Patent number: 9016216

Methods of combustion of powdered fuels and powdered fuel dispersions

Inventors:

  • McKnight; James K.
  • Bacorn; Edward
  • White; Ken W.

Field of technology: Industrial Machinery and Processes, Vehicles, Engines and Transportation

Patent granted on: Tue, 28 Apr 2015

Patent drawing

Abstract

Methods of combustion include metering a substantially explosible powder into an oxidizing gas using a positive displacement powder dispersion device to suspend the powder in the gas and directing the powder in the gas to form a controlled stream of a moving explosible powder dispersion. In some embodiments, the method further includes igniting the dispersion with an ignition source to produce a stationary deflagrating combustion wave and sustaining combustion by continuing to meter the powder into the gas. In other embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a nozzle velocity of the dispersion to reflect properties of the dispersion to create a sustainable flame and igniting the dispersion to produce a stationary deflagrating wave of the dispersion. In other embodiments, the method further includes igniting the dispersion in a combustion area to produce a stationary deflagrating wave such that a conductive heat transfer from combustion brings the powder to combustion temperature.