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: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the air to fuel ratio in a burner containing a venturi assembly. The venturi includes an air inlet, a primary fuel inlet with a converging section, a throat portion downstream from the converging section, a diverging section downstream from the throat portion, an outlet, and a secondary gas inlet disposed downstream from the converging section and upstream from the outlet. The method comprises introducing fuel into the fuel inlet, receiving air through the air inlet by inspiration, and feeding a gas through the secondary gas inlet, the flow rate and content of the gas fed through the secondary gas inlet being selected to result in a desired air to fuel ratio through the outlet. A method of firing a heater, a burner, a furnace and firing control systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for controlling heat for rapid thermal processing of carbonaceous material are provided herein. The apparatus comprises a reactor, a reheater for forming a fluidized bubbling bed comprising an oxygen-containing gas, inorganic heat carrier particles, and char and for burning the char into ash to form heated inorganic particles. An inorganic particle cooler is in fluid communication with the reheater. The inorganic particle cooler comprises a shell portion and a tube portion. The inorganic particle cooler is configured such that the shell portion receives a portion of the heated inorganic particles and the tube portion receives a cooling medium for indirect heat exchange with the portion of the heated inorganic particles to form partially-cooled heated inorganic particles.

Abstract: A method for fractionating a fuel includes heating the fuel and flowing it through hollow superhydrophobic membranes in a membrane module. Vapor from the fuel permeates the hydrophobic membranes and enters a distillate collection chamber, producing distilled fuel and residual fuel. The residual fuel is removed from the module and cooled. The cooled residual fuel is flowed through hollow tubes in the module and the distilled fuel is removed from the distillate collection chamber. Burning the distilled fuel reduces engine emissions. A fuel fractionation system includes a distillate collection chamber, hollow superhydrophobic membranes, hollow tubes and a distillate outlet. The hollow superhydrophobic membranes receive heated fuel and allow vapor from the heated fuel to permeate the membranes and enter the distillate collection chamber. The hollow tubes receive cooled residual fuel and are positioned to allow vapor in the distillate collection chamber to condense on outer surfaces of the hollow tubes.

Abstract: A charge electrode configured to impart a time-varying majority charge on a flame and a shape electrode located outside the flame may be driven synchronously by a voltage source through time varying voltage(s). The flame may be flattened or compressed responsive to an electric field produced by the shape electrode acting on the charges imparted on the flame.

Abstract: A metal powder ignition apparatus using water plasma is provided. The metal powder ignition apparatus includes an ignition apparatus for igniting and combusting metal powder by injecting the water plasma into a mixture of the metal powder and steam functioning as an oxidizer for burning the metal powder.

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: Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to a fuel composition, for example, that may be used as a fire starter for igniting barbecue charcoal, firewood, campfires, pellet stoves, and the like, and/or as a fuel material, e.g., for heating or cooking. A fuel composition is described in some embodiments that includes corn cob particles and/or other plant-derived particles in which a liquid fuel has been absorbed. The fuel composition may be used as a fuel material and/or to initiate combustion of a regular fuel material such as charcoal, firewood and pellet stove fuel.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to the field of rheologically modified fuels, including hydrocarbon, hydrophobic, and/or liquid fuels such as alkane-based odorless mineral spirits, paraffin oil and biofuels such as mono-alkyl esters of medium to long chain (C8-C18) fatty acids, that have been thickened or gelled, e.g., by precipitation of fatty acid monoglycerides such as glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl monopalmitate. A thickened fire lighting fuel composition is described in some embodiments which includes a hydrocarbon- or alkyl ester-based hydrophobic liquid fuel, and an effective amount of at least one saturated fatty acid monoglyceride. The monoglyceride may be thermo-precipitated in certain instances in the fuel composition causing a substantial increase in the viscosity of the fuel composition.

Abstract: A chemical looping combustion method using a dual metal compound oxide includes the following steps: a fuel material combusting with the dual metal compound oxide in a first reactor to obtain a metal product; supplying the metal product obtained in the first reactor into a second reactor, and the metal product reacting with the air in the second reactor to obtain the dual metal compound oxide; and, supplying the dual metal compound oxide obtained in the second reactor into the first reactor. The dual metal compound oxide used in the chemical looping combustion process has high oxidation rate as well as high reduction rate so as to increase the efficiency of the chemical looping combustion process.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a solid fuel suitable for thermal power generation by making use of the residue left after beneficial seeds, grains or bulbs are collected. [Solution] A solid fuel which comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of dried Arundo donax, Leucaena leucocephala, Saccharum officinarum, Manihot esculenta, straw, seaweed, seagrass or algae and which is hot compression molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid-fuel heating apparatus that includes a combustion chamber (1) and a first flue-gas discharge duct (6), characterized in that the heating apparatus includes: a dual wall (2A) defining a second flue-gas discharge duct (2) located outside the combustion chamber and on the flue gas path between the combustion chamber (1) and said first duct (6), and provided in a vertical section thereof with a plurality of controlled communication valves (11, 12, 13, 14, etc.) arranged at respectively different heights (h1, h2, h3, h4, etc.), the second flue-gas discharge duct (2) being adapted via an opening (2B) in the lower portion of the dual wall (2A) so as to extend the flow path of the flue gas by an amount depending on the selection of the open inlet valve in the second duct (2) while the others are closed; adjusting means adapted for selecting, for each of the valves (11, 12, 13, 14, etc.

Abstract: Gaseous particles or gas-entrained particles may be conveyed by electric fields acting on charged species included in the gaseous or gas-entrained particles.

Abstract: A process of combusting a gaseous volatile organic compound over a modified alumina catalyst at a temperature below 5° C. while exothermically producing CO2 and H2O at a temperature from about 5° C. to about 1100° C.

Abstract: A combustion system may include a plurality of heated volume portions. At least two of the plurality of heated volume portions may include corresponding respective electrodes. The electrodes may be driven to produce respective electric fields in their respective volumes. The electric fields may be configured to drive desired respective responses.

Abstract: A process of and system for sequestering carbon (CO2) produced in coal and gas burning hydrogen production plants, resulting in the production of hydrogen at current market prices or less without carbon emission.

Abstract: A match having the striker member directly over and integrated with the ignition member of the match, so that when the two members are separated, the match ignites. It is preferred that the striker member is pinched in order to increase friction between the members. Further, the striker member can be integrated with a waterproof coating, glow in the dark, or scented.

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: A combustion system, and method. A combustor oxy-fired at high pressure delivers flue gas at pressure to a condensing means, such as a condensing heat exchanger, to produce a high temperature condensate for delivering thermal energy to an industrial process system, particularly for power generation, including a Brayton cycle, a Rankine cycle, or a binary fluid cycle system such as a Kalina cycle, and in particular as a bottoming cycle for an organic Rankine cycle. The combustor can concurrently provide direct heat to a secondary system, including a Brayton cycle system, a Rankine cycle system, and a binary fluid cycle system such as a Kalina cycle, without requiring significant modifications to the secondary system. The system and method provide for efficient and advantageous use of the higher temperature condensate produced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for protecting a catalyst within a combustor. In one embodiment, a catalytic reactor includes a protective coating that may be chemically removed or mechanically removed while the catalytic reactor is disposed in a combustor.

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: Provided are methods for sequestering carbon dioxide from a synthesis gas to provide a gaseous and an aqueous product. A recovery method and system for combusting the gaseous product and utilizing the aqueous product is provided. Methods and systems are described for utilizing the aqueous product in an electrochemical or a precipitation reaction. Compositions of sequestered carbon dioxide are provided.

Abstract: Utilization of mine methane produced by mining a non-combustible ore, such as trona, as an energy source for heat, steam, and/or power generation. Such utilization is beneficial for a surface appliance which is close to surface outlet(s) of mine methane recovery system(s). A method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated during mining of a non-combustible ore uses the combustion of co-produced mine methane. The mine methane is recovered in a mine ventilation air exhaust with very low methane content and may be additionally recovered in a drainage gas, such as gob gas, with much higher methane content. The surface appliance may be selected from the group consisting of calciner, dryer, boiler, kiln, furnace, engine, turbine, power generation unit, co-generation unit, and any combinations thereof. Benefits may include reduction in energy purchases, reduction in greenhouse emissions, and/or gain through sale of carbon credits to the carbon market by registering carbon reductions.

Abstract: A burner assembly for combusting fuel in a combustion zone to reduce NOx emissions includes a water spray subassembly including a water outlet configured to direct water at an angle with respect to an axis of the burner assembly, the water outlet further configured to direct the water in a direction for mixing with the air upstream of the combustion zone. A method is also provided for combusting fuel in a combustion zone to reduce NOx emissions.

Abstract: Provided is an injector having a plurality of micro-mixing nozzles having axes thereof pointing radially inwardly or outwardly with respect to a main axis of the injector and a plurality of micro-mixing nozzles having axes thereof extending axially with respect to the main axis of the injector. The arrangement of micro-mixing nozzles provides a means for fast and efficient mixing of fuels, such as highly reactive fuels including hydrogen. The arrangement of micro-mixing nozzles also achieves low NOx emissions.

Abstract: A cooking appliance equipped with at least one regulating valve having a rotary regulator organ. The rotary regulator organ has an actuating shaft a plurality of peripheral openings adapted for regulating a flow of gas through the regulating valve. In a first angular position the rotary regulator organ is adapted to supply a constant flow Qmin of a first type of fuel through a first peripheral opening. In a second angular position, successive to the first angular position, the rotary regulator organ is adapted to supply a constant flow Qmin of a second type of fuel through a second peripheral opening. In one implementation a feature that rotates with the actuating shaft is adapted to engage a feature on the cooking appliance to limit the rotation of the rotary regulator organ to the first angular position.

Abstract: An ignition system with means for quick ignition is provided. The ignition system includes a hollow body having a first opening and a second opening; an ignition element for inducing combustion of a solid combustible material at the second opening; a current source electrically coupled to the ignition element; and a blower at the first opening, wherein the blower is configured to induce air flow from the first opening to the second opening.

Abstract: A backlight for an appliance knob provides a light pipe that may receive light from a light source fixed behind a console at a variety of different extensions permitting ready adjustment of the light pipe to fit closely behind the appliance knob with different console thicknesses and tolerances.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a combustion system. The combustion system may include a combustion chamber for combusting a flow of fuel and a flow of air to a flow of flue gases, an overfire air system in communication with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas return line in communication with the overfire air system such that a recycled flue gas flow mixes with an overtire air flow before entry into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogenic air separation process that provides high pressure oxygen for an oxy-fired combustion of a fuel (e.g., a carbonaceous fuel). The air separation process can be directly integrated into a closed cycle power production process utilizing a working fluid, such as CO2. Beneficially, the air separation process can eliminate the need for inter-cooling between air compression stages and rather provide for recycling the adiabatic heat of compression into a process step in a further methods wherein an additional heat supply is beneficial.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a radiating burner designed to be supplied during operation by means of a flow (F) comprising a mixture of air and combustible gas. The burner includes a body defining a combustion chamber and provided with an inlet for the mixture; a porous wicking agent closes off the chamber in a non-sealing manner and is arranged downstream of the inlet in the direction of flow (F) of the mixture; and a distribution grid is arranged between the mixture inlet and the wicking agent. The method includes creating an electric field in the combustion chamber by applying an electric potential difference of at least 5 kV between the wicking agent and the distribution grid.

Abstract: A description follows of an aqueous dispersion of heavy oil residues, suitable for undergoing combustion with a low emission of SOx, comprising: (a) a heavy oil residue; (b) a dispersing agent; (c) a desulfurizing agent selected from CaCO3, MgCO3, dolomite and relative mixtures; (d) a desulfurizing agent with stabilizing and anti-corrosive properties selected from MgO, Mg(OH)2, CaO, Ca(OH)2 and relative mixtures; (e) water; the weight percentage of (e) with respect of the sum of (a)+(e) being at least 15%.

Abstract: A propane fueled combustor for providing a controlled heat flux environment of twenty to two hundred kilowatts per square meter. The combustor has the capability of generating a repeatable and quantifiable environment in which to evaluate a response of an energetic material to a fast cook off hazard, such as a liquid fuel fire.

Abstract: The present application provides a pulsed detonation cleaning system for cleaning an enclosed structure. The pulsed detonation cleaning system may include a pulsed detonation combustor cleaner and an external fuel-air flow. The pulsed detonation combustor cleaner delivers the external fuel-air flow into the enclosed structure and ignites the external fuel-air flow to clean the enclosed structure.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of manufacturing calcium phosphate particles. In particular, the method is directed at eliminating the requirement for a sintering step in the manufacturing process. The method involves the atomization and combustion of one or more antecedent compositions containing calcium precursors, phosphorus precursors and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the recovery of dissolved organics, such as hemicelluloses, lignin, and acetic acid, from a lignocellulosic feedstock or process liquor, where the dissolved organics are recovered via an adsorbent. The adsorbent may include activated carbon, modified activated carbon, precipitated calcium carbonate, and lime and/or lime mud. The dissolved organics may be adsorbed from a pre-hydrolysis liquor of a pulping process such as the Kraft-based dissolving pulp production process. Other methods include a combined (or integrated) process of adsorption, ion exchange resin treatment, and membrane filtration for the treatment of a lignocellulosic liquor, such as a pre-hydrolysis liquor of kraft-based dissolving pulp production process, such that dissolved organics such as lignin, acetic acid, and hemicellulose-derived sugars may be extracted and optionally concentrated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable fire pit to be used in conjunction with particularly sized fuel blocks, whereby these fuel blocks are manually positioned in a square-shaped configuration around ventilation holds provided through the base of the fire pit. Alignment flanges on the base provide a positioning and alignment brace structure for the fuel blocks, which are fitted into an abutting relationship with the alignment flanges and one another on the base. The ventilation holes are formed to align with an inner chimney formed by the positioning of the fuel blocks. This chimney is formed over the ventilation holes to allow the fire to burn from the chimney outwardly through the blocks and thereby provide an efficient burning of the fuel.

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 Cl 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 system includes a first source containing a liquid fuel, a second source containing a gaseous fuel, and a combustion burner connected to the first and second sources and selectively in fluid communication with the liquid fuel and the gaseous fuel to receive the fuels. The burner is capable of switching between combustion of the liquid fuel and combustion of the gaseous fuel without modification to the burner or the system.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing emissions from a boiler. A boiler generally has a combustion area. The system further includes a fuel pipe for delivering fuel. The system further includes a conduit. A bore extends through the conduit. The bore of the conduit is in fluid communication with the fuel pipe and the combustion area of the boiler. A pre-ignition source is positioned in the conduit. The pre-ignition source operates to pre-ignite at least a portion of the fuel flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: Described in this application for patent is an improved fire support apparatus for holding wood in a preferred shape as the wood is burned in a campfire or other setting. The apparatus includes spaces in which both tinder and kindling may be stored, the spaces being defined by the structure of the fire support apparatus. Further described in this application is a method of making a fire with the use of the above described fire support apparatus.

Abstract: A method for preventing coagulation in an exhaust pipe of a boiler is provided. The method includes proportionally controlling combustion based on a quantity of supplied fuel with respect to an amount of air supplied to a burner, determining whether to enhance a heating power of a burner, based on a temperature of ambient air introduced into a blower, the temperature of the ambient air being sensed by an air temperature sensor, and enhancing the heating power of the burner to increase a temperature of exhaust gas, when it is determined that the sensed temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A process and an installation for increasing the burning energy of a natural fuel gas upon burning the same for domestic or industrial purposes. The process includes the step of supplying the natural gas into a treatment chamber confined by a cylindrical-shaped wall made up of a diamagnetic material, in front of which electromagnetic units are placed in a spiral shape to create a rotating magnetic field which acts on the gas with only one polarity. The installation has a reactor equipped with electromagnetic units and with a heat circuit, with an oil tank, where a number of electric resistors are placed in order to heat the oil, a pump, an oil cooler and a circuit for the transport of oil from the tank to the electromagnetic units of the reactor, an electric panel, and conduits for the transport of the natural gas.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conversion of a carbon containing fuel to CO2 and H2O. An air stream is fed to a first ion transport membrane unit obtaining a pure oxygen stream from a permeate side and an air stream with a reduced oxygen content from a retentate side. The air stream with a reduced oxygen content is fed to a second ion transport membrane unit and a gaseous first carbon containing fuel is fed to a permeate side of the second ion transport membrane. The first carbon containing fuel is reacted with oxygen transported through the second ion transport membrane forming an at least partially combusted first fuel. The at least partially combusted first fuel, at least a part of the pure oxygen stream and optionally a second carbon containing fuel is fed to a combustion chamber for combustion. An exhaust stream comprising essentially CO2 and H2O is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for combustion steam generation is provided, which includes a combustion chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end; a manifold at the inlet end configured to introduce a fuel and an oxidizer into the combustion chamber; an outer casing defining a coolant chamber between the outer casing and the combustion chamber; and a plurality of converging coolant inlets for conducting coolant from the coolant chamber into the combustion chamber at or near the outlet end of the combustion chamber. The converging coolant inlets are radially disposed around the combustion chamber and preferably configured to produce a converging-diverging nozzle from the coolant conducted into the combustion chamber. The device may be used in systems and methods for enhanced recovery of subterranean hydrocarbons, by deployment into and operation in a wellbore, where the produced steam and combustion gases are injected into a hydrocarbon formation to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A method for reducing pollutant emissions uses a two-stage primary combustion process for a solid-containing fuel including a primary furnace having a combustion chamber, a solid fuel burnout zone and a primary flue-gas post combustion chamber, and a separate secondary combustion train. The fuel is burned in the primary combustion chamber while supplying primary gas in a substoichiometric amount so as to form high heating-value gas and low-carbon solid residue. A partial stream of this gas is diverted and the remainder is passed to the post-combustion chamber. The diverted stream is passed to the secondary combustion train, which includes a conditioner, a secondary combustion chamber and an energy recovery device. Energy-spent exhaust gas from the train is recirculated to the furnace upstream of the post-combustion chamber in which it is burned with the remainder of the high heating value gas and an oxygen-containing gas supplied in superstoichiometric amounts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing combustion system operation are provided. According to one embodiment, a method can include receiving multiple CO measurements from respective CO sensors distributed within a combustion system; receiving multiple O2 measurements from respective O2 sensors distributed within the combustion system; and determining at least one operating condition of the combustion system based at least in part on CO indicated by the CO measurements relative to O2 indicated by the O2 measurements.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of making compositions, materials including compositions, crayons including compositions, paint including compositions, ink including compositions, waxes including compositions, polymers including compositions, vesicles including the compositions, methods of making each, and the like are disclosed.

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: The invention relates to a method for starting a burner for combusting synthesis gases, wherein said burner comprises first and second fuel passages, the first fuel passage encompasses the second fuel passage in a substantially concentric manner and the gas transferred to the burner is mixed with combusting air and is combusted. According to said invention, in order to start the burner, the second fuel passage is first loaded with a synthesis gas to a predefined burner power at a first starting phase and the first fuel passage is loaded with the synthesis gas at a second starting phase.