Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of carryover particles in an upper region of a furnace, such as a smelt bed boiler, includes plural spaced apart detectors. These detectors monitor discrete portions of the interior of the furnace for the purpose of detecting carryover particles in such monitored portions. Signals indicative of the carryover particles are processed to obtain a count of the carryover particles. The carryover particle count may then be displayed. For example, the signals from all of the detectors may be averaged with trends and overall changes in count rates then displayed. In addition, the counts from the individual detectors may also be displayed to assist an operator in locating the source of excessive carryover particles in the furnace. An image sensor, such as a charged coupled device (CCD) detector, may be used to provide a visual display of detected carryover particles.

Abstract: The method for regulating the furnace output in incineration plants, particularly waste incineration plants, in which the O.sub.2 moist content measured in the flue gas is used as an overriding reference value regulating variable for regulating the combustible material feed and the measured steam mass flow is used as a subordinate reference value regulating variable (10) for regulating the primary air supply, provides, according to a first variant, that the preselected O.sub.2 moist reference value (7) is changed as a function of the furnace temperature (6) measured in the flue gas. This changed regulating variable (9) is fed to a regulator (13l ) which influences the combustible material feed and/or the grate drive.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing fuel and air to a furnace. The furnace includes a plurality of burner assemblies, each with its own air valve for controlling the flow of combustion air therethrough. A sensing instrument for each burner assembly senses a condition reflecting the individual performance of that particular, separate burner assembly. A controller is coupled with the sensing instruments and with the air valves of the burner assemblies for controlling each individual air valve in response to the performance reflecting condition sensed by each sensing instrument. This results in individual control of the performance of each burner assembly of the set of burner assemblies feeding fuel and air to the furnace.

Abstract: A method and system for regulating and maintaining a predetermined desired fuel-air mixture for a fuel of interest as represented by a desired fuel number disclosed which utilizes a known relationship between the radiation intensity ratios of selected chemical species in the products of combustion and the fuel number as a basis to adjust the proportion of fuel within the fuel-air mixture to control at the desired fuel number.

Abstract: A sensing device 50 comprising an O.sub.2 sensor 22, a pump 37, a compressor 19, and a heater 21 is provided to quickly sense the amount of O.sub.2 in a combustion product gas. A sample of the combustion product gas is compressed to a pressure slightly above one atmosphere by compressor 19. Next, heater 21 heats the sample between 800.degree. C. and 900.degree. C. Next, pump 37 causes the sample to be flushed against electrode 32 located in O.sub.2 sensor 22 6000 to 10,000 times per second. Reference air at approximately one atmosphere is provided to electrode 31 of O.sub.2 sensor 22. Accordingly, O.sub.2 sensor 22 produces a voltage which is proportional to the amount of oxygen in the combustion product gas. This voltage may be used to control the amount of O.sub.2 entering into the combustion chamber 10 which produces the combustion product gas.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing fuel and air to a furnace. The furnace includes a plurality of burner assemblies, each with its own air valve for controlling the flow of combustion air therethrough. A sensing instrument for each burner assembly senses a condition reflecting the individual performance of that particular, separate burner assembly. A controller is coupled with the sensing instruments and with the air valves of the burner assemblies for controlling each individual air valve in response to the performance reflecting condition sensed by each sensing instrument. This results in individual control of the performance of each burner assembly of the set of burner assemblies feeding fuel and air to the furnace.

Abstract: The efficiency of a furnace is determined by determining the percentage of the heat supplied to the furnace in the form of fuel which is lost due to a plurality of phenomena in the furnace operation. The thus determined efficiency may be displayed for use by an operator or may be utilized for automatic control of the furnace so as to substantially maximize the efficiency of the furnace.

Abstract: An abnormal combustion detecting construction for a burner is disclosed which is capable of directly detecting a variation of an oxygen concentration in a burner to positively and effectively sense abnormal combustion, particularly, that causing an excessively or abnormally increased combustion flame. The abnormal combustion detecting construction includes an oxygen sensor having one electrode arranged at a height in a combustion chamber of a burner which causes only the excessively or abnormally increased flame to reach the one electrode and the other electrode arranged above a partition plate to be constantly isolated from any combustion flame in the burner, so that a variation of an oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber may be directly detected.

Abstract: A method and device 15 is provided for a quick, accurate and on-line determination of heats of combustion of gaseous hydrocarbons. First, the amount of oxygen in the carrier stream air is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Second, three individual volumetric flow rates of oxygen, carrier stream air, and hydrocarbon test gas are introduced into burner 19. The hydrocarbon test gas is fed into burner 19 at a volumetric flow rate n measured by flowmeter 18. Third, the amount of oxygen in the resulting combustion products is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Fourth, the volumetric flow rate of oxygen is adjusted until the amount of oxygen in the combustion product equals the amount of oxygen previously sensed in the carrier stream air. This equalizing volumetric flow rate is m and is measured by flowmeter 16. The heat of combustion of the hydrocarbon test gas is then determined from the ratio m/n.

Abstract: For continuous combustion air control in a hazardous waste incinerator, two signals are generated which totalize the air required on a fuel supplied basis. One signal is responsive to measured totalized fuel flow and this total can include fuel flow signals which are limited to the fraction of available air which corresponds to the fuel flow. The other signal is responsive to the totalized fuel flow that is commanded for maintaining an incinerator condition. In use the signal which requires the greater air flow is selected as the actual control signal for combustion air, and this control signal is biased to increase the air flow to obtain complete combustion of the hazardous waste by a controller acting on the measured amount of oxygen in the flue gas. In this manner the combustion air is manipulated in parallel with the waste fuel and if the fuel flow is limited by the available air, the air flow is limited to match the limited fuel flow.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fog generator can be used to advantage in injecting a fog into the input air of a combustion chamber, in order to improve the efficiency of the combustion chamber and reduce the noxious emissions in the exhaust. In accordance with a feature of the disclosure, a sensor is provided to sense the concentration of noxious emissions in the exhaust of the combustion chamber. The volume per unit time of the injected fog is increased as the concentration of the noxious emissions increases, and controlled to a preselected emissions setpoint. In accordance with a further feature of the disclosure, a supply of chemical suitable for reacting with a component of the noxious emissions is provided, along with means for combining the chemical with the water supplied to the fogging device.

Abstract: A combustion safety device for the counter-action against oxygen deficiency in a gas heater which is provided with a main burner of the surface combustion type and with an oxygen-deficiency detecting burner of a Bunsen type, in which a primary-air hole of the oxygen deficiency detecting burner is made to communicate with the primary-air supply chamber or distributing chamber of the main burner.

Abstract: A rescue vehicle adapted for driving in tunnels, mines or at oxygen-poor high altitudes comprises a Diesel engine, a first conduit connected to the engine for supplying ambient air to the engine, bottles of compressed air carried on the vehicle, a second conduit connecting the bottles of compressed air to the engine for supplying the air to the engine, and a switching arrangement for selectively interrupting the flow of the ambient air from the first conduit to the engine when the air is supplied to the engine through the second conduit and for interrupting the flow of air through the second conduit to the engine when the ambient air flows to the engine through the first conduit.

Abstract: An installation for monitoring combustion to control pollution and retard other deleterious effects of improper combustion employs a smoke sampling duct to draw off a portion of the smoke emanation from the combustion chamber. The smoke in the sampling duct flows past a probe and is then vented from the duct. The probe senses oxygen or other substances in the smoke and emits signals to a device which analyzes the quality of combustion. A gas inlet in the sampling duct is situated upstream of the probe and gas is intermittently discharged into that duct to ascertain whether the probe is operating properly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring dry substance in the flue gas in liquor recovery units in mills for the manufacture of papermaking pulp in order thereby to render it possible to control the operation of the unit. According to the invention, this is carried out in that the radiation emission caused at the combustion of fuel particles in the hearth of the unit above the fuel supply level is detected optically, and that the signals are used for indication and/or control of the operation of the unit.

Abstract: A system for the automatic and continuous determination of the efficiency of a fossil fuel-fired vapor generator for utilization by an automatic load control (88) to control the distribution of the system load among a plurality of generators, wherein various heat losses from various combustion sources are separately determined, the individual losses summed (80) and subtracted (86) from 100 percent to obtain a measure of the vapor generator efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel burner comprising a nozzle for ejecting fuel, an inner tube having an inlet end for receiving the fuel from the nozzle. The inner tube has first and secod air inlet ports adjacent to and located in positions spaced longitudinally apart in the direction of axis of the inner tube and angularly apart about said axis for introducing primary air into the inner tube so as to produce a helically rising column of air-fuel mixture and providing primary combustion at the outlet end thereof. An outer tube coaxially surrounding the inner tube has secondary air inlet ports for introducing secondary air thereinto to provide secondary combustion at an outlet end. A sensor is located between the outlet ends of the inner and outer tubes for detecting the presence of the primary combustion.

Abstract: For determining the ratio in which two constituents are blended in a mixture comprising an oxygen-carrying gas and a gaseous fuel to be combusted by a primary combustion system, the thermodynamic conditions (composition, pressure, temperature) of the two gases prior to and after blending being variable, a secondary combustion system reacting part of the fuel and part of the oxygen-carrying gas is used as a reference combustion chamber. A mixture reproducibly analogous with the mixture burnt by the primary combustion system is used for reaction in the reference combustion chamber. Combustion in the reference combustion chamber is measured to obtain at least one signal for measuring and controlling the ratio between the two constituents of the mixture burnt by the primary combustion system, the reference combustion chamber allowing the rapid, accurate and reliable determination of the ratio between the gaseous fuel and the oxygen-carrying gas contents of the mixture burnt by the primary combustion system.

Abstract: A steam-generator control method is proposed for controlling the mass flows f an oxidant and a fuel which are supplied for combustion. In order to control the flows at stoichiometric ratios with a required accuracy, the controlled variables are established by the measurements of the mass flows and their comparison with theoretically predetermined stoichiometric ratios. Measurement errors are defined continuously through a combustion-gas analysis, conducted by means of a probe after the combustion. The errors are used for the correction of the controlled variables. The time constant of the correction is smaller than the time constant of dynamic changes of the errors.

Abstract: A mechanical proportioning trim execution device in the general configuration of a four-bar linkage including input and output levers coupled by a connecting link, with the input lever having its length determined by a movable pivot automatically adjusted by a gear motor to produce the trim function. The movable pivot advances or retracts along a path which is highly skewed to the line of the input lever in a manner such that the path is perpendicular to the connecting link at zero input displacement for minimum trim effect and is parallel to the connecting link at full input displacement for maximum trim effect.

Abstract: A CO sensor is mounted on the heat exchanger of a gas water heater (or other combustion unit) and is connected in circuit with a detecting unit mounted separately from the heater. The detecting unit generates a control voltage in opposition to a reference voltage on a solenoid. The solenoid controls a valve in a fuel supply passage to a burner (or burners) in the heater, thereby shutting off the burners when the CO concentration reaches a predetermined value. A timing circuit may be added to cut off the burners whenever a lesser CO concentration continues for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The burner system includes an apertured burner plate with low thermal conductivity which is adapted to be positioned in a closed combustion chamber. A mixing chamber below the combustion chamber has a gas inlet and an air inlet. A fan is operatively arranged in the mixing chamber. A detector provides an electric detection signal which varies with the composition of the burnt gas in the combustion chamber. The detection signal is applied to the input of an electronic control unit, which in response to the detection signal produces at least one output signal. Control means are responsive to the output signal for controlling the air-gas mix supplied to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a safety arrangement adapted to detect the incomplete combustion of a burner to stop the combustion in a combustion apparatus for burning a mixture of fuel and air. Through employment of an oxygen concentration cell type sensor (25), by setting the burner to be at a low air/fuel ratio (rich air/fuel mixture), ignition performance has been improved, while simultaneously, through utilization of the fact that the sensor electromotive force is large during a low air/fuel ratio, it is made possible to detect the ignition of the burner quickly and positively.In addition, it is so arranged that voltage is applied to the sensor (25) from outside, so that, by utilizing temperature characteristics of the internal resistance of the sensor (25), misfire of the burner is positively detected.

Abstract: The invention is particularly applicable to combustion control apparatus for burners, having a motor-controlled fuel value, and a motor-controlled damper. Coarse control of the damper position is provided by a mechanical profiler, and a trim motor provides fine control of the damper. Overall, the air or fuel is controlled continuously by an up to the minute control signal corresponding to the instantaneous burn rate.

Abstract: An oxygen sensing probe includes a substrate of sintered zirconia or titania, which is formed with a pair of elongate sensing elements integral with a bridging portion of the substrate, the sensing elements having rare-earth metal electrodes on opposite parallel faces thereof which terminate on the bridging portion, at which point they are connected to electrical leads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the combustion of multiple fuels, especially fuels having diverse combustion air requirements. A heating rate demand signal indicative of the heating rate desired is generated and is compared with a fuel based fuel heating rate signal. The larger of the two signals is selected to be an air demand signal that serves as set point for a combustion air controller. The flow rates of each of the fuels being burned is monitored and the resulting signals are scaled and summed to produce the heating rate signal. The fuel signals are also scaled by factors reflecting the combustion air requirements of the fuels. The signals are summed and combined with the fuel heating rate signal to produce a feedforward signal which in turn is combined with a signal reflecting the measured combustion air flow to produce an equivalent air heating rate signal.

Abstract: A system for minimizing combustion operation losses includes measuring a load index for the combustion operation which is proportional to the fuel demand or the output thereof, measuring an amount proportional to the air heating losses of the combustion operation and measuring an amount which is proportional to the fuel loss of the operation. The air heating loss is measured by multiplying a flue temperature by an amount of unburned oxygen in the flue gas. This quantity is multiplied by a cost factor for such air heating and the load index. The fuel loss is obtained by measuring an amount of by-product in the flue gas as well as the opacity of the flue gas. These are multiplied by appropriate cost factors which in the case of opacity is proportional to a fine that would be due for violating certain limits for the opacity. Minimum values are found for the fuel loss and air heating loss quantities, as air demand to the combustion operation is changed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reaching and maintaining a desired fuel-to-air ratio in a combustion system. The system comprises apparatus for monitoring information related to fuel-to-air ratio. The system further comprises apparatus for waiting to adjust a set point of the fuel-to-air ratio until after the passage of a predetermined period of time following the onset of a particular flame-on period. The apparatus for waiting comprises apparatus for waiting again to adjust the set point of the fuel-to-air ratio as required only after the occurrence of either of the two following events, whichever occurs first: the passage of a predetermined period of time after the previous adjustment of fuel-to-air ratio; or the passage of a predetermined period of time following the onset of the flame-on period occurring subsequent to the flame-on period in which the fuel-to-air ratio was last adjusted.

Abstract: A method of determining heat losses due to incomplete fuel combustion consists in that periodic sampling of fuel combustion products is carried out. The sample is separated into two parts, one of which includes a gaseous phase, and the other, solid and gaseous phases. Oxygen concentration in each part is assessed, after which both parts are heated and burnt up to determine oxygen concentration after burning. Oxygen losses in the gaseous phase and in the mixture of the solid and the gaseous phases are determined, and heat losses due to chemical and total underburning of fuel are defined as the ratio between oxygen losses. Then heat losses due to mechanical underburning of fuel are estimated as the difference of heat losses due to total chemical and mechanical underburning, and chemical underburning of fuel.

Abstract: An improved combustion control system for a jackshaft controlled boiler or the like utilizes a second power actuator, a linkage biasing mechanism and a function generator which provides a position control signal as a function of the boiler load in order to position the linkage biasing mechanism to obtain an automatically calibrated, near optimum relationship between fuel and air. An alternative embodiment of this invention includes a flue gas analysis system where the position control signal is modified to further enhance combustion efficiency. This invention also includes a method for programming a programmable combustion control system according to this invention.

Abstract: The well-known "jackshaft" positioning or two-point parallel combustion control system has been modified to include a linkage strut length adjustor apparatus with a remote actuator apparatus. The adjustor apparatus includes an overload protection system to prevent damage to the linkage and control members of the combustion control system.

Abstract: In the combination of a high temperature combustion chamber which has a burner at the top, there is a radiant energy conduit that is associated with the burner so as to receive radiant energy from the interior of the combustion chamber. The burner introduces the constituents of a synthesis gas generation process. The radiant energy conduit is cooled by its association with the burner, and its purpose is for making temperature measurements inside the chamber.

Abstract: Estimated fuel flow rate is calculated by reading first data of the relationship between the opening degree of a fuel control valve and a fuel flow rate. Then, a compensation coefficient is calculated based on the estimated fuel flow rate, and the actual fuel flow rate is controlled on the basis of the compensation coefficient. Estimated excess air ratio is calculated by reading second data representing the relationship between the opening rate of an air control damper and the air flow rate. Then, the actual fuel flow rate and the air flow rate are controlled depending on the predetermined relationship of values between the estimated excess air ratio and the desired excess air ratio.

Abstract: The safety valve of a fan heater is operated by a detector pipe, the outlet of which is shielded from its inlet and communicates with the warm wind circulating fan of the heater to forcibly draw burned gas into the detector pipe for stable flow therethrough. A timed delay stops operation of the fan only after the flow of gas has been shut off by the safety valve for a time sufficient to discharge combusted gas from the detector pipe.

Abstract: In a liquid fuel burner of the type wherein vaporization of the fuel is sustained by the heat of its own flame, an oxygen sensor is located in the flame to provide a signal when the flame diminishes indicating the occurrence of an oxygen shortage condition to permit a safety device to automatically extinguish the flame.

Abstract: A method for optimizing combustion air flow to a furnace. As the air/fuel ratio changes or is periodically perturbated, the corresponding change in heat loss to the stack due to the change in the amount of combustibles in the flue gases is maintained equal to the change in heat loss to the stack due to changes in the amount of excess air in the flue gases. The control is carried out by continuously modifying the air/fuel ratio in the appropriate direction to maintain that equality.

Abstract: A liquid fuel combustion device which includes a fuel tank, a combustion section which includes an inner and an outer flame cylinder and an outer cylinder surrounding the flame cylinders, and a wick having one end in the fuel tank for being immersed in the liquid fuel therein and the other end disposed between the flame cylinders so as to draw fuel to the other end. Structure is also provided for guiding air through the combustion section to provide oxygen to support combustion between the flame cylinders of fuel evaporated from the wick such that the heat produced by the combustion serves to evaporate the fuel from the other end of the wick. Detector elements are provided for respectively detecting the temperature of the exhaust gas from the combustion section and the temperature of the air guided to the combustion section by the guide structure.

Abstract: A two-stage starved air furnace system is controlled to simultaneously achieve desired temperatures and percent stoichiometric air operation in the primary stage by modulating transformation relay functions acting upon measured temperature deviations to change both primary combustion air and primary auxiliary burner operation. At the set-point value of percent stoichiometric air, the relay functions are modulated in reverse direction to satisfy changing heat demands.

Abstract: Oxygen content in the exhaust gas of a combustion system is controlled such that the actually detected value of the oxygen content is compared with a set value which is varied in accordance with the combustion load of the system. A value theoretically adapted to control an air-fuel mixing ratio is calculated from the combustion load and the result of the comparison, and the flow rates of air and fuel supplied to the combustion system are controlled according to this value.

Abstract: An efficiency improving apparatus (A) improves the combustion efficiency of a combustion apparatus (B) which includes a combustion chamber (10), a fuel supply rate regulator (32), an air supply rate regulator (42) and a combustion control (20) to control the fuel supply rate in response to firing rate demands and to control the air supply rate in relation to the fuel supply rate so that a preselected program of combustion conditions will be maintained during random variations in air and fuel quality, as well as during rapid changes in firing rate. The efficiency improving apparatus is connected between the combustion control and the air regulator to alter the air-fuel volume relationship by a percentage.

Abstract: A process for the surveillance of jacketed radiant heating tubes and recuperative burners using a detector responding to the oxygen partial pressure in the exhaust gas. At low exhaust gas temperatures down to 200.degree. to 300.degree. C., an abrupt change in the detector output signal occurring due to the transition from over-stoichiometric to under-stoichiometric combustion and vice-versa is detected and is reproduced as an actuating and/or alarm signal. The process can also be used for flame surveillance, for the determination of leaks and cracks in jackets, and for surveillance of the tightness of closed magnetic gas valves.

Abstract: A kerosene heating stove is equipped with a temperature sensor and a carbonic oxide sensor. The temperature of a space is maintained at a constant level by automatically increasing and decreasing the burning length of a wick in the kerosene heating stove to change the height of the heating flame. The carbonic oxide sensor automatically generates an alarm and decreases the length of the wick to extinguish the flame if the concentration of carbonic oxide in the space increases to a predetermined dangerous level. In another embodiment, a kerosene heating stove is provided with a humidifier which automatically permits water to flow into an evaporating container in proximity to the flame when the moisture content of the air in the space falls below a predetermined level in order to regulate the moisture content of the air.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the fuel/air ratio of a fuel/air mixture for a combustion process which produces flue gases having a combustible content and an oxygen content, comprises selecting desired combustible and oxygen contents for the flue gases which correspond to efficient combustion, simultaneously sensing both actual combustion and actual oxygen content in the flue gases, and controlling the fuel/air ratio in accordance only with the sensed combustible and oxygen content to adjust the ratio until the selected set points are reached. The combustible content can be utilized to regulate the oxygen content set point.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the combustion of natural gas in a natural gas fired appliance is described. Exhaust gases are sampled and maintained at a predetermined constant temperature between the dew point and the steam point. The relative humity of the constant temperature gas is monitored by a hygrometer. Relative humidity deviations from a predetermined value result in output signals from the hygrometer to a control circuit. The control circuit is connected to regulators in the air intake or chimney of the appliance which regulate air intake to keep the relative humidity substantially constant and hence control combustion of the gas. In another embodiment the relative humidity of the exhaust gases and the combustion air intake are monitored by separate hygrometers which are linked to each other so that a change in the relative humidity of a gas affecting one hygrometer will compensate the other hygrometer and control combustion as before.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heat load in a plant fed with natural gas of variable calorific value and density consisting of withdrawing a portion of gas from the feed line, burning it in a special combustion chamber, withdrawing the combustion products from the chamber, determining the quantity of free oxygen contained in the dry burnt gas and varying the volumetric throughput of the natural gas on the main line.

Abstract: An improved combustion control system for a jackshaft controlled boiler or the like utilizes a second power actuator, a linkage biasing mechanism and a function generator which provides a position control signal as a function of the boiler load in order to position the linkage biasing mechanism to obtain an automatically calibrated, near optimum relationship between fuel and air. An alternative embodiment of this invention includes a flue gas analysis system where the position control signal is modified to further enhance combustion efficiency. This invention also includes a method for programming a programmable combustion control system according to this invention.

Abstract: A combustion control apparatus of a combustion furnace by an improved fuel and air complementary control system according to master control system is disclosed, which is provided with a regulating means connected to a master controller and adapted for detecting the amount of load change and for setting the length of an air damper control rod's length changing device to a preset standard value corresponding to the load, without controlling the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas to a standard value, when the load change is increased to a value of not lower than the preset value. The combustion control apparatus can control stably the oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas to a low level even when a load is suddenly changed.

Abstract: An oxygen shortage sensor is placed in a space defined above a burner unit exposed to the atmosphere. When an oxygen shortage condition is detected by the oxygen shortage sensor, an alarm is raised from an alarm unit or combustion of the burner unit is stopped by a combustion stopper. In such an apparatus, in order to secure a stable oxygen shortage detection by the oxygen shortage sensor, the oxygen shortage sensor is located in a space above the burner unit and in a casing having an opening formed on the side of the burner unit.

Abstract: The well-known "jackshaft" positioning or two-point parallel combustion control system has been modified to include a linkage strut length adjustor apparatus with a remote actuator apparatus. The adjustor apparatus includes an overload protection system to prevent damage to the linkage and control members of the combustion control system.

Abstract: A method for controlling two-stage combustion furnaces having a first stage operated with sub-stoichiometric airflow and a second stage operated with excess air, whereby the first stage airflow is controlled such that the ratio of first stage airflow to total airflow is maintained less than ##EQU1## where N lies between zero and unity.