Carbonaceous boiler

Abstract

A carbonaceous boiler is disclosed which includes a block of impervious, low permeability carbonaceous material having relatively large infrared radiation receiving side surfaces and a relatively narrow depth dimension. In one embodiment a single pass channel is formed in the block in the form of a grid so that liquids or gases passing through the channel absorbs infrared radiation directed onto the side surfaces of the block. In an alternate embodiment the single pass channel is positioned adjacent to a counter flow channel formed within a carbonaceous block to thereby provide heat exchange between the gases or liquids flowing through the single pass channel, the infrared radiation being directed onto the side surface of the carbonaceous block and high temperature waste fluids passing through the counter flow channel. In another embodiment of this invention, a carbonaceous block has one side surface thereof exposed to the infrared radiation provided by natural sunlight, while the other side is exposed to infrared radiation provided by an infrared burner arrangement. In yet another embodiment of this invention, a carbonaceous block has all surfaces thereof exposed to liquids, vapors, and gases contained within a stack, chamber, or vessel, for the purpose of heat exchange.