Abstract: A method of operating a cross-fired regenerative glass furnace for melting flat glass so as to minimize emission of NOx in waste gases leaving the furnace, the furnace having sealed regenerators which act as heat exchangers, the method including supplying fuel in excess of that required for stoichiometric combustion to ensure that glass of the required quality at the required production rate is obtained, and that the waste gases leaving the furnace through the regenerators contain combustible material, and reacting the combustible material with sufficient air to ensure that the waste gases exiting to atmosphere contain permissible levels of combustible material and permissible levels of NOx. Alternatively, the furnace may be operated at substantially stoichiometric conditions and fuel is supplied to the waste gases as they leave the melting chamber. The invention also relates to a cross-fired regenerator glass furnace for use in the method.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse. Temperature is sensed within the bed of heat exchange media in order to monitor the temperature profile and control a bypass of hot combustion gases should the temperature exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of operating a regenerative glass furnace for melting glass for the manufacture of shaped glass articles so as to minimize emission of NOx in waste gases leaving the furnace, the furnace having sealed regenerators which act as heat exchangers, the method including supplying fuel in excess of that required for stoichiometric combustion to ensure that glass of the required quality at the required production rate is obtained, and that the waste gases leaving the furnace through the regenerators contain combustible material, and reacting the combustible material with sufficient air to ensure that the waste gases exiting to atmosphere contain permissible levels of combustible material and contain permissible levels of NOx. Alternatively, the furnace may be operated at substantially stoichiometric conditions and fuel is supplied to waste gases as they leave the melting chamber. The invention also relates to a regenerative glass furnace for use in the method.

Abstract: The process for combustion of coal dust with combustion air in burners and for reducing the production of NO.sub.x during the combustion. Combustion air is fed to the burners in form of primary air and secondary air. The burners are supplied coal dust through the primary air in a mixture of coal dust and primary air. A primary gas is generated with combustible gaseous components from the mixture of coal dust and primary air, through pyrolysis of the coal dust in the ignition region of the burners. In the ignition region, there is lowered the mean ratio of oxygen components in the primary gas to the oxygen amount required to burn freely released combustible gaseous components of the primary gas by reducing the oxygen component in the primary gas and/or injecting the primary gas with a combustible external gas.

Abstract: In the context of an oil and gas drilling rig flare system, a purge system is introduced so that in the event of a flammable gas release at the rig, the purge system can be activated. Activation of the system shuts off gas supply from a separator in the mud return system to the flare line and initiates a purge of an inert gas. Any ignition sources in the flare line are immediately turned off. The purging cools the flare line to a point where it cannot act as an ignition source itself. The inert gas prevents the presence of oxygen in the flare line to additionally prevent combustion within the flare line. The flowing inert gas cools the flare line to the point where it cannot ignite any escaping gas from the rig floor. The system can be manually or automatically actuated.

Abstract: A system of this invention reduces the emission of NO.sub.x and fuel pollutants from a furnace. The system includes a furnace with a chamber for combusting air, oxygen and fuel flows in an approximately stoichiometric proportion. A reburn unit, that can be a port, is coupled to communicate with and receive the combustion exhaust from the chamber. The reburn unit is also coupled to receive a second fuel flow that is added to the exhaust flow at a stoichiometric ratio and temperature at which a reaction occurs to lower the amount of NO.sub.x in the exhaust flow. The reburn unit is coupled to a burnout unit that can be a regenerator or a recuperator, that is coupled to receive an oxidant flow with air and/or oxygen. The oxidant flow combusts fuel in the exhaust flow to prevent emission of this fuel into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for burning the combustible components of a gas stream. The apparatus comprising a a stack pipe having one end in communication with a gas supply pipe for receiving a gas stream and an air supply pipe. Gas and air are introduced into a stack pipe having a mixing zone, stabilization means, an igniter and means to prevent downwash of gaseous products resulting from combustion within the stack pipe.

Abstract: A method of using internal combustion engine exhaust in a combined cycle power plant is disclosed, wherein the quality and distribution of exhaust to the boiler space of a steam generated electric power plant is controlled to achieve greater system efficiencies. Outside air is blended only with that portion of the exhaust that passes through the burner ports as secondary or higher level combustion gas. The remainder of the exhaust is provided to the boiler space by a route other than through the burner.

Abstract: Improved methods for the treatment of liquid chemical compounds and process systems for practicing those methods are provided. The methods are practiced by spraying the liquid chemical compounds into a matrix bed of heat resistant materials at temperatures sufficiently high to oxidize the chemical compounds. The sprayed liquid chemical compound is preferably heated to its gaseous state prior to contacting the matrix bed. Processing steps for removing coke deposits in the matrix bed are also provided. The methods are particularly advantageous for the destruction of chemical agents and munitions.

Abstract: A method of operating a regenerative glass furnace for melting glass for the manufacture of shaped glass articles so as to minimize emission of NOx in waste gases leaving the furnace, the furnace having sealed regenerators which act as heat exchangers, the method includes supplying fuel in excess of that required for stoichiometric combustion to ensure that glass of the required quality at the required production rate is obtained, and that the waste gases leaving the furnace through the regenerators contain combustible material, and reacting the combustible material with sufficient air to ensure that the waste gases exiting to atmosphere contain permissible levels of combustible material and contain permissible levels of NOx. Alternatively, the furnace may be operated at substantially stoichiometric conditions and fuel is supplied to waste gases as they leave the melting chamber. The invention also relates to a regenerator glass furnace for use in the method.

Abstract: A method of operating a cross-fired regenerative glass furnace for melting flat glass so as to minimize emission of NOx in waste gases leaving the furnace, the furnace having sealed regenerators which act as heat exchangers, the method includes supplying fuel in excess of that required for stoichiometric combustion to ensure that glass of the required quality at the required production rate is obtained, and that the waste gases leaving the furnace through the regenerators contain combustible material, and reacting the combustible material with sufficient air to ensure that the waste gases exiting to atmosphere contain permissible levels of combustible material and permissible levels of NOx. Alternatively, the furnace may be operated at substantially stoichiometric conditions and fuel is supplied to the waste gases as they leave the melting chamber. The invention also relates to a cross-fired regenerator glass furnace for use in the method.

Abstract: Improved flare apparatus having long service lives for burning flammable gas and air and methods are provided. The flare apparatus is basically comprised of an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member positioned within the outer tubular member whereby an annular flammable gas discharge space is provided immediately adjacent to an annular air discharge space. The flammable gas is discharged into the atmosphere in an annular straight out pattern. At least a portion of the air is discharged into the atmosphere for mixing with the flammable gas in a swirling pattern immediately adjacent to the flammable gas which prevents internal burning and premature failure of the flare apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic air oxidizer deodorizing system includes an air conduit including inlet and outlet ends. The air conduit houses therein a zapper comprising a pair of spaced apart highly charged electrodes which create an electrical discharge therebetween. A blower is also provided for drawing air through the inlet end and past the electrodes.

Abstract: A gas flare includes a primary combustion air passage having an inlet end, an outlet end and an interior cavity that extends between the inlet end and the outlet end. A pressurized gas injection ring encircles the outlet end of the primary air passage. The pressurized gas injection ring has a plurality of nozzles. Each of the nozzles is angled inwardly, upwardly and a few degrees laterally. This creates a venturi effect with a generally helical circulation that draws combustion air from the primary combustion air passage and intermixes the gas with the combustion air to form a combustible mixture.

Abstract: A method for combusting low heating value liquid by forming a toroidal vortex between atomized liquid and medium velocity oxidant, and carrying out combustion within the toroidal vortex to serve as a dependable ignition source for the main combustion reaction.

Abstract: Control system and method for monitoring and controlling the stoichiometry of a secondary air burner in a thermal oxidizer. The burner control system secures a certain stoichiometry independent of possible simultaneous changes of the gas mixture flow rate and/or of the combustible impurity concentration in the process gas. The firing rate of the burner is adjusted by a controller. Additionally, the flow of the burner fuel and of the process gas mixture are measured and transformed into separate signals. Both signals are sent to an evaluation apparatus that compares the signals and generates a third signal based upon that comparison. This third signal is in communication with a device that changes the gas mixture flow resistance, and thus the desired amount of gas mixture will be diverted for the combustion of the fuel.

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

Abstract: In a method of this invention, a first oxidant flow including oxygen and/or air, is injected into an exhaust gas flow from a primary burn zone in a furnace combustion chamber. The first oxidant flow is injected into the exhaust gas flow in a secondary burn zone downstream from the primary burn zone, but inside of the furnace chamber so that heat released from combustion of the first oxidant flow can be used for the purpose to which the furnace is applied. Also, the injection of the first oxidant flow into the secondary burn zone combusts fuel pollutants that might otherwise be released from the furnace into the atmosphere. The method can also include mixing a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel flow with the exhaust gas flow from the secondary burn zone to reduce the NO.sub.x, level in the exhaust gas. Also, the method can include mixing a second oxidant flow including air and/or oxygen, with the exhaust gas, preferably after reducing the NO.sub.x.

Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process emissions comprises a horizontal regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO). The system utilizes at least two regenerative chambers and at least two catalytic chambers in a controlled abatement process. Pollutants injected into the RCO from the process emissions are catalytically oxidized. The horizontal configuration of the RCO reduces the size of the RCO per cubic foot of emissions treated, and also simplifies maintenance requirements in removing and replacing, or regenerating, the catalyst. Chutes and valves situated above and below the catalyst provide maintenance means without the associated contamination concerns typically caused by catalytic migration throughout vertically configured RCOs.

Abstract: A flare stack with increased flow velocity of gases. The flare stack includes a pipe having a flare tip. The flare tip has a top edge. A conical shield having an apical end and a base is secured to and spaced from the flare tip to allow gas to flow between the conical shield and the flare tip. The conical shield is open at the apical end adjacent the top edge of the flare tip. A source of forced gas, preferably air, provides a flow of gas between the conical shield and the flare tip. Preferably, the base of the conical shield is closed.

Abstract: This incinerator circulates fumes to be incinerated through a heat exchange chamber; feeds the fumes into a combustion chamber; directs the incinerated fumes through heat exchange tubes to heat incoming fumes; scavenges fume leakage; and recirculates the scavenged fumes for incineration. Leakage of unincinerated fumes is controlled by use of a plurality of scavenging tubes positioned such that their orifices are proximate the hot end tube sheet within the combustion chamber to collect leaking fumes found near the hot end tube sheet and to feed those fumes back to the inlet for incineration.

Abstract: An oxygen-enriched gas burner and method of operation thereof for incinerating and/or melting and/or vitrifying and/or performing thermal treatment and/or oxidizing ground/liquid waste materials and particularly, but not exclusively, contaminated waste materials. The burner comprises a body having annular chambers and defining an injection nozzle which is adjustable whereby to adjust the configuration of a flame and wherein the nozzle is provided, at the center thereof with an axial feed port through which the grounded solid/liquid waste material is injected within the flame. The waste material is fed axially within the flame under control pressure with the waste feed and flame configuration being adjusted independently from one another whereby the waste material is substantially incinerated without substantially affecting the combustion of the gas which would otherwise produce undesirable carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds while generating power. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises a combustor and a reaction chamber connected to an exit of the combustor. A primary inlet to the combustor supplies a primary fuel to the combustor. A secondary fuel, comprising air and an amount of one or more volatile organic compounds, is supplied to a compressor, which compresses the secondary fuel and directs the secondary fuel to the combustor and the reaction chamber. The system is suitably configured to enable the stoichiometric reaction of the two fuels in a manner sufficient to destroy the volatile organic compounds contained in the secondary fuel and power a turbine engine connected to an exit of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for burning oxidizable components in a vehicle gas to be purified, comprising a gas inlet (36), a burner (19) with an attached flame pipe (22) opening into a main combustion chamber (24) comprising a bottom and side walls, an annular chamber leading from the side of the main combustion chamber bottom (21), a heat exchanger (32) around which flows the purified gas and through which flows the gas to be purified, and a gas outlet (38). To obtain good combustion with a compact construction, especially to make the best possible use of the geometric dwell time in the main combustion chamber, it is proposed that the main combustion chamber be constructed in such a way and/or has such guide components (40,42,44) that the gas flowing from the bottom towards the annular chamber is distributed completely or largely uniformly over the cross-section of the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method which significantly improves the efficiency of reducing nitrogen oxide formation and emission during incineration of a waste gas in an air-staged thermal oxidizer. In accordance with the present invention, a natural gas stream is mixed with combustion air in a burner and the mixture is ignited with the immediate introduction of liquid water. Thus, the resulting mixture is then injected into a first reducing zone which is fuel rich in order to begin the combustion process, but retard the formation of nitrogen oxides. The waste gas exiting the reducing zone is deficient in oxygen due to the fuel rich atmosphere in the first reducing zone and cooler due to the water cooling as it enters the second oxidizing zone. In the second oxidizing zone, additional oxygen in the form of air is injected to complete the combustion process.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer to position a rotatable valve body relative to a lower fixed surface and an upper surface and support the valve body from the lower surface. However, the support and positioning provides for sealing engagement between the body and the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of assemblies, each secured to the lower surface engage an external and circumferential support flange on the valve body for accomplishing the support and positioning.

Abstract: Waste gas, in particular from plants for the chemical vapor-phase deposition and for the separation and etching by plasma processes, is purified from toxic agents by a method in which partial processes of the purification, such as thermal decomposition and oxidation, sorption of solid and gaseous reaction products, hydrolysis and cooling, are combined to act in a single reaction chamber. The reaction products of the waste gas burnt in a flame are led, directly in the combustion chamber, through a space filled with a finely dispersed liquid. This liquid forms a liquid film on all parts and inside walls of the reaction chamber. In a combustion chamber with a burner, the mentioned liquid distribution is obtained by a spraying device.Effective purification from toxic agents, and little corrosion of the components of the reaction chamber are achieved, any growth of solid reaction products in the combustion chamber being avoided.

Abstract: A process for producing energy from sulphur containing carbonaceous fuels comprises partially oxidizing the carbonaceous fuel to produce off gasses including carbon monoxide, hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide; removing hydrogen sulphide from the off gasses and combusting the off gasses from which the hydrogen sulphide has been removed to produce energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for reducing NO.sub.x in a combustion zone such as a boiler by spatially selectively injecting a cooling fluid into the combustion zone so that the fluid is entrained to intersect an identifiable NO.sub.x producing zone. The cooling fluid can be water or a gas or mixture of them and whose temperature is sufficiently low or whose combined mass flow and temperature are sufficiently low so that the cooling fluid can reach the NO.sub.x producing zone and cool it to a temperature where the NO.sub.x production is significantly reduced. In one embodiment of the invention a cyclone boiler has a number of identifiable NO.sub.x producing zones. Several of these are targeted by spatially distinct cooling fluid streams placed at strategic locations.

Abstract: A process for minimizing the formation of nitrogen oxides in the disposal of industrial waste streams containing chemically bound nitrogen, the process comprising the steps of passing a combustion gas stream at about 1200.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F. to a combustion chamber; mixing an industrial waste stream with a selected mixing ingredient to provide a waste stream mixture having a composition such that adiabatic combustion of the waste stream mixture would yield combustion products having a combustion temperature of about 1500.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F.; injecting the waste stream mixture into the combustion chamber and contacting same with the combustion gas stream to combust the nitrogen containing compounds to form a composite combustion gas stream having a temperature of from about 1500.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F. The composite combustion gas stream can be vented to the atmosphere after, preferably, passing same through heat recovery equipment.

Abstract: A flare tip structure has a tubular component usually mounted at the top of a flare sack which emits waste gas into the atmosphere for disposal by combustion with the aid of one or more pilot burners. Several fluid injectors are mounted inside the component and emit cones of injection fluid, such as natural around the axis of the tubular component. A deflector assists the injectors in creating a cushion of fluid just above the opening of the tubular component to space the combustion flame away from the opening. This allows surrounding air to flow into the gap between the opening and the combustion flame and to mix with waste gas prior to combustion to suppress smoke.

Abstract: Raw gas burner that maximizes fuel efficiency of the burner, minimizes residence time, and reduces or eliminates flame contact with the process air or gas in order to minimize NOx formation. Process air flow such as from the cold side of a heat exchanger associated with thermal oxidizer apparatus is directed into and around the burner. The amount of process air flowing into the burner is regulated based upon the pressure drop created by the burner assembly. The pressure drop is, in turn, regulated by one or more of an external damper assembly, an internal damper assembly, and movement of the burner relative to the apparatus in which it is mounted. To ensure thorough mixing of the fuel and process air, process air entering the burner is caused to spin by the use of a swirl generator. The fuel/process air mixture proceeds into the combustion section of the burner, where the swirling flow is caused to recirculate to ensure complete combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds while generating power. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises a combustor and a reaction chamber connected to an exit of the combustor. A primary inlet to the combustor supplies a primary fuel to the combustor. A secondary fuel, comprising air and an amount of one or more volatile organic compounds, is supplied to a compressor, which compresses the secondary fuel and directs the secondary fuel to the combustor and the reaction chamber. The system is suitably configured to enable the stoichiometric reaction of the two fuels in a manner sufficient to destroy the volatile organic compounds contained in the secondary fuel and power a turbine engine connected to an exit of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cleaning exhaust air containing combustible components comprises at least one combustion chamber for thermally cleaning an exhaust fluid stream and at least two containers adapted for gases to flow therethrough and containing heat storage material for heating the exhaust fluid stream to be cleaned before it enters the combustion chamber and for receiving heat from the cleaned exhaust fluid stream exiting the combustion chamber. Each of the containers has at least one first opening for connecting the container interior to the combustion chamber and at least one second opening for supplying exhaust fluid stream to be cleaned to the container interior and for withdrawing the cleaned exhaust fluid stream from the container interior. The containers accommodating the heat storage substances can be flexibly configured and, if desired, arranged one behind the other in a row.

Abstract: A modular thermal oxidizing device has a heat exchanger and a burner chamber connected to convert volatile, condensable organic compounds to harmless gasses. The heat exchanger includes an internal cold side bypass with cooling tubes extended into a hot side adjacent to the burning chamber. An appropriate aperture or hole tolerance related to the tubes as mounted within the hot side tube sheet is adopted to permit efficient expansion and contraction of the tubes without binding in the tube sheet.

Abstract: A heat transfer device includes a ring having a vertical axis that can rotate inside a cage. The ring is inwardly provided with partitions. A permanent circulation of gaseous effluents is established on one hand between an effluent delivery pipe and a central zone via a first limited angular sector of the ring and on the other hand between the central zone and an effluent discharge pipe 6 via a second limited angular sector of the ring. The ring is charged with a mass of large heat exchange surface material and the device can be used for recovering positive or negative thermal energy. A thermal reactor of the catalytic bed type, for example, can be placed in the central zone for removing volatile organic compounds (VOC). The device may be used for catalytic or thermal oxidation of the organic compounds in gaseous effluents, for example.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. Process air is directed into heat exchange media in one of said columns via an annular distribution system, which allows for the uniform flow of gas in the apparatus, and greatly reduces the flushing volume. Oxidation is completed as the flow passes through the combustion chamber, where one or more burners are located. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse.

Abstract: An oxidation or converter apparatus for cleansing air contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOC) in an exothermic reaction includes a first pipe connectible to a source of the VOC contaminated air and a combustion chamber with a burner, an inlet for the VOC contaminated air and an outlet to atmosphere for exhaust, the inlet being connected to the first pipe. A catalytic oxidizer having an inlet for the VOC contaminated air and an outlet to atmosphere for exhaust is also provided along with an air-to-air heat exchanger. The outlet of the catalytic oxidizer is connected to a first inlet of the heat exchanger in order to provide heated exhaust air to one side of the exchanger. A second inlet of the heat exchanger is connected by a suitable conduit to the first pipe. The contaminated air which is preheated in the heat exchanger is carried by a further conduit to the inlet of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for burning combustible constituents in process gas in a main combustion enclosure, preferably a thermal post-combustion device, whereby the main combustion enclosure is separated from a combustion chamber, into which oxygenic gas and gaseous fuel are fed, mixed and burnt. The fuel for the apparatus is fed through a lance which opens into a mixing chamber supplied with oxygenic gas, which is either itself the combustion chamber or merges with it, and the outer surface of the combustion chamber is exposed at least partially to the process gas. The fuel is burned completely or nearly completely in the burner combustion chamber and the mixture of burned fuel and gas leaving the combustion chamber oxidizes the combustible constitutes in the process gas flowing outside of the combustion chamber by yielding flameless heat energy to them.

Abstract: A low NO.sub.x burner combustion system which may be adjusted for optimum burn rates, temperature and oxygen levels. The burner incorporates a plurality of gas nozzles which individually inspirate a portion of the combustion air and a spin vane diffuser to rotate and mix the gases within the primary combustion zone. The diffuser is axially adjustable in order to vary the distance between the vane and the first combustion zone while the blades of the diffuser can be angularly adjusted to optimize the rotation and mix of the gases. Air for combustion is supplied through primary, secondary and tertiary passages to create distinct combustion zones for complete combustion. The flow rate of the combustion air is controlled through a damper in accordance with the burn characteristics. Further reductions in noxious emissions are accomplished by recirculating flue gases and mixing such gassed directly with combustion fuel prior to introduction into the combustion chamber through eductor nozzles.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds while generating power. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises a combustor and a reaction chamber connected to an exit of the combustor. A primary inlet to the combustor supplies a primary fuel to the combustor. A secondary fuel, comprising air and an amount of one or more volatile organic compounds, is supplied to a compressor, which compresses the secondary fuel and directs the secondary fuel to the combustor and the reaction chamber. The system is suitably configured to enable the stoichiometric reaction of the two fuels in a manner sufficient to destroy the volatile organic compounds contained in the secondary fuel and power a turbine engine connected to an exit of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process emissions comprises a catalytic oxidizer and a selective catalytic reduction bank integrated into a single housing. The system utilizes at least two regenerative chambers in a controlled abatement process. The integrated system removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and toxic oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) from the process emissions. The singular housing of the present invention is efficient and eliminates the need for more than one supplementary heat source, while eliminating major pollutants from the emissions.

Abstract: An infrared ray emitter with catalytic burner including a box having an opening covered by a catalytic structure and wherein a supply of combustion gas is applied adjacent the catalytic structure and a supply of recirculating gas is introduced into the box by a fan driven by a motor which extends exteriorly from a furnace in which the emitter is mounted. Brackets are provided to mount the box within a furnace in such a manner that the emitter may be angularly adjusted with respect to the support brackets.

Abstract: A method of operating a regenerative glass furnace for melting glass for the manufacture of shaped glass articles so as to minimize emission of NOx in waste gases leaving the furnace, the furnace having sealed regenerators which act as heat exchangers, the method comprising supplying fuel in excess of that required for stoichiometric combustion to ensure that glass of the required quality at the required production rate is obtained, and that the waste gases leaving the furnace through the regenerators contain combustible material, and reacting the combustible material with sufficient air to ensure that the waste gases exiting to atmosphere contain permissible levels of combustible material and contain permissible levels of NOx. Alternatively, the furnace may be operated at substantially stoichiometric conditions and fuel is supplied to waste gases as they leave the melting chamber. The invention also relates to a regenerator glass furnace for use in the method.

Abstract: A combustion device (1) incorporated in an apparatus for combustion and/or decomposition of pollutants in air or other gases. The device has a stationary bed of e.g. sand having heat-accumulating and heat-exchanging properties. The bed is provided with heating means to heat a central part of the bed to the self-decomposition and/or the self-combustion temperature of the medium to be treated. The stationary bed (2) is placed on an essentially horizontal support (3), and at the remaining sides it is enclosed by side elements (4, 5) and a roof element (6), the latter resting directly on the upper face of the bed (2) so that the bed supports the roof element (6) and the loads to which the latter is exposed. Inside the bed upper, essentially horizontal tubes (7) are arranged as well as lower, essentially horizontal tubes (8), all said tubes being provided with valve systems at their ends.

Abstract: A method of operating a cross-fired regenerative glass furnace for melting flat glass so as to minimize emission of NOx in waste gases leaving the furnace, the furnace having sealed regenerators which act as heat exchangers, the method comprising supplying fuel in excess of that required for stoichiometric combustion to ensure that glass of the required quality at the required production rate is obtained, and that the waste gases leaving the furnace through the regenerators contain combustible material, and reacting the combustible material with sufficient air to ensure that the waste gases exiting to atmosphere contain permissible levels of combustible material and permissible levels of NOx. Alternatively, the furnace may be operated at substantially stoichiometric conditions and fuel is supplied to the waste gases as they leave the melting chamber. The invention also relates to a cross-fired regenerator glass furnace for use in the method.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidizer having an interactive dilution control system for continuous treatment of air hydrocarbon vapor mixture having a shell vessel for enclosing a central volume of generally circular cross-section, a combined catalyst chamber and spiral heat exchanger integrally connected and coaxially positioned within the shell vessel, also of cylindrical configuration, for providing a continuous transverse flow path from an inlet header to the exhaust header including a spiral heat exchanger for providing counter-flow heating of vapor, a catalyst chamber centrally positioned in said shell vessel an inlet plenum, a central core for containing a catalyst means, and an exhaust plenum; and interactive dilution control apparatus for automatically maintaining a concentration of inlet vapor at a selected optimum operating level including a microprocessor control sub-system for sensing the temperature in each zone of the catalyst chamber connected to the dilution control means; by-pass apparatus connecting the exh

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is constructed to receive polluted waste gases from an industrial process, cleanse the gas and permit cleansed gas to exit the RTO to the environment. The RTO includes a lower section having an inlet to receive polluted or incoming gas, and a centrally positioned rotary distributor in the lower section for cooperation in controlling gas flow via a segmented center section. The rotary distributor is substantially smaller than the lower section and is of a substantially smaller cross section. Incoming gas is directed to a middle section segment(s), fills the segment(s) and then flows through a peripheral opening to a segmented upper section where it passes through a heat exchanger to a combustion chamber where it is oxidized or cleansed. From there cleansed gas passes through another upper section segment through a heat exchanger and back to center section segment(s).

Abstract: A flue gas recirculation burner providing reduced No.sub.x emissions uses a cylindrical tangential mixer to separately receive combustion air and flue gas through axial inlets. The mixed air and gas pass through a vaned diffuser which continues the tangential flow pattern, and thereafter fuel is introduced tangentially and combustion occurs.

Abstract: A method for controlling gas flow direction through a regenerative incinerator system coupled to a flow reversing valve, and for reversing the flow direction of the gas stream through the regenerative incinerator system. The regenerative incinerator system having a combustion zone and one or more heat accumulating and heat exchanging zones. The method establishes a combustion zone base temperature set-point, or T.sub.CB for referencing combustion zone temperatures, or T.sub.C 's, and an outlet base temperature set-point, or T.sub.OB, for referencing outlet temperatures, or T.sub.O 's, from the regenerative incinerator system. A switching temperature, or T.sub.S, is also established as a function of T.sub.C, T.sub.CB and T.sub.OB such that the slope of said function, i.e. dT.sub.S /dT.sub.C, is never negative over a predetermined range of combustion zone temperatures, or T.sub.C 's. The switching temperature being equal to T.sub.OB when the combustion zone temperature is equal to T.sub.CB.