners is increased.

Abstract: A reactor air supply system including a first air inlet configured to receive air supplied from a first air supply. The system includes a burner having a burner nozzle configured to discharge fuel for mixing with the first air and configured to ignite the fuel/air mixture. A second air inlet is provided that is configured to receive heated air supplied from a second air supply, and a duct is provided to receive the ignited fuel/air mixture and the heated air supplied from the second air supply. The duct has an outlet configured to connect to a reactor. The duct is configured to receive the heated second air such that the heated second air mixes with the ignited fuel/air mixture at a location downstream of the burner.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is piloted with a pilot flow of fuel delivered to a combustor as a liquid. A first additional flow of the fuel is also delivered to the combustor as a liquid. A second additional flow of the fuel is vaporized and delivered to the combustor as a vapor. A fuel injector may have passageways associated with each of the three flows.

Abstract: An evaporative burner, particularly for a vehicle heating device, includes a combustion chamber housing and, in the combustion chamber housing, an evaporative medium for receiving liquid fuel and for delivering fuel vapor into a combustion chamber. A heating coil arrangement is on a side of the evaporative medium remote from the combustion chamber, and an ignition region of the heating coil arrangement extends over the evaporative medium into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing radiant heat in which a mixture of fuel and primary combustion oxidant is introduced into a combustion chamber having a heat radiating wall, which mixture has less than a stoichiometric requirement for complete combustion of the fuel, and igniting the mixture, forming heated partial combustion products. At least a portion of the heat in the heated partial combustion products is transferred to the heat radiating wall. The heated partial combustion products are passed from the combustion chamber into an exhaust gas plenum disposed adjacent to the combustion chamber. A secondary combustion oxidant is introduced into the exhaust gas plenum in an amount sufficient to complete combustion of the partial combustion products, forming exhaust gases. Heat in the exhaust gases is transferred to the primary combustion oxidant disposed in a combustion oxidant plenum disposed adjacent to said exhaust gas plenum.

Abstract: Systems for stabilizing combustion while minimizing NOx generation by using high-flame-speed additives to stabilize the flame front in combustors operating at relatively low temperatures and/or under oxygen constraints. The system is adapted for use in coal-fired boilers, oil-fired boilers, and gas turbine engines. The methods stabilize the flame front to permit stable combustion under an expanded range of part-load conditions. The system provides substantially complete combustion of coal in coal boilers resulting in ash saleable for use in concrete manufacturing.

Abstract: Production of oxygen-enriched gas streams is disclosed herein. Air streams contact an oxygen-selective mixed conductor particularly a perovskite material whereby oxygen is retained or adsorbed on the perovskite and can be employed in a variety of processes such as in combusting a fuel gas, heat recovery and boiler related operations.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus is provided having a pre-combustion chamber and a combustion chamber. The pre-combustion chamber houses a preheating combustion for preheating and at least partially vaporizing fuel supplied to the pre-combustion chamber. The preheating combustion is controlled so that only a portion of the fuel supplied to the pre-combustion chamber is burned. The combustion apparatus further include a primary combustion oxidizer supply located downstream of said preheating combustion. The primary combustion oxidizer supply supplies an amount of oxidizer to allow the fuel not burned by the preheating combustion to burn.

Abstract: A control device for controlling hydrogen flow of a hydrogen storage canister accommodated in a canister containing chamber includes a heating device which is connected to a heating fuel storage tank via a heating fuel supplying pipeline for conveying a heating fuel to a catalyst bed in the canister containing chamber and generating heat by combustion of the heating fuel at the catalyst bed. A blowing device provides an air flow to the canister containing chamber. A controller controls the operation of the heating device and the blowing device in correspondence to a temperature signal detected from an internal space of the canister containing chamber. The controller is coupled with a setting unit for setting various parameters which are stored in a parameter storage unit for controlling the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state; a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The flow passage can be a capillary tube heated by a resistance heater or a section of a tube heated by passing electrical energy therethrough.

Abstract: A partially open fired heater regenerative cycle, wherein the fired industrial type heater cycle's heat transfer fluid replaces the air predominant nitrogen heat transfer fluid employed in a conventional air/fuel combustion heater, is disclosed. The heater cycle's method and apparatus are susceptible to providing a significant percent mass flow reduction of fugitive nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide mass flow emissions as emitted by current art Low-NO.sub.x art heaters on a rated per million Btu per hour basis, and is further capable of developing exceptionally high steady-state heat transfer system cycle thermal efficiencies.

Abstract: A processor system and method for pretreating ALL FUELS prior to combustion of a any combustion device such as an engine in which fuel in a liquid state is contained in a high pressure chamber and superheated to a state of elevated temperature and pressure.super heated fuel is then injected into the combustion chamber for burning as demanded by the combustion device. This process holds true for ALL FUELS, Liquids, Gaseous, Pulverized Solids and Solids. Making it an Ideal UNIVERSAL self contained process that can be adapted to existing needs as well as new needs for total energy use. This Process will allow ALL FUELS to burn more cleanly and efficiently and will promote optimum combustion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel feeding apparatus and method for improving the controllability of mixing process and mixing ratio of fuel and combustion air, and a combustion system and method for effecting new combustion properties. The fuel feeding apparatus of the combustion system has fuel feeding means, combustion gas extraction means, steam supply means, mixing means and fuel gas introduction means. The combustion gas extraction means extracts combustion gas of a combustion area therefrom. The mixing means mixes the fuel of fuel feeding means with at least one of combustion gas extracted from the furnace and steam of a steam generator. The fuel gas introduction means introduces a mixed fluid of combustion gas, steam and fuel to the combustion area as a fuel gas, and allows the fuel gas to be mixed with the combustion air.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a combustion apparatus, introducing a fuel into the combustion apparatus, and introducing feed air into the combustion apparatus. The method further comprises using the combustion apparatus to cause at least some of the fuel and at least some of the feed air to swirl within the combustion region and about a longitudinal axis of the combustion apparatus, and causing an initial combustion reaction of some of the swirling fuel and feed air in the combustion region to form combustion reaction products. Some of the swirling fuel at least temporarily remains unburned. The swirling is sufficient to cause the unburned fuel to move radially away from the longitudinal axis and to cause the combustion reaction products to move radially toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A partially open fired heater regenerative cycle wherein the fired industrial type heater cycle's heat transfer fluid replaces the air predominant nitrogen heat transfer fluid employed in a conventional air/fuel combustion heater. The heater cycle's method and apparatus means is susceptible to providing a 95 to 98 percent mass flow reduction of fugitive nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide mass flow emissions as emitted by current art Low-NO.sub.x art heaters on a rated per million Btu per hour basis, and is further susceptible to developing steady-state heat transfer thermal efficiencies exceeding 124 percent.

Abstract: A device including a burner (6) for directing a fuel/air mixture into a reaction chamber (2) for flameless oxidation of fuels. The burner (6) discharges a fuel/air jet transversely to a longitudinal axis (A) of the burner and an exhaust gas channel (17) is arranged in or on the burner concentric or parallel to the burner longitudinal axis (A). An outlet direction (R) of the fuel/air jets from the burner and the direction (A) of the exhaust gas channel cross each other. Hence, the burner introduces fuel parallel or at an angle to the wall into the furnace chamber where the burner is mounted for flameless oxidation of the fuel.

Abstract: A boil-off gas processing system for reliably burning a boil-off gas. The system processes a boil-off gas produced from a liquid hydrogen tank which is built in a hydrogen fueled vehicle. The system includes a mixing device for introducing air into a discharge passage through which the boil-off gas from the liquid hydrogen tank passes and for mixing the air and the boil-off gas and outputting a mixed gas; a catalytic combustor for burning the mixed gas which was mixed by the mixing device, the catalytic combustor having an inlet through which the mixed gas is introduced and an outlet for discharging combustion gas; an electric heater provided at the inlet side of the catalytic combustor; and a control section for controlling energizing of the electric heater.

Abstract: An evaporative burner includes an evaporative medium for feeding fuel vapor into a combustion chamber, a first heating device, having at least one ignition heating element projecting with at least its heating region into the combustion chamber for igniting fuel vapor present in the combustion chamber, and a second heating device, with at least one evaporating heating element associated with the evaporative medium for affecting its evaporation characteristic.

Abstract: A method and device for low-emission, noncatalytic combustion of a liquid fuel. The method includes separately introducing the liquid fuel in a non-ignitable state into a mixing zone, vaporizing the liquid fuel in the mixing zone, separately introducing a gaseous oxidizing agent into the mixing zone, and mixing the fuel and the gaseous oxidizing agent in the mixing zone to create ignitable mixture. The mixing zone is formed so that combustion is not possible even when the ignition temperature of the mixture is reached within the mixing zone. Combustion of the mixture occurs in a combustion zone located down current from the mixing zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion method and a burner for forming a flame temperature having a flat temperature distribution which is the same as that in a case of a long furnace length even if a furnace length is short, and performs complete combustion. Further, a regenerative burner technique can be applied even if a furnace length is short. Combustion air whose quantity is less than the theoretical air quantity or not less than the theoretical air quantity is injected into a furnace so as to form a jet flow cross section having a larger specific surface area than that in a case of supplying the same quantity of combustion air from a circular throat, and fuel is injected toward this air jet flow to cause the fuel to be rapidly mixed with the air jet flow with strong turbulences before losing the velocity energy of the fuel. More preferably, an air throat 13 has a flat rectangular opening 13a.

Abstract: A method of and system for air-fuel injection for stable combustion in fuel combustors. It provides rapid mixing, continuous ignition and stable combustion under very fuel-rich and very fuel-lean conditions, mixtures that may even be beyond flammable limits. The rapid and intimate mixing are achieved by sizing, orienting and operating fuel and air orifices such that the reactant streams directly impinge, and the velocity head in the fluid in greater supply, in multiple orifices, is higher than the velocity head of the other reactant stream, by a factor of two (2) to five (5). The continuous ignition is achieved by preheating air to temperatures sufficiently high such that the resulting air-fuel mixture, after impingement and mixing, is above the fuel autoignition temperature.

Abstract: A heater in which, during the glow plug ramp time interval, the amount of energy supplied per unit of time to the glow plug/flame monitor can be successively changed, and a control unit which is operationally coupled to the glow plug/flame monitor. To enable continuous flame monitoring during the starting phase of the heater with the control unit, the resistance value of the glow plug/flame monitor is determined during the glow plug ramp time interval and compared to a threshold value RGS, and when the threshold value RGS is not reached, a flame-out signal is generated.

Abstract: A method for heating flat or curved surfaces comprising injecting fuel and oxidant along the length, width or longitudinal side of a combustion space formed between two flat or curved plates, transferring heat from the combustion products via convection and radiation to the surface being heated on to the material being dried/heated, and recirculating at least 20% of the combustion products to the root of the flame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state; a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The flow passage can be a capillary tube heated by a resistance heater or a section of a tube heated by passing electrical energy therethrough.

Abstract: A boiler system includes combustion air conduit for directing the flow of combustion air through a first air heater (e.g., A-side heater) to a boiler and flue gas conduit for directing the flow of flue gas generated by the boiler to a second air heater (e.g., B-side heater). The combustion air conduit is configured to direct the majority of the combustion air to the first air heater, and the flue gas conduit is configured to direct the majority of the flue gas from the boiler to the second air heater.

Abstract: A fuel pre-heating device for use with gas heaters to increase fuel efficiency including an orifice and a pre-heat tube. Fuel enters the device through the orifice and travels through the pre-heat tube and back to the orifice where it is then expelled and mixed with air to ignite into a flame that envelopes the entire pre-heat tube and heats the fuel within the lube to a very high temperature. Any air mixer known to those skilled in the art can be used with the heating tube. A heat conductor can also be used with the pre-heat tube. The pre-heating device can be easily added to standard heaters, is small in configuration, and inexpensive to manufacture. The small size of the heating tube allows for immediate preheating of the fuel, which is used by the heater in the same heating cycle, thereby yielding a more efficient preheat. This preheating system prevents the fuel from being wasted.

Abstract: A method and device for changing the rate of density between fluid hydrocarbon fuels and combustion air prior to ignition and combustion in residential, commercial and industrial combustion mechanisms, by extracting heat from the mechanism's combustion zone or flue area to reduce the density of the fuel prior to delivery to the mechanism burner at a constant, pre-set operating temperature of between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the fuel's flash point temperature, while at the same time providing means to control combustion air temperature to a level such as to increase air density and significantly changing the mass ratio of fuel mass versus combustion air mass, hence oxygen mass, without increasing combustion air volume or fuel volume, thereby improving combustion efficiency, heat transfer efficiency and reduction in harmful stack emissions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ignition control system that dynamically adjusts the warm-up time of an igniter within a predetermined range depending on the success or failure of the previous ignition or start-up cycle. The system activates the igniter and waits a predetermined or computed warm-up time. At the end of the warm-up time, the system opens a gas valve. The system then waits a preset time from the opening of the gas valve to determine whether ignition was successful or not. If the ignition was successful, the system computes a new igniter warm-up time by decrementing the current time and stores this new value for use during the next start sequence. If the ignition was unsuccessful, the system computes a new warm-up time by incrementing the current value and retrying the start sequence. Preferably, a successful ignition is always determined by checking for the presence of flame a fixed time following the opening of the gas valve.

Abstract: A superatmospheric combustion apparatus and a method of operating such an apparatus include providing a superatmospheric combustion device having a lean gas chamber, a combustor, a heat recovery section, and an exhaust, feeding lean gas to the lean gas chamber, providing a heat sink/pressure equalization chamber and a preheated air chamber within the combustion device, feeding pressurized ambient air to the heat sink/pressure equalization chamber, feeding preheated air to the preheated air chamber, exchanging heat from the lean gas chamber, the preheated air chamber, and the combustor to the pressurized ambient air in the heat sink/pressure equalization chamber, feeding the lean gas from the lean gas chamber to the combustor, feeding the preheated air from the preheated air chamber to the combustor, and combusting the lean gas and the preheated air in the combustor at superatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and device for changing the rate of density between fluid hydrocarbon fuels and combustion air prior to ignition and combustion in residential, commercial and industrial combustion mechanisms, by extracting heat from the mechanism's combustion zone or flue area to reduce the density of the fuel prior to delivery to the mechanism burner at a constant, pre-set operating temperature of between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the fuel's flash point temperature, while at the same time providing means to control combustion air temperature to a level such as to increase air density and significantly changing the mass ratio of fuel mass versus combustion air mass, hence oxygen mass, without increasing combustion air volume or fuel volume, thereby improving combustion efficiency, heat transfer efficiency and reduction in harmful stack emissions.

Abstract: A NOx removal system for a furnace or boiler with an economizer has two separate ammonia injection grids (AIG) upstream of an SCR. A primary AIG is positioned adjacent the flue gas outlet of the economizer and upstream of an economizer bypass outlet. A secondary AIG is located within an economizer flue gas bypass. The separate AIGs permit a reduction in the overall length of the flue between the economizer and SCR, thereby reducing the NOx removal system footprint, cost and quantity of materials.

Abstract: A method for burning emulsion fuel, including: atomizing emulsion fuel; and heating the atomized fuel by electromagnetic wave heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby flameless combustion may be precipitated and sustained within the essentially oval combustion chamber of an integrated heater/burner apparatus. The invention provides for an air inlet and fuel source in combination with recirculating flue gas within the apparatus combustion chamber to precipitate and maintain flameless combustion of the combined gases along, and within, a narrowly defined boundary. Air is introduced to the oval combustion chamber via an air inlet. Fuel gas is combined with recirculating flue gases with continued heating of the recirculating flue gas, introduced air or both flue gas and air, until the temperature at the boundary interface between the air and inerted fuel gas exceeds an auto ignition temperature of the boundary interface components.

Abstract: A method and device for changing the rate of density between fluid hydrocarbon fuels and combustion air prior to ignition and combustion in residential, commercial and industrial combustion mechanisms, by extracting heat from the mechanism's combustion zone or flue area to reduce the density of the fuel prior to delivery to the mechanism burner at a constant, pre-set operating temperature of between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the fuel's flash point temperature, while at the same time providing means to control combustion air temperature to a level such as to increase air density and significantly changing the mass ratio of fuel mass versus combustion air mass, hence oxygen mass, without increasing combustion air volume or fuel volume, thereby improving combustion efficiency, heat transfer efficiency and reduction in harmful stack emissions.

Abstract: A burner for non-symmetrical combustion generally includes a burner housing enclosing a burner plenum. A fuel conduit extends within the housing and is positioned coaxial with a line spaced from a central axis of the burner. The fuel conduit defines a fuel exit opening. A baffle defining an air conduit extends longitudinally within the housing. The air conduit has an air opening on an opposite side of the burner central axis from the fuel exit opening. At least one oxygen injection lance extends longitudinally within the housing and partially through the air conduit. A burner port block is located adjacent to the baffle and downstream of the air opening, and is in fluid communication with the fuel conduit and the air conduit.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for low-emission, non-catalytic combustion of a liquid fuel consisting of the following steps: separate introduction of the liquid fuel in a non-ignitable state into a mixing zone, vaporization of the liquid fuel in the mixing zone, separate introduction of a gaseous oxidizing agent into the mixing zone, mixing the fuel and the gaseous oxidizing agent in the mixing zone so that an ignitable mixture is created, wherein the mixing zone is formed so that combustion is not possible even when the ignition temperature of the mixture is reached within the mixing zone, and combustion of the mixture in a combustion zone located down current from the mixing zone.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus 2 has an anti-spreading member 65 disposed below a combustion chamber 10. This anti-spreading member 65 is composed of a generally cylindrical main body 65a, an outer flange 65b and an inner flange 65c, these flanges being formed at and integral with the opposite ends of the main body 65a, respectively. A controller 40 for regulating the operation of this apparatus 2 is designed to preheat the anti-spreading member 65 at a heat generation rate ‘q’ lower than the required heat generation rate ‘Q’, before the apparatus starts its normal operation to burn a fuel.

Abstract: A vaporizer is connected to a liquid propane supply. The vaporizer contains a helical coil immersed in a bath. A pressure regulator at an inlet to the coil reduces the pressure and vaporizes part of the propane. A burner connected to the outlet of the vaporizer is used to heat the bath. Part of the vapor is returned to the supply to pressurize the supply. The main part of the vapor from the outlet is used to power a fuel powered device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods of supplying a diluted process gas into a diffusion furnace for forming an oxide layer on a substrate in the diffusion furnace. One or more inlet gases are supplied into a chamber, and are heated in the chamber to generate an oxidizing gas such as steam. A dilution gas is flowed through a dilution gas line which extends through the chamber to permit heating of the dilution gas by the heat in the chamber without mixing the dilution gas and the oxidizing gas in the chamber. The oxidizing gas and the heated dilution gas are mixed downstream of the chamber prior to entry into the diffusion furnace.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods of supplying a diluted process gas into a diffusion furnace for forming an oxide layer on a substrate in the diffusion furnace. One or more inlet gases are supplied into a chamber, and are heated in the chamber to generate an oxidizing gas such as steam. A dilution gas is flowed through a dilution gas line which extends through the chamber to permit heating of the dilution gas by the heat in the chamber without mixing the dilution gas and the oxidizing gas in the chamber. The oxidizing gas and the heated dilution gas are mixed downstream of the chamber prior to entry into the diffusion furnace.

Abstract: A method of firing a heat consuming device such as a boiler or furnace in which an oxygen transport membrane is integrated with the device such that part of the permeated oxygen supports an initial combustion to heat the incoming air to the oxygen transport membrane system. A remaining portion of the oxygen after having been diluted with flue gases from the boiler supports a secondary combustion of fuel within the heat consuming device.

Abstract: A boiler system includes combustion air conduit for directing the flow of combustion air through a first air heater (e.g., A-side heater) to a boiler and flue gas conduit for directing the flow of flue gas generated by the boiler to a second air heater (e.g., B-side heater). The combustion air conduit is configured to direct the majority of the combustion air to the first air heater, and the flue gas conduit is configured to direct the majority of the flue gas from the boiler to the second air heater.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-mass-productivity catalytic combustion apparatus having a construction that permits easy maintenance is realized. There is provided a catalytic combustion apparatus in which, by means of a combustion chamber having a fuel supply portion 1 and a combustion air supply portion on the upstream side thereof and a combustion gas exhaust port on the downstream side thereof and a catalytic combustion portion with an upstream surface and a downstream surface provided in the combustion chamber, the upstream surface and the downstream surface being substantially parallel to each other, a fuel-air mixture supplied to the interior of the combustion chamber is caused to react to liberate heat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combustor for a fuel processor which integrates a burner and a catalyst. The burner is utilized to quickly heat the catalyst to a light-off temperature to prepare it for normal operation. The heated catalyst is then used to react anode exhaust with air or cathode exhaust under normal operation.

Abstract: In a gas burner for introducing a fuel/air mixture into a combustion chamber, a tube is provided for introducing a source of primary air into a core portion of the fuel air mixture. The resulting secondary flame that is produced within the primary flame causes a reduction of NOX gases, which can be attributed to the dispersion of combustion byproducts within the primary flame. In one embodiment, the air supply tube enters the area of the fuel air mixture radially and then turns and extends axially along an extended axis of the burner.

Abstract: A plurality of vessels contains pressurized gas. Each vessel fluidly communicates with an adjacent vessel through a line. A heat exchanger is positioned in a heat conducting relationship with each line. The system includes an exhaust valve communicating with lower pressure. In one embodiment, the vessels communicate in series and only one of the vessels communicates with the exhaust valve. Alternatively, the vessels are arranged in a loop configuration with two of the vessels communicating with the exhaust valve through respective lines each containing a shutoff valve. The two shutoff valves are opened and closed in concert to cause the flow in the system to alternate directions as it is being exhausted. In a third configuration, two vessels communicate through a singular line in accordance with the most basic embodiment, but the vessel communicating with the exhaust valve encloses the other vessel. Heat transfer fins are located in the enclosed vessel, and extend into the enclosing vessel.