Abstract: A control for controlling the operation of a fuel-fired heating appliance is provided that include a sensor capable of sensing the presence of carbon monoxide gas and providing an output indicative of the level of carbon monoxide gas. The control further includes a microprocessor that periodically reads the CO sensor output and stores at least one sensor output value in a memory, wherein the microprocessor responsively discontinues the operation of the appliance when the microprocessor detects a sensor output that has increased by more than a predetermined amount over at least one previously stored sensor output value. In one embodiment, the control is preferably configured to periodically read the sensor output value, and responsive discontinue operation of an appliance upon sensing a predetermined increase of at least a 50 percent increase over the previously monitored sensor output value over a period of about 15 to 90 minutes.

Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for adjusting CO emission levels in predetermined locations in a boiler system are provided. The boiler system has a plurality of burners and a plurality of CO sensors disposed therein. The system determines locations within the boiler system that have relatively high CO levels utilizing the plurality of CO sensors and then adjusts A/F ratios of burners affecting those locations to decrease the CO levels at the locations.

Abstract: Methods of combustion include metering a substantially explosible powder into an oxidizing gas using a positive displacement powder dispersion device to suspend the powder in the gas and directing the powder in the gas to form a controlled stream of a moving explosible powder dispersion. In some embodiments, the method further includes igniting the dispersion with an ignition source to produce a stationary deflagrating combustion wave and sustaining combustion by continuing to meter the powder into the gas. In other embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a nozzle velocity of the dispersion to reflect properties of the dispersion to create a sustainable flame and igniting the dispersion to produce a stationary deflagrating wave of the dispersion. In other embodiments, the method further includes igniting the dispersion in a combustion area to produce a stationary deflagrating wave such that a conductive heat transfer from combustion brings the powder to combustion temperature.

Abstract: In a monitoring device (11) in the wall (3) of a furnace (1), particularly for capturing the image of an incineration process in the furnace (1), having an inner end (I), an outer end (E), at least one housing (13, 17), and an monitoring element (25) arranged inside the housing (13, 17), extending at least between the inner end (I) and the outer end (E), the monitoring device (11) is provided with a scraper unit (31) that keeps the inner end (I) of the monitoring element (25) free from deposits occurring on the wall (3).

Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.

Abstract: The temperature generated by a firing apparatus, particularly a gas burner, depends on the mixing ratio between the quantity of air and the quantity of gas fed to the firing apparatus, characterized by the excess air coefficient ?, at a predefined burner load (air mass flow rate) in such a way that the temperature generated by the firing apparatus reaches a maximum when ?=1. According to the inventive method for adjusting the excess air coefficient, said maximum temperature Tmax is determined, whereupon the desired setpoint value ?hy of the excess air coefficient is adjusted and the associated setpoint temperature Tsoll, is measured. A characteristic curve which represents the correlation between the respective air mass flow rates and the setpoint temperatures at the setpoint value ?hy of the excess air coefficient and allows combustion to be regulated to an optimal hygienic state can be determined from said determined correlation between the setpoint temperatures Tsoll at different predefined burner loads.

Abstract: A fuel burner controller and associated method is configured to establish fuel combustion in a fuel burner and to recycle a fuel combustion initiation process when a loss of combustion is detected and a call for heat is asserted. The controller is further configured to limit a number of recycles of the fuel combustion initiation process based on a time budget.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a control valve assembly for gas heaters and gas fireplace devices includes a housing. The housing can define an inlet for accepting fuel from a fuel source, a first outlet for delivering fuel to an oxygen depletion sensor, and a second outlet for delivering fuel to a burner. The assembly can include a valve body configured to selectively provide fluid communication between the inlet and one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet, and can include an actuator configured to move the valve body relative to the housing. The actuator can be configured to transition between a resting state and a displaced state. The assembly can include an igniter that includes a sensor, the igniter electrically coupled with an electrode and configured to repeatedly activate the electrode when the sensor senses that the actuator is in the displaced state.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a control valve assembly for gas heaters and gas fireplace devices includes a housing. The housing can define an inlet for accepting fuel from a fuel source, a first outlet for delivering fuel to an oxygen depletion sensor, and a second outlet for delivering fuel to a burner. The assembly can include a valve body configured to selectively provide fluid communication between the inlet and one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet, and can include an actuator configured to move the valve body relative to the housing. The actuator can be configured to transition between a resting state and a displaced state. The assembly can include an igniter that includes a sensor, the igniter electrically coupled with an electrode and configured to repeatedly activate the electrode when the sensor senses that the actuator is in the displaced state.

Abstract: In order to provide an apparatus for the controlled production of nano-soot particles, a pore burner and a mixing device for the production of a pre-mixture of fuel and oxidizing agent are provided, wherein the mixing device is coupled to the pore burner so that the pre-mixture can be supplied to it.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and controlling the percent stoichiometric oxidant in the pyrolyzing section of incinerators are provided. The methods and systems rely on measurements of the oxygen concentration and temperature of the gases within the pyrolysis section and mathematical relationships between these values and the percent stoichiometric oxidant.

Abstract: A portable heater adapted for use in a recreational enclosure or temporary work enclosure includes a housing having an air inlet on the lower front face. A gas supply is at least partially enclosed by the housing which provides propane to the mouth of a burner venturi located within the housing. Air is drawn through the air inlet and also enters the mouth of the burner venturi. The air and gas are mixed thoroughly as they travel upwardly through the burner venturi. A chimney effect increases fresh air flow velocity into the burner venturi and allows the heater to operate at a reduced fuel gas pressure. Upon exiting the burner venturi, the air/gas mixture is to a plenum and radiant surface where combustion takes place. Any conventional means may be provided to ignite the air/gas mixture in order to cause combustion. The combustion products deflect off a deflector, which is cooled on a rear face by air flow through the housing, which decreases the temperature of the combustion products before exiting an outlet.

Abstract: A signal processing technique that allows the flame signal from a first source of flame and the flame signal from a second source of flame to be discriminated from each other when only both the first and second flame signals are viewed by the same flame scanner. The signal from the flame scanner is processed to enhance one or more of the attributes associated with the first flame and is simultaneously processed to enhance one or more attributes associated with the second flame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for improved process control in combustion applications, and particularly those relating to the steelmaking industry. An apparatus is provided for process control in a combustion application comprising a laser to transmit a near-infrared laser beam through off-gas produced by the combustion application, a detector to detect the transmitted laser beam and convert the detected laser beam to an electrical signal, and a control system for providing adjustment of select inputs to the combustion application in response to the electrical signal from the detector. The method of this invention comprises transmitting a near-infrared laser beam through off-gas produced by the combustion application, detecting the transmitted laser beam, and adjusting select inputs of the combustion application in response to the detected transmitted laser beam.

Abstract: Excess oxygen in the combustion process of a facility that bums carbon-based fuels may cause a visible plume in the atmosphere at the stack of the facility. Traditional optical based opacity monitors may be unable to detect this plume or the plume may form at a location downstream from the opacity monitor toward the stack. The present invention discloses methods to utilize common combustion control variables to detect and signal the presence of a visible plume of exhaust gasses. Also disclosed are systems that detect the visible plume and provide a signal so that the combustion process may be manually or automatically adjusted to reduce or eliminate the visible plume.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of a gas fired appliance having a gas valve circuit for enabling the flow of gas to the burner. The apparatus comprises a sensor capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapor, a switching means in series with the gas valve solenoid circuit for interrupting a thermocouple voltage to the gas valve solenoid to disable the flow of gas, and a fuse that normally conducts a current to the switching means to maintain the switching means in a conductive state for applying a thermocouple voltage to the gas valve solenoid. In response to the detection by the sensor of the presence of a predetermined level of flammable vapor concentration, a second switch supplies a higher current through the fuse. The higher current causes the fuse to blow and interrupt the current for maintaining the switching means in a conductive state, such that the switching means interrupts the thermocouple voltage applied to the gas valve solenoid to shut off the gas to the burner.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of air flowing through an outside air damper of a recirculating air heater includes the steps of sensing an amount of airflow flowing through the damper, recording the amount of airflow and a damper position value at a plurality of damper positions, and interpolating a curve relating the amount of airflow to the damper position for all damper positions between a minimum damper position and a maximum damper position. Once the amount of air flowing through the outside air damper is determined from a position on the curve, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) within a building space can be calculated and/or determined to be within acceptable limits.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switch, a fuse, and a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapors and responsively changing in resistance, wherein the sensor enables the switch to supply current to the fuse which opens to shut down an appliance burner. The fuse is connected in series with a control circuit that enables a gas valve to supply gas to the burner 65. The apparatus comprises a voltage divider circuit that includes the sensor, which upon exposure to flammable vapors, increases in resistance to provide a voltage input to the gate of a FET 100. The FET switches on and conducts a current that blows the fuse to interrupt the appliance burner control circuit and shut down burner operation.

Abstract: A method, and a system using the method, of controlling a heating device. The method includes combusting a mixture of fuel and air in a sealed combustion chamber thereby forming a reaction zone in which the fuel reacts with the air, and also forming outside of the reaction zone an ion zone in which ions are formed as a result of combustion. The method also includes positioning an ion detecting member in the ion zone, and generating an electrical signal at the ion detecting member in response to an ion concentration in the ion zone. The method also includes detecting a direction reversal of the electrical signal at the ion detecting member, and stopping combusting the mixture in response to the reverse of the direction of the electrical signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety module for connection to a fuel-burning appliance. The safety module connects to the existing circuitry of the appliance and triggers an alarm response when certain predetermined conditions are met. The safety module includes a CO sensor and a processor and can respond not only to acutely high CO levels but also to chronically high CO levels and lack of adherence to service schedules amongst other conditions. The safety module can also be programmed/reset.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switch, a fuse, and a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapors and responsively changing in resistance, wherein the sensor enables the switch to supply current to the fuse which opens to shut down an appliance burner. The fuse is connected in series with a control circuit that enables a gas valve to supply gas to the burner. 65 The apparatus comprises a voltage divider circuit that includes the sensor, which upon exposure to flammable vapors, increases in resistance to provide a voltage input to the gate of a FET 100. The FET switches on and conducts a current that blows the fuse to interrupt the appliance burner control circuit and shut down burner operation.

Abstract: A combustion system for a gas turbine includes a steam reformer and a combustor connected in series. A portion of the incoming fuel is diverted to the steam reformer, the balance passing directly to the combustor. The effluent from the steam reformer, which effluent includes a significant amount of hydrogen, is combined with the unreformed fuel entering the combustor. The result is a hot combustion gas which contains very little NOx.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of at least one gaseous component and/or vaporous component of a gaseous mixture in which a controlled sensor flame is introduced into the gaseous mixture and at least one narrow spectral band in the controlled sensor flame is optically measured. The concentration of the gaseous component using a result obtained from the optical measuring of the at least one narrow spectral band is then calculated. The method of this invention is particularly suitable for substantially real-time control of combustion processes.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater has a combustion chamber with a bottom wall defined by a perforated flame arrestor plate forming a portion of a flow path through which combustion air may be supplied to a burner structure within the combustion chamber. During firing of the water heater a combustion air shutoff system having a heat-frangible temperature sensing structure disposed within the combustion chamber senses an undesirable temperature increase in the combustion chamber, caused by for example a partial blockage of the flow path, and responsively terminates further air flow into the combustion chamber, thereby shutting down the burner, prior to the creation in the combustion chamber of a predetermined elevated concentration of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A fuel-fired power vented heating appliance, representatively a water heater, has, in its draft structure, a single thermal or other type of cutoff switch which serves the dual function of preventing (1) the creation of an unacceptably high level of carbon monoxide in the combustion chamber of the appliance, and (2) thermal damage to a PVC vent pipe portion of the draft structure. When triggered, the cutoff switch operates to terminate further firing of the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment of the appliance, this is achieved by preventing further combustion air flow to the appliance. In another illustrative embodiment of the appliance, it is achieved by terminating further fuel flow thereto.

Abstract: A method for setting the performance of a gas operating cooking device by setting a complete combustion of the fuel gas/air mixture supplied to the gas burner of the cooking device.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus for efficiently operating a combustion device including at least one control zone, with each control zone including at least one burner assembly, is disclosed and includes a) individually supplying fuel to each of the burner assemblies in each of the control zones, b) individually measuring a separate combustion characteristic of the collective combusted gas from each of the burner assemblies in each of the control zones, and c) individually adjusting the flow of air to each of the burner assemblies in response to the value of the combustion characteristic corresponding to each of the control zones to keep the value of each separate combustion characteristic within a predetermined range. In a preferred embodiment, primary air and secondary air are separately supplied and controlled to each of the burner assemblies in each of the control zones in response to the value of the combustion characteristic corresponding to each of the control zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for gas burners for providing a gas-air mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas appliance (1), with a gas burner (4) in the lower part of the said appliance and in the vicinity of an underlying surface (6), further comprising: an atmosphere control pilot light (12) fitted with a primary air inlet orifice connected to which is a tube (10), the free orifice (11) of which is located below the gas burner (4); and means (12) for detecting the temperature of the flame (15) of the pilot light which are operationally coupled to means (14) for cutting off the gas supply to the main burner (4); whereby the gas supply to the burner is interrupted when cooling of the flame of the pilot light, caused by gas enrichment of the mixture (vapors in the primary air, air intake obstructed by a liquid phase) is detected.

Abstract: A smoke density monitor for mounting on a ship smokestack. The smoke density monitor provides a transmitter head and a receiver head mounted to a smokestack. The transmitter head and receiver head are optically connected with a density monitor by means of fiber-optic lines. The density monitor is electrically connected to an alarm monitor, which at pre-set smokestack smoke densities activates an alarm and/or shuts down the ship's burner(s). An optional recorder may be connected to the alarm monitor to preserve a record of smoke density. Each transmitter and recorder head has an optical head slidably attached to a head housing for ease of servicing and maintenance.

Abstract: A method for determining a soot charge in a combustion chamber includes measuring a spatial distribution of at least one parameter characteristic of a combustion by monitoring a flame in the combustion chamber. The at least one parameter allows a conclusion concerning a soot charge in the combustion chamber during operation and the at least one parameter is a temperature and/or a carbon monoxide content. The soot charge is determined based on the measuring step and by using a comparison with given conversion curves. A device for determining a soot charge in a combustion chamber is also provided.

Abstract: A combustion system and a method for adapting the combustion system to utilize a first fuel when the system has been designed for a second fuel. The method and system provide inlets for adding air to lower the quality of the first fuel to the quality of the second fuel or inlets for adding a third fuel of a higher quality than the second fuel to raise the quality of the first fuel to the level of the quality of the second fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas appliance (1), with a gas burner (4) in the lower part of the said appliance and in the vicinity of an underlying surface (6), further comprising: an atmosphere control pilot light (12) fitted with a primary air inlet orifice connected to which is a tube (10), the free orifice (11) of which is located below the gas burner (4); and means (12) for detecting the temperature of the flame (15) of the pilot light which are operationally coupled to means (14) for cutting off the gas supply to the main burner (4); whereby the gas supply to the burner is interrupted when cooling of the flame of the pilot light, caused by gas enrichment of the mixture (vapours in the primary air, air intake obstructed by a liquid phase) is detected.

Abstract: A pilot system including a pilot including a nozzle and a sensor adjacent to the nozzle. The sensor determines whether or not the pilot flame is in a predetermined position relative to the nozzle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used to image the combustion flame and by-products. The video device generates and outputs image signals during various phases of, and at various locations in, the combustion process. Other forms of sensors monitor and generate data signals defining selected parameters of the combustion process, such as air flow, fuel flow, turbulence, exhaust and inlet valve openings, etc. In a preferred form, a neural networks initially processes the image data and characterizes the combustion flame. A fuzzy logic controller and associated fuzzy logic rule base analyzes the image data from the neural network, along with other sensor information.

Abstract: A combustion system and a method for adapting the combustion system to utilize a first fuel when the system has been designed for a second fuel. The method and system provide inlets for adding air to lower the quality of the first fuel to the quality of the second fuel or inlets for adding a third fuel of a higher quality than the second fuel to raise the quality of the first fuel to the level of the quality of the second fuel.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the concentration of a chlorinated aromatic compound in the exhaust gas from a combustion furnace. The exhaust gas from the combustion furnace is passed through a bag filter. The concentration of the chlorinated aromatic compound in the exhaust gas is measured and the operating temperature of the bag filter is adjusted based on the measured concentration of the chlorinated aromatic compound in order to decrease the concentration of the chlorinated aromatic compound in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: Combustion variables are diagnosed using sensors to measure turbulence in the post-flame zone as well as in the flame envelope of a combustor. Output signals from the sensors are processed and a set of statistical functions are calculated which are correlated with specific combustion variables, such as the concentration of unburned carbon in fly ash. A special sensor mounting box provides reliable long-term operation in harsh combustor environment, without a supply of cooling or protective air flow.

Abstract: A draft safeguard apparatus for use in a multi-poised furnace having an inducer housing for receiving flue gases from a heat exchanger. The furnace flue pipe is attached to the inducer housing by an elbow that is rotatably connected to the inducer housing. An elongated sensor housing is mounted upon the elbow. The housing provides a flow channel so that the inlet section of the elbow communicates with the surrounding ambient. A limit switch is mounted in the housing to sense the temperature in the flow passing through the housing. When the furnace is operating normally, ambient air is drawn into the vent system through the sensor housing. If the vent system becomes restricted, the flow through the housing is reversed and the limit switch is opened when the reverse flow temperature exceeds a given limit.

Abstract: An ionic flame monitor. The flame monitor has a flame rod that produces an ionization current when the flame rod is immersed in a flame and excited by a voltage. The ionization current has a DC component and an AC component each dependent on the intensity of the flame, and a flicker frequency. The flame monitor also has a computing device that is responsive to signals representative of the flicker frequency, and the AC and DC components of the ionization current for determining the existence of the flame.

Abstract: The present invention describes a measuring device for a flame, in particular for use in a regulating device for a burner (13), comprising an ionization electrode (15) which is arranged in the flame region (14) of the burner (13) and to which an ac voltage is applied whereby a dc voltage component is superimposed in dependence on the ionization current.

Abstract: A safety device for shutting off the flow of gas to a gas-fired appliance in the presence of flammable vapors. The resistance of a variable resistance flammable vapor sensor is monitored by a microprocessor that controls the operation of a gas flow valve. When the measured resistance indicates the presence of a preselected concentration of flammable vapors, the gas flow valve is shut of and the ignition system cannot be energized.

Abstract: A method for determining a soot charge in a combustion chamber includes measuring a spatial distribution of at least one parameter characteristic of a combustion by monitoring a flame in the combustion chamber. The at least one parameter allows a conclusion concerning a soot charge in the combustion chamber during operation and the at least one parameter is a temperature and/or a carbon monoxide content. The soot charge is determined based on the measuring step and by using a comparison with given conversion curves. A device for determining a soot charge in a combustion chamber is also provided.

Abstract: A Nernstian-type gas sensor for monitoring changes in a concentration of oxygen present in an environment. One embodiment includes a mass of solid-electrolyte material, and first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are each in fluid communication with the environment and are arranged to generate a signal therebetween indicative of a difference between an oxygen concentration at the first electrode and an oxygen concentration at the second electrode. The sensor may be free of a temperature control device.

Abstract: A burner for combusting gaseous mixture of gaseous fuel with a combustion supporting gas, such as oxygen or air, comprising a burner tube (11) open at one end (11′) and closed at its other end (11″) with a flame holder (30) at which fuel is burnt adjacent the open end (11′), the flame holder (30) being traversed by passageways (52, 54, 56, 58) for the gaseous mixture, the burner (10) having inlets (14, 16) adjacent the closed end (11″) connected to combustion supporting gas and gaseous fuel supply lines, one of said lines having a control valve operable for controlling the size of the flame, the said one line having a pressure or flow transducer and the other line having a variable booster or restricter responsive to the transducer, for balancing air and fuel supplied to the burner (10) to ensure the gaseous mixture remains stoichiometric irrespective of the size of the flame and such that the lowest gaseous fuel mixture flow rate is at least as low as {fraction (1/60)}th the highest f

Abstract: In an apparatus for monitoring a hydrocarbon flame, a plurality of radiation sensors detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the flame. Each of the sensors is provided with a narrow band filter so that the corresponding sensor is responsive only to a narrow range of wavelengths. In this manner, one of the sensors is made responsive to emissions due to transient species in the flame and one of the sensors is made responsive to emissions from a non-transient species in the combustion region. The signals from the radiation sensors are converted to digital and applied to a central processing unit where they are compared to produce an output indicative of the combustion conditions in the flame. An output unit responds to the output signal from the central processing unit to adjust the air fuel ratio in the flame to a desired level, such as just above stoichiometric.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used to image the combustion flame and by-products. The video device generates and outputs image signals during various phases of, and at various locations in, the combustion process. Other forms of sensors monitor and generate data signals defining selected parameters of the combustion process, such as air flow, fuel flow, turbulence, exhaust and inlet valve openings, etc. In a preferred form, a neural networks initially processes the image data and characterizes the combustion flame. A fuzzy logic controller and associated fuzzy logic rule base analyzes the image data from the neural network, along with other sensor information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for combustion of a fuel with an oxygen-rich oxidant, in a combustion chamber (3), in which, cyclically: at least one principal variable representing the combustion in the said combustion chamber (3) is measured, and, as a function of the result of the measurement of the at least one principal variable, a control instruction for regulating the flowrates of fuel and oxidant to be injected into the combustion chamber (3) is determined. Then the regulating control instruction is applied in order to make the fuel burn with the oxidant in the chamber (3). Additionally at least one secondary variable associated with an operational constraint of the combustion chamber (3) or with a perturbation in the operation of the latter is measured, and for the determination of regulating control instruction, the measurement result of the at least one secondary variable is also taken into account. The invention is useful in glass furnaces, rotary furnaces, and incineration furnaces.

Abstract: An incineration apparatus which can suppress the generation of dioxins, including a combustion furnace (11) for burning a combustible in combustion air within the furnace, chlorinated aromatic compound measuring device (12) for measuring an amount of a chlorinated aromatic compound generated in the combustion furnace, and control device (14, 15, 16) for monitoring the amount of the chlorinated aromatic compound generated, obtained by the measuring device (12), and varying operating conditions of the combustion furnace (11) on the basis of the monitored result, such as to decrease the amount of the chlorinated aromatic compound generated in the combustion furnace (11).

Abstract: A combustion system for reducing an amount of air polluting substances in a combustion exhaust gas produced in a combustion furnace comprises a combustion furnace configured to produce a combustion exhaust gas upon combustion of a combustible material, wherein the combustion exhaust gas contains an amount of air polluting substances; an analyzer suitable for analyzing the combustion exhaust gas and producing an analytical signal; a conduit suitable for conducting the combustion exhaust gas from the outlet opening to the analyzer, wherein the conduit is located adjacent the outlet opening of the combustion furnace; a controller suitable for processing the analytical signal produced by the analyzer and outputting a first control signal and a second control signal, based on the analytical signal; a neutralizer supplier suitable for supplying the combustion furnace with an amount of neutralizers to reduce the amount of air polluting substances in the combustion exhaust gas, wherein the amount of neutralizers supp