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.

Abstract: A method, including: receiving an instruction from a user of a hot water tank (24) indicating a target temperature and a duration of a supply of water. In response to receiving the instruction, water at multiple different temperatures within the hot water tank is mixed so as to form mixed water in the tank. The method includes measuring an actual temperature of the mixed water in order to make a determination of whether the mixed water will satisfy the instruction. The method also includes activating a heater (120) to heat the mixed water responsively to the determination.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously sterilizing water for spraying the pistons in a piston pump or a homogenizer. The heating takes place in a first stage in a first heat exchanger and in a second stage in a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger operates regeneratively so that incoming cold water is heated in the first heat exchanger by water which has been heated by steam in the second heat exchanger. After the second heat exchanger the water is at a temperature of at least 121° C. and is to stay at this temperature in a holding cell during a predetermined period of time. After the water has been cooled regeneratively in the first heat exchanger it is to be at a temperature which exceeds 75° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming assembly that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear.

Abstract: An bottle warming apparatus may be provided. The apparatus may include a bottle for storing food and fluids. The bottle may include a recessed portion and indentations positioned on opposite sides of the bottle. Additionally, the apparatus may include a bottle housing configured to receive the bottle. The apparatus may also include a heating element that is positionable into the recessed portion of the bottle. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a pressure-sensitive switch that activates the apparatus when the bottle exerts enough pressure against the switch as the bottle is positioned into the bottle housing. Heat may be generated by the heating element when the apparatus is activated and be utilized to warm the bottle. The apparatus may further include a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the bottle. A signal may be transmitted to instruct the apparatus to deactivate when an optimal temperature is reached.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature and humidity of ambient air entering an air supply unit at conditions falling within an atmospheric window to produce optimal temperature and humidity conditions inside a paint booth. The system includes a humidity control loop and a temperature control loop. The humidity control loop monitors the humidity within the paint booth, and directs the temperature control loop to increase the temperature within the paint booth when humidity therein is above a set value. The temperature and humidity within the paint booth are thus maintained within an optimal window.

Abstract: A solar heater comprises one or more portable panels for collecting heat from the sun and providing it to a space to be heated. The panels include collector plates within a double glazed frame. The collector plate is formed of black corrugated steel, and heats up quickly in the sun. A blower blows air into an input manifold and across the collector plate, perpendicular to the corrugations, and the heated air exits via an output manifold. A sensor controls when the blower operates.

Abstract: A method for operating an evaporation unit for converting a volume flow to an ammonia-containing gas flow includes providing the evaporator unit with at least one first section and a second section downstream of the first section. The volume flow flows through the sections for evaporation. The volume flow is heated to not more than 180° C. in the first section by supplying a first amount of heat energy and the volume flow is heated to more than 350° C. and completely evaporated in the second section. A motor vehicle having an evaporation unit is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for heating rotatably mounted guide casing of a guide roller for guiding and heating threads. The guide roller has a guide casing which is held on the circumference of an axle support by means of an air bearing. To heat the guide casing, compressed air is heated outside the guide roller and supplied to the air bearing within the guide roller.

Abstract: A heat exchanger may be associated with a heat transfer system to promote flow of heat energy from a heat source to a multi-phase fluid. The heat exchanger may be associated with an expansion portion. The fluid may be a refrigerant to which nano-particles may be added. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in an air-conditioning system as well as a water heating system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for heating the drying air of a biomass dryer, such as the drying air used in a wire belt conveyor. An essential feature of the invention is that the heating of the drying air takes place with the help of a water-glycol mixture or other equivalent nonfreezing medium flowing in an intermediate circuit, whereby a plant producing biodiesel obtains thermal energy for drying from another nearby-located industrial plant such as a pulp or paper mill.

Abstract: The proposed heating method includes supplying a liquid heat carrier to a heating area by means of turning it about the cylindrical surface of a heater in such a way as to form an axially symmetric swirl flow, the trajectory of each heat carrier particle being tangent to the surface of the heater the temperature of which is higher than the critical thermal point of the heat carrier. The heating device contains a heat exchanger having a cylindrical body, tangentially positioned pipes for supplying the cold heat carrier and pipes for discharging the hot heat carrier. The heater having a cylindrical surface is coaxially arranged in the cylindrical body. The heating device contains an expansion tank, binding pipes and heat exchangers. The temperature of the heater is controlled by means of thermocouples. An electric heat source (a resistance helix) is located in the heater.

Abstract: A fuel energy saving water heater includes a food cooking apparatus, a heat collecting tank, and a water guider. The heat collecting tank includes an outer tank body and an inner tank body spacedly supported within the outer tank body to define the water chamber between the outer tank body and the inner tank body. The water guider is thermally communicated with the heat chamber, having a water chamber, a water outlet communicating with the water chamber, and a water inlet for operatively connecting to a water source. When a water flow is guided to pass through the water chamber from the water inlet to the water outlet, the water flow is heated by the excessive heat therewithin at a predetermined water temperature.

Abstract: A boiler and method of operating a boiler are disclosed. The boiler generally includes a housing defining an enclosed region and a plurality of heat exchange conduits at least partially positioned within the enclosed region of the housing and arranged into an interior column and an exterior column. A baffle is at least partially positioned within the enclosed region of the housing and positioned between the interior column and the exterior column of heat exchange conduits. The baffle and the housing together define a constricted region. The heat exchange conduits of the exterior column are positioned within the constricted region. The constricted region defines a path for directing the flow of products of combustion adjacent the heat exchange conduits of the exterior column thereby facilitating the exchange of heat between the products of combustion and water within the heat exchange conduit of the exterior column.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a fluid pipe in an industrial process system includes at least one gas tank fluidically connected to a first catalyst via a gas supply pipe. A first pipe heating zone is fluidically connected to the first catalyst via a first hot gas pipe. The first pipe heating zone has at least one passage extending along a first portion of the fluid pipe, in thermal contact with the fluid pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the gradual temperature control of chemical substances with defined entry and exit temperatures in a heater, said substances being maintained in a specific defined temperature range as they are conducted through the heater, and to a device for carrying out said method. The aim of the invention is to provide a suitable method and device for carrying out said method, said device permitting an economically advantageous, reliable and environmentally friendly operation, in particular during the start-up process for the device. This aim is achieved by the features according to the invention mentioned in claims 1;11 and 19; 22.

Abstract: An application for a method of heating water includes transferring the water from a water supply into an inner tank of the water heater which is held within an outer tank, transferring the water from the inner tank into an outer tank and then to supply a building with hot water. The water in the outer tank is heated with hot gasses, partially cooling to intermediate temperature gasses. The water in the inner tank is heated with the intermediate temperature gasses, further cooling the intermediate temperature gasses into cooler gasses that are then exhausted out of the water heater.

Abstract: A fan blade heating unit including a fan blade designed to be operatively mounted in an electrical ceiling fan for normal rotation with the fan. The fan blade includes a heating element positioned therein for connection to the power source driving the ceiling fan.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heat exchanger (4) for a combustion oven, said exchanger comprising a heat exchanging zone (2) provided with means for the passage of hot fumes derived from a burner of the oven, said zone being traversed by at least one means (1a) for transporting a combustion gas to be heated from a combustion gas source, via the heat exchanging zone and to the oven burner, said means (1a) being provided with a wall (1b) designed to enable the combustion gas to be heated by thermal energy transfer, said means (1a) for transporting the combustion gas being arranged in the heat exchanging zone in means (3a) capable of containing an inert gas and provided with a wall (3b) designed to enable the inert gas to be heated by thermal energy transfer of said hot fumes.

Abstract: Provided are a heating method making it possible that when a gas inside the body of a piping member, such as a pipe, is heated, the heating efficiency is improved; and a gas-heating piping member making it possible to perform such a heating method easily. A heat keeping member 4 which can transmit a gas to be heated is inserted to the inside of a piping member body 1 into which the gas can be passed in a state that the heat keeping member is brought into close contact with the inside, and further the piping member body 1 is heated from the outside thereof by means of a heating means 2.

Abstract: The energy saving stove water heater includes a heat collecting body, with a tubular shape, having a water chamber surrounding with a heat source of the cooking stove, a water pipeline operatively communicating with the water chamber, and a top opening aligning with the heat source. Therefore, when a cooking tool supports on the heat collecting body at the top opening thereof, the heat source of the cooking stove is arranged to generate relatively high heat energy thermally transferring not only towards the cooking tool at the top opening but also towards the water chamber to heat up the water therewithin.

Abstract: A process for heating a fluid includes providing an injection molded molding made of a ceramic material with a positive temperature coefficient containing less than 10 ppm of metallic impurities, and using the injection molded molding to heat a fluid.

Abstract: A water heater (10) including a tank (12), a burner (26) and a heated gas outlet duct (40). The tank (12) has a substantially central flue (14) having an outlet (24) substantially adjacent the top (20) of the tank (12). The tank (12) is adapted for mounting with the flue (14) substantially vertically. The burner (26) is located beneath the tank (12). The burner (26) has an air inlet (32) and a pilot flame and is adapted to a burn a fuel to discharge heated gases up through the flue (14). The heated gas outlet duct (40) is of substantially unrestricted cross-section and has an upper, first end (42) in gas communication with the flue outlet (24) and a second, lower end (46) in gas communication with atmosphere. When only the pilot flame is burning, the heated gas outlet duct (40) is adapted to restrict the air drawn into the flue (14) via the air inlet (32) to the minimum amount required to maintain the pilot flame alight.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an atmosphere heat treatment apparatus that is operable without relying on experiences and/or intuitions of an operator, and a method of operating the same. The atmosphere heat treatment apparatus includes an entrance side exhaust path (26) for exhausting an inside atmosphere from an entrance side of a carburizing chamber (10) to which a transforming gas is supplied, an exit side exhaust path (35) for exhausting the inside atmosphere from an exit side of the heat treatment chamber, and an opening degree adjusting lid (28) attached for adjusting an opening degree of the entrance side exhaust path (26), in which a part or whole of the exit side exhaust path (35) is constituted of a pipe (46) having a predetermined inside diameter.

Abstract: Maintaining an operational temperature range of a fuel dispenser component may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one aspect, a fuel dispenser temperature maintenance system includes a centrifugal fan and an airflow separator. The centrifugal fan is detachably mounted to a fuel dispenser and adapted to circulate an airflow from an exterior to an interior of the fuel dispenser; separate the airflow into a conditioning airflow and an ejected airflow; and direct the conditioning airflow directly to a fuel dispenser component. The ejected airflow includes a plurality of particulates. The airflow separator includes a separator inlet adapted to receive the ejected airflow. The airflow separator is adapted to guide the ejected airflow from the separator inlet directly to an exterior of the fuel dispenser through an outlet channel, where the outlet channel is disposed between the airflow separator and the exterior of the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for heating gas in connection with continuous sintering in gas channels placed above a strand, the gas channels comprising at least a wall and at least two gas units, the gas coming from the gas units being in contact with the material on the strand, whereby at least one burner unit is arranged in at least one of the gas channels, being arranged as part of the gas channel, the burner unit comprising at least one separate combustion space arranged on the wall of the gas channel. The invention also relates to a method for heating the gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to zeolite particles which are at least partially coated with a coating that is capable of delaying the release of heat from the zeolite particles upon contact with water over time. The coating effectively at least partially blocks the pore structure of the zeolite particle from contact with water, thereby delaying contact between water and the zeolite, and prolonging the warming effect caused by such contact.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system for warming an outdoor surface. The system includes a heat exchange unit to provide heated air for use across the surface to melt snow or ice or to warm, evaporate or distribute water. The heat exchange unit is used to recapture the heated air. The present invention also generally provides a method of warming an outdoor surface. The method comprises the steps of providing heated air across the surface to melt snow or ice or to warm, evaporate or distribute water, recapturing the heated air, and redistributing the heated air across the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for limiting the temperature of the catalyst in exothermic mass-transfer-limited reactions by placing a flow-through catalyst in thermal contact with a downstream non-catalytic flow-through structure placed in the flow stream whereby a portion of the heat-of-reaction is transferred to the downstream non-catalytic structure.

Abstract: An inductively heated trap for treating and removing compounds from an exhaust stream. More particularly, a method and apparatus for inductively heating a trap installed in the exhaust stream of a semiconductor process, wherein the trap decomposes exhaust gas compounds prior to entering a vacuum exhaust pump. The trap treats precursor compounds, such as metal organic and halide compounds, by thermally radicalizing the precursor vapors prior to entering the vacuum pump. The trap may be used in a variety of applications including atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition and perfluorocarbon abatement.

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.

Abstract: A method and a device for the hot-repairing of the heating flues of a coke-oven battery according to which the completed sections of a heating flue still under construction are heated by means of a heated gas. The heated gas comprises the air usually provided for combustion in the heating flues during coking operations. The air is guided through the flow paths provided for in the coke-oven battery for combustion air and waste gases as well as through the regenerator, heated as it passes through the flow paths and then guided through the heating flues to be repaired. The completed section of the heating flue is separated from the non-completed portion by an air-reversion device that also directs the heated air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuing the operation of a fuel fired furnace when the air supply from the blower to the furnace is interrupted by employing a combination of a ventilator and drop door, the ventilator having a power source independent of the blower.

Abstract: A process for heating fuel gas under high pressure before it is expanded. The gas is directly heated by burning part of the gas in the gas pipeline.

Abstract: In a process to control the heating of a coating material for a roof covering, the coating material is heated using a heat exchange medium in a continuous process. The heat exchange medium is cooled in response to a slowdown or stoppage of the continuous heating process to maintain the temperature of the coating material below a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat generation includes a vessel having a working chamber with a flow of working fluid passing therethrough. A source of pulsed light and a light-reflecting surface wettable by the working fluid are situated within the working chamber. A thermal energy is released into the working polar fluid by the pulsed light irradiation of the working fluid in the vicinity of the light-reflecting surface. The released thermal energy is continuously removed from the vessel by the flow of working fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods suitable for recovery of heat from hot flue gases are presented comprising primary heat transfer means for exchanging heat between a hot flue gas and an intermediate fluid to create a hot intermediate fluid from an originally cold intermediate fluid; one or more oxidant-fuel burners which create the main flow of hot flue gas, and transport means for transporting the hot intermediate fluid to the heat exchanger means. The apparatus and method of the invention solve the problem of recovery of heat from dirt, toxic, or erosive flue gases.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat generation includes a vessel having a working chamber formed within an interior thereof. The working chamber contains a working polar fluid. A source of pulsed light and a light-reflecting surface wettable by the working fluid are situated within the working chamber. A thermal energy is released into the working polar fluid by the pulsed light irradiation of the working fluid in the vicinity of the light-reflecting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods suitable for recovery of heat from hot flue gases are presented comprising primary heat transfer means for exchanging heat between a hot flue gas and an intermediate fluid to create a hot intermediate fluid from an originally cold intermediate fluid; one or more oxidant-fuel burners which create the main flow of hot flue gas, and transport means for transporting the hot intermediate fluid to the heat exchanger means. The apparatus and method of the invention solve the problem of recovery of heat from dirty, toxic, or erosive flue gases.

Abstract: A method of preheating a thermoformable laminate assembly having first and second sides is disclosed. The method includes supplying pressurized heated air to first and second manifolds, each of which has an inlet for receiving the heated air and a plurality of orifices for passing the heated air out of the respective manifold. The manifolds are configured such that the orifices disposed progressively further away from the inlet of one manifold correspond with the orifices disposed progressively nearer to the inlet of the other manifold. The method further includes homogenizing the heated air and introducing the heated air onto the first side of the laminate assembly. A suction is developed on the second side of the laminate assembly to draw the heated air through the assembly, thereby convectively heating the assembly. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalytic heater includes a catalyst, for the combustion of a gaseous hydrocarbon in air, supported on a catalyst support. Fuel diffuses into the catalyst support from one (proximal) side. Air diffuses into the catalyst support from the other (distal) side. The catalytic combustion of the fuel heats the catalyst support. The resulting infrared radiation from the distal side of the catalyst support is directed at an object to be heated, for example the fluid chamber of a boiler. A modular boiler includes several catalytic heaters, with the distal sides of their catalyst supports facing a chamber wherethrough a fluid such as water is conducted and heated by the infrared radiation from the heaters.

Abstract: A channel burner for heating up flowing gas, accommodated inside the channel (1) that conveys the gas and provided with an airbox (2) and a combustion space (3) separated by a burner floor (5). The airbox communicates with an air intake (6) and the burner floor is provided with air-outlet openings in the form of slots (15) in the vicinity of the wall (4) of the combustion space. A gas-supply pipe (7) extends through the airbox and communicates with one or more gas nozzles (12) with bores (13) that open into the combustion space. The outlet cross-section of the slots is beside the bores. The outlet cross-section of the slots is remote from and downstream of the bores in terms of the flowing gas. The slot extends toward the wall of the combustion space. The ratio of the width s of the slot to the width 1 of the combustion space ranges from 0.01:1 to 0.1:1 at the level of the outlet cross-section of the slots.

Abstract: A furnace for heating a process fluid stream which includes means for efficiently controlling a flow of the process fluid stream through an adjunct loop of the fluid stream. The adjunct loop comprises a heat exchange system in which a portion of the process fluid stream collects heat from flue gases being emitted from the furnace and donates heat to combustion air being used in the furnace. Valve means is positioned downstream of a pump and in connection with the fluid stream in order to constantly replenish a small portion of fluid in the adjunct loop with fresh process fluid. The positioning of the valve means downstream of the pump permits more efficient control of the heat exchange system. One form of valve means may be a valve which will permit a small amount of fluid to continue to flow between the fluid stream and the adjunct loop during a non-operating mode of the adjunct loop heat exchange component.

Abstract: A furnace for heating a process fluid stream which includes means for precisely controlling the temperature of pre-heated combustion air. The system includes a process fluid stream being heated within the furnace and an adjunct loop fluid stream line which acts as a heat exchange system by communication with the process fluid stream. The adjunct loop comprises a heat collecting leg positionable within the combustion area of the furnace and a heat donating leg positionable adjacent a source of combustion air. Manipulation of the flow of process fluid through the heat donating leg provides control of the temperature of the combustion air and consequently control of the stack exhaust temperature. A valve system, which may be manually controlled or thermostatically controlled responds to a present, or desired, temperature of the stack exhaust.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for preparing low-chloride aqueous solutions of titanyl nitrate which have a low chloride content, particularly, less than 200 ppm.

Abstract: A low NO.sub.x, integrated boiler-burner cogeneration apparatus includes a horizontally fired, factory assembled package boiler having an inlet plenum and a furnace space. A gas turbine-generator having an outlet for providing turbine exhaust gas to the furnace space is connected to the boiler. A multi-nozzle burner (MNB) array including a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced burner nozzles is located at an entrance to the furnace space for supplying fuel for combustion into the furnace space while distributing the heat of the combustion exhaust gases across the furnace space to minimize NO.sub.x formation. One or more chill tube assemblies are located within the furnace space immediately downstream of the MNB array for rapidly reducing the temperature of the combustion exhaust gases.

Abstract: A hot blast stove installation for heating cold blast to form hot blast includes a plurality of hot blast stoves each alternately operable during a heating phase and a blowing phase, a cold blast main for supplying cold blast to respective of the stoves during the blowing phases thereof, and combustion air and fuel gas mains for supplying combustion air and fuel gas to respective of the stoves during the heating phases thereof. The cold blast in the cold blast main has a relatively high temperature compared to ambient temperature, for example a temperature of from 100.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. A heat exchanger is connected to the cold blast main to remove heat from the cold blast therein prior to the supply of the cold blast to the stoves, thereby reducing the men and/or maximum waste gas temperature in the stoves during the heating phase of operation thereof.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for heating fluids wherein separate gas streams of natural gas and air are compressed to a preselected pressure, passed to an injection and mixing zone for thorough mixing including expansion of one gas and compression of the other, passed to a combustion chamber for burning with the combustion products being further contracted and passed to a heat exchanger conduit where such combustion products are progressively further contracted as they are brought into heat exchange with the fluid to be heated.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing invasive from noninvasive E. coli comprises collecting an undifferentiated bacterial sample from a host, contacting bacteria contained in the sample to a growth medium which contains a dye selectively taken up by invasive E. coli, incubating the growth medium to grow colonies of E. coli, and examining the growth medium to detect E. coli colonies which have taken up the dye. A two-step incubation procedure provides superior results. While the invention can be practiced with E. coli obtained from any host, specific procedures for practicing the invention in poultry are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for heating an air stream flowing through a conduit which minimizes the introduction of noxious burner exhaust emissions into the air stream. The apparatus utilizes a refractory radiant-type burner disposed within the air stream which includes means for supplying a combustible fuel to the burner and means for igniting the combustible fuel within the burner. The apparatus also includes means for removing the hot products of combustion from the burner and venting these products to the outside atmosphere until the temperature of the burner reaches steady state operating conditions. When steady state operating conditions are reached, a damper means on the burner opens and directs the products of combustion into the air stream to heat the air stream. When the burner is turned off, the damper means closes and directs the products of combustion to the outside atmosphere.