Abstract: A fluid heating process which does not utilize an open flame, heat is created by a rotating prime mover(s) driving a hydraulic heat generator. Heat is also collected from the prime mover cooling system, and any exhaust heat generated by the prime mover. The heat energy is collected from all these sources, and transmitted through heat exchangers to generate a hot fluid, which can be used to heat other fluids and used for any application where heat is required.

Abstract: A fluid heating process which does not utilize an open flame, heat is created by a rotating prime mover(s) driving a hydraulic heat generator. Heat is also collected from the prime mover cooling system, and any exhaust heat generated by the prime mover. The heat energy is collected from all these sources, and transmitted through heat exchangers to generate a hot fluid, which can be used to heat other fluids and used for any application where heat is required.

Abstract: To substantially reduce inequality in hot combustion flow rates through first and second heat exchanger tubes from a fuel-fired heating appliance burner box connected thereto and internally combusting a fuel/air mixture received therein from a source thereof to create the hot combustion gas, a perforated diffuser member having a non-uniform perforation pattern is provided. The fuel/air mixture is flowed through the perforated diffuser member into the interior of the burner box. The non-uniform perforation pattern of the diffuser member functions to alter relative combustion gas flow rates through the first and second heat exchanger tubes in a manner reducing an undesirable operating temperature differential therebetween.

Abstract: A method for startup of a catalytic oxidation unit includes flowing air from an air source into the catalytic oxidation unit, recycling air from an outlet of the catalytic oxidation unit to an inlet of the catalytic oxidation unit through a recycle duct, and flowing a fuel from a fuel source into the catalytic oxidation to cause a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: To substantially reduce inequality in hot combustion flow rates through first and second heat exchanger tubes from a fuel-fired heating appliance burner box connected thereto and internally combusting a fuel/air mixture received therein from a source thereof to create the hot combustion gas, a perforated diffuser member having a non-uniform perforation pattern is provided. The fuel/air mixture is flowed through the perforated diffuser member into the interior of the burner box. The non-uniform perforation pattern of the diffuser member functions to alter relative combustion gas flow rates through the first and second heat exchanger tubes in a manner reducing an undesirable operating temperature differential therebetween.

Abstract: A work is subjected to a heat treatment in a heat-treating furnace. First, the work is carried into the heat-treating furnace. The work in the heat-treating furnace is immersed in a heat source solvent. In the heat-treating furnace, a superheated steam atmosphere is formed. The work is exposed in the heat-treating furnace under the superheated steam atmosphere. Then, the work is carried out of the heat-treating furnace.

Abstract: A device and method of controlling excess air during and after ignition of a gas furnace by operating a variable speed combustion blower assembly at an initial speed; operating a gas valve assembly and a burner assembly to initiate an ignition sequence; operating the variable speed combustion blower assembly at an increasing plurality of speeds until an excess air measurement is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and operating the variable speed combustion blower assembly at a steady state airflow rate to maintain the excess air measurement at the predetermined value.

Abstract: A fluid heating process which does not utilize an open flame, heat is created by a rotating prime mover(s) driving a hydraulic heat generator. Heat is also collected from the prime mover cooling system, and any exhaust heat generated by the prime mover. The heat energy is collected from all these sources, and transmitted through heat exchangers to generate a hot fluid, which can be used to heat other fluids and used for any application where heat is required.

Abstract: A fuel-fired furnace incorporates specially designed fuel/air mixing and combustion structures. The fuel/air mixing structure is of a mixing sound-attenuating design and comprises a venturi having a perforated sidewall portion and being surrounded by a noise-damping housing chamber communicating with the interior of the venturi via its sidewall perforations. During use of the mixing structure, air is flowed through the venturi in a swirling pattern while fuel is transversely injected internally against the swirling air. The combustion structure comprises a burner box housing into which the fuel/air mixture is flowed, combusted, and then discharged as hot combustion gas into and through the heat exchanger tubes. The fuel/air mixture entering the burner box housing initially passes through a non-uniformly perforated diffuser plate functioning to substantially alter in a predetermined manner the relative combustion gas flow rates through the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a fully synthetic heavy fuel oil, said process including at least fractionation of hydrocarbons obtained from the hydroconversion of C5 and heavier Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process products to obtain a product that is heavier than a middle distillate and has an ASTM D86 cut-off temperature in excess of 350° C. Further, the invention provides a fuel made in accordance with the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides grain-drying facilities which can effectively use the heat energy of a biomass combustion hot-air that has been generated in a biomass combustion furnace.

Abstract: Provided is a system that may be used to heat a storage tank. In example embodiments, the system may include a storage tank, a channel in the storage tank, a burner in the channel, and at least one source tank configured to provide a flammable gas to the burner, wherein the burner is configured to generate heat within the channel to warm contents of the storage tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for controlling heat for rapid thermal processing of carbonaceous material are provided herein. The apparatus comprises a reheater for containing a fluidized bubbling bed comprising an oxygen-containing gas, inorganic heat carrier particles, and char and for burning the char into ash to form heated inorganic particles. An inorganic particle cooler is in fluid communication with the reheater to receive a first portion of the heated inorganic particles. The inorganic particle cooler is configured to receive a cooling medium for indirect heat exchange with the first portion of the heated inorganic particles to form first partially-cooled heated inorganic particles that are fluidly communicated to the reheater and combined with a second portion of the heated inorganic particles to form second partially-cooled heated inorganic particles. A reactor is in fluid communication with the reheater to receive the second partially-cooled heated inorganic particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for processing hydrocarbon feeds. The method enhances the conversion of hydrocarbon feeds into conversion products, such as ethylene and propylene. In particular, the present techniques utilize a high-severity reactor integrated with another reactor type to convert hydrocarbons to other petrochemical products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of cells and embryonic tissue on a synthetic polymer matrix. For example, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, gametes, mature differentiated cells, and embryonic tissue (e.g., blastomeres, embryos, and embryoid bodies). In certain embodiments, the cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state as a result of the synthetic polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method for heating a fluid or a body using a vapour compression circuit containing a heat-transfer fluid containing tetrafluoropropene, said method including, successively and cyclically, evaporation of the heat-transfer fluid, compression of the heat-transfer fluid, cooling of the heat-transfer fluid and expansion of the heat-transfer fluid, the heat-transfer fluid being in the supercritical state at the end of compression. Also, an installation suited to implementing this method.

Abstract: A method for producing steam includes combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate heat in a combustion stream, and injecting impure water into the combustion stream such that the heat produces a steam stream including particulate matter precipitated from the impure water.

Abstract: A method and system of temperature control of heavy hydrocarbons in a consist of rail cars is disclosed wherein waste heat from one or more of the locomotives propelling the train is utilized to heat the heavy hydrocarbons in a consist or ambient air is used to cool the heavy hydrocarbon cargo. The train is typically comprised of tanker cars that can be filled with raw heavy hydrocarbon, not dilbit thus allowing about 20% to about 30% additional heavy hydrocarbon to be transported in each tanker car. The system can keep the heavy hydrocarbon at a first, lower temperature en route and increase temperature to a second higher temperature as the train nears its terminus so that the tanker cars can be quickly emptied of their contents at the receiving terminal without the need to heat the tanker cars at the unloading terminal. The method disclosed herein for heating tanker cars in transit is to utilize waste heat from the locomotive diesel or gas turbine engines which is otherwise exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A furnace includes a housing having a charging end, a discharge end downstream of the charging end, and a combustion chamber within the housing between the charging and discharge ends; a first pair of lances disposed at a first side of the housing proximate the charging end and in communication with the combustion chamber, one lance of said first pair to provide a first fuel to said combustion chamber, and another lance of said first pair to provide a first oxidant to said combustion chamber; and a second pair of lances disposed at a second side of the housing opposite to the first side proximate the charging end and in communication with the combustion chamber, one lance of said second pair to provide a second fuel to said combustion chamber, and another lance of said second pair to provide a second oxidant to said combustion chamber. A method is provided.

Abstract: An atmospheric water heating system is presented, where hot gasses from a burner are introduced directly to water. The water is exposed to the burner exhaust gasses as a film upon a series of rotating discs partially submerged in a reservoir. The water vaporizes and then re-condenses on subsequent discs, cooling the exhaust gas and heating the reservoir water. The heated reservoir water may be used to heat space heating water with a water-to-water heat exchanger. The water vapor may be used to heat environmental forced hot air with a vapor-to-air heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement. Coal can be intercepted on current coal feed systems ahead of the pulverizers. Drying fuel, such as coal, is done to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. A two-stage bed utilized in the process first “pre-dries and separates” the feed stream into desirable and undesirable feedstock. Then, it incrementally dries and segregates fluidizable and non-fluidizable material from the product stream. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Elevation of fan room air temperature is also accomplished using waste heat, thereby making available to the plant system higher temperature media to enhance the feedstock drying process.

Abstract: In a fuel-fired water heater with a standing pilot burner and a motorized flue damper, a specially designed controller is utilized to prevent overheating of water stored in the tank portion of the water heater caused by the hot combustion gases continuously generated by the pilot burner during standby periods of the water heater in which its main fuel burner is not being fired.

Abstract: An oven includes a cooking chamber, a gas-fired heat exchanger external of the cooking chamber and a flow path for circulating air from the cooking chamber past the heat exchanger to pick-up heat and then back to the cooking chamber under operation of a blower. A first combustion path gas flow path runs from the heat exchanger to an exhaust system for delivering combustion path gases away from the oven, and a second combustion path gas flow path runs from the heat exchanger to the cooking chamber for delivering combustion path gases into the cooking chamber. A control arrangement is configured to selectively control the flow of combustion path gases along at least one of the first combustion gas flow path or the second combustion gas flow path.

Abstract: A plurality of independently flow rate-controlled flows of oxidant may be preheated at a heat exchanger (or both oxidant and fuel at separate heat exchangers) by heat exchange with a hot shell-side (heat transfer) fluid. The separate flows of hot oxidant are directed to associated separate burners where they combust with flows of fuel to produce hot combustion gases. The hot combustion gases are used to preheat the hot shell-side fluid at a recuperator or regenerator.

Abstract: Methods and systems generate steam and carbon dioxide mixtures suitable for injection to assist in recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands based on concentration of the carbon dioxide in the mixtures as influenced by temperature of water introduced into a direct steam generator. Increasing temperature of the water to above 200° C. before introduction into the direct steam generator may utilize heat from an electrical power generation unit. Enthalpy of this preheated water impacts amount of fuel needed to burn in the direct steam generator and hence the concentration of the carbon dioxide, which may be below 11% by mass percent of the steam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas pressurized separation system to strip a product gas from a liquid stream and yield a high pressure gaseous effluent containing the product gas. The system comprises a gas pressurized stripping apparatus, such as a column, with at least one first inlet allowing flow of one or more liquid streams in a first direction and at least one second inlet allowing flow of one or more high pressure gas streams in a second direction, to strip the product gas into the high pressure gas stream and yield through at least one outlet a high pressure gaseous effluent containing the product gas; and two or more heat supplying apparatuses provided at different locations along the column. Processes for separating a product gas from a gaseous mixture to yield a high pressure gaseous effluent containing the product gas, utilize the gas pressurized separation system described above.

Abstract: In the field of oil sands processing, a process for heating an oil sands slurry stream such as bitumen froth containing bitumen and water and having variable heating requirements includes injecting steam directly into the froth at a steam pressure through a plurality of nozzles to achieve sonic steam flow; operating the plurality of the nozzles to vary steam injection by varying a number of the nozzles through which the injecting of the steam occurs in response to the variable heating requirements; and subjecting the oil sands slurry stream to backpressure sufficient to enable sub-cooling relative to the boiling point of water. A corresponding system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for treatment of articles by hot pressing and preferably by hot isostatic pressing. In particular, the present invention relates to such an arrangement capable of obtaining a rapid rate without the need of special purpose valves for the cooling. A furnace chamber is provided inside the pressure vessel of the arrangement and a heat insulated casing arranged to surround the furnace chamber. A bottom insulating portion is arranged beneath the furnace chamber. Further, a fan having a controllable number of revolutions for circulating the pressure medium within the furnace chamber is arranged in the pressure vessel, and preferable within the furnace chamber. At least one feeding passage is arranged to allow feeding of pressure medium from a region being colder than a region within the furnace chamber towards an inlet of the fan, wherein an amount of pressure medium being fed to the inlet of the fan can be controlled by adjusting operational parameters of the fan.

Abstract: A method for producing a syngas stream for use in a blast furnace, including providing a hot air stream to an ion transport membrane, thereby producing a hot nitrogen rich stream and a hot oxygen rich stream, providing a methane stream to the ion transport membrane, wherein the methane reacts with the hot oxygen rich stream thereby producing a syngas containing stream, introducing the syngas containing stream into a CO2 removal unit, thereby producing a carbon dioxide rich stream, and a hydrogen rich stream, and introducing the hydrogen rich stream into a blast furnace, thereby replacing at least a portion of the natural gas fuel required therein.

Abstract: Contemplated devices and methods reduce heat loss and energy demand of a carbon baking ring furnace by employing a preferably internal bypass conduit that feeds a portion of a heated cooling air stream from the cooling zone directly to the flue ducts of the firing and/or pre-heat zones.

Abstract: Contemplated devices and methods reduce heat loss and energy demand in a ring furnace by heating an additional oxygen containing stream in a supplemental oxygen conduit that is thermally coupled to a flue duct of a cooling zone. The so heated additional oxygen containing stream is then fed to the firing and/or pre-heat zones to increases combustion of volatiles and to reduce fuel demand by recycling waste heat to the firing and/or pre-heat zones.

Abstract: In a sample heating method which uses a microchip, using the microchip which includes a vessel portion (70e) in which at least a portion is configured of an elastic member and a flow channel (61b) which leads a liquid sample to the vessel portion (70e), after a liquid sample is put in the vessel portion (70e), the liquid sample is heated while pressure is applied with respect to an inner portion of the vessel portion (70e).

Abstract: A method for operating a tank for reducing agent, in particular aqueous urea solution, having a sensor with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, includes initially determining a conductance value for liquid reducing agent, a conductance value for frozen reducing agent and a conductance value for air in steps a.1) to a.3. A voltage is then applied between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact in step b. A conductance value between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is then determined in step c. The conductance value determined in step c) is then compared to the conductance values determined in steps a.1) to a.3) and a determination is made as to if liquid reducing agent, frozen reducing agent, or air is present in step d). A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out, is also provided.

Abstract: A viral vaccine in the dried state is described. Methods for drying viral vaccine in the liquid state into viral vaccine in the dried state are presented. The methods may include introducing the viral vaccine in the liquid state into a gas stream and recovering viral vaccine in the dried state from the gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods to operate microreactor devices through the controlled delivery of pressurized fluids. A heated reservoir, a heated manifold, and a heater for the microreactor device provides for the delivery of a pressurized gas while minimizing evaporation and condensation; and a fluid interface and pressure interlock provides for the delivery of aseptic fluids while minimizing contamination and fluid loss.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a once-through evaporator comprising an inlet manifold; one or more inlet headers in fluid communication with the inlet manifold; one or more tube stacks, where each tube stack comprises one or more inclined evaporator tubes; the one or more tube stacks being in fluid communication with the one or more inlet headers; where the inclined tubes are inclined at an angle of less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees to a vertical; one or more outlet headers in fluid communication with one or more tube stacks; and an outlet manifold in fluid communication with the one or more outlet headers.

Abstract: In the solution polymerization of ethylene co and homopolymers the solution leaving the reactor is heated to separate polymer from solvent and residual monomers. Fouling in the heat exchanger may be reduced by by adding to the solution from 0.01 to 100 ppm by weight of a polyoxyalkylene compound of the formula HO—(CH2CH2O)M[CH2CH(CH3)O]N(CH2CH2O)PH wherein M, N and P each represent the average number of repeating units and M is from 0 to 20, N is from 2 to 50 and P is from 0 to 20 and passing the solution through a heat exchanger to increase its temperature by at least 20° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering carbon dioxide from a gaseous stream originating from a fermentation process by compression, absorption, condensation and distillation, wherein at least the absorption and condensation is performed under a high pressure of at least 30 bar.

Abstract: Heat recovery devices and methods for carbon baking furnaces are presented in which at least a portion of the waste heat from the cooling section is recycled through the furnace, which not only reduces the amount of natural gas required, but also increases the oxygen content in the furnace thereby reducing undesirable pitch build-up.

Abstract: A system for remediating hydrates has a heat storage box with an interior volume, a heater for heating fluid flowing into the hot fluid inlet of the heat storage box, a heat exchanger positioned in the interior volume of the heat storage box so as to be in heat exchange relationship with heated water from the interior volume of the heat storage box, and a line connected to a heated water outlet of the heat exchanger so as to be manipulated toward a location of the hydrates for the purpose of delivering the heated water toward the hydrates. The heat exchanger is piping extends in a serpentine pattern within an upper portion of the heat storage box. The line can be connected to a hot stab suitable for a manipulation by an ROV.

Abstract: A high energy photon production system and method which comprises a reaction vessel, a base heating source capable of generating a temperature of at least 4,000° F. within the reaction vessel; and a source of water for supplying water to the base heating source, within the vessel. As soon as the water is heated to a temperature of at least 4,000° F., at least some of the water becomes disassociated and facilitates production and release of high energy photons within the vessel which can be combined with the base heating source.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for heating a slurry to increase a solids concentration of the slurry while maintaining the viscosity of the slurry below a threshold viscosity. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes a fuel slurry preparation system having a slurry tank configured to hold a fuel slurry, the fuel slurry having a solid fuel and a liquid. The fuel slurry preparation system also includes a heat source and a controller configured to control the heat source to heat the fuel slurry to decrease a viscosity of the slurry below a threshold viscosity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger, and a method for heating a working fluid. The heat exchanger includes a burner, a combustion section, and a condenser section positioned below the combustion section such that exhaust from the burner passes through the spiral coils and to the condenser. In an example of this disclosure, the combustion section includes a plurality of spiral coils radially spaced apart relative to one another, and the condenser section includes a plurality of U-bend coils.

Abstract: A delayed coking heater for heating a feedstock to delayed coking temperature is disclosed. The delayed coking heater may include: a heater including a radiant heating zone comprising a lower portion including a hearth burner section and an upper portion including a wall burner section, the hearth burner section comprising a plurality of hearth burners located adjacent to the bottom hearth for firing in the radiant heating zone; and the wall burner section comprising a plurality of wall burners located adjacent to opposing walls; and a multiple parallel serpentine heating coil located in the radiant heating zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing heat used in a synthesis gas production process is provided. The disclosed method and apparatus include a plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements adapted to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing stream contacting the retentate side of the membrane elements. The permeated oxygen is combusted with a hydrogen containing synthesis gas stream contacting the permeate side of the tubular oxygen transport membrane elements thereby generating a reaction product stream and radiant heat. The present method and apparatus also includes at least one catalytic reactor containing a catalyst to promote the steam reforming reaction wherein the catalytic reactor is surrounded by the plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements. The view factor between the catalytic reactor and the plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements radiating heat to the catalytic reactor is greater than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply, a fuel tank, a support, a housing, a combustion chamber, and a motorized fan. The self-contained on-board electric-power supply may have a generator, a photovoltaic component, or some combination thereof. The fuel tank may be adapted to store a first fuel. The combustion chamber may be adapted to generate heat by combusting the first fuel with air. The motorized fan may be adapted to draw in ambient air through an air intake and force the air into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal processing of semiconductor substrates is disclosed. Each lamp of a lamp assembly is immersed in a thermally conductive atmosphere comprising oxygen. As the lamps are operated, the oxygen reacts with carbon containing species. Consumed oxygen is replaced over time until the thermal conductivity of the atmosphere falls below a tolerance threshold. The atmosphere is then evacuated and replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device, in particular for mobile use, comprising a combustion chamber for reacting fuel with combustion air in order to release heat, a heat exchanger for transferring at least part of the released heat to a heating medium to be heated, a fuel conveying device for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber, a combustion air fan for supplying combustion air to the combustion chamber, a heating medium fan for supplying the heating medium to the heat exchanger, a common drive for the combustion air fan and the heating medium fan, at least one sensor for monitoring the mass flow of the heating medium, and a controller, which controls the fuel conveying device and the common drive. The controller is designed to change the ratio of the amount of the heating medium and the amount of the fuel supplied to the combustion chamber according to the mass flow of the heating medium.

Abstract: A method to control the heat input into a boiler utilizing the boiler return temperature to minimize the heat input and maximize the efficiency of the boiler.

Abstract: A combustor for oxidizing a combustion fuel and pre-heating one or more reactants for fuel reforming. The combustor includes an elongated housing having an inlet for receiving a combustion fuel and an outlet for exhausting combustion products. The elongated housing further includes a cylindrical side wall, a bottom wall, and a top wall. Inert particles are disposed within the housing adjacent the inlet. A combustion catalyst bed is disposed within the housing above the inert particles that is a mixture of inert particles and combustion catalyst. The inert particles and the combustion catalyst preferably have a volumetric ratio of inert particles to catalyst between about 2:1 and about 4:1. The combustor has at least one heat exchanger within the combustion catalyst bed for heating a reformer reactant and generating steam. Preferably, the combustor includes at least two heat exchangers within the combustion catalyst bed, the heat exchanging elements have different surface areas.