Imerys Usa, Inc.

Kentucky-tennessee Clay Co.

Billie Leach

Thomas Landon

A method for combusting fuel in the presence of an alkali-containing material may include introducing fuel into a furnace configured to combust the fuel. The method may also include introducing ball clay having a moisture content of at least about 5% by weight into the furnace, and heating at least a portion of the fuel and ball clay, such that at least a portion of the ball clay is at least partially calcined, and the at least partially calcined ball clay adsorbs at least a portion of alkali present in the furnace.

Methods for operating a furnace

A method for operating a fluidized-bed reactor includes introducing an alkali-containing material into a fluidized-bed reactor and introducing hydrous clay into the fluidized-bed reactor, the hydrous clay having a moisture content of at least about 5% by weight. The method further includes heating at least a portion of the alkali-containing material and hydrous clay, such that at least a portion of the hydrous clay is at least partially calcined and the at least partially calcined clay adsorbs at least a portion of alkali present in the fluidized-bed reactor. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the at least partially calcined clay and adsorbed alkali from the fluidized-bed reactor.

Growing community of inventors

Murfreesboro, TN, United States of America

Billie Leach