Abstract: A portable testing device includes a housing that encloses an electric motor and a power source. The power source is configured to provide electrical power to the electric motor. The system also includes a sensor port operatively coupled to the housing and the electric motor. The sensor port includes a converter member that is movable to adjust a depth of the sensor port. The system also includes a user interface device operatively coupled to the housing. The user interface device is configured to adjust an amount of the electrical power provided by the power source to the electric motor. The sensor port is configured to removably receive a sensor for testing operation of the sensor relative to the electric motor.

Abstract: Ventilation systems for enclosing turbomachine assembly components and methods for monitoring air flow in ventilation systems are provided. A ventilation system includes an enclosure defining an interior, an air inlet circuit in fluid communication with the interior for flowing air into the interior, and an air outlet circuit in fluid communication with the interior for flowing air from the interior. The ventilation system further includes a fan disposed within one of the air outlet circuit or the air inlet circuit, and a motor in operable communication with the fan for driving the fan. The ventilation system further includes an electrical measurement device, the electrical measurement device in communication with the motor and operable to measure an electrical characteristic of the motor.

Abstract: A burner apparatus (10) for a process heating system (400) includes a combustion air damper (48) to control the volume of air in the combustion chamber (98). Top (15), bottom (17), and sidewalls (14) of the chamber are of steel without refractory material lining while a fuel door (178) is steel with refractory material lining (186). A flue gas damper (34) selectively allows or disallows flue gas out of the chamber. A cooling jacket (18) of a steel sheeting surrounds and is narrowly spaced from the combustion chamber top, bottom, and sidewalls. The cooling jacket conducts air, transfers heat from the combustion chamber top, bottom, and sidewalls to thereby prevent overheating, and generates heated air. A turbulation device (38) combines flue gas and heated air into a turbulent air-gas mixture, completes combustion, and outputs a heated gas stream.

Abstract: A partition divides an enclosure into an upper space and a lower space, the partition having a hole which provides essentially the only passage for gas to flow from the lower space to the upper space. A reactor tube having open ends is supported by the partition over the hole, and a grate spaced below the hole. A primary air inlet arrangement feeds air into the lower space for gasification of solid fuel on the grate, and a secondary air inlet directs a jet of air toward the inlet end of combustion tube communicating with the upper space and having an open exhaust end outside the enclosure. Product gas formed by gasification of solid fuel on the grate and passing through the reactor tube into the upper space will be drawn into the combustion tube to create a sub-atmospheric pressure in the upper space.

Abstract: The combination of a vent assembly with a conduit assembly bounding a flow space into which discharged combustion gases are exhausted. The conduit assembly has a first conduit length in which: a) combustion gases are communicated in a first direction in a first path between the flue outlet and a vent outlet; and b) backflow is communicated in the first path in a direction opposite to the first direction. The conduit assembly has a draft control assembly, with a conduit portion defining a flow passage in which backflow is diverted out of the first path. The draft control assembly further has a flow guide assembly that intercepts and guidingly diverts the backflow into the conduit portion to be exhausted.

Abstract: A damper and overfire air duct in a combustion system having a combustion structure defining a flue gas passage, the damper and overfire air duct including: an inlet to the overfire air duct and an outlet to the duct discharging overfire air into the flue gas passage, and the damper aligned with an axis of the overfire air duct, and having an open position axially distal to the inlet and a closed position at least partially in the inlet and duct, wherein the damper is movable axially between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A shutoff device is provided for pulverized coal burners of a pulverized coal furnace. Each burner has a primary tube that conveys a pulverized coal/air mixture and is connected with a feed line for supplying the mixture to the respective burner. Disposed in the feed line, for closing off the same, is a slide valve that is provided with a valve plate. On the trailing side of the slide valve, the feed line is surrounded by an air receiver that is supplied with air. In the vicinity of the air receiver, an opening is provided in the wall of the feed line and can be closed off by a closure plate, which is synchronously actuatable with the slide valve such that in the closed position of the slide valve the opening is opened, and in the open position of the slide valve the opening is closed off.

Abstract: A flue gas passage arrangement for a steam generator which permits adjustment of the heat transfer effectiveness of a final bank of heat exchanger surface to control a temperature of the flue gas flowing through and exiting from the flue gas passage and conveyed to a downstream NOx reduction device having a minimum operating temperature. The NOx reduction device is advantageously an SCR. Economizer heating surface is located within the flue gas passage, and a baffle plate extends through the flue gas passage and creates two flue gas paths there through. The economizer heating surface may be a single, common bank having a section located in both gas paths, or in only one gas path. Alternatively, two separate banks of economizer heating surface may be employed. A variable position damper is provided in one gas path, either below or above one section.

Abstract: A burner isolation valve or gate for use in the coal-delivery pipes of coal-fired power plants. Safety regulations often require that two valves be placed in the coal delivery line between a combustion chamber and an exhauster or pulverizer type deliver source to isolate the section of pipe in between for maintenance and other access. The invention includes a novel valve plate and actuation assembly, a novel housing adapted to sealingly enclose the valve plate, and a novel sealing mechanism for the valve plate and housing adapted to keep coal fines and dust out of the outboard portion of the housing in which the valve plate rests in the valve-open position.

Abstract: A damper vane assembly for controlling the flow of flue gas between a flue gas pass of a combustion vessel which generates flue gas and a selective catalytic reactor operable to catalytically treat flue gas in a combustion system is provided. The damper vane assembly includes a first turning vane having a curved extent and a second turning vane with a curved extent. The first turning vane is moveable between a blocking position in which it blocks communication between the combustion vessel and the selective catalytic reactor and a flow guiding position in which the curved extent of the first turning vane guides flue gas from the flue outlet to the selective catalytic reactor. The second turning vane is moveable between a blocking position in which it blocks communication between the selective catalytic reactor and the flue gas outlet and a flow guiding position in which the curved extent of the second turning vane guides flue gas from the selective catalytic reactor to the flue gas outlet.

Abstract: The windbox burner has a register casing (2) with ports (3) for inflow of combustion air, secondary air pipe (35) enclosed by the register casing and having inlet ports (36) for secondary air, a ring damper (20) coaxial with the register casing and axially displaceable and having at each end an annular sealing means (21; 26) which in the closed position of the ring damper sealingly abuts a corresponding sealing arrangement (23; 22) at each axial end of the ports (3), thus preventing the combustion air from flowing through the ports (3) to the burner tip. Each of the sealing arrangements (21, 23; 22, 26) is made of a stainless and heat-resistant material, and each pair of the sealing arrangements is constituted by a plane leaf spring (23; 26) the plane of which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ring damper (20), and a ring (21, 22) with a convex surface on which the leaf spring abuts tangentially in the closed position of the ring damper.

Abstract: A register for use in conjunction with kraft recovery boilers or bark-fired boilers utilizes a pair of shaped damper foils to reduce turbulence and induce laminar flow of air from an associated windbox through a port in the boiler. The foils are mounted for constant minimal separation from an exit nozzle to reduce transitional discontinuities which induce turbulence. A curved plenum is also provided to reduce internal turbulence within the plenum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus retrofitted to a multiple-intertube pulverized-coal burner to reduce NO.sub.x emissions of roof fired boilers. An internal two stage process controls the amount of secondary air which flows to the burner. The first stage includes a secondary air damper and air flow station to regulate the amount of air which flows into a windbox of the burner. The second stage includes an outlet formed in the hot primary air duct, an air plenum which communicates therewith, and a plurality of interjectory air ports which correspond with the burners in number and position along a front wall of the boiler and which communicate with the air plenum. The interjectory air ports inject interjectory air into a combustion chamber of the boiler at a substantially 90 degree angle to the direction of a plurality of burner tips of each burner and supplies the balance of the required theoretical combustion air needed to complete combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for recovery of energy from a medium containing combustible substances even at low concentrations. The method is characterized by raising the temperature of the medium in a regenerative combustor such as a reversal flow direction combustion device wherein the combustion takes place in a warm zone, to the combustion temperature at which essentially all chemical energy of the combustible substances is transformed into thermal energy. The heated medium is then utilized for the production of a wanted form of energy.

Abstract: A waste incinerator including separate burning-, blower-, chimney- and ash-receiving chambers. A suction-discharge port is provided in a wall between the burning chamber and the chimney chamber for discharging gases from the burning chamber through a chimney to the atmosphere. The chimney extends from the chimney chamber for discharging gases to the atmosphere. The chimney receives an air feed pipe from the blower and an ignition sleeve extends into the chimney for burning unconsumed waste gas. A vibrator vibrates an ash receiver in the ash receiving chamber, and a drying chamber may be provided for drying high moisture garbage by combustion gases from the burning chamber.

Abstract: A screw press separator is provided herein for separating and deliquifying a slurry of solids and liquids e.g., a slurry of manure and water, or any other slurry of similar physical characteristics. The separator includes a cylindrical housing having a slurry inflow port. A cylindrical strainer basket extends rearwardly from the housing for the passage of separated liquid therethrough. A cylindrical discharge chamber extends rearwardly from the outlet end of the strainer basket to define a solids discharge opening. A motor driven auger is disposed within the housing and the strainer basket, the auger including a shaft extending through the housing, through the strainer basket and through the cylindrical discharge chamber, for driving the auger for advancing the slurry rearwardly within the cylindrical housing. A spring-loaded door assembly which is connected to the shaft, is provided at the exit of the cylindrical discharge chamber.

Abstract: An air nozzle assembly for use in associated combustion apparatus which includes a first elongated housing having first and second axial extremities. The first axial extremity thereof is open to the interior of the first housing and tapers axially from a larger to a smaller cross section that constitutes a generally flat nozzle at the first axial extremity. A second elongated housing has first and second axial extremities. The fist axial extremity is open to the interior of the second housing, at least the first axial extremity and an axial portion of the second elongated housing are dimensioned and configured to extend with at least the first axial portion disposed within the first elongated housing. The first axial portion tapers axially from a larger to a smaller cross section at the first axial extremity. The apparatus also includes means for selectively preventing flow in the second elongated housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a draft inducer for use with a furnace. The draft inducer includes a fan for inducing a draft in the furnace combustion chamber that causes a pressure drop across a heat exchanger assembly for moving exhaust combustion chamber gases. The heat exchanger assembly has a plurality of heat exchanger elements which determine furnace capacity wherein the pressure drop across the heat exchanger assembly is affected by the furnace capacity. A motor drives the fan in response to a motor control signal and a memory stores information defining a relationship between motor speed, motor torque and parameters defining motor operation. A processor determines the speed and torque of the motor and retrieves from the memory the parameters corresponding to the determined motor speed and motor torque. The processor is responsive to the retrieved parameters for defining at least one set of speed/torque curves corresponding to a desired pressure drop across the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a draft inducer for use with a furnace. The draft inducer includes a motor for driving a fan for inducing a draft in the furnace that causes a pressure drop across the heat exchanger of the furnace. A memory stores information including a table of predefined speed/torque values for defining a set of speed/torque curves for operating the motor. A pressure switch provides a pressure signal representative of a reference pressure across the heat exchanger and a processor determines the speed and torque of the motor when the pressure drop corresponds to the reference pressure. In response to the determined motor speed and motor torque, the processor retrieves a parameter defining at least one delta value from the memory. The processor adapts the predefined speed/torque values as a function of the delta value thereby to define the speed/torque curves corresponding to a desired pressure drop.

Abstract: A system for monitoring combustion of coal in a boiler detects coal composition and heating value using a bulk material analyzer and determines an air/fuel mixture so that when the coal is burned oxygen is available throughout the boiler and the wall temperature of the boiler is maintained below the metallurgical limit and the surface temperature below the ash fusion temperature of the coal where slagging is not desired. The temperature and pressure of steam in the boiler, fuel and air flow rates and temperature and oxygen content of the stack gases are supplied to a boiler model. The boiler model predicts how varying the air supply rate affects sensible heat loss. Periodic measurements of unburned carbon in the ash produced by combustion of the coal are correlated with the operation of the boiler at the time that the ash was produced to provide a basis for estimating unburned coal loss.

Abstract: A combustor including a combustion chamber having two paths for removing combustion exhaust gases, a valve in one path, and means to provide, when the valve is in a closed position, pressure at a downstream side of the valve higher than the pressure inside the combustion chamber to prevent leakage of combustion gases from the combustion chamber through the valve.

Abstract: A flexible disk damper which is capable of providing tight seals for a large diameter opening over a wide range of temperatures. Disks are made sufficiently flexible to compensate for inherent warpage in the damper seat by using a steel with a higher yield strength. Additionally, a varying cross-sectional thickness of the flexible disk is provided to ensure that unit stress is not exceeded along any point of the radius of the flexible disk for the deformation required to provide a tight seal. A pneumatic cylinder is utilized to provide a constant pressure to the flexible disks. A damper seat is fabricated from a cut plate or flat bar which is formed in an annulus. A deflection cone is utilized to deflect flue gases. The flexible disk is coupled together by bolts which are disposed in holes sufficiently large to allow independent movement of the disks to maximize deflection.

Abstract: A vent assembly adapted for venting into the atmosphere hot burner exhaust gases from the flue exhaust port of a heating appliance within an enclosure, such assembly including an exhaust duct and a relief duct. The exhaust duct is connected at one end to said flue exhaust port and is opened at its other end to the ambient atmosphere outside of the enclosure. A selectively responsive closure device, such as a thermally controlled damper, is disposed within the exhaust duct. The relief duct is connected to the exhaust duct at a point along the flow of exhaust gases upstream of the closure device and has a relief aperture disposed at a height between that of the exhaust port and that of the burner.

Abstract: A controlled air intake apparatus for a furnace includes a substantially flat cover plate attached to and placed over the updraft opening of the flue and a generally rectangular housing attached over the air intake opening adjacent the burner region. The housing includes a first open side and opposite thereto a side including a plurality of apertures. The remaining sides of the housing are enclosed. The first plurality of apertures are disposed into two rows and the housing further includes a cover plate with a similar arrangement of apertures. The cover plate is slidably received by the housing and is movable by means of a solenoid between an aperture-closed orientation and an aperture-open orientation.

Abstract: A controlled air intake apparatus for a furnace includes a substantially flat cover plate attached to and placed over the updraft opening of the flue and a generally rectangular housing attached over the air intake opening adjacent the burner region. The housing includes a first open side and opposite thereto a side including a plurality of apertures. The remaining sides of the housing are enclosed. The first plurality of apertures are disposed into two rows and the housing further includes a cover plate with a similar arrangement of apertures. The cover plate is slidably received by the housing and is movable by means of a solenoid between an aperture-closed orientation and an aperture-open orientation.

Abstract: A flue restrictor for installation in the flue piping of a heating system to reduce its effective cross sectional area comprises sheet metal inlet and outlet sections having flanges secured together in a joint that has a guideway in it for a sheet metal gate valve that may be transversely positioned to produce the desired cross-sectional area and riveted in place to provide a substantially tamper-proof assembly.

Abstract: A venting system for a fuel-burning heating plant, such as a conventional gas-fired furnace. The venting system includes an open-bottomed diverter situated well above the base of the heating plant having vertically disposed inlet and outlet ducts attached to the diverter top. The inlet duct is also attached to the flue outlet of the furnace, while the outlet duct is attached to a chimney flue for expulsion of combustion gases. A heat retention means, such as a damper or a heat-absorbing cone, is located within the inlet duct to permit absorption of heat from passing combustion gases during the combustion cycle and maintain heat in the inlet duct during cessation of the combustion cycle in order to establish a heat lock within the inlet duct and the diverter to prevent the flow of relatively cooler air through the furnace combustion chamber and up the chimney during cessation of the combustion cycle. A similar heat retention means may also be located within the outlet duct.

Abstract: Moveable and fixed vertically depending, longitudinally spaced baffles are mounted perpendicular to the direction of gas flow on the roof of large generally horizontal runs of flues carrying dust laden gas as a cost-effective way to reduce gravitational dust dropout.

Abstract: A gas-fired boiler installation provided with a combustion space being upwardly in communication with a flue and at the bottom being confined by a burner bed. Between the combustion space and the flue there is disposed a draft interrupter, to which at the top in the central zone thereof the flue is connected and wherein there is present a pair of baffle grates which each extend obliquely upwardly towards and to adjacent the top end of one of two oppositely disposed sides of the draft interrupter, and having grate bars extending substantially parallel to said sides and, seen in cross section, extend upwardly towards the central zone of the draft interrupter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the heat treatment of volatile containing materials in a rotary hearth type furnace wherein the flue gases emanating from the calciner are employed to create either a positive or negative pressure within the calciner hearth as well as the soaking pit area of the said calciner.