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Gradual oxidation and autoignition temperature controls

  • US 9,206,980 B2
  • Filed: 03/09/2012
  • Issued: 12/08/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for oxidizing fuel, comprising:

  • an oxidizer having a reaction chamber with an inlet and an outlet, the reaction chamber configured to receive a gas comprising an oxidizable fuel through the inlet and to maintain an oxidation process;

    a detection module that detects when a reaction chamber temperature of the gas approaches or drops below an autoignition threshold of the gas within the reaction chamber, such that the reaction chamber will not oxidize the fuel and determines (i) an autoignition delay time and (ii) a lower flammability limit or an upper flammability limit of the gas, a flammability area being defined as a volumetric fuel concentration between the lower flammability limit and the upper flammability limit; and

    a correction module that outputs instructions, based on the detection module, to change an autoignition delay time within the reaction chamber sufficient for the gas to autoignite and oxidize while within the reaction chamber and such that a flammability residence time of the gas within the flammability area is less than the autoignition delay time.

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