Abstract: A device for optimizing hydrocarbon combustion has at least one dipole antenna comprising first and second wires extending in opposite directions. At least one power source, can supply the wires with voltages which are intermittent, alternating and sinusoidal, said voltages being between 2,000 V to 100,000 V and having frequencies between 30 KHz and 1 MHz. The voltage in the second wire is opposite and balanced to the voltage in the first wire. When the dipole antenna is placed parallel and in close proximity to a hydrocarbon supply, an electromagnetic field acts on the hydrocarbon to enhance combustion of the hydrocarbon. An apparatus including the device and a method of using the device to optimize hydrocarbon combustion are also provided.

Abstract: A fire safety system to prevent fire from a candle includes first and second closure halves; a loop extending from the first closure half a catch extending from the second closure half; a trigger pin having a first end coupled to the loop and a second end coupled to the catch; a candle holder adapted to receive the candle; and a sleeve housing the closure halves, the sleeve including a plurality of impact legs.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components: reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or CI in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion in which a pressurized preheated liquid fuel is atomized and a portion thereof flash vaporized, creating a mixture of fuel vapor and liquid droplets. The mixture is mixed with primary combustion oxidant, producing a fuel/primary oxidant mixture which is then injected into a primary combustion chamber in which the fuel/primary oxidant mixture is partially combusted, producing a secondary gaseous fuel containing hydrogen and carbon oxides. The secondary gaseous fuel is mixed with a secondary combustion oxidant and injected into the second combustion chamber wherein complete combustion of the secondary gaseous fuel is carried out. The resulting second stage flue gas containing very low amounts of NOx is then vented from the second combustion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for processing a combustible gas, which comprises a catalytic combusting means for receiving an oxygen-containing combustible gas that contains oxygen in addition to the combustible gas as the principal component thereof, causing this oxygen-containing combustible gas to contact an oxidation catalyst for partial combustion thereof, to produce the resultant partially combusted gas as a compressible combustible gas.

Abstract: A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization.

Abstract: A combustion system is provided that includes a fuel nozzle configured to support a combustion reaction, and an electrode positioned to apply an electrical charge to the combustion reaction. A power converter is positioned to receive heat produced by the combustion reaction and to convert a portion of the received heat to electrical energy. A combustion system controller is configured to provide the electrical charge to the electrode, using energy drawn either from the power converter or from a power storage element, depending on an amount of power being produced by the power converter and on a state-of-charge of the power storage element. The controller is further configured to use surplus energy generated by the power converter to recharge the power storage element.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel reactor adapted for carrying out chemical reactions at temperatures of up to 1600° C., and at pressures of up to 100 bars. The reactor of the invention has two vessels surrounding the reaction zone, an inner vessel constituted by a refractory material and an outer vessel surrounding the inner vessel and constituted by an insulating material.

Abstract: A new approach for igniting an air-fuel mixture in a turbine or other engine is disclosed. Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) is used to generate volume ionization within an air-fuel flow and induce an ignition arc. The output of a relatively low energy single pulsed ultraviolet laser is aimed across an electric field inside a volume of air to create a pre-ionized channel so that a smaller voltage electric field is sufficient to create an electrical arc that follows the pre-ionized channel and will ignite an air-fuel mixture. Because the arc follows the pre-ionized channel, it can be directed to an optimal location inside an ignition volume for igniting the air-fuel mixture. A specific example embodiment is described using a 287.5 nm wavelength pulsed ultraviolet laser to excite ground state oxygen molecules to a specific excited state having a coincident term energy with a specific nitrogen molecule excited state.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, combustion in a combustion volume is affected by at least two sequentially applied non-parallel electric fields. According to an embodiment, a combustion volume is equipped with at least three individually modulatable electrodes. According to an embodiment, an electric field application apparatus for a combustion volume includes a safety apparatus to reduce or eliminate danger.

Abstract: An in situ flue gas analyzer includes a probe extendable into a flue. The probe has a measurement cell providing a signal responsive to a concentration of a gas within the flue. A controller is coupled to the probe and configured to provide an output based on the signal from the measurement cell. A first media access unit is coupled to the controller and is operably coupleable to a first process communication link. The first media access unit is configured to communicate in accordance with an all-digital process communication protocol. A second media access unit is coupled to the controller and is operably coupleable to a second process communication link. The second media access unit is configured to communicate in accordance with a second process communication protocol that is different than the all-digital process communication protocol. The first and second media access units are enabled simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating electrical power from a compound comprising carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Water is combined with the compound to produce a wet form of the compound. The wet form of the compound is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the compound dissociate and react, with one reaction product comprising hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is processed to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A system for operating a combustor includes a sensor that measures an operating parameter associated with the combustor and generates a signal reflective of the operating parameter. The operating parameter is reflective of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup. A controller receives the signal, compares the signal to a predetermined limit, and generates a control signal. A method for operating a combustor includes operating the combustor at a first power level that produces a first temperature that is less than or equal to a first predetermined temperature and creating a layer of ash. The method further includes measuring an operating parameter reflective of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup, comparing the operating parameter to a limit, and operating the combustor at a second power level that produces a second temperature that is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a fuel nozzle and first and second electrodes. An electric charge is applied to a flame supported by the nozzle via the first electrode. An electrical potential applied to an aerodynamic surface of the second electrode. The electrically charged flame reacts to the electrical potential according to the respective magnitudes and polarities of the charge applied to the flame and the electrical potential applied to the aerodynamic surface. Where the polarities are the same, the flame is repelled by the aerodynamic surface, and where the polarities are in opposition, the flame is pulled into contact with the aerodynamic surface by the electrodynamic attraction.

Abstract: A burner system includes a nozzle configured to emit a fuel stream for the support of a flame, and first and second electrodes, each configured to apply electrical energy to a flame supported by the nozzle. The first electrode is positioned in a momentum-dominated fluid dynamics region of the flame, while the second electrode is positioned in a buoyancy-dominated fluid dynamics region. Application of charges to the flame via the electrodes can be employed to control flame characteristics in the buoyancy-dominated fluid dynamics region, such as shape and position.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a combustion system includes a burner, a flame charging device, and a flame control system. The burner outputs a flow including fuel that when ignited generates a flame. The flame charging device is positioned adjacent to the flame and charges the flame to generate a charged flame. The control system includes one or more electrodes disposed adjacent to the charged flame, a charge managing module operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes, one or more sensors in electrical communication to the controller, and a controller in electrical communication with the charge managing module and the one or more sensors. The charge managing module controls charging and discharging of the electrodes. The sensors are positioned and configured to measure at least one combustion parameter of the charged flame. The controller controls operation of the charge managing module responsive to the at least one combustion parameter measured by the sensors.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for controlling flame to produce a music-reactive fire display. This system comprises a digital signal analyzer, electronically-controlled burner elements that allow variable control of fuel flow rate, an automatic ignition system, flame detection, and a means of communication between the signal analyzer and the burner elements.

Abstract: Method and system for the production of a combustible gas from a fuel, comprising the conversion of the fuel, at a temperature that is between 600 and 1000° C. and at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar, into at least a combustible gas that comprises CH4, CO, H2, CO2, H2O and higher hydrocarbons in a reactor installation (1). At least part of the higher hydrocarbons present in the combustible gas is catalytically converted into at least CH4, CO, H2, CO2 and H2O in a reactor (45) at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar. After this catalytic conversion, an amount of H2O and an amount of CO2 are removed from the combustible gas in a separator installation (50) at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar. After the removal of H2O and CO2, the pressure of the combustible gas is raised by a compressor (71).

Abstract: An oscillating combustor can support a time-sequenced combustion reaction having rich and lean phases by applying a variable voltage charge to a fuel stream or flame that flows adjacent to a conductive or semiconductive flame holder held in electrical continuity with an activation voltage.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a burner system is configured to control a geometry of a flame. The burner system includes electrodes configured to have a polarity selected to interact with a flame that has been charged with a charger to control at least one geometric characteristic of the flame.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a combustion system including at least one fuel flow equalizer for reducing fuel flow velocity distribution and improving flame stabilization within a combustion space. Additionally, a charged flame anchoring apparatus may be positioned above the at least one fuel flow equalizer for attaching the flame thereto and improving flame stability.

Abstract: A combustor includes an end cap having upstream and downstream surfaces and a cap shield surrounding the upstream and downstream surfaces. First and second sets of premixer tubes extend from the upstream surface through the downstream surface. A first fuel conduit supplies fuel to the first set of premixer tubes. A casing circumferentially surrounds the cap shield to define an annular passage, and a second fuel conduit supplies fuel through the annular passage to the second set of premixer tubes. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through first and second sets of premixer tubes, flowing a first fuel into the first set of premixer tubes, and flowing a second fuel through an annular passage surrounding the end cap and into the second set of premixer tubes.

Abstract: A method for accelerating combustion includes installing a piezoelectric element in the vicinity of a combustion chamber that combusts fuel, applying a magnetic field to the piezoelectric element, and radiating electromagnetic waves that are produced by the piezoelectric element over at least the fuel in the combustion chamber. These electromagnetic waves include far-infrared radiation.

Abstract: A system includes a flame detector with a photon detecting portion and a processing portion, the processing portion including a processor-based device programmed to provide the following functions: receiving input regarding a type of burner and a type of fuel, applying a flame detection configuration to the burner scanner according to the received input, and performing a flame detection process according to the flame detection configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a burner system including at least one Coanda surface and at least two electrodes that are biased in a manner to influences a location of fuel flow relative to the at least one Coanda surface and related methods. In an embodiment, a burner system includes at least one Coanda surface, at least one nozzle positioned and configured to emit a fuel flow at least proximate to the at least one Coanda surface, at least two electrodes, and a voltage source operably coupled to the at least two electrodes. The voltage source may be configured to bias the at least two electrodes to generate an electric field at least proximate to the at least one Coanda surface that influences a location of the fuel flow and/or a flame relative to the at least one Coanda surface.

Abstract: A lockout control system for a cooktop appliance having a surface heating unit includes a controller coupled to the cooktop, a lockout device coupled to the controller, a surface burner state switch coupled between the controller and the lockout device, the surface burner state switch configured to prevent operation of the lockout device when the surface heating unit is enabled.

Abstract: A method of monitoring combustion properties in an interior of a boiler of the type having walls comprising a plurality of parallel steam tubes separated by a metal membrane. First and second penetrations are provided in the metal membrane between adjacent tubes on opposite sides of the boiler. A beam of light is projected through a pitch optic comprising a pitch collimating lens and a pitch relay lens, both residing outside the boiler interior. The pitch relay lens projects the beam through a penetration into the boiler interior. The beam of light is received with a catch optic substantially identical to the pitch optic residing outside the boiler interior. The strength of the collimated received beam of light is determined. At least one of the pitch collimating lens and the catch collimating lens may then be aligned to maximize the strength of the collimated received beam.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating oxygenated fuel. In one aspect, a method of producing an oxygenated fuel from biomass waste for use in a combustion system includes dissociating the biomass waste to produce one or more carbon donors. The biomass waste produced carbon donors are reacted with an oxygen donor to produce the oxygenated fuel comprising oxygenated carbon. Reacting the carbon donors with the oxygen donors includes applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source to the reaction of carbon donors and oxygen donor. The oxygenated fuel is combusted in the combustion system.

Abstract: A combustion system includes an electrodynamic combustion control system that provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction. Energy is received wirelessly, and electrical energy is generated from the wirelessly received energy. The electrical energy is applied to the combustion reaction in order to control or regulate operation of first and/or second electrodes configured to apply the energy to the combustion reaction.

Abstract: A system for electrically controlling a combustion reaction includes a charging mechanism with a surface of a charging material with a work function that is sufficiently different from a work function of a charge carrier material to be capable of undergoing contact electrostatic charging. The charge carrier material is contacted with the charging material to impart an electrostatic charge to the charge carrier material, which is then fed to the combustion reaction to introduce a charge corresponding to the electrostatic charge. An aspect of the combustion reaction is controlled by application, to the combustion reaction, of electrical energy, characteristics of which are selected to interact in a predictable way with the combustion reaction.

Abstract: A valve leak detecting method includes a started pressure setting step for opening and closing valves individually to set a pressure in a pipe, a first threshold value evaluating step for closing the valves, after the pressure being set to no less than the threshold value, and evaluating whether the pressure, after a specific time interval has elapsed, is at least threshold value, a second valve normalcy evaluating step for evaluating that one of the valves is operating properly or faultily if the pressure is at least or less than the threshold value, respectively, a second threshold value evaluating step for closing the valves and evaluating whether the pressure is less than the threshold value after a specific time interval has elapsed, and a first valve normalcy evaluating step for evaluating whether the valve is operating properly depending on the pressure being less or no less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A multijet burner system includes a plurality of fuel nozzles, each configured to support a respective flame, a plurality of charge electrodes, each positioned and configured to apply a charge potential to a fluid flow corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of fuel nozzles, and a charge controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of charge electrodes and configured to control a voltage potential applied to each respective charge electrode. By selecting the magnitude and polarity of a charge potential applied to individual ones of the flames of the plurality of burners, the flames can be made to change positions, move to selected positions, and redistribute themselves within a volume.

Abstract: Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.

Abstract: A system may be configured to modify one or more combustion parameters responsive to a loss of application of electrical energy to the combustion reaction.

Abstract: A combustion reaction is supported. Charge carriers traveling in an ion flow path are ionized by a plurality of ionizer stages along the ion flow path. The ionized charge carriers are drawn from components of the combustion reaction, and are introduced to the combustion reaction. A charge is imparted to the combustion reaction by the ionized charge carriers. Electrical energy can then be applied to the combustion reaction, which responds according to the charge imparted by the ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of burners, particularly in burners intended for household use, such as stoves.

Abstract: A method of preventing clogging of a reusable wick, a method of fueling a reusable wick, and a fuel burning system are provided. The fuel burning system has a melted fuel reservoir, a melting grate, and at least one wick. The melted fuel reservoir is configured to receive a solid fuel. The melting grate is located above at least a portion of the melted fuel reservoir so that fuel melted on the melting grate can be received into the melted fuel reservoir. The at least one wick has an at least partially hollow core forming a burn chamber extending above the melting grate. The wick is spaced from the reservoir so that melted fuel in the reservoir is spaced apart from a bottom of the wick.

Abstract: A high velocity burner apparatus and method includes an air intake funnel and an air-fluid mixer connected with the air intake funnel. A fluid input is connected with the air-fluid mixer. A magnetic tube container with an entrance and an exit is provided where the entrance is connected with the air-fluid mixer and where the magnetic tube container includes a plurality of individual magnetic tubes connected within the magnetic tube container such that adjacent magnetic tubes are misaligned with each other. An air suction device is connected with the exit of the magnetic tube container such that suction is applied through the magnetic tube container to the air intake funnel and a burner device is connected with the air suction device for burning fluid that passes through the magnetic tube container.

Abstract: A high speed burner having very low polluting emissions, suitable for the process for heat treatment furnaces of a load in free atmosphere. The burner is capable of creating a compact and lean flame with the peculiarity of keeping the NOx emissions at very low levels at any chamber temperature and at any excess combustion air. The burner requires a single inlet for the comburent air and a single inlet for the combustible gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for creating a vapor flame in a burner having an adjustable BTU output using a liquid diesel fuel and air mixture. A burner tube within which the fuel air mixture initially combusts to form a flame is heated from its outside circumference by a combustion flame within a counterflow chamber surrounding the burner tube. The temperature of the burner tube is maintained at a value where the fuel air mixture within the burner tube turns into vapor with a lack of combustion air which vapor fuels the flame within the counterflow chamber and which vapor also travels to a burner head where it combusts. The combustion air and compressor air are varied following establishment of the vapor flame to increase and decrease the heat output from the burner.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: A method for burning raw materials by which method the raw material and a secondary fuel are separately introduced to one and the same rotary kiln in which the raw material as well as the secondary fuel are heated by gases formed by burning of a primary fuel in the rotary kiln so that the secondary fuel is converted to gases and solid matter in the form of combustion residues such as ashes and coke. The secondary fuel during the process of conversion to gases and solid matter is kept separate from the introduced raw material, which may ensure that the secondary fuel and hence the locally reducing zones and major areas with reducing conditions are brought into minimum contact with the raw material.

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

Abstract: A high voltage signal is output to an electrode, which applies electrical energy to a combustion reaction. The high voltage signal can be output by a step-up voltage converter to the electrode via a close electrical coupling. The close electrical coupling is configured to electrically isolate the high voltage signal from a human-accessible volume.

Abstract: Controlling a modulating gas furnace by monitoring a differential pressure associated with the modulating gas furnace using a low pressure limit switch configured to actuate at a first pressure, an intermediate pressure limit switch configured to actuate at a second pressure, and a high pressure limit switch configured to actuate at a third pressure, the second pressure being between the first and third pressure, selectively operating the modulating gas furnace in one of a cycling mode, a modulating mode in a lower range, and a modulating mode in an upper range, the modulating mode in the lower range being associated with an output capacity range between the output capacity ranges of the cycling mode and the modulating mode in the upper range, and selectively operating the furnace in response to at least one of the low pressure limit switch, the intermediate pressure limit switch, and the high pressure limit switch.

Abstract: A process for the combustion of a liquid in a combustion chamber includes atomizing liquid sulfur using a rotary atomizer and introducing the liquid sulfur into the combustion chamber. The liquid sulfur is charged onto an inside of a cup. The cup is rotated so as to form a liquid film on the inside of the cup and so that parts of the liquid film are radially flung off from an edge of the cup edge into the combustion chamber. The rotational speed of the cup is varied so as to control a thickness of the liquid film in the cup to between 200 and 1000 ?m. The liquid sulfur is evaporated and subsequently burnt in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a component formed using an additive manufacturing process. Further disclosed is a method for providing a component for use with a combustion device. In the method, a component formed using an additive manufacturing process is provided. The component is left with a plurality of powder particles only partially fused to an internal passage thereof as a result of the additive manufacturing process. The method further includes removing the partially fused powder particles from the internal passage with a thermal energy process.

Abstract: A method of combusting ammonia is described, in which an exhaust gas containing varying amounts of at least ammonia and hydrogen is conveyed from a chamber to a combustion nozzle (34) connected to a combustion chamber (36). A combustion gas for forming a combustion flame within the chamber is supplied to the chamber. Depending on the relative amounts of ammonia and hydrogen exhaust from the chamber, hydrogen is added to the exhaust gas so that, when the exhaust gas contains ammonia, the gas combusted by the flame contains at least a predetermined amount of hydrogen.

Abstract: A system is configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or an electric field to a combustion reaction responsive to acoustic feedback from the combustion reaction.

Abstract: A control module for preventing acoustic resonance noise generation from a heat exchanger of a heating furnace, comprising a control signal generated by the control module. The control signal is configured to operate an induction fan of the heating furnace at more than one speed for a given heat demand mode of the heating furnace.