Abstract: A system and a process for combusting hydrocarbons to recover energy and the carbon dioxide resulting from the combustion is provided. The process utilizes a two-stage combustion process, each stage utilizing water injection and a recirculation stream to increase the efficiency of combustion to generate larger proportions of carbon dioxide. An energy recovery boiler is used to recover heat energy from the combustion product. Combustion product is then cleaned and the carbon dioxide is separated and condensed into a useable liquid carbon dioxide product.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the fuel form, raising the energy content, and lowering the level of impurities of low rank coals and/or carbonaceous wastes, like Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), and sewage sludge, by providing the low rank fuel, carbonaceous waste, or mixtures thereof as a slurry in water of processable viscosity. This feed slurry is heated under pressure, usually in the presence of an alkali, to a temperature at which a significant physical and molecular rearrangement occurs, characterized by the splitting off of a substantial proportion of the oxygen bound in the low rank coal or carbonaceous waste as carbon dioxide. At these conditions, solid particles in the feed slurry lose much of their fibrous and hydrophilic character, and are broken up into smaller particles of char, resulting in a slurry of dramatically improved rheology, i.e., capable of a much higher solids concentration (or energy density) at processable viscosity.

Abstract: An energy recovery, pressure reducing system for reducing high pressure gas in a transmission pipeline to a low pressure gas in a consumer pipeline includes an expander system having at least one expander for expanding the high pressure gas and producing work and low pressure gas that is supplied to the consumer pipeline, and a generator coupled to said expander for converting the work to electricity which is supplied to an electrical load. The system further includes apparatus including an on/off valve serially connected to a pressure regulating valve, the apparatus being connected in parallel with the expander system. The on/off valve has an open state for effecting transmission of gas through the pressure regulating valve which has an adjustable flow control opening for throttling high pressure gas and producing low pressure gas when the on/off valve is in its open state; and a closed state for preventing transmission of gas through the pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: A waste incineration heat conversion system has an incinerator for burning waste discharged from an installation, a heat recovering section for recovering the heat generated by combustion of the waste in the incinerator, a cold generating section for generating cold by utilizing the thus recovered heat, and a pipe line for conveying the thus generated cold to the installation so that the thus conveyed cold is utilized in the installation for a purpose.

Abstract: An integrated plant including a microalgae production plant for growing, harvesting and drying algae and a fossil fuel-motor-generator plant producing electrical energy. A fossil fuel engine produces hot exhaust gas from which sensible heat dries the algae. The drying may be direct from the exhaust gas or may be indirect with the hot exhaust gas exchanging sensible heat with a recirculating stream of inert gas. Carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas is recovered for use as a nutrient in the microalgae production plant. Electrical energy from the generator is used to drive motors and/or produce artificial illumination and/or drive pumps, motors and controls in the microalgae production plant.

Abstract: A turboexpander pump unit has a vertical or horizontal shaft, a pump connected to an end of the shaft for pressurizing a liquid fluid to a pressure higher than a predetermined delivery pressure, a heat exchanger for heating and converting the liquid fluid pressurized by the pump into a high-pressure gas, and an expander turbine connected to an opposite end of the shaft and actuatable by a thermal energy reduction produced when the high-pressure gas from the heat exchanger is lowered to the predetermined delivery pressure, for delivering the liquid fluid continuously under a predetermined pressure to an external installation. The pump having at least two outlet ports for discharging the liquid fluid at respective different pressures. One of the two outlet ports is connected to the heat exchanger, and the other to a liquid delivery line.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a process of cogeneration utilizing a compressed gas energy storage system which includes a gas storage area, a compression train for pressurizing a gas to be stored in the gas storage area, and an expansion train for depressurizing high pressure gas released from the gas storage area. The process includes operating the compression train during off-peak electricity utilization periods to produce a compressed gas. The compressed gas is stored in the gas storage area and later released during peak electricity utilization periods through the expansion train to generate electricity. This reduces the compressed gas pressure and temperature. The gas can then be used for refrigeration by contacting it with a material to be chilled with that gas. One aspect of this invention involves generating electricity and effecting refrigeration by depressurization of natural gas from high pipeline transmission pressures to lower distribution pressures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.

Abstract: A condensing heat exchanger for removing acidic vapors and recovering residual waste heat energy normally rejected into the atmosphere from a fossil fueled boiler flue gas stream, wherein the waste heat energy in the boiler flue gas is recovered by multiple evaporative and condensing heat exchangers and by a heat pump refrigeration system to recover heat energy from the flue gas stream and to preheat the boiler combustion air stream and boiler feed water stream.

Abstract: An energy recovery, pressure reducing system according to the present invention for reducing high pressure gas in a transmission pipeline to a lower pressure in a consumer pipeline includes a primary pressure regulator or regulating valve having an adjustable flow control opening, the pressure regulating valve being selectively connectable between the transmission and consumer pipelines for throttling the high pressure gas and producing low pressure gas when the primary pressure regulator or regulating valve connects the pipelines. A bypass line shunts the primary pressure regulator or regulating valve for connecting the pipelines when the primary pressure regulating valve is disconnected from the pipelines. The bypass line includes an expander system having at least one expander for expanding the high pressure gas in the gas transmission pipeline and producing work and lower pressure gas that is supplied to the consumer pipeline.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle power plant has a vaporizer member responsive to heat input for vaporizing a working fluid and producing vaporized working fluid, a turbogenerator responsive to vaporized working fluid for generating power and producing heat depleted working fluid, a condenser member responsive to said heat depleted working fluid for condensing the same and producing condensate, and suitable piping for returning said condensate to the vaporizer. The working fluid is in the form of a liquid having a plurality of fractions; at least one fraction is distilled from said liquid to produce a distillated fluid. It is this distillated fluid that is supplied to the power plant as the working fluid.

Abstract: A flameless nitrogen vaporizing unit includes a first internal combustion engine driving a nitrogen pump through a transmission. A second internal combustion engine drives three hydraulic oil pumps against a variable back pressure so that a variable load may be imposed upon the second engine. Liquid nitrogen is pumped from the nitrogen pump driven by the first engine into a first heat exchanger where heat is transferred from exhaust gases from the first and second internal combustion engines to the liquid nitrogen to cause the nitrogen to be transformed into a gaseous state. The gaseous nitrogen then flows into a second heat exchanger where it is superheated by an engine coolant fluid to heat the gaseous nitrogen to essentially an ambient temperature. The superheated nitrogen is then injected into the well. The engine coolant fluid flows in a coolant circulation system. Heat is transferred to the coolant fluid directly from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system, including an energy generation sub-system for receiving warm sea water, evaporating a working fluid at a natural depth of the received warm sea water to produce a working vapor, and generating energy from the working vapor and a pumping sub-system for pushing cold sea water up to a natural depth of the received warm sea water and condensing the working vapor with the cold sea water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for recovering energy from low-grade fuels such as industrial, municipal and agricultural waste, low-grade carbonaceous fuels such as lignite and similar solid fuels in which the fuel is comminuted into small particles and slurried in water. The alkali content of the slurry is adjusted to be at least about equal to the chemical equivalent of the halogen content of the slurry and, following pressurization of the slurry, it is heated sufficiently so that the substantial portion of chemically bound oxygen in the fuel separates therefrom as carbon dioxide, leaving a slurry including char particles and dissolved impurities such as halogen salts. The char particles are removed from the slurry and reslurried with just enough halogen-free water to provide the slurry with the needed viscosity to maximize the energy density thereof.

Abstract: A Vuilleumier heat pump comprises a high temperature section and a low temperature section. The high temperature section includes a high temperature chamber heated by a combustion unit, and a high temperature heat exchanger. The low temperature heat section includes a low temperature chamber and a low temperature heat exchanger. During a room-cooling mode, the high and low temperature heat exchangers are connected to outdoor and indoor heat exchangers, respectively. During a room-heating mode, the high temperature heat exchanger is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, and the low temperature heat exchanger is connected to an auxiliary heat exchanger which transmits heat from the combustion unit to the low temperature heat exchanger.

Abstract: An integrated cryogenic air separation unit power cycle system is disclosed wherein the air separation unit (ASU) is operated at elevated pressure to produce moderate pressure nitrogen. The integrated cycle combines a gasification section wherein a carbon source, e.g., coal is converted to fuel and combusted in a combustion zone. The combustion gases are supplemented with nitrogen from the air separation unit and expanded in a turbine. Air to the cryogenic air separation unit is supplied via a compressor independent of the compressor used to supply air to the combustion zone used for combusting the fuel gas generated in the gasifier system.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.

Abstract: The pressure of a high pressure combustible gas is reduced by applying the gas to an expander having a rotatable shaft that passes through a seal and is coupled to a generator. Gas that leaks through the seal provides a simple seal and is withdrawn for burning to heat the high pressure gas before it is applied to the expander.

Abstract: A pulp mill has zero or minimum liquid discharges. The large amounts of liquid that must be processed to achieve this result are handled utilizing a multiple effect evaporator provided with heat from a steam exhaust of a condensing type steam turbine. Super heated steam from the recovery and bark boilers is fed to the turbine to generate electricity for the production of bleaching chemical and other uses in the mill. Three or four steam exhausts having different composite temperature and pressure values are taken from the turbine and used where most suitable in the pulp mill. For evaporation of bleach plant effluent the steam taken from the turbine preferably has a pressure of about 1-3 psia and a temperature of about 120.degree.-140 .degree. F, and has no significant adverse affect on power generation.

Abstract: A combined water purification and power generating plant is disclosed having special features designed to maximize the cycle thermal efficiency and salt recovery, with little or no concentrated brine produced therefrom. Using the plant, a volume of salt water is delivered to a plurality of indirect and direct contact feed heaters. Within the direct contact heaters, the salt water is heated and diluted by condensation therein by super-heated steam delivered thereto. Any alkaline salts having reverse solubility characteristics particulate and are filtered therefrom. From the last direct contact feed heater, the diluted salt water is delivered to a plurality of high pressure, high temperature evaporators arranged in a series which are used to further heat, evaporate and filter the salt water in multiple stages thereby improving the plant's efficiency. A steam heater is used to super-heat a steam which delivered to various areas of the plant to heat and evaporate the salt water.

Abstract: An electric generating power plant and a method of operation thereof wherein the boiler (1) produces steam to a turbine driven-generator (2), carbon dioxide from combustion exhaust gas emitted from the boiler is simultaneously absorbed in an absorbing solution in an absorber (7), the absorbing solution with the absorbed carbon dioxide is passed through a regenerator (10) where the carbon dioxide is stripped from the absorbing solution, the regenerated absorbing solution is returned to the absorber (7), and steam from either the boiler (1) or turbine of the turbine-driven generator (2) is supplied to a reboiler (13) to provide heat for operation of the regenerator (10). During periods of high demand for electric power steam extraction from the boiler or turbine is discontinued, operation of the regenerator (10) is discontinued and the absorbing solution from the absorber (7) is stored in a first storage unit (15).

Abstract: A pyrolyzer unit and two-staged furnaces are provided in a compact furnace assembly for combusting coal to generate power. Coal is reacted in the pyrolyzer to produce a clean hot fuel gas and char. The hot fuel gas is combusted in the first-stage furnace, which contains a high-temperature heat exchanger utilized to heat a pressurized air stream for expansion in a gas turbine and a heat exchanger for superheating steam for expansion in a steam turbine to produce power. Char is combusted in the second-stage furnace and the resulting combustion products are mixed with primary combustion gas from the first-stage furnace to product a secondary combustion gas and preheat the pressurized air stream, and also to superheat steam. The heated air stream is expanded in a gas turbine to produce shaft power to drive an air compressor and an electric power generator.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a flue gas stream continuously emitting from a thermal power plant fossil fueled boiler, and containing hazardous volatile organic vapors, heavy metal vapors, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide by cooling, condensing and gas liquefaction processes employing a heat recovery condensing heat exchanging, and a gas compressor-expander open heat cycle systems.

Abstract: A system for producing steam for the production of electricity includes a fossil fuel burning furnace in fluid communication with a liquid air fractional distillation facility. The liquid oxygen produced in the fractional distillation facility is used to increase the efficiency of the fractional distillation facility and the furnace. Gaseous nitrogen extracted from the fractional distillation facility is liquefied and used to increase efficiency of steam turbines by virtue of thermal communication with steam exiting the turbines. A magnetohydrodynamic electrical generation apparatus is included. Elements of the MHD apparatus are cooled cryogenically by liquid nitrogen, thereby enabling superconductivity to occur in the system. A suitable effluent gas recovery means is downstream of the furnace.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid carbon dioxide. A process stream which comprises carbon dioxide, balance substantially nitrogen and water, is cooled so that a minor amount of the water is condensed out. The process stream is compressed so that substantially all of the water but trace amounts is condensed out. Next, the process stream is cleaned to remove the trace amounts of water, any long-chain hydrocarbons present and any particulates present. The process stream is then separated into a nitrogen-rich gaseous stream and a carbon dioxide-rich gaseous stream. The carbon dioxide-rich gaseous stream is then compressed and the nitrogen-rich gaseous stream is expanded to produce an expanded nitrogen-rich gaseous stream. The energy of the expanding is used to compress the carbon dioxide-rich gaseous stream. The compressed carbon dioxide-rich gaseous stream is cooled to liquefy the carbon dioxide in the stream and reduce the temperature of the gaseous nitrogen in the stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing burnt material and for generating electrical energy, in which the material is burnt using lower-grade fuel in a rotary kiln by means of hot kiln exhaust gases and at least a proportion of the quantity of heat contained in the exhaust gases from the rotary kiln is converted into electrical energy, the temperature of these kiln exhaust gases being between 700.degree. and 1200.degree. C., preferably between 800.degree. and 900.degree. C.

Abstract: A power plant having multiple steam boilers for supplying steam for processing and for powering a turbine generator comprises a steam turbine having first and second stages, a steam powered processing unit, a plurality of steam boilers, each having a primary steam generator and a reheater, a system of steam lines for conducting primary steam from the steam boilers to said turbine, and to the process unit, return lines for returning cold steam from the first stage of the turbine to the reheaters for reheating, and lines for conducting reheated steam from the reheaters to the second stage of the turbine; and isolating valves in the lines with pressure relief valves on each side of the isolating valves for selectively isolating each of the boilers from the turbine and conducting primary steam through the reheaters of the boiler and to the processing unit.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, emitted in flue gases are separated by gas centrifuge separators, and liquefied by gas mechanical compression and cooling means.

Abstract: A nitrogen liquid to gas system in which an internal combustion engine drives hydraulic pumps and motors in a closed ethylene gylcol fluid circuit. A heat exchanger is provided between the liquid nitrogen and the ethylene glycol fluid for converting the liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen. Heat is recovered from the ambient air in a heat exchange with the ethylene glycol fluid for maintaining the fluid between approximately 0.degree. F. and 20.degree. F. by means of a temperature regulating valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering work from a nitrogen stream, wherein the nitrogen is preheated via heat exchange with hot fluid from a chemical process, which process utilizes the oxygen product of the air separation. Preferably at least a part of the expanded nitrogen is utilized to preheat at least one fluid reactant of the chemical process. The chemical process may be gasification or direct reduction of iron oxide, as well as the conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas.

Abstract: Air is separated into oxygen and nitrogen in rectification columns 28 and 30. A stream of nitrogen is withdrawn from the top of the column 30 through an outlet 54, is warmed to about ambient temperature by passage through heat exchangers 34, 46 and 24, and is then heated at a pressure in the range 2 to 7 atmospheres absolute by heat exchange in heat exchanger 56 with a hot stream of fluid initially at a temperature of less than 600.degree. C. without said fluid undergoing a change of phase. The resulting hot nitrogen is then expanded in turbine 58 with the performance of external work, e.g. the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A gas expander based power plant system for generating electricity at a pressure reducing station of a gas transmission pipeline is disclosed where gas at high pressure is being delivered to the distribution or gas utilization system; by means of pressure reduction with a gas expander system capable of accommodating fluctuating high pressure gas conditions and maintaining desired lower pressure gas conditions, which comprise the steps of generating steam, condensing the steam in a heat exchanger and using the heat of condensation of the steam to heat a portion of high pressure gas in a controlled manner to maintain the required gas conditions of the lower pressure line throughout the range of operation, and passing the high pressure gas through a gas expander to drive an electrical generator.

Abstract: Cogeneration of electricity and carbon dioxide with low NO.sub.x combustion of vaporizable liquid fuels, particularly alcohols and hydrocarbons, is achieved by feeding the vaporized fuel admixed with a limited amount of air to a porous fiber burner and effecting flameless combustion on the outer surface of the burner to yield a flue gas with a very low content of NO.sub.x and other pollutants. The liquid fuel is vaporized by injection into hot combustion air preheated by heat exchange with the flue gas while heat from the burner is utilized to produce high-pressure steam which is supplied to a steam turbine that drives an electric generator. The flue gas is then passed through an absorption system for the recovery carbon dioxide, part of the steam being used in the absorption system. When desired, recovered carbon dioxide can be liquefied with refrigeration produced by the cogeneration system.

Abstract: LNG is pumped to high pressure, vaporized, further heated and then expanded to create rotary power that is used to generate electrical power. A reservoir of carbon dioxide at about its triple point is created in an insulated vessel to store energy in the form of refrigeration recovered from the evaporated LNG. During peak electrical power periods, liquid carbon dioxide is withdrawn therefrom, pumped to a high pressure, vaporized, further heated, and expanded to create rotary power which generates additional electrical power. The exhaust from a fuel-fired combustion turbine, connected to an electrical power generator, heats the high pressure carbon dioxide vapor. The discharge stream from the CO.sub.2 expander is cooled and at least partially returned to the vessel where vapor condenses by melting stored solid carbon dioxide. During off-peak periods, CO.sub.

Abstract: A process is disclosed whereby the recovery of process heat contained in NOx gases which have been generated by the combustion of ammonia in the ammonia oxidation step of a nitric acid production process is improved and whereby the recovery of the process heat takes place at a low temperature range. The process involves using process heat contained in NOx gases to evaporate and superheat liquid ammonia which is circulated in a separate loop, then expanding the superheated ammonia in a turbine to generate mechanical energy and subsequently pressurizing, reevaporating and resuperheating the ammonia.

Abstract: A process for the economical recovery of carbon dioxide from a gas stream containing less than 85% carbon dioxide, by cooling the contaminating gas to remove water vapor, compressing the cooled gas to an elevated temperature and pressure, and drying the gas to a dewpoint of not more than about -85.degree. F.; condensing and removing the carbon dioxide from the dried compressed gas; and heating the remaining noncondensed gas mixture and expanding it to produce and recover kinetic energy and a cooled gas mixture.

Abstract: The improved method produces electricity by capturing energy normally wasted when natural gas is reduced in pressure. The improved device includes a heat addition and thermal energy storage system that includes an intermittent heat pump for use at pre-determined periods of time to add heat to an energy storage device. The energy storage device and an optional supplemental heater are used to maintain a satisfactory gas temperature downwstream of the process.

Abstract: Solar energy produces electric current which powers an electrolysis unit and a cryogenic cooling unit. Gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen are liquified in the cooling unit and pumped into cryogenic transport vehicles (railroad cars or highway trailers). An end user of the liquids has a boiler and vaporizing equipment for burning the reactants (H.sub.2 and O.sub.2) to produce electrical energy or mechanical power. The broiler may be part of a stationary electrical facility power plant or part of a vehicle propulsion system.

Abstract: An energy converter for providing a plurality of different outputs, including a base, a heating unit mounted to the base, and defining a combustion chamber for combustion of fuel therein, a boiler mounted to the base for receiving products of combustion from the combustion chamber and heating liquid water to form steam therein, a valved steam line for providing steam from the boiler to a steam engine mounted to the base, a generator mounted to the base connected to the engine for generating electricity, a controlled outlet for providing process steam from the boiler, a hot water heater mounted to the base receiving exhaust steam from the engine for heating water therein, and a return line for conducting condensate from the water heater back to the boiler for regeneration of steam therein. The heating unit is arranged to burn a wide range of different fuels. The heating unit is adapted to provide a clean effluent suitable to be used as heated air for convectively heating an enclosed space.

Abstract: The economics of waste disposal are markedly improved by combining a waste-burning plant with a gas turbine-generator set, with exhaust gas from the gas turbine fed as combustion air into a waste-burning incinerator. A boiler associated with the waste-burning incinerator supplies steam to operate a steam turbine and a second electric generator.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen vaporizer is devised in which the cryogenic liquid is first partially vaporized in a cryogenic heat exchanger which is provided with heat from nonfired sources. The partially vaporized liquid cryogen is then completely vaporized in a second downstream cryogenic heat exchanger also provided with heat from the nonfired sources. The nonfired sources comprise an internal combustion engine and an ambient air heat exchanger. The internal combustion engine drives a hydraulic circuit which provides a constant load on the engine. A cryogenic pump used to flow the cryogenic liquid through the cryogenic heat exchanger is in turn hydraulically driven from this circuit. Heat is also transferred from the hydraulic circuit into a heat exchanging circuit. The heat exchanging fluid is driven around the heat exchanging circuit by means of a pump driven by the engine through the ambient air heat exchanger, a hydraulic heat exchanger and the first cryogenic heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for making up feed water for a power station having a steam circuit with a steam turbine /3/ and a feed water circuit with a turbine condenser /5/. The apparatus comprises aregulated multi-stage adiabatic evaporator/5/ produces distillate from raw water for making up the feed water. The heating inlet /8/ of the evaporator /15/ is connected to the stream circuit through an ejector /14/. The distillate outlet /36/ of the evaporator /15/ providing distillated water, is connected to the feed water circuit at the turbine condenser /5/ or after it through water delivering means /19, 20/.

Abstract: A flowline power generator especially adapted for use on a conduit or flowline carrying petroleum or hydrocarbon products is disclosed. A valve body incorporated in the flowline redirects at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the flowline into engagement with a turbine which drives an electrical generator. A gate valve is provided for bypassing the turbine to permit all of the flow in the conduit to bypass the power generator, and yet provide substantially the same pressure drop to protect downstream equipment from high-pressure surges. In the bypass configuration, the power generator can be repaired or completely removed. The valve body can be incorporated into the flowline with no power generator attached, and power generators can be subsequently installed at prescribed locations along the conduit.

Abstract: Control sub-systems, modularized on both a hardware and software basis are configurable to supplement an existing cogeneration system package, controlling and/or monitoring only essential control points of such cogeneration system to select thermal or electrical load following modes, or on and off modes, and to optimize the operation of the cogeneration system handling only a few control points. Various inputs of the cogenerator system are sensed and used in generating diagnostic or performance evaluation routines. Personality modules adapt the sub-systems to a particular cogeneration package type, and permit tailoring for economic considerations, such as local rates and schedules, performance characteristics and operating constraints of the associated cogeneration package and the like.

Abstract: A synthesis gas-power generation complex is disclosed, the complex being characterized by ability to generate sufficient electrical power for internal use and for export, and by structure for improved heat recovery and utilization. A process for synthesis gas production and power generation utilizing these concepts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of hot gas generators which produce corrosive or abrasive products of combustion have precluded the use of gas turbines in a direct flow path of the combustion products. It is preferable to utilize non-contact gas to gas heat exchangers in order to transfer heat from a hot gas stream to a working fluid. A first heat exchanger connected to a gas furnace is used to raise the temperature of an air turbine inlet gas. A second heat exchanger is used to raise the temperature (prewarm) of compressor discharge air to the air turbine air inlet, the second heat exchanger connected to the air turbine exhaust. A third heat exchanger preheats the air input into a furnace.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ocean thermal energy conversion using metal hydride heat exchangers to power a turbine by desorbing and absorbing hydrogen gas. Heat exchangers are alternatively floated to the ocean surface to warm the metal hydride bed or sunk to the bottom to cool the bed. The turbine powers an electric generator which produces electricity which may be utilized directly, stored in a superconducting magnet, used to desalinate water, or used to power the electrolysis of water in order to produce hydrogen for use as a fuel.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pumping and vaporization system utilizes a heat engine to drive a cryogenic fluid pump, a coolant pump, a lube oil pump and a dynamometer, the cryogenic fluid pump and the coolant pump being driven through a hydraulic drive system, while the lube oil pump, hydraulic pump and the dynamometer are mechanically driven by the engine. Operation of the coolant pump and cryogenic fluid pump flows coolant fluid through a coolant flow circuit and flows cryogenic fluid through a cryogenic fluid flow circuit, each of these two circuits being operatively connected to a process fluid heat exchanger which transfers coolant heat to the cryogenic fluid to vaporize it. Heat from the hydraulic drive system and a lube oil flow circuit associated with the lube oil pump is transferred to the coolant flow circuit via suitable heat exchangers interposed therein. Exhaust gas heat generated by the engine is also transferred to the coolant through an exhaust gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for efficiently recovering energy from off-gas with high temperatures and high pressures released from the oxidation reactor of aromatic compounds such as xylene, pseudocumene, durene and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for energy recovery from oxidation reactor off-gas, which comprises subjecting off-gas with high temperature and high pressure from an oxidation reactor to heat exchange with cooling water to cool the off-gas, subjecting the cooled off-gas to direct counter-flow contact with the water heated by said heat exchange to obtain a mixture of off-gas and steam, and cooled water, circulating the cooled water for reuse as said cooling water for said high temperature and high pressure off-gas, and sending the mixture of off-gas and steam to an expander to recover energy therefrom.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method in which brine of the geothermal and geopressured types is directed into one or more flash-crystallizer-separator units from a geothermal well. Such brine is separated into a gaseous fraction, a liquid fraction and a solids fraction. The gaseous fraction is used to provide useful work, such as driving a turbine, while the liquid and solids fractions are treated to remove the mineral values therefrom. The liquid fraction, following the mineral recovery therefrom, is directed back into the earth through an injection well. An important aspect of the invention is the injection of chemicals into one or more of the process vessels of the apparatus of the present invention. This causes additional mineral growth, such as the growth of heavy metal sulfide, in the brine. This is achieved by injecting sulfide ions into the brine, preferably in the form of sodium sulfide. The resulting brine slurry formed in the vessels can be sent to a thickener and then to a filter press for dewatering.