APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PRE-HEATING FEEDSTOCK TO A MELTER USING MELTER EXHAUST
First Claim
1. A system comprising (consisting essentially of, consisting of):
- (a) a structure defining a melting chamber;
(b) one or more exhaust conduits fluidly connected to the structure defining the melting chamber and comprising a heat exchange substructure, the one or more exhaust conduits positioned at an angle to vertical ranging from 0 to about 90 degrees;
(c) a feedstock supply structure fluidly connected to the one or more exhaust conduits.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Feedstock supply structure apparatus, including an exhaust conduit fluidly and mechanically connectable to a structure defining a melting chamber, the exhaust conduit positioned at an angle to vertical ranging from 0 to about 90 degrees. The exhaust conduit may include a heat exchange substructure, or the conduit itself may serve as a heat exchanger. A feedstock supply structure fluidly connected to the exhaust conduit. Systems include a structure defining a melting chamber and an exhaust conduit fluidly connected to the structure. The exhaust conduit includes a heat exchange substructure for preheating the feedstock. Methods include supplying a granular or pellet-sized feedstock to the melter exhaust conduit, the exhaust conduit including the heat exchange substructure, and preheating the feedstock by indirect or direct contact with melter exhaust in the heat exchange substructure.
10 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system comprising (consisting essentially of, consisting of):
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(a) a structure defining a melting chamber; (b) one or more exhaust conduits fluidly connected to the structure defining the melting chamber and comprising a heat exchange substructure, the one or more exhaust conduits positioned at an angle to vertical ranging from 0 to about 90 degrees; (c) a feedstock supply structure fluidly connected to the one or more exhaust conduits. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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10. The system in accordance with claim 10 wherein the heat exchange substructure comprises one or more internal structures (baffles, distributor plates, grids) for causing a tortuous flow path for the feedstock and for the exhaust.
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15. A feedstock supply structure apparatus comprising:
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(a) an exhaust conduit fluidly and mechanically connectable to a structure defining a melting chamber, the exhaust conduit positioned at an angle to vertical ranging from 0 to about 90 degrees; (b) the exhaust conduit comprising a heat exchange substructure; and (c) a feedstock supply structure fluidly connected to the exhaust conduit. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method comprising:
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(a) supplying a granular or pellet-sized feedstock to an exhaust conduit from a melter, the exhaust conduit comprising a heat exchange substructure; (b) preheating the granular or pellet-sized feedstock by indirect contact with melter exhaust in the heat exchange substructure.
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20. A method comprising:
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(a) supplying a granular or pellet-sized feedstock to an exhaust conduit from a melter, the exhaust conduit comprising a heat exchange substructure; (b) preheating the granular or pellet-sized feedstock by direct contact with melter exhaust in the heat exchange substructure.
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21. A method comprising:
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(a) supplying a granular or pellet-sized feedstock to an exhaust conduit from a melter, the exhaust conduit serving as a heat exchange substructure; (b) preheating the granular or pellet-sized feedstock by direct contact with melter exhaust in the exhaust conduit.
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Specification