Abstract: In a starter combustor of a pressurized fluidized bed combined cycle power system, disorder of a flame detecting device due to ash accumulation is prevented. A fuel nozzle (33) of the starter combustor is provided so as to be directed to an inner cylinder (32) and a pipe (38) of a fitting pipe (36), which is connected to the inner cylinder (32). A valve body (1), having a valve body passage (1a), is provided so as to be connected to one end of the fitting pipe (36) and a valve component (3). The valve component (3) has a recess portion 3a and is connected to a shaft (1a) . When the combustor is started, the shaft (2), which is engaged rotatably with shaft fitting portion (3a') of the valve component (3) and is in threaded engagement with a threaded portion of the valve body (1), is moved by handle (4) so that the valve component is moved and the passage (1a) is opened. While the combustor is stopped, the passage (1a) is closed by the valve component (3).

Abstract: In an electronic ignition system for igniting a plurality of gas burners by means of a plurality of electrodes, each one being mounted adjacent with each burner for producing sparks for the ignition of each burner. A spark generating circuit connected with the electrodes in order to produce the sparks for igniting each burner. And a power source connected to the spark generating circuit. A flame sensor circuit is connected to the spark generating circuit and at least one electrode, which in a first period and once the spark generating circuit has been activated for igniting each electrode, the flame sensor circuit is operated to detect the absence of flame on the burner by means of said electrode, and once that the burner has been ignited, the electrode and flame sensor circuit are operated for sensing the presence of flame on the burner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus to control the combustion of a burner are presented which overcome many of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the invention comprises a burner control apparatus including a device for viewing light emitted by a flame from a burner, a device for optically transporting the viewed light into an optical processor, an optical processor for processing the optical spectrum into electrical signals, a signal processing for processing the electrical signals obtained from the optical spectrum, and a control device which accepts the electrical signals and produces an output acceptable to one or more oxidant or fuel flow control devices. The control device, which may be referred to as a "burner computer," functions to control the oxidant flow and/or the fuel flow to the burner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring fuel combustion status in a burner such as a boiler and a gasifier with high accuracy, high reliability and fast response are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a series of fiber optic flame monitors that are installed next to each nozzle inside said burner to determine temperature, flame flash frequency and the burned fuel particle density. In terms of a master controller and a group of on-line controllers, the optimized combustion of the burner is approached by monitoring the combustion status of each nozzle and regulating the discharges of air or oxygen and fuel to each nozzle, in accordance with the comparison of the data detected by flame monitors and optimal data.

Abstract: An apparatus 9 for diagnosing failures in the combustion system to be installed in the regenerator of an absorption chiller is adapted to automatically prepare quantitative diagnosis data from a plurality of items of measurement data. The apparatus comprises an abnormality degree calculating circuit 2 for calculating degrees of abnormality serving as indexes for discriminating failures, from different items of data obtained by a combustion system control unit 1, a binary conversion circuit 4 for converting the abnormality degrees obtained from the circuit 2 to binary data representing "normal" or "abnormal," a condition judging circuit 5 for discriminating types of states of failures from the binary data by driving a diagnosis knowledge base 7, and a diagnosis data calculating circuit 6 for calculating diagnosis data from the abnormality degrees and types of failure states by driving the base 7.

Abstract: A burner arrangement for ferrous scrap melting and the like includes a fuel outlet and a primary oxidant supply outlet communicating with a mixing chamber. The burner also has a main outlet and secondary oxidant supply outlets. In addition there is a convergent-divergent nozzle communicating with the mixing chamber. Valves control the flow of gaseous fuel to the fuel outlet, and the flow of primary and secondary oxidant to the primary and secondary oxidant supply outlets. In operation, oxidant is supplied to the primary and secondary outlets, hot flame or combustion gases are accelerated through the nozzle with the result that a sonic or supersonic velocity can be created. Such high velocities facilitate the penetration of the combustion gases through a slag layer into molten metal.

Abstract: A method of displaying a possible remaining time of a combustion operation in a combustion appliance and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The combustion appliance has a fuel tank for containing fuel, a burner for performing the combustion operation of the fuel supplied from the fuel tank, and an electromagnetic pump for supplying the fuel in the fuel tank to the burner. A microprocessor gauges a quantity of the fuel in the fuel tank, and calculates a total heat amount according to the quantity of the residual fuel. Also, the microprocessor calculates the heat supply amount per time on the basis of the driving frequency of the electromagnetic pump. The possible remaining time of the combustion operation is calculated by dividing the total heat amount by the heat supply amount per time. The microprocessor displays the possible remaining time of the combustion operation to the exterior of the combustion appliance through the display part.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus to control or monitor the combustion of a burner are presented which overcome many of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the invention comprises a burner control apparatus comprising means for viewing light emitted by a flame from a burner, means for optically transporting the viewed light into an optical processor, optical processor means for processing the optical spectrum into electrical signals, signal processing means for processing the electrical signals obtained from the optical spectrum, and control means which accept the electrical signals and produce an output acceptable to one or more oxidant or fuel flow control means. The control means may be referred to as a "burner computer", which functions to control the oxidant flow and/or the fuel flow to the burner.

Abstract: A gas cylinder joined to a gas appliance. Based on the knowledge that a resonance frequency of cassette type gas cylinder does not vary with a residual quantity of gas therein a transmitter and a receiver are placed in positions opposed to a weld zone of the trunk portion of the gas cylinder and which permits an output voltage of the receiver with respect to a residual quantity of the gas to be detected at a specific resonance frequency of the gas cylinder. The resonance frequency is not lower than a predetermined level, the residual quantity of a liquefied gas in the cylinder being detected by transmitting the specific resonance frequency signal from the transmitter and detecting a reception output of not lower than a predetermined level by the receiver. This enables a residual quantity of the gas in the liquefied gas containing cassette type gas cylinder to be detected reliably from the outside.

Abstract: A method and system for determining flame characteristics in the time domain by analyzing the fluctuations of a time-domain output signal of a flame scanner monitoring a burner flame. A mean level (as well as maximum high and low levels) of the time-domain signal are determined during a predetermined time interval. Numerous intermediate levels are positioned between the mean level and the high and low levels. Several crossing numbers are obtained by counting how often the signal crosses the mean level and the intermediate levels during the time interval. These crossing numbers are plotted on a graph, wherein the crossing numbers are plotted against the relative distance between the levels. A curve is interpolated between the points thus obtained and an area under the curve is determined. The crossing numbers are normalized to the area to obtain normalized crossing numbers.

Abstract: Information relating to combustion conditions within a fossil-fueled boiler that includes a plurality of burners adapted to produce flames combining to form a fireball is provided by acquiring data relating to the physical and temperature characteristics of the fireball with at least one imaging camera having optical and temperature measuring capabilities; receiving, storing and processing data received from the camera to provide data representative of the NO.sub.x content of the hot gases produced by the fireball; and transmitting the processed data from the processor to a monitor for display. Transmitted, processed data may include current, historical and target information relating to the physical appearance and temperature profile of the fireball.

Abstract: A gas burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of gas burner and control problems. The invention is a temporarily attached device that collects and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of an gas burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located. The system monitors the status of the thermostat or aquastat; the presence and the level of voltage being sent to the main gas valve; the pressure of gas at the inlet and outlet of the main gas valve and either the temperature on the outside of the vent stack pipe or the presence and quality of flame at the main gas burner. The device also provides a signal in the event of a fault that can be connected to a downstream microprocessor that, in turn, can activate various warning devices.

Abstract: A portable device for testing the performance of an oxygen-depletion-sensing pilot light jet comprising a gas mixture applicator means, a pressurizable vessel forming a reservoir for containing a gas mixture which has an oxygen content just below the level at which the oxygen-depletion-sensing pilot light should safely operate a gas mixture flow control means or valve means controlling flow of said gas mixture to said applicator means; said gas mixture applicator means being connected to the reservoir by ducting for receiving said gas mixture from the reservoir and to enable supply of said gas mixture as a localized ambient environment to the pilot jet and light.

Abstract: A furnace for combustible fuels that incorporates a main igniter and an auxiliary back-up igniter for igniting the fuel. When power is applied to the main igniter, a sensor detects whether or not current flows through the main igniter. If there is current flow through the main igniter, the back-up igniter is isolated from the input power. If there is an absence of current flow through the main igniter, the power is switched to the auxiliary back-up igniter. A warning device is provided to alert a user when the power has been switched to the back-up igniter indicating that the main igniter is inoperable.

Abstract: An oil burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of burner problems. The invention has two major components: a permanently mounted or integral data collection unit that is connected to key points in the oil burner and a portable data reading unit. The data collection unit records and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of an oil burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. The oil burner technician, using the portable data reading unit, connects to the data collection unit accessing the stored information in the data collection unit concerning the reason for the problem. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located.

Abstract: A portable heater includes a burner 10 disposed on the bottom of a combustion cylinder 2, a container to be heated 6 which is disposed in an upper part of the combustion cylinder for storing contents which are heated when the heater is in use, a fuel tank 12 for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the burner, and an ignition means 8 having an ignition lever 21 which causes the ignition of the burner. For use with such a portable heater, a safety device for preventing the container from being heated while it is sealed, a safety device which prevents the emission of gas when flames are unexpectedly extinguished, and an overturn safety device for automatically extinguishing flames when the heater is overturned are obtained in a simple structure.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for flame detection for a transistor coil ignition system of a burner is disclosed. The transistor coil ignition system features a trigger stage which triggers a power transistor that is located in the power circuit of the primary winding of an ignition coil in order to charge the primary winding of the ignition coil with a charging current from a power supply. A circuit arrangement includes a switch having an ignition position and a flame detection position which in the flame detection position restricts the charging current flowing via the primary winding of the ignition coil to an intensity that lies below the charging current intensity needed to generate an ignition spark in the ignition position, so that ignition spark-over cannot take place without a flame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system for monitoring a predetermined operating condition of a heating apparatus, such as a cumulative total time period of combustion and a combustion frequency, and informing a user of a timing of maintenance. In a hot water heater (1) according to the invention, a controller (208) outputs a maintenance requirement signal to a display (210) and a maintenance alarm to inform the user of a timing of maintenance when a combustion frequency nx becomes equal to or greater than a first reference value nr1 or when a cumulative total time period of combustion tx becomes equal to or greater than a second reference value tr1. This allows the user to perform maintenance without delay and prevents troubles or abnormalities from being developed in the hot water heater (1).

Abstract: A portable heater includes a burner 10 disposed on the bottom of a combustion cylinder 2, a container to be heated 6 which is disposed in an upper part of the combustion cylinder for storing contents which are heated when the heater is in use, a fuel tank 12 for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the burner, and an ignition means 8 having an ignition lever 21 which causes the ignition of the burner. For use with such a portable heater, a safety device for preventing the container from being heated while it is sealed, a safety device which prevents the emission of gas when flames are unexpectedly extinguished, and an overturn safety device for automatically extinguishing flames when the heater is overturned are obtained in a simple structure.

Abstract: An oil burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of burner problems. The device is connected to key points in the oil burner. The device records and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of an oil burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. The oil burner technician can access the invention for the information concerning the reason for the problem. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located. The system monitors the status of the thermostat; the presence and the level of voltage powering the ignition transformer and temperature on the outside of the vent stack pipe. The device also provides a signal in the event of a fault that can be connected to a downstream microprocessor that, in turn, can activate various warning devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling the kiln gas stream in a conventional long wet or dry process cement kiln. A portion of the kiln gas stream can be withdrawn from the rotary kiln vessel at a point upstream, relative to kiln gas flow of the chain system in the mineral drying zone. Alternatively, or in conjunction with bypass formation, the apparatus can be used to add tertiary air to the kiln gas stream to promote combustion efficiency downstream of the clinkering zone. Use of the present apparatus to form a kiln gas bypass stream enhances operating efficiencies of long kilns by reducing dust loss, by facilitating isolation of high alkali by-product streams, by reducing alkali content of collected kiln dust, by increasing energy efficiency of long kiln operation, and by allowing greater overall control in the cement manufacturing process.

Abstract: Briefly, the invention comprises a pressurized butane or naphtha lighter with a clear plastic butane or naphtha reservoir. The butane or naphtha is colored by special dyes to lend attractiveness to the device. The use of colored butane or naphtha instead of colored plastic butane or naphtha reservoirs gives the color a dynamically changing aspect. As the transparent lighter case is moved about the colored butane or naphtha flowing within forms a particularly beautiful effect. Butane or naphtha coloring agents and proportions have been developed which allow the creation of a wide range of hues and shades without adversely effecting the flammability of the raw butane or naphtha.

Abstract: A system for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the operation of a kraft chemical recovery furnace which includes a mechanism for determining carryover particle counts, bed profile information, and temperature information of a smelt the bed over a major portion of the bed. The location and temperatures of high and low temperature spots on the bed can be determined. This information may be displayed in a convenient manner, such as on a common screen, for use by the furnace operator in controlling the furnace. Trending and history of bed performance in relationship to these characteristics may be tracked for use in diagnosing furnace operating problems and in adjusting parameters of the furnace to enhance furnace performance.

Abstract: An annunciator for the conduction status of individual switches wired into a series circuit records this status as status history at regular intervals in a memory. The status history is preferably recorded as individual entries having the identification number of an open switch along with a time stamp specifying the length of time which that switch has been open. The current entry is recorded in the memory and a new entry started each time the switch for which an entry in the memory is being created closes or a switch currently receiving power opens. A controller separate from the annunciator generates a request signal and provides a request time value to the annunciator specifying the time which has elapsed since the request condition was detected. The annunciator uses the request time value to determine the probable switch conduction status at the time of the request.

Abstract: An encoder system for providing a large number of actual positional control pulses per revolution utilizes an optical digital disc. The disc is driven by the work piece transport system. A playback unit similar in construction to audio disc players can be used. The positional control information is recorded on the disc as the disc is being driven by the transport system with which the disc is to be associated. Mechanical anomalies of the drive system are compensated for in the recording process. The accuracy of the positional information is improved. The system is especially useful for high resolution ink jet printing system.

Abstract: A calculator apparatus 10 includes the standard calculator mode and several other modes functions namely; a pressure-temperature conversion, a temperature-to-pressure conversion based on refrigerant, a relative humidity reading based on input of the dry bulb and wet bulb temperature; and a flow-energy rate conversion mode based upon a selected fuel meter dial and Metric or English units. In addition, a Fahrenheit-to-centigrade conversion and a centigrade-to-Fahrenheit conversion functions are incorporated. The calculator includes a keyboard 18, a microprocessor 16, a timer 26, a power source 12, a switch 14 and a display screen 22.

Abstract: A control system for a burner is disclosed which detects oxygen concentration in a room using an oxygen sensor, to thereby supply an abnormality detecting signal to at least one of an alarm and a combustion reducing device to actuate it when oxygen concentration is lowered below a predetermined set value. A first comparing device and a reference value storing device are used to cause maximum oxygen concentration detected to be stored as an oxygen concentration reference value in the storing device. A second comparing device compares the deviation between the oxygen concentration reference value and a detected oxygen concentration value with an abnormality judging reference value, to thereby generate the abnormality detecting signal when the deviation is larger than the reference value. The control system is capable of effectively detecting a low oxygen concentration condition without being affected by an ambient temperature.

Abstract: A gas turbine flame diagnostic monitor has been described incorporating a plurality of viewing probes to be positioned in a plurality of combustors of a gas turbine and coupled to a plurality of optical fiber image guides for transferring the image from each viewing probe to a video camera. The video camera is coupled to a monitor for displaying the flame received by each combustor probe. A video analyzer generates flame intensity patterns, centroids and second order moments and compares them with predetermined stored flame intensity patterns, centroids and second order moments, and logic for providing diagnostic interpretations of the operation of the gas turbine which is coupled to a turbine controller for controlling the gas turbine to provide balanced combustor operation for optimum temperature of the exhaust gases at the first blade row and to warn station operators of impending problems and shut down the turbine at times when turbine malfunctions are observed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for profiling the bed of a furnace involves the production of a digital image of the bed and background. The digital image is processed to determine transitions in the image which correspond to transitions between the bed and background and thereby to the boundary of the bed. Bed characteristics, such as the bed profile, the bed height, the slope of the bed and the volume of the bed are determined from the processed image. The image may be displayed for use in controlling the performance of a furnace. In addition, the determined bed characteristics may be compared with reference bed characteristics, with the differences being displayed, used in controlling the operation of the furnace, or in activating an indicator, such as an alarm, in the event the reference and determined bed characteristics differ by a threshold amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and indicating the flame quality, or efficiency of the air-fuel ratio, in a fixed firing rate heating unit, such as an oil burning furnace, is provided. When the flame brightness falls outside a preset range, the flame quality, or excess air, has changed to the point that the unit should be serviced. The flame quality indicator output is in the form of lights mounted on the front of the unit. A green light indicates that the flame is about in the same condition as when the burner was last serviced. A red light indicates a flame which is either too rich or too lean, and that servicing of the burner is required. At the end of each firing cycle, the flame quality indicator goes into a hold mode which is in effect during the period that the burner remains off. A yellow or amber light indicates that the burner is in the hold mode. In this mode, the flame quality lights indicate the flame condition immediately before the burner turned off.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the condition of an ignition assembly in a burner is disclosed. The flame in the burner is ignited in a fuel medium by means of an electric arc across a spark gap in the ignition assembly. The assembly is substantially inaccessible for the purpose of testing through direct electrical contact without disassembling the burner. A detector detects the radio frequency emission of the arc at a distance from the burner and the control system for the burner. The output of the detector is rectified and displayed to provide a visual indication of the condition of the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting the condition of a flame having an emf by electrically conducting the emf generated by the flame as a signal to a sensor through an electrically isolated conductor means and sensing with said sensor an electrical parameter which is measure of the emf of the flame and wherein the parameter is the ratio of the A.C. and D.C. signal levels.

Abstract: A method and circuit for self-checking problems in a heating system for an automobile are disclosed. A self-checking and indicating process are disclosed which include a first preheating step; an ignition period; a second preheating step; a combustion period module; and an extinguishment step according to a program interrupt. Various checking steps are included, along with various subroutines for indicating errors. Errors are displayed and a stopping step is performed if the temperature checked and the various proceding checking steps indicate that error conditions exist. The present invention includes an indicating apparatus which includes an output part of a microprocessor which provides a fundamental memory, a data processor, an arithmetic and logic accumulation, and an interrupt. The microprocessor is connected to an output part of a driving apparatus, and a sensing part which senses the driving state of the output part, the ignition, the temperature, and a low voltage condition.

Abstract: An anti-slagging apparatus for a furnace viewing system removes slag build up deposited on a closed circuit television camera lens tube by occasionally releasing a blast or large volume of air through specially designed ports surrounding the tube containing a furnace viewing lens system. The anti-slagging apparatus comprises a double walled cylindrical tube extending through a wall of a furnace for housing a lens tube assembly. An end plate is positioned at the furnace end of the tube and has formed therein a plurality of ports or openings, with each port being directed outwardly at a 30.degree. angle with respect to the axis of the tube assembly into the furnace and with each port being connected to the space formed between the double walled tube. A source of air is provided to the ports from a supply tank, which in turn is connected to a source of air pressure, such as a compressor, or a shop supply. A quick acting, high volume solenoid valve connects the air tank to the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the ignition modules of gas burners is disclosed, and functions without the requirement of a gas feed in the test program. The method involves disconnecting the ignition module from the electrical supply, and from the gas feed, and employing the apparatus of the invention to apply a test voltage to the ignition module, and to various individual components of the system such as the pilot gas valve and main gas valve which are encased in the gas valve, connecting wires, etc. In order to avoid employing gas feed in the test, a simulated gas flame signal is fed to the ignition module under test using a flame simulator device which sends an appropriate signal to the ignitor module. Hence, with the gas feed disconnected, the test method and apparatus of this invention can be used to conduct the test safely, while saving time, and providing a reliable result.

Abstract: A device for monitoring combustion efficiency of a burner with a burner fe has an acoustic sensor probe positioned within the burner, flame signature generating circuitry responsive to the acoustic probe, means for correlating flame signatures with known optimum efficiency characteristics to yield an indication of relative combustion efficiency, and output means for display of the relative combustion efficiency.

Abstract: The atomic constituents of volatile organic compounds are determined by a burner design having improved stability and, consequently, increased detection sensitivity. An optical window is included at one end of a burner tube to stabilize a hydrogen-air flame to avoid blow out. Since air and combined air and helium are introduced immediately in front of the window and the flow rate of the gases and a sample are particularly oriented, burning is complete for increased detection sensitivity by an interconnected atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A combustion control system includes a sensor assembly and a process controller, the sensor assembly including sensors for providing output signals indicative of process variables, the process controller responding to the output signals to maintain a desired operation of the process. The process controller continuously monitors parameters of the sensors and provides alarms whenever any of these parameters deviate from setpoint values, the process controller automatically prioritizing these alarms to provide a display of only the most relevant alarms. A housing enclosing the processor controller provides RFI/EMI shielding of the process controller including the attenuation and absorption of the EMI/RFI energy.

Abstract: A fire detection system has a detector for sensing optical radiation from a spark or flame or hot spot and an optical waveguide comprising an elongate hollow tube, having an inlet end portion for placement in a hostile, hazardous environment, and having an outlet end portion for emitting light rays to the detector and for placement in a benign, non-hazardous environment, and having a reflective inner surface forming a passage for transmitting the optical radiation from the tube inlet end portion to the tube outlet end portion by successive internal reflections.The elongate hollow waveguide tube is sealed at the inlet end portion by a lens which admits the optical radiation to the tube; and at the outlet end typically by the detector. The sealed tube is filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, which helps to maintain the reflective interior surface of the tube.

Abstract: Method for the control of a burner equipped with an injector nozzle, said method comprising the steps of continuously during combustion optically monitoring the flame of the burner; subjecting the light from the burner to spectral analysis for determining the instantaneous value of the air factor in the combustion gases, and controlling the supply of fuel and/or combustion air to the burner in dependence of said instantaneous value of the air factor. The method is characterized in that light emitted from the central portion of the flame which penetrates through the nozzle opening through which fuel is injected into the combustion chamber is picked up in a point situated in the immediate vicinity of, behind and axially with said nozzle opening, said light being further conducted out of the nozzle for being subjected to spectral analysis.

Abstract: The fuel supply system includes an air pipe which is connected between a fuel oil supply pipe and an inlet side of a forced air passage and is provided at a middle portion thereof with an elevation positioned above any portion of the fuel supply pipe between the air pipe and a pot of the oil burner. The fuel supply system may include an outflow prevention mechanism wherein the elevation formed at the air pipe is above the elevation of the fuel supply pipe and a return pipe, and the return pipe has an elevation positioned between the elevation of the air pipe and that of the fuel supply pipe and is connected between the oil reservoir and the fuel supply pipe.

Abstract: A method and device 15 is provided for a quick, accurate and on-line determination of heats of combustion of gaseous hydrocarbons. First, the amount of oxygen in the carrier stream air is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Second, three individual volumetric flow rates of oxygen, carrier stream air, and hydrocarbon test gas are introduced into burner 19. The hydrocarbon test gas is fed into burner 19 at a volumetric flow rate n measured by flowmeter 18. Third, the amount of oxygen in the resulting combustion products is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Fourth, the volumetric flow rate of oxygen is adjusted until the amount of oxygen in the combustion product equals the amount of oxygen previously sensed in the carrier stream air. This equalizing volumetric flow rate is m and is measured by flowmeter 16. The heat of combustion of the hydrocarbon test gas is then determined from the ratio m/n.

Abstract: In a burner igniter using a ceramic heater, the resistance of the ceramic heater is detected to perform feedback control so that the temperature of the heater is maintained substantially constant to prevent both misfiring and overheating, while rapid temperature rise can also be obtained. The resistance value detected by a bridge circuit is fed to a proportional-integral controller which produces a control signal, while the current fed to the ceramic heater is also detected. The control signal and another signal indicative of the current to the ceramic heater are used to control a power source of the ceramic heater so that the current to the ceramic heater is controlled. A monitoring circuit responsive to both the resistance of the ceramic heater and the current fed to the ceramic heater may be added to warn a user that the life of the ceramic heater will soon end.

Abstract: A carburetion type burning apparatus having a carburetion chamber for evaporating liquid fuel which comprises a timer for counting time from the initiation of burning operation, an ion current detecting device for measuring an ion current (if) at the time after a predetermined time counted by said timer in which the ion current in flames is stabilized, a judging device for judging existence or non-existence of an abnormal burning state by comparing the measured ion current (if) and a predetermined threshold value of ion current which causes abnormal burning condition, and an alarming device for generating an alarm when said judging device provides judgment of abnormal condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing malfunctions of a heater operated with liquid fuel uses output signals of a function testing circuit to be displayed in coded form. By this method it is possible to identify, on a display, which is preferably an operating state indicator light, a disturbance. The type of disturbance and hence the trouble spot can also be displayed without any further expenditure.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the heat gradient in a heat-producing system is disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus which can be used in the process. In this process, at least three heat sensors, which are situated downstream from a heat source, determine the temperature of the exhaust gas from the heat source. Each of the heat sensors used produces a substantially identical response to a given temperature. The output from each two sequential heat sensors is operatively connected to an indicator, which evaluates whether the downstream heat sensor is reporting a temperature lower than the upstream heat sensor; if the downstream heat sensor does report a lower temperature than the upstream heat sensor, then the indicator reads positive; but if the downstream heat sensor reports a highter temperature than the upstream heat sensor, then the indicator reads negative.

Abstract: An instrument for viewing the vent of a chimney while the chimney is working that includes a quartz rod that is mounted in the chimney above the flue entrance thereto. The rod is adapted to transmit light travelling down the chimney to a viewing station outside the chimney wall to provide valuable visual information concerning the condition of the chimney and the burning efficiency of the fire.

Abstract: The burner is formed of a tubular housing including a central tubular passage and a boundary annular passage for feeding into the gasification reactor under high speed a carburation medium such as oxygen or steam. At least three intermediate channels of coaxial annular sections are symmetrically arranged about the central channel and each communicates with a separate inlet conduit for feeding a mixture of powderized fuel with a carrier gas. The transition between the annular intermediate channel and the tubular inlet conduits is made such that the varying outline of the cross-section encloses the same area as the tubular inlet conduit or the annular section intermediate channel. The central tubular channel and the boundary annular channel for feeding the carburation fluid is configurated so as to divert one stream of the carburation fluid at an angle of about 45.degree. toward the axially directed jet of the powderized fuel mixture.

Abstract: A novel chimney sentinel is disclosed which facilitates detection of wood stove flue fires. A sight glass is provided which is kept clear during use through a controlled ventilation of the interior surface of the sight glass. The sight glass is easily removed by hand, even during flue operation, to provide fire extinguisher access to the flue interior.

Abstract: A pinhole camera system utilizing a sealed optical-purge assembly which provides optical access into a coal combustor or other energy conversion reactors. The camera system basically consists of a focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly, a conventional TV vidicon receiver, an external, variable density light filter which is coupled electronically to the vidicon automatic gain control (agc). The key component of this system is the focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly which utilizes a purging inert gas to keep debris from entering the port and a lens arrangement which transfers the pinhole to the outside of the port assembly. One additional feature of the port assembly is that it is not flush with the interior of the combustor.