Abstract:
A closed-cycle system and method of electrical power generation uses steam to transport charge carriers through an MHD generator. Water droplets, fine particles or mixtures thereof are used as the charge carriers. The fine particles are sufficiently small to allow the particles to pass through pumps and other equipment in the flow path with little or no damage, thereby eliminating the need to remove and re-inject a seed material, or treat it prior to discharge to the environment. The high operating temperatures of prior art MHD generators are avoided, thereby allowing more economical and readily available materials to be used. The system and method also allows the MHD generator to be used as the bottoming cycle in a single-loop power generation system, with a conventional steam turbine-generator used as the topping cycle, resulting in an increased heat rate with reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and with reduced heat rejection to the environment per unit of electricity produced.
Abstract:
A method for implementing a sleep control that includes the steps of receiving a message from a sending block via a messaging bus, wherein the message is destined for a receiving block; determining whether the receiving block is awake; and delaying further transmission of the message until the receiving block is awake. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An improved well completion system for completing two or more separate production zones in a well bore during a single downhole trip is disclosed. The improved completion system comprises a completion assembly comprising two or more production zone assemblies and a completion tool assembly. Each production zone assembly may comprise an automatic system locating assembly and at least two inverted seal systems for sealing against the tool assembly.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method of inspecting a sample. The sample is scanned in a first direction with at least one particle beam. The sample is scanned in a second direction with at least one particle beam. The second direction is at an angle to the first direction. The number of defects per an area of the sample are found as a result of the first scan, and the position of one or more of the found defects is determined from the second scan. In a specific embodiment, the sample includes a test structure having a plurality of test elements thereon. A first portion of the test elements is exposed to the beam during the first scan to identify test elements having defects, and a second portion of the test elements is exposed during the second scan to isolate and characterize the defect.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a semiconductor die having a scanning area. The semiconductor die includes a first plurality of test structures wherein each of the test structures in the first plurality of test structures is located entirely within the scanning area. The semiconductor die further includes a second plurality of test structures wherein each of the test structures in the first plurality of test structures is located only partially within the scanning area. The test structures are arranged so that a scan of the scanning area results in detection of defects outside of the scanning area.
Abstract:
A collection element arrangement is provided having sleeve attachments near their lowermost ends which simulate a continuous sloping surface, or floor. The sleeve attachments upper surfaces forming the floor permit collected solids to flow down the sloping surface back into the furnace or reactor chamber. Stainless steel can be used for the collection elements and sleeve attachments since the floating floor accommodates differential thermal expansion between CFB components.
Abstract:
Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler includes plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of cooling tubes located within the CFB in a plurality of staggered rows. One embodiment employs a plurality of stacked, slip fit elements having apertures which accept the cooling tubes. The slip fit elements cooperate with one another to form a collecting channel, typically U-shaped, which separates particles from flue gases conveyed across the particle separators. Shiplap joints in between the individual slip fit elements prevent gas and solids from leaking therebetween and allow for thermal expansion. Alternatively, the impact type particle separators include cooling tubes connected to one another to form a unitary structure. Pin studs welded to the cooling tubes and covered with a coating of refractory; ceramic tiles; metal or ceramic spray coatings; metal or ceramic castings; weld overlay; and/or shields provide erosion resistance.
Abstract:
An apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler includes a plurality of impact type particle separators mounted vertically to a wall of the CFB. The impact type particle separators being adjacently positioned and horizontally spaced. Each impact type particle separator includes a plurality of vertically mounted cooling tubes connected to a fluid circulating system. A slip fit element surrounds the cooling tubes. A cup shaped configuration is formed by side walls and a back wall. The side walls and back wall have a plurality of separate vertically aligned segments extending along the height of the impact type particle separator. Each vertically aligned segment is connected at its ends to an adjacent segment.
Abstract:
Radar is used to measure not only the level of slag on molten steel but also its thickness; the measurement is used to calculate the volume of slag, and, in turn the amount of additives for slag treatment. Time-of-flight data are used to identify peaks representing the distances of the surfaces of the slag and the surface of the underlying steel. The concept is applicable to other materials of differing composition, and particularly where the underlying material is relatively more conductive than the overlying material. Degassing is more efficiently practiced by using the radar slag thickness determinations to assist in vertical placement of snorkels.
Abstract:
A CFB reactor or combustor having an internal impact type primary particle separator provides cavity means and particle return means in an upper portion of the reactor enclosure to obtain direct and internal return of all primary collected solids to a bottom portion of the reactor or combustor for subsequent recirculation without external and internal recycle conduits.