Abstract: A measurement of the amount of infrared radiation coming from the flame associated with a flare stack is utilized to manipulate the flow of steam to the flare stack so as to reduce the emission of smoke from the flare stack when a combustible waste gas containing hydrocarbons is being burned in the flare stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for introducing a catalyst into a fuel mixture. The method includes placing water in a container; passing air through the water to ionize at least a portion of the air molecules wherein at least a major portion of the air ions have a negative charge; and introducing the ionized air into a fuel mixture. In this manner, the efficiency of the combustion of the fuel mixture is increased. The apparatus includes a container for holding water, a manifold mechanism for passing air through the water in the container in a number of streams of small bubbles and means for removing substantially all mist from the ionized air before the ionized air is removed from the container. Means are provided for removing the ionized air from the container after the air has passed through the water and for then introducing the ionized air into a fuel mixture.

Abstract: Flare stack burning of waste gases utilizes available low pressure steam by sequential steam injection as a function of the demand for smokeless combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the combustion of water-in-oil emulsion fuels are described. The apparatus is fitted to the top of a burner and the fuel is burned in the apparatus whereby the rapid and complete combustion of the fuel is achieved. The apparatus includes an inner vessel open at both ends, with one end being fitted to the burner and a baffle coaxially attached to the inner vessel at the other end thereof which has a frusto-conical configuration with a plurality of holes therethrough. An outer vessel is coaxially mounted on the inner vessel with both ends being secured to the corresponding ends of the inner vessel to form a preheating chamber between the inner and outer vessels. Pressurized air is introduced into the preheating chamber, around the baffle and through the holes into the interior of the inner vessel to compress the flame of the water-fuel emulsion forcing it to swirl and remain in the inner vessel.

Abstract: A method of minimizing the production of SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x in the burning of a fuel containing significant amounts of SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x precursors in which the fuel is treated to remove significant amounts of SO.sub.x precursors without the removal of significant amounts of NO.sub.x precursors and the fuel is thereafter burned in a two-stage, rich-lean burning step in which significant amounts of the NO.sub.x precursors are converted to N.sub.2. Treating the fuel to remove SO.sub.x precursors is preferrably carried out in the presence of an oxidizing agent, such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2, a reducing agent, such as hydrogen, and/or steam, and still more preferably, the oxidizing agent, the reducing agent and steam are generated by burning an auxiliary fuel and passing the effluent thereof to the step of treating the fuel to remove SO.sub.x precursors.

Abstract: A system for delivering a catalyst into a forced draft entry port of a chemical reaction chamber, such as a fossil-fuel combustion chamber, includes a container having an aqueous solution of the catalyst. A suction line extends from an air space above the solution to the entry port. An intake line at atmospheric pressure enters the container and has an end submerged below the surface of the aqueous solution, the submerged end having a float for maintaining the end at a predetermined distance below the surface and thereby establishing a predetermined back pressure. A layer of oil floats on top of the aqueous solution and may contain a second dissolved catalyst. The air from the intake line bubbles up through the aqueous solution and the oil layer absorbing minute quantities of the catalysts which are carried by the air into the reaction chamber. Rhenium and manganese catalysts improve the efficiency of fossil-fuel combustion such as that of the home oil burner and the automotive engine.

Abstract: A method of treating reaction products which result from the flame combustion of fuels containing contaminants such as sulfur, chlorine, and fluorine compounds, and ash. Additives are added to the combustion chamber by means of a gaseous and/or liquid carrier flow accompanied by the formation of a veil which surrounds the burner flame. Subsequently, the remaining reactive additives, the reactive ash constituents, and possibly supplementary additives are reacted externally of the combustion chamber with the still uncombined gaseous contaminants of the reaction products.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is provided for burning hydrocarbon-containing matter as a result of, for example, testing operations on a subterranean well wherein the hydrocarbon-containing matter is atomized and sprayed outwardly from a ring of nozzles whose axes define an outwardly flaring cone. Preferably, the atomization of the hydrocarbon-containing matter in the nozzles is accomplished by introducing pressurized air and combustible gases at a shear angle of approximately 60.degree.. Pressurized water is issued as a conical spray from an orifice located within the ring of orifices for the hydrocarbon-containing matter so as to direct a conical spray of atomized water within the cone of flame resulting from the combustion of the atomized hydrocarbon-containing matter, thereby insuring a maximum conversion of smoke producing elements in the flame to relatively smoke abating hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention solves the problem of production of inert gases by way of liquid fuel combustion and diffusion of combustion products with water in a device having small overall dimensions and ensuring to obtain and pump large quantities of gases with the oxygen content well below 2% of the volume as well as minimum content of unburnt fuel particles and, furthermore, devoid of dissociation products. The device consists of a turbo-compressor and tightly connected chambers for oxygen pre-reduction, fuel atomizers, combustion, mixing, after burning and diffusion cooling. The pre-reduction chamber preferably has four flame tubes with fuel injectors and sparking plugs and the chamber of the fuel atomizers in equipped with two circumferential rows of atomizers.

Abstract: A method for improving the flame combustion of carbonaceous fuels. The method enables the reduction of oxides of nitrogen generated by the flame combustion, and enables an improvement in boiler efficiency. An ionic sodium or potassium compound, or a combination of them, is supplied with the combustible mixture of fuel and air so as intimately and uniformly to be present where and when the flame exists. Preferably the compound is supplied in an aqueous solution, and can be intimately mixed with the fuel, or with the atomizing air or steam, or with the combustion air. The process is useful with both single-stage and staged (multiple-staged) combustion systems.

Abstract: Burner for use in a coal gasification process wherein a combustible mixture is formed comprising a combustion supporting gas such as oxygen, and a coal slurry. To avoid deposition of slag and ash particles along the hot, exposed face of the burner, a dynamic fluid blanket or barrier is directed transversely of the burner face. The fluid flow originates at the burner periphery and is addressed to sweep, or impinge against at least a part of the burner face adjacent to the central opening which defines the burner discharge port.

Abstract: A pressure atomizing liquid fuel burner having an improved turndown ratio is disclosed along with a method of increasing the turndown ratio in such burners. The burner includes means for adding an amount of gas to the liquid fuel prior to the injection of the fuel which causes the liquid fuel to foam such that a liquid-gas foamed mixture is injected. The relative amounts of the aeration gas and the liquid fuel are controlled such that the injection velocity is maintained relatively constant over a wide turndown ratio in the liquid fuel. The aeration gas to be added to the liquid fuel may be preheated prior to the addition of the gas to the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A method of continuously introducing additive, which is conveyed by gaseous and/or liquid carriers, into a turbulent reaction gas flow in the combustion chamber of a steam generator having dry ash withdrawal for selective removal, in a dry manner, of environmentally harmful gaseous noxious materials, such as sulfur, chlorine, and chlorine compounds, which are contained in a hot reaction gas flow which results after a complete or incomplete flame combustion of solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels. Depending upon the additive introduced, heat is stored and/or used for decomposition reactions. The additive, is first introduced at one or more input locations, due to locally different pressure conditions in the combustion chamber, into one or more recirculation flows which are within the system and are closed. The additive is subsequently withdrawn from these recirculation flows and is introduced into the reaction gas flow.

Abstract: A combustion air bubble chamber having an inner surface defining an hourglass-shaped column of water and bubble holes located at the bottom of the chamber outwardly of the waist so that bubbles rising from the holes contact the converging inner wall of the lower part of the chamber, are reduced in size, flow along such wall around the waist and outwardly along the diverging wall of the upper part of the chamber and are released from the upper wall to rise to the top of the water. These bubbles are effectively humidified as they rise from the bubble holes to the top of the water. Vapor drawn from the head space above the water is flowed to a burner combustion chamber for improving combustion efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously emulsifying an oil-water mixture supplied to a burner, having a first flow circuit when the burner is operative and a second flow circuit when the burner is inoperative.

Abstract: A method for substantially reducing emissions of nitrogenous compounds such as NO.sub.x formed during fuel combustion. The fuel is combusted with an oxygen-containing gas in an amount from about 45 to 75% of the total stoichiometric amount of oxygen required for complete combustion of the fuel. The resulting mixture of fuel and combustion products, including NO.sub.x, is maintained at a temperature of at least 1800.degree. K. for a time sufficient to reduce the NO.sub.x content of the mixture to a desired level. Thereafter, combustion may be completed in one or more additional zones at a temperature within the range of about 1600.degree. to 2000.degree. K. Alternatively, the mixture of combustion products and fuel having a reduced NO.sub.x content may be used for other applications without further combustion. For certain embodiments of the invention, various particulates may be added to the combustion zone so as to enhance the rate at which the NO.sub.x is destroyed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel is reacted with molecular oxygen in a burner to produce a gaseous mixture which is chemically reducing, the reactants being surrounded in the burner by a co-axial mantle of cooling gases produced by mixing a hydrocarbon with a gas containing carbon dioxide and/or water vapor. Reactants and cooling gas may subsequently be mixed to form the product gas which may be used in an iron ore reduction plant.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas burner for the mixture of hydrogen gas with ambient air and non-combustible gasses. The mixture of gasses when ignited provides a flame of extremely high, but controlled intensity and temperature. The structure comprises a housing and a hydrogen gas inlet directed to a combustion chamber positioned within the housing. Ambient air intake ports are provided for adding ambient air to the combustion chamber for ignition of the hydrogen gas by an ignitor therein. At the other end of the housing there is positioned adjacent to the outlet of the burner (flame) a barrier/heating element. The heating element uniformly disperses the flame and in turn absorbs the heat. The opposite side to the flame, the heating element uniformly disperses the extremely hot air. A non-combustible gas trap adjacent to the heating element captures a small portion of the non-combustible gas (burned air).

Abstract: An oil-water emulsifier comprises a Venturi member having an inlet for receiving oil, an oil-water emulsion outlet and an opening extending therethrough from the inlet to the outlet. The opening of the Venturi member comprises a diameter-reducing portion which connects to a throat portion having a substantially smaller diameter than the inlet, the throat portion being connected to an expanding portion extending from the throat to the outlet, the diameter of the outlet of the opening being substantially greater than that of the throat portion. A plurality of water injection holes extend from the outer periphery of the Venturi member to the throat portion so as to be in communication with the oil flowing through the throat portion, the injection holes being preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of oil flow through the throat portion. Also disclosed is an oil-burner boiler system incorporating the above-described oil-water emulsifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity oil burner comprising a cylindrical atomizer completely surrounded by a protective cylindrical housing having a diameter from 2 to 3 times greater than the diameter of said atomizer; liquid fuels being injected under pressure into said atomizer and accumulating within said atomizer in a chamber for the accumulation of liquid fuels, and compressed air being injected into a chamber for the accumulation of air; cylindrical holes communicating said chamber for the accumulation of liquid fuels with the outside and cylindrical holes communicating said chamber for the accumulation of air with said cylindrical holes communicating the chamber for the accumulation of liquids with the outside so that the injection of compressed air into said liquid fuel discharge holes atomizes said fuel which is expelled to the outside through the end portions of said discharge holes which are circumferentially positioned to be burnt by a pilot flame; said protecting cylindrical housing

Abstract: Apparatus of the invention bubbles air through a dielectric liquid including water to produce a vapor for catalytic enhancement of combustion. By maintaining low turbulence and tailoring the bubble rate to the demand of a connected combustion device, a substantial amount of negative ionization is produced contributing greatly to the catalytic action and the efficiency of a connected combustion device such as a heating furnace.

Abstract: An improved process for the partial combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel is disclosed, the process being characterized by the introduction of steam into the combustion reactor through the interior of a burner gun, the steam being introduced as a jet which rotates about its axis and diverges in the form of a cone. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for reducing the concentration of oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) in a waste stream is provided wherein an effluent stream containing oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) is burned at a temperature greater than about 2000.degree. F. and less than about 3000.degree. F. with an effective amount of an oxygen containing gas and a stoichiometric excess of a hydrocarbon, based on the total amount of available oxygen, to provide a combustion effluent. The combustion effluent is thereafter contacted, at a temperature in the range of from about 1600.degree. F. to about 1800.degree. F., with an effective amount of a gaseous stream containing less than 21 volume percent oxygen to substantially oxidize all combustibles present in the combustion effluent and provide an oxidation effluent substantially free of oxides or nitrogen (NO.sub.x) and combustibles.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a pump for delivering oil to the atomizing nozzle of a combustion chamber. The system includes a tank with a free piston by which oil introduced at one end from the pump forces water out at the other end at the same pressure as the oil discharged from the pump. The oil and water are then discharged through a pair of adjacent nozzles and mixed and then through an additional nozzle to further mix the oil and water and then conducted to the combustion chamber atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor for generating a mixture of steam and combustion gas is located downhole in an oil well, so that the gas mixture can be injected directly into the oil reservoir to displace heavy oils from the reservoir. There can be a single stage of catalytic combustion, or there can be a stage of thermal combustion followed by a catalytic stage. In either case the purpose of the catalyst is to drive the combustion to completion so that the gas mixture contains no soot that would plug the face of the reservoir.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus has a combustion chamber which is divided into combustion zones respectively communicating with individual mixing zones in a mixing chamber. Combustion air enters the mixing zones and then flows into the combustion zones. The concentration of NO.sub.x in the combustion products of each of the combustion zones is measured and water vapor is fed into each mixing zone in an amount which depends upon the NO.sub.x concentration for the corresponding combustion zone. The amount of water vapor fed into a mixing zone is such as to maintain the combustion temperature below a value at which substantial quantities of NO.sub.x are formed. The water vapor is fed into the mixing zones generally countercurrent to the combustion air entering the combustion zones and the water vapor and combustion air flow into the combustion zones together.

Abstract: The furnace has a feeding channel (4) through which firewood is transported into a fire chamber (3). A steam pipe (10) leads into the channel (4). Through said pipe (10), steam is introduced into the solid fuel material in bursts as soon as a certain temperature is exceeded within the said channel (4). The steam increases the humidity in the air and the moisture of the firewood, thereby reliably preventing a spreading of the fire within the feeding channel (4), without simultaneously impairing combustion within the fire chamber (3).

Abstract: A non-freezing catalyst solution carries a platinum group metal compound admixed with an antifreeze compound which is blocked from reaction therewith by a blocking agent. The blocking agent is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen chloride and lithium chloride. All of the materials are soluble in solution at room temperature.

Abstract: A continuous process for the combustion of solid fuels under conditions such that flue gas is essentially free of particulates and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. Fuel is charged as an aqueous slurry and additional water condensed from the flue gas may be recycled to the pressurized combustion zone. Combustion is promoted both by water vapor and alkali added with the fuel slurry, while the alkali serves also to neutralize and remove sulfur in completely oxidized, or sulfate, form. Heat of combustion raises the temperature of the reactants above the critical temperature of water, forming a hot fluid from which useful heat is transferred. Under the pressure of the system, heat recovery results in condensation of water, retaining and slurry product ash and providing recycle water, which helps to control reaction temperature as well as to promote the combustion.

Abstract: Fireside additive is introduced into oil-fired furnace as aqueous solution via oil-water homogenizer feeding to burner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating aggregate in a system which includes a unit for mixing a stream of fuel and a stream of forced air to form a gaseous combustible fuel mixture, and a blower coupled to the unit for supplying it with forced air. The apparatus includes a water-spray device for injecting a fine-particle spray, at an adjustable water-volume rate, into the air-intake opening of the blower. In the method of the invention, the temperature of the heated aggregate is monitored under conditions where the fuel mixture is characterized by a substantially constant fuel-flow rate. The water-volume rate of atomized water spray introduced into the blower is adjusted until a maximum monitored aggregate temperature is observed. The amount of fuel in the moisture-containing fuel mixture is then adjusted to effect heating of the aggregate to a desired temperature.

Abstract: Improving the combustion of a fuel by providing negatively charged ions in water to molecularly excite the water, creating an emulsion composed of tiny droplets of the ion charged water coated with fuel oil, and introducing the emulsion of excited fuel coated water droplets with oxidizing gas into a combustion zone.

Abstract: In a method and installation for providing a stable mixture of heavy oil and water to an oil burner, heavy oil is supplied from a storage tank to an oil tank where it is maintained at a selected pressure and a temperature of 35.degree.-45.degree. C. Water is supplied from a water source to a water tank where it is maintained at a selected pressure and a temperature of 30.degree.-40.degree. C. Oil from the oil tank and water from the water tank are pumped into and through an agitator at a pressure of 3.5-5.5 kg/cm.sup.2 while maintaining the temperature of the oil and water above 30.degree. C. The agitator comprises a cylindrical casing containing a first set of static disc-like elements having inclined holes to produce a swirling motion of the oil-water and a second set of static disc-like elements each having a central protruding dome portion surrounded by a rim portion.

Abstract: The invention proposes apparatus for burning crude oil, particularly crude oil derived from oil wells, and which when burned on site by conventional burners can be hazardous in variable wind conditions. The invention proposes apparatus comprising a burner assembly including a plurality of substantially horizontal burners arranged in pairs, means for supplying oil for combustion and compressed air to the burners, and flame control water nozzles characterized in that the assembly is arranged for pivotal displacement about a substantially vertical axis. Thus, the direction of the flames relative to the surrounding environment can be readily adjusted to variations in wind direction.

Abstract: An oil-water emulsifier comprises a Venturi member having an inlet for receiving oil, an oil-water emulsion outlet and an opening extending therethrough from the inlet to the outlet. The opening of the Venturi member comprises a diameter-reducing portion which connects to a throat portion having a substantially smaller diameter than the inlet, the throat portion being connected to an expanding portion extending from the throat to the outlet, the diameter of the outlet of the opening being substantially greater than that of the throat portion. A plurality of water injection holes extend from the outer periphery of the Venturi member to the throat portion so as to be in communication with the oil flowing through the throat portion, the injection holes being preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of oil flow through the throat portion. Also disposed is an oil-burner boiler system incorporating the above-described oil-water emulsifier.

Abstract: An elongated casing forming a combustion chamber and bearing a venturi type jet nozzle at one end and a fuel and compressed air supply at its opposite end, bears one or more radial passages opening to the venturi to permit a secondary fuel to feed into the flame exiting from the burner for reaction with free oxygen which is unburned from the primary fuel and air mixture entering the combustion chamber at said opposite end of the apparatus. The secondary fuel may be acetylene, methyl-acetylene and its compounds with hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the amount of smoke produced when flaring a combustible gas is disclosed. The invention employs steam which is also passed to the flare .

Abstract: A method of scrubbing reaction products resulting from flame burning of fuels containing impurities such as sulfur compounds, chlorine compounds, and fluorine compounds. The scrubbing is accomplished by the addition to the fire chamber of additives which bind the impurities. The additives are supplied to the burner flame by way of a gaseous and/or liquid carrier medium flow, accompanied by the formation of a veil surrounding the burner flame.

Abstract: The combustion efficiency of oil or gas-fired furnaces is increased by flowing air through a bubble chamber and drawing the treated output into a stream of air directed into the combustion chamber so that the stream of air mixes with the flame.

Abstract: A system for delivering a catalyst into a forced draft entry port of a chemical reaction chamber, such as a fossil fuel combustion chamber, includes a container having an aqueous solution of the catalyst. A suction line extends from an air space above the solution to the entry port. An intake line at atmospheric pressure enters the container and has an end submerged below the surface of the aqueous solution, the submerged end having a float for maintaining the end at a predetermined distance below the surface and thereby establishing a predetermined back pressure. A layer of oil floats on top of the aqueous solution and may contain a second dissolved catalyst. Air from the intake line bubbles up through the aqueous solution and the oil layer absorbing minute quantities of of the catalysts which are carried by the air into the reaction chamber. Platinum and manganese catalysts improve the efficiency of fossil fuel combustion such as that of the home oil burner.

Abstract: A fuel is prepared for efficient combustion in an oil burner by mixing fuel oil with from 30 to 60% by volume of water. The apparatus for mixing the oil and water include turbulence created by fluid flow and turbulence created by mechanical agitation. Compressed air used to create turbulence and mixing provides better combustion and less pollution when burning the resulting mixture.

Abstract: An improvement in the method for producing high pressure thermal vapor streams from combustion gases for injection into subterranean oil producing formations to stimulate the production of viscous minerals is described. The improvement involves controlling corrosion in such thermal vapor gases by injecting water near the flame in the combustion zone and injecting ammonia into a vapor producing vessel to contact the combustion gases exiting the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In a process of combustion comprising forming a mixture of fresh air and a compound of hydrocarbons, water vapor is added to the mixture prior to its combustion. In order to promote the dissociation of H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 there is arranged a catalytic agent.

Abstract: In the combustion zone of a furnace burning sulphur-containing fuel, one introduces continuously sodium or potassium nitrate; ammonium nitrate; calcium hydroxide and/or magnesium carbonate; carbon; and ammonium carbonate.A neutralization of acidic sulphur compounds formed by the combustion is achieved, and the boiler is kept free from soot and other deposits.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method of improving the combustion of base fuels selected from ammonia and amines. The method comprises the addition of hydrogen carriers to the base fuels, which possess an energy content and release it together with hydrogen for combustion upon ignition of the base fuel. The disclosure is also of novel fuel compositions which comprise from 0.5 to 15 percent by weight of a hydrogen carrier dissolved or suspended in the base fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for adding finely dispersed water and water vapor to the air intake stream of a fuel-air combustion system. A solution of bubble-enhancing surfactant in water partly fills a container. A jet of air bubbles is blown into the solution below its free surface so that a quantity of aqueous bubbles forms on the free surface. A part of the air intake stream is then drawn from this quantity of aqueous bubbles.

Abstract: Combustion efficiency in an oil burning furnace is increased by the catalization effect of consuming atmospheric air processed to increase its humidity. Atmospheric air is processed by either forcing air into a water container and bubbling it through water by a drawing, natural draft type of action through the container; or atomizing the air. Three embodiments of my invention are disclosed whereby the processed air is conveyed directly into the combustion zone, into an oil gun of an oil burning furnace or both directly into the combustion zone and the oil gun. A further increase in thermal efficiency is achieved by adding ozone to the processed air. By use of a proper nozzle, processed air is directed at the base of the flame within the furnace in substantially the same shape and direction as the flame when employed in the embodiment injecting said air directly into the combustion zone.

Abstract: A container of water is subject to reduced air pressure to induce an inflow of air through conduits extending from the exterior of the container to a point below the level of the water in the container. Air entering through these conduits bubbles up through the water. The size of the bubbles is controlled by the ports at which the air moving in the conduits enters the water. The blower providing the reduced pressure delivers the moisture-ladened air from the bubbles to the intake of another blower providing combustion air for a burner installation. The minute quantities of vapor-ladened air are mixed in that blower, or in the blower intake chamber, with the remainder of the incoming combustion air. The supply of vapor is related to the firing rate in the burner by associating the burner control with the off-on condition of a valve in at least one of a plurality of air conduits of the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrothermal processes, such as defluorination of phosphate rock, wherein the novel feature resides in the use of an emulsion of water and fuel oil.

Abstract: A method and at least one gas flare for carrying out or practicing the method are disclosed for smokeless burning of undesired gas. Combined with a steam aspirating gas flare having a steam flow controller responsive to a gas flow detector to provide a combustible material is a specific gravity analyzer for controlling the steam flow controller further in relation to the specific gravity of the gas to be burned for providing a smokeless air-to-gas burning mixture in the flare with less steam usage and reduced noise.