Abstract:
A method of dissociating methane hydrate deposits in-situ is provided in which a supply of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and fuel are provided, the oxygen and the carbon dioxide are mixed to form an oxidizer fluid, and the fuel is combusted downhole by reacting it with the oxidizer fluid to provide hot combustion products. The combustion products are placed in contact with a diluent fluid to produce a cooled product fluid at a temperature higher than the prevailing methane hydrate decomposition temperature. The cooled product fluid is injected into the methane hydrate deposit decomposing the hydrate and releasing natural gas.
Abstract:
A method and system for dissociating methane hydrate deposits in-situ is provided wherein an oxidizer fluid and a supply of fuel, both at a pressure higher than that of the methane hydrate deposit, are supplied and delivered to the methane hydrate deposit. The fuel is combusted downhole by reacting it with the oxidizer fluid to provide combustion products. The combustion products are placed in contact with a diluent fluid to produce a heated product fluid. The heated product fluid is injected into the methane hydrate deposit whereby methane is dissociated from the methane hydrate and made available for extraction. In addition, carbon dioxide may be made available to promote the formation of carbon dioxide hydrates from the liberated methane hydrate water.
Abstract:
The present invention is a method, and an apparatus for practicing the method, that creates a product stream and a heat of reaction from a fuel-rich fuel/air mixture and then contacts the product stream with a sufficient quantity of additional air to completely combust all of the fuel, to which air a portion of the heat of reaction has been transferred.
Abstract:
This invention pertains to an apparatus and means to lower emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in lean, pre-mixed gas turbine combustors. Specifically, this invention employs a catalyst deposited on the inner surfaces of the combustor in the region of combustion which oxidizes CO combustion products. Also provided is a means for depositing a catalyst within the thermal barrier coating on the combustor liner walls.
Abstract:
A catalytic reactor with an auxiliary heating structure for raising the temperature of a fluid passing therethrough whereby the catalytic reaction is promoted. The invention is a apparatus employing multiple electrical heating elements electrically isolated from one another by insulators that are an integral part of the flow path. The invention provides step heating of a fluid as the fluid passes through the reactor.
Abstract:
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the reactivity of a fuel/air mixture prior to homogenous combustion of the mixture. More specifically, this invention is a pilot for a gas turbine combustor which utilizes the heat of combustion within the pilot to increase the reactivity of a portion of the fuel/air mixture utilized by the pilot.
Abstract:
This invention which combines an oxygen storage system with a catalytic converter to enhance the conversion of common pollutants found in the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. The oxygen storage element is placed upstream of the catalytic converter and is designed to extract excess oxygen from the exhaust gas stream and release the extracted oxygen when the exhaust gas stream is oxygen deficient. Controlling the oxygen level in this manner allows for effectiveness of the converter to be increased.
Abstract:
A plug assembly for ignition of fuel in admixture with air within a combustion chamber which comprises an exposed heating element having a multi-turn coil of electrically conductive catalytic wire mounted in grooves formed on the surface of ceramic support structure.
Abstract:
The method of combusting lean fuel-air mixtures comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a gaseous admixture of fuel and air, said admixture having an adiabatic flame temperature below a temperature which would result in any substantial formation of nitrogen oxides but above about 800.degree. Kelvin, b. contacting at least a portion of said admixture with a catalytic surface and producing reaction products, c. passing said reaction products to a thermal reaction chamber, thereby igniting and stabilizing combustion in said thermal reaction chamber.
Abstract:
An assembly for the catalytic ignition of atomized fuel for combustion within the combustion chamber of a turbine engine places the catalytic fuel igniter in a position to receive the atomized fuel upon entry into the combustion chamber. The igniter is heated to operating temperature so that at least a portion of the atomized fuel enters the combustion chamber in an ignited state.