US3824937A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy generation system adaptable for burning dust-type fuels
Assignee: TUREO ENG Inc
•
Filing: 1973-05-04
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Granted: 1974-07-23
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Expires: 1993-05-04
Abstract
Abstract An energy generation system, especially applicable to firetube boilers but also applicable to other combustion-type energy generators, for burning dust-type fuels such as wood sander-dust. The system comprises fuel metering apparatus, responsive to system demands, for accurately controlling the fuel-air ratio and modulating the mass flow rate of the dust-type fuel into the combustion chamber. Dust fuel, normally of variable density, is fed from a large storage hopper into a metering bin sized to hold only a small volumn of the fuel. A rotary agitator within the bin equalizes the density of the dust fuel and divides it into equal volumetric portions which are passed in succession over an opening in the bottom of the bin. The size of the opening is variably modulated by a reciprocating metering gate whose position is determined by a controller responsive to system energy demands. Small predetermined quantities of the fuel, dependent upon the size of the opening, drop through the opening periodically and are transformed into a continuous homogeneous stream of dust fuel by a screw conveyor located below the opening. The conveyor feeds the stream of dust into a blower which transports the dust suspended in an air stream to a dust fuel burner. In the embodiment of the invention adaptable to firetube boilers, the burner comprises a modified boiler diffuser having one or more dust inlet tubes and a continuous supporting pilot to insure continuity of burning. The boiler embodiment also includes a boiler extension section having a trap for retaining any large particles of the fuel within the boiler to insure their complete combustion.
Inventors
- 👤 L Turner
- 👤 H Cockreham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:45
CPC Classifications
F; F22; F22B; F22B7/00; F22B7/12; F23; F23K; F23K3/00; F23K2203/00; F23K2203/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; and c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction into said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; and c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction into said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said metering means includes means for varying said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel from said metering bin automatically in response to variations in energy demand of said energy generation system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
217 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction to said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; d. said dust fuel metering means comprising a group of paddles adjacent the bottom of said bin, said paddles being equally spaced radially about a common drive shaft for rotating said paddles in unison, said bin having a discharge opening formed therein below said paddles and in juxtaposition therewith for periodically discharging from said bin predetermined mass increments of said fuel from between successive pairs of said paddles as said paddles rotate above said opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
217 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction to said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; d. said dust fuel metering means comprising a group of paddles adjacent the bottom of said bin, said paddles being equally spaced radially about a common drive shaft for rotating said paddles in unison, said bin having a discharge opening formed therein below said paddles and in juxtaposition therewith for periodically discharging from said bin predetermined mass increments of said fuel from between successive pairs of said paddles as said paddles rotate above said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said fuel dust metering means further comprises a screw conveyor located beneath said discharge opening for receiving said perodic fuel increments and transforming them into a continuous stream of dust fuel, said screw conveyor having sufficient volumetric capacity in relation to the mass flow rate of said fuel increments to transport said dust fuel without causing simultaneous compaction thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 3 including a movable gate for varying the size of said discharge opening, and controller means for operating said gate automatically in response to variations in energy demand of said energy generation system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said agitating means compriSes said paddles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
184 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction to said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; and d. sensor means in said metering bin for sensing the quantity of said dust fuel within said bin, and means automatically responsive to said sensor means for controlling the influx of said fuel into said metering bin from said storage area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
184 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction to said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; and d. sensor means in said metering bin for sensing the quantity of said dust fuel within said bin, and means automatically responsive to said sensor means for controlling the influx of said fuel into said metering bin from said storage area.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said sensor means includes a first level sensor for interrupting said influx of fuel when the height of said fuel in said bin reaches a predetermined limit, and a second level sensor for starting said influx of fuel when the height of said fuel in said bin falls below a predetermined limit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
184 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction to said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering therof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; and d. a minimum level sensor within said bin and means responsive to said minimum level sensor for interrupting the discharge of said dust fuel from said bin whenever the height of said fuel in said bin falls below a predetermined limit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
184 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction to said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering therof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; and d. a minimum level sensor within said bin and means responsive to said minimum level sensor for interrupting the discharge of said dust fuel from said bin whenever the height of said fuel in said bin falls below a predetermined limit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 9 including means responsive to said minimum level sensor for automatically introducing a fuel other than said dust fuel into said combustion chamber concurrently with the interruption of said fuel discharge from said bin.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including plow means within said bin for maintaining the height of said dust fuel substantially level throughout the entirety of said bin so as to promote the equalization of said fuel density within said bin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a pneumatic conveyor for receiving said metered dust fuel from said metering means and transporting said fuel suspended in a supporting air stream to said combustion chamber.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
204 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction tO said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; d. said energy generation system including scanner means for sensing the presence of a flame in said combustion chamber and said apparatus further comprising valve means adapted to be responsive to said scanner means for selectively interrupting the introduction of said dust fuel into said combustion chamber in response to the sensing of any interruption of said flame by said scanner means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
204 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. metering means for discharging said homogenized dust fuel from said bin at a predetermined mass flow rate preparatory to said fuel''s introduction tO said combustion chamber, said metering means including means for preventing any compaction of said dust fuel during said metering thereof to a density greater than that of said homogenized fuel in said bin, so as to insure against any uncontrolled variation in said predetermined mass flow rate of said fuel; d. said energy generation system including scanner means for sensing the presence of a flame in said combustion chamber and said apparatus further comprising valve means adapted to be responsive to said scanner means for selectively interrupting the introduction of said dust fuel into said combustion chamber in response to the sensing of any interruption of said flame by said scanner means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. means defining a discharge opening formed adjacent the bottom of said bin; d. means within said bin for discharging periodic increments of said homogenized dust fuel through said discharge opening; and e. means coupled with said discharge opening for receiving said periodic fuel increments and transforming said fuel increments into a continuous stream of said dust fuel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for adapting a combustion-type energy generation system to utilize primarily dust-type fuel in the combustion chamber of said system, said apparatus comprising: a. a metering bin for receiving dust-type fuel of variable density from a storage area preparatory to the introduction of said fuel into said combustion chamber; b. agitating means within said bin for homogenizing said dust fuel in said bin, thereby equalizing the density thereof; c. means defining a discharge opening formed adjacent the bottom of said bin; d. means within said bin for discharging periodic increments of said homogenized dust fuel through said discharge opening; and e. means coupled with said discharge opening for receiving said periodic fuel increments and transforming said fuel increments into a continuous stream of said dust fuel.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 14 including means for controllably varying the size of said discharge opening.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said drive shaft is mounted substantially vertically within said bin and wherein said paddles project laterally from said shaft.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a diffuser adapted to receive said dust fuel from said metering means, said diffuser having at least one dust fuel conduit and a supporting pilot mounted adjacent the face of said diffuser for introducing said dust fuel and a fuel other than said dust fuel respectively into the combustion air pattern emitted from the face of said diffuser.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
119 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for adapting a multi-pass firetube boiler having a burner assembly located at one end thereof to utilize said dust-type fuel, said apparatus comprising trap means adapted to be coupled with the interior of said boiler''s combustion chamber for retaining within said chamber gross particles which may be present within said dust-type fuel so as to insure complete combustion thereof, said trap means comprising a boiler extension section adaptable to be inserted between the door and body of said boiler on the end thereof opposite said burner, said extension section having a trap adjacent its bottom portion and interior baffle means for preserving the original combustion gas flow pattern through said firetube boiler.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said dust fuel metering means comprises a discharge opening formed in said bin at a location below said agitating means, the horizontal cross-section of said bin having substantially no decrease in size from said agitator to said opening.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the horizontal cross-section of said bin has substantially no decrease in size from said agitator to said opening.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means coupled with said discharge opening for transforming said fuel increments into a continuous stream of dust fuel comprises a screw conveyor having sufficient volumetric capacity in relation to the mass flow rate of said fuel increments to transport said dust fuel without causing simultaneous compaction thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |