Abstract: A burner for burning a combustible gas comprising fuel gas and air that has been mixed before being supplied to the burner. The burner has a flame holder concavely recessed into a flame outlet. The concave configuration of the flame holder focuses the individual flames on the combustion surface toward a central location where the individual flames interact with and reinforce one another in a direction axial to the burner. Thus very little heat is transmitted directly from the burner in a direction normal to the burner axis. This characteristic of the burner allows it to be used to fire a flue type heat exchangers where the walls of the heat exchanger are very close to the burner without excessive temperatures being produced in the heat exchanger walls adjacent the burner.

Abstract: A process is provided for controlling volatile organic compound emissions from rotating and reciprocating mechanical equipment. The process comprises a vapor flow, a combustion, and a flow control for preventing combustion of the volatile organic compound within the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combustion device for feeding hydrogen gas and oxygen gas into a combustion vessel, while heating the same, to generate water vapor. The combustion device comprises a hydrogen gas injection nozzle for feeding hydrogen gas into the combustion vessel, and an oxygen gas injection nozzles for feeding oxygen gas into the combustion vessel. The oxygen nozzles are projected further upward in the combustion vessel beyond the forward end of the hydrogen gas injection nozzle, and opened at a plurality of positions, whereby to diffuse oxygen widely around. The combustion device of this structure can feed a large amount of hydrogen gas for the combustion, whereby a large amount of water vapor can be generated without enlarging the combustion vessel, and troubles, such as the devitrification of the forward ends of the nozzles, abnormal heating in the combustion vessel.

Abstract: A combustion system wherein a defined uniform nonstoichiometric mixture of fuel and oxygen is made in a compartment outside a furnace zone and burned inside the furnace zone in a luminous flame while additional make up oxygen is provided into the furnace zone under conditions which avoid diminution of flame luminosity and high NO.sub.x generation.

Abstract: An apparatus for extinguishing a deflagration or detonation flame travelling along a pipe includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet and couplings for connecting the inlet and outlet to the pipe. A flame extinguishing device is secured in the housing and has a plurality of serially arranged elements, each element having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. A turbulence device is positioned between adjacent elements and has surfaces for inducing turbulence in the flame flow through the element. The housing seals the elements in a manner to direct flame flow solely through the elements and the turbulence inducing devices.

Abstract: In a torch which uses oxygen and a fuel gas, a first flashback assembly and a second flashback assembly are formed as an integral part of the torch handle. Each flashback assembly includes three primary components as follows: a porous metal flashback arrestor, a retainer and a check valve subassembly. In the preferred embodiment, the porous metal flashback arrestor is mounted on one end of the retainer and the check valve subassembly is held in the other end. In an alternative embodiment, the check valve subassembly is positioned on the interior of the porous metal flashback arrestor. Each flashback assembly can be easily removed and replaced during periodic reconditioning of the torch. The flashback assemblies utilize a parts-in-place principle which precludes operation of the torch unless both flashback assemblies are installed in the torch handle. The porous metal flashback arrestor is designed to reduce the possibility of migration of a flashback upstream from the torch.

Abstract: A detonation flame arrester device including a left and right housing assembly containing two flapper plates positioned one in either side of the housing assembly and separated by a channeled barrier in the form of a stacked plate flame arrester designed to allow vapor passage under normal non-activated conditions. The flapper plates are positioned at an angle to be forced shut in advance of a detonation or deflagration wave coming from either direction and propagating through a piping system. The flapper plate is activated by the action of the pressure front on the flapper plate, and each plate is of a size and shape to cover the entire cross sectional area of the housing assembly. The flapper plates can optionally be slammed shut by torsion springs activated through alternate activation devices.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling volatile organic compound emissions from rotating and reciprocating mechanical equipment. The system comprises a vapor flow, a combustor, and a device for preventing combustion of the volatile organic compound within the system.

Abstract: A detonation arrestor for a line carrying a combustible gas includes a cell housing having a portion that is directed to quenching a detonation front and a portion that is directed primarily to heat absorption so that the heat of a continuous or prolonged burn can be withstood. The quenching portion may be a porous quenching medium. The heat absorption section contains a large mass of metal with porous channels through or between them. An example is a plurality of closely spaced stacked plates, which may be helically wound or plane parallel plates. Crimped ribbon or other spacers may separate them. As an alternative to the quenching medium, the plates may extend long enough to allow flame fronts to be quenched between them. The detonation arrestor is symmetrical and may be placed in the flare line in either direction. If particulate quenching medium is used, a deflector ring encircles the interior of the cell housing and prevents flame fronts from flashing along the edge of the cell housing.

Abstract: A detonation arrestor for a line carrying a combustible gas includes a cell housing having a particulate quenching medium composed of alumina ceramic beads. The media is held in place by a plurality of stacked plates. The detonation arrestor is symmetrical and may be placed in the flare line in either direction. A deflector ring encircles the interior of the cell housing and prevents flame fronts from flashing along the edge of the cell housing.

Abstract: A gas boiler having a boiler unit constructed by interconnected boiler sections each having an internal waterway bounded by one or more heat transfer surfaces. Baffles on the boiler sections define serpentine flue passages, and the baffles include bypass openings formed by notches and/or slits to suppress standing waves and associated noise. A burner includes a conical burner element having burner ports arranged in clusters to enhance the flame distribution and stability. A distributor cone nested within the burner element provides a pressure drop for noise suppression. The blower shaft is equipped with a magnetic plastic washer which effects a seal against air infiltration while allowing the blower shaft to shift from side to side.

Abstract: A flame arrester comprises a continuous flame arresting member in the form of a helix having offset interstices between adjacent turns of the helix. The flame arrester further comprises a mechanism for housing the flame arresting member. Upon installation of the flame arrester on a carburetor, air intake system, or any source of flammable gases, any backfire or flame passing through the flame arrester will be extinguished.

Abstract: An inshot gas burner nozzle having a flame retention insert that enhances flame stability and reduces noise, the insert comprising a central opening, secondary openings of smaller diameter arranged circularly around the central insert, and a plurality of restricted peripheral openings in the form of stepped notches. The nozzle further comprises plenum chambers which have restricted outlets thereby creating back pressure within the plenums to improve cross-ignition of adjacent nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlled low NO.sub.x combustion. First and second combustion zones are provided, each filled with a porous high temperature resistant matrix, the void spaces of which provide sites at which substantially all of the combustion occurs. The second zone is downstream of the first zone. Means are provided for mixing fuel and a gaseous source of oxygen and providing the resultant combustible mixture to the input end of the first combustion zone to establish fuel-lean conditions therein; and means for feeding the combustion products from the first zone to the second zone and augmenting same with further oxygen and sufficient additional fuel to create fuel-rich burning conditions therein to complete the oxidation of the products from the first zone.

Abstract: A detonation arrestor for a flare line includes a cell housing having a particulate quenching medium composed of stainless steel balls. The stainless steel balls are held in place by wire mesh and steel bars. A flame front diffusor is located on either side of the cell housing so that the detonation arrestor is symmetrical may be placed in the flare line in either direction. The flame front diffusor may be a plate or a smaller cell. A deflector ring encircles the interior of the cell housing and prevents flame fronts from flashing along the edge of the cell housing.

Abstract: Burner apparatus for use in controlled low NO.sub.x combustion. Mixing and flow-directing means receive and mix fuel and air provided thereto and form a flow of the resulting combustible mixture. A combustion zone defined by a porous high temperature-resistant matrix includes an input end for receiving the combustible flow. Cooling means are mounted in proximity to the input end of the combustion zone, for maintaining the temperature of the flowing combustible mixture proximate the input end below ignition temperature, thereby limiting the flame produced by combustion in the porous matrix to the downstream side of the cooling means. The method for controlled low NO.sub.x combustion is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A sheet metal atmospheric gas burner capable of a 5:1 turndown ratio is disclosed. The burner is intended for application in instantaneous water heaters and other gas burning appliances having high input modulation requirements. It has a hollow cylindrical burner head fabricated of sheet metal, a single mixer tube, and slotted ports arranged on the vertically-oriented cylinder sidewall. The unique features of the burner are the tabbed slotted port design, the use of fins adjacent to port rows to eliminate flame blowoff and assure quiet burner operation, and the arrangement of ports on the burner head to simultaneously provide good secondary aeration at all inputs and flame carry to all ports at all inputs. The advantages of the burner are its simplicity, low cost, and ease of manufacture, relative to its demanding performance requirements.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for shutting off a gas or air/gas mixture supply port of a radiant burner so as to cause it to stop automatically in the event of ignition at the rear, this device being of the type comprising a deformable temperature-detecting part, the deformation of which brings about the movement of a shut-off part intended for shutting off the port in the event that a specific temperature is detected, wherein the detection part is arranged in the distribution chamber of the radiant burner.

Abstract: An improved inshot gas burner for use in gas furnaces, clothes dryers and other like gas appliances providing improved combustion flame characteristics. A novel burner body design is tuned at manufacture solely by the insertion therein of a flame retention device which has been configured, sized and shaped for the aerodynamic features thereof which will produce proper flame retention and burner fuel loading for the air flow characteristics of the particular appliance model in which the burner will be used. The gas burner is provided with an outwardly flared outlet port downstream of the flame retention device continuous with an outwardly flared diametrically opposed flame carry-over ports. These flared port constructions have produced superior flame characteristics, particularly when used in high-efficiency, forced draft furnaces.

Abstract: High turn down ratio burner, comprising a burner housing (1) having a connection (2) for a combustible gas/air mixture and a substantially tubular mixture passage (3) leading to a constricted burner throat or mouth (4), via which passage the burner is connectable to a combustion chamber (7) which is part of a heat exchanger (6) or forms a flue passage leading to such heat exchanger, further comprising a flame arrester (8), which is a flashback preventer, in the form of a porous, gas/air mixture-permeable hollow body covering the entire flow-through area towards the burner throat (4) and arranged with its concave side towards the burner throat (4), at a short distance upstream thereof, a number of constricted auxiliary gas passages (9) being arranged around the burner throat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to atomic absorption and plasma spectometer of the type that senses a special characteristic of a flame of absorption or emission technology. The present invention more specifically pertains to a system to optimize the spectromoltial analysis of a given sample by modifying the physical characteristic of a sample spray routed to the burner or plasma torch.

Abstract: A low pressure detonation arrestor arrangement for pipes or pipelines. The arrangement comprises an absorbent section interposed between two flame arrestors. The absorbent section may comprise an acoustically absorbent material or a wire mesh screen. The detonation arrestor arrangement is capable of arresting detonations propagating in either direction.

Abstract: A flame arresting method, conduit section and apparatus for the safe disposal of combustible waste gases from a source such as a reactor. The invention involves providing a waste gas conduit section with a flame-detecting chamber and one or more upstream snuffing chambers divided by flame arresting grid members, and automatically introducing snuffing gases to the snuffing chamber(s) whenever a flame is detected in the flame-detecting chamber. The outlet from the waste gas conduit section opens to a combustion chamber, for incineration purposes, or to a scrubber.

Abstract: The gas burner comprises a mixer, a conical transition member adjacent thereto on which a cylindrical burner shell with openings and whose top is closed by a burner lid is mounted. Clamped between the burner lid and the transition member is a throttling cylinder which is filled by the super-stoichiometric gas mixture at super-atmospheric pressure. In order to avoid burner pulsations the cylinder has throttling openings whose total area is 2 to 10% of the total area of the openings. The throttling openings are in a plurality of circular rows above one another in such a manner that they are on a respective vertical line. Vertical, imperforate sections of the burner shell are opposed to the lines so that the mixture jets from the throttling openings do not impinge directly on the openings. The cylinder is provided at a coaxial spacing of 5 mm from the burner shell.

Abstract: A portable torch including: a gas tank containing therein a combustible gas and another gas tank containing therein a combustion supporting gas; a plurality of pressure regulating mechanisms, in which the primary pressure sides are connected to said gas tanks through plug opening mechanisms, respectively; and a torch portion is connected to the secondary pressure sides of the pressure regulating mechanisms through flexible gas feeding tubes, respectively, provided at the forward end thereof with a jet and having no gas flow rate regulating function. The pressure regulating mechanisms regulate the secondary pressure and gas flow rate from the jet through the secondary pressure. Check valves for blocking the flow of gas from the torch portion to the pressure regulating mechanisms is interposed between the respective pressure regulating mechanisms and the torch portion, to thereby prevent backfire of the flame of the jet.

Abstract: A flame arrester for a pipe line is provided comprising a detonation attenuator mounted within the arrester chamber between the quenching element and the backflash flame inlet. The attenuator is generally cup-shaped, aligned with the inlet, of greater diameter than the inlet but of lesser diameter than the arrester chamber, and is positioned close to the inlet so as to circumscribe it. The major portion of the high pressure central portion of a detonation wave generated by a backflash is received by the cup and reflected back into the pipe. Some of the detonation wave passes around the cup and impinges on the arrester element--however it has been delayed sufficiently to ensure complete quenching of the flame front in the element.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting and burning methane gas from a landfill refuse site comprises a first venturi to which is fed compressed air. The venturi is connected to a well in the site and acts to draw methane from the well. The methane/air mixture is fed to a second venturi for enrichment with air. The enriched mixture is fed to a burner for combustion.Preferably the compressed air is supplied by a diesel driven compressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two stage venturi for a catalytic burner wherein a large exit aperture size and a small air entrainment opening are used to provide a low velocity, rich fuel/air mixture for the pre-heating process followed by a small exit aperture size and a large air entrainment opening to provide a high velocity, lean fuel/air mixture for the catalytic combustion process. Concentric rotating sleeves are used to vary the size of the exit apertures and the air entrainment openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flaring a gas stream such as the gas mixtures formed in landfills while retarding the backward propagation of flame thereto are provided. The method comprises conducting the gas stream to a burner structure having a plurality of flow passages therein configured such that the gas stream can flow through the passages, but the backward propagation of flame therethrough is retarded; flowing the gas stream through the flow passages of the burner whereby the gas stream is jetted therefrom and initially mixed with air; igniting the gas stream; and mixing the ignited gas stream with additional air by confining the jetted and ignited gas mixture within a stack configured to allow the admission of air around the burner structure and to discharge products of combustion into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A gas burner of cold nozzle type is provided including an injection device for injecting a flow of a fuel gas mixture into a burner head, including successively: a pressure recovery chamber having a divergent profile, an ignition chamber having two parallel walls extended by two deflectors whose front edges form therebetween a passage of reduced width, and a diffusion grid forming a convex wall between said chambers. The front edges of the deflectors and said diffusion grid have substantially coaxial circular shapes.

Abstract: An improved gas burner construction comprising a gas supply conduit having an outlet. A venturi is located downstream of the outlet and includes a converging section, a throat section, and a diverging section. The converging section of the venturi is spaced outwardly of the gas outlet to provide an annular passage through which air is drawn into the venturi. A helical baffle is disposed within the diverging section of the venturi and is spaced downstream of the throat section. The upstream end of the baffle is secured to the diverging section and the remaining portion of the baffle extending downstream from the upstream end has a substantially uniform diameter and is spaced inwardly from the diverging section of the venturi. A target is mounted on the downstream end of the diverging section of the venturi and includes a central disc-like portion, which spreads the combustible gas-air mixture and provides a short flame pattern.

Abstract: A burner unit comprising three simple subassemblies which may be readily assembled to form the completed burner unit. The subassemblies include a front housing assembly including a front disk and a front tube; a back housing assembly including a back disk and a back tube; and a burner subassembly including a burner nozzle and a control assembly offset with respect to the central axis of the burner nozzle.

Abstract: A gas mixer and distributor for a reactor has first and second inlet chambers with the second inlet chamber being interposed between the first inlet chamber and an entrance to a reaction chamber. Walls form tubular or slit-like passageways extending from the first chamber to the entrance of the reaction chamber through the second chamber. Upper portions of the passageways have uniform cross-sections selected to produce gas velocities above the flashback velocity, as well as producing turbulence to completely mix gas passing from the second chamber through orifices in the walls of the passageways. Lower sections of the passageways gradually increase in cross-section to reduce velocity and minimize vortexing and recirculation at the entrance to the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A combustion device which includes a forward section in which a baffle has been inserted for stalling the air and fuel mixture as it passes through the torch tip, generating a linear flame. The baffle is designed to include a substantially circular inner portion of wire screen, sintered powdered metal, or ceramic material, surrounded by a solid annular or substantially annular ring. A plurality of ribs extend between the annular ring and the inside of the tube for connecting the annular ring to the tube and for defining a number of outer passages through which air/fuel mixture may pass.

Abstract: A gas cutting torch for the fusion-cutting such iron materials as steel frames or iron plates by dint of flames, is equipped with a pilot fire port in the vicinity of a main cutting tip. A fire is set to this pilot fire port by means of an ignition unit. A fire is set to the main cutting tip by the pilot flame which has been formed on the pilot fire port. So that the pilot fire port functions as an automatic ignition service against the main cutting tip.

Abstract: A manual gas cutting torch to be used for fusion-cutting iron materials such as steel frames or iron plates includes a flame port at its cutting tip, a plurality of ports connected with gas and oxygen cylinders at its rear edge, and a handle section for holding the torch with one hand at its middle. A freely detachable back-fire preventive device is incorporated into a gas channel or oxygen channel or to both channels which shift(s) to the cutting tip side from this handle section. The back-fire preventive device serves to stop any flash-back from the cutting tip just before the handle section for preventing the flame from passing through the handle section and escaping back to the cylinder.

Abstract: A torch device with a torch body having separate ducts for oxygen and combustion gas supply is disclosed, wherein regulating and shut-off valves are provided in the torch body in substantially opposite relationship. A common actuating device for the shut-off valves is adapted for completely closing the shut-off valve for the combustion gas before starting the closing of the shut-off valve for oxygen. All gas ducts inside the torch body are formed by bores extending parallely to each other, while connecting passages are formed by bores extending orthogonally thereto.

Abstract: A pulsed combustor comprising at least one aerodynamic diode, a diffuser, fuel injectors, combustion chamber/duct, igniters, and muffler providing plug type flow with successive ignition and wave generation at the hot gas interface of the previous pulse. The downstream wave of each pulse propagates through the muffler whereas the upstream wave of each such pulse is at least partially reflected downstream with the diode(s) and diffuser minimizing reverse flow and maximizing pressure gain in the cumbustor.

Abstract: A mixing block (40) for mixing a combustible gas mixture, consisting of at least two components, for processing materials by means of temperature and pressure concussions, particularly for thermal deburring apparatuses, is suggested, having a gas feed borehole (43 and 44) for each gas component, opening into a mixing and ignition duct (61, 68, 69, 73, 74, 75), wherein a main valve (48, 49, 50, 51 and 52, 53) for admitting the gas components into the mixing and ignition duct (61, 68, 69, 73, 74, 75) and for closing the gas feed boreholes (43 and 44) so as to be gas-tight during the combustion process is arranged in each gas feed borehole (43 and 44).

Abstract: A combustion device which includes a forward section in which a baffle has been inserted for stalling the air and fuel mixture as it passes through the torch tip, generating a linear flame. The baffle is designed to include a substantially circular inner portion of wire screen, sintered powdered metal, or ceramic material, surrounded by a solid annular or substantially annular ring. A plurality of ribs extend between the annular ring and the inside of the tube for connecting the annular ring to the tube and for defining a number of outer passages through which air/fuel mixture may pass.

Abstract: A heater treater apparatus includes a vessel, a burner for heating a material contained in the vessel, an air intake passage for directing air to the burner, a flame arrester operatively associated with the air intake passage for preventing flames from the burner from extending past the flame arrester, and an air damper for controlling a flow rate of intake air drawn through the flame arrester. The air damper includes a fixed circular first plate having a first plurality of circumferentially spaced plate openings therethrough, and a similarly constructed rotatable circular second plate. The second plate may be rotated relative to the first plate from an open first position to a second position wherein the plate openings of the first plate are at least partially blocked by the second plate.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly supported in an opening in a furnace wall has injected gas and/or air flowing through an inner burner tube then outwardly through a plurality of openings for burning along the surface of a wall thus providing a near uniform radiant heat energy to the furnace. A flow divider positioned opposite the openings divides the flowing gas and/or air to improve distribution, and retard flashback in the event of variations in fuel-air mixture and/or flow.

Abstract: A refractory flame-gunning apparatus has a feeder, a controller and a flame-gunning burner. The feeder has a refractory-powder feeding section, an inflammable-gas feeding section and a combustion-assisting-gas feeding section. The controller controls the supply of refractory powder, inflammable and combustion-assisting gases. The flame-gunning burner has a plurality of refractory powder and flame ejecting nozzles disposed at its tip. The flame-gunning burner has a gas mixer and a combustion-assisting-gas cutoff valve. The gas mixer has an inflammable-gas passage leading to the inflammable-gas feeding section, a combustion-assisting-gas passage leading to the combustion-assisting-gas feeding section, a gas mixing chamber communicating with the inflammable and combustion-assisting gas passages, and a mixed-gas passage the upstream side of which communicates with the gas mixing chamber and the downstream side of which communicates with the flame ejecting nozzles.

Abstract: A torch tip for use with a die casting torch in which the tip functions to blow out the flame when the ratio of air pressure to gas pressure being supplied to the tip exceeds a predetermined safe value. The torch tip comprises a unitary die casting and includes a generally cylindrical main body portion, a partition extending transversely between the ends of the main body portion, a reduced diameter mouth at the discharge end of the main body portion having a diameter that is less than the internal diameter of the main body portion at the partition, and a plurality of holes in the partition including at least some holes spaced radially outwardly of the circumferential boundary of the reduced diameter mouth.

Abstract: A burner having feed ducts for homogeneous or heterogeneous reactants and a burner cooling chamber placed peripherally in the area of a burner head, the burner including, coolant feed and discharge ducts in communication with the burner cooling chamber, a burner lance positionable in a recess in the burner cooling chamber, and a lance for accommodating the feed of the reactants as far as the burner orifice wherein the burner cooling chamber extends over the burner orifice in a downstream direction, starting from a downstream side of the burner orifice, and tapers conically to a smaller cross section so as to form a truncated conical burner prechamber, open on a downstream side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas cutting torch characterized in that a buffer is included within the preheating oxygen-supplying passage which is arranged in the inside of the injector head capable of supplying the preheated oxygen.

Abstract: The interlock assures that the end of a drain trap entrance pipe is covered with liquid. The system includes a control circuit with a circuit element which changes impedance with temperature changes. The circuit element is arranged to be thermally coupled with the drain trap liquid when the discharge end of the drain trap entrance pipe is immersed in the liquid. The circuit applies a current to the circuit element to thereby apply energy thereto. The circuit element achieves a lower steady-state temperature when thermally coupled with the liquid. The control circuit is operable to detect the difference in resistance when the circuit element is at the lower temperature. The control circuit is connected to a valve device for controlling combustion gas for the spectrophotometer and is operable to enable the valve device to enable the spectrophotometer when the circuit element is at the lower temperature and to disable the spectrophotometer at a higher temperature.

Abstract: A gas burner for burning a high velocity gas to produce an external flame having a homogeneous front portion and using gas injecting means having a nozzle connected to a source of inflammable gas under pressure and an air passage adapted to create through a tube a flow of air and inflammable gas at high speed which is injected in an adaptation chamber connected to the tube and provided with an internal curved diffusion grill and two external deflectors, the diffusion grill being positioned so that the walls of the adaptation chamber are maintained at the temperature of the environment during combustion of the gas.

Abstract: Mounted on the entrance end of a firetube, the two screen elememts of an in-line flame arrestor are linearly spaced along a tubular core. A common aperture through the core wall is formed between the two screens. Combustion air directed through either, or both, screen elements enters the core through the aperture in the core wall to supply a fluid-fuel burner mounted within the core both primary and secondary portions of the combustion air. The effective size of the aperture is adjusted by a movable, internal sleeve within the core with linkage to the fuel supply system of the burner.

Abstract: A gas burner for burning a high velocity gas to produce an external flame having a homogeneous front portion and using gas injecting means having a nozzle connected to a source of inflammable gas under pressure and an air passage adapted to create through a tube a flow of air and inflammable gas at high speed which is injected in an adaptation chamber connected to the tube and provided with an internal curved diffusion grill and two external deflectors, the diffusion grill being positioned so that the walls of the adaptation chamber are maintained at the temperature of the environment during combustion of the gas.