Patent Abstract:
A fluid type, gel/wax/paraffin type, or mechanical type harmonic balancer for built-in or retrofit use with an atomizer of a SDA flue gas desulfurization system for reduced atomizer vibration within or outside of the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range is provided herein. Also provided, is a method of using the built-in or retrofit harmonic balancer with an atomizer of a SDA flue gas desulfurization system to decrease atomizer vibration within or outside the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range, to increase atomizer on-line service hours, decrease atomizer maintenance requirements, and to decrease atomizer associated costs.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a harmonic balancer for an atomizer of a spray dryer absorber (SDA) flue gas desulfurization system for reduced atomizer vibration, and a method of using the harmonic balancer on an atomizer of a SDA flue gas desulfurization system to reduce atomizer vibration, increase atomizer on-line service hours, decrease atomizer maintenance requirements and decrease atomizer associated costs. 
     More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fluid type, gel/wax/paraffin type, or mechanical type harmonic balancer for built-in or retrofit use with an atomizer of a SDA flue gas desulfurization system for reduced atomizer vibration within or outside of the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range, and a method of using the built-in or retrofit harmonic balancer with an atomizer of a SDA flue gas desulfurization system to reduce atomizer vibration within or outside the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range, increase atomizer on-line service hours, decrease atomizer maintenance requirements, and decrease atomizer associated costs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Combustion of fuel, particularly carbonaceous materials such as fossil fuels and waste, results in hot flue gas streams that contain impurities, such as mercury (Hg), sulfur oxides (SO X ), nitrogen oxides (NO X ), and particulates, such as fly ash, which must be removed or reduced to a more acceptable level prior to release of the flue gas to the environment. In response to regulations in place in many jurisdictions, numerous processes and equipment systems have been developed to remove or reduce impurity levels and/or particulates in flue gas. 
     Typical methods of reducing flue gas particulates, Hg, NO X , and SO X  impurities from steam generating boilers powered by fuel combustion is through the use of flue gas treatment equipment. Such equipment includes for example electrostatic precipitators (ESP), fabric filter bag houses, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) systems and/or dry flue gas desulfurization (DFGD) systems. 
     In some flue gas stream processing systems, removal of acidic components, such as SO X , is facilitated through the use of a DFGD system, wherein a reagent slurry or solution is dispersed in the flue gas stream to react with the SO X  present therein. Current DFGD systems utilize spray dryer absorber (SDA) vessels equipped with an atomizer system that receives a reagent slurry, typically in combination with a dilution liquid, and disperses the reagent or combination within the vessel for contact with the flue gas. Upon contact with the flue gas, the reagent slurry reacts with the impurities in the flue gas to produce dry powder products and a flue gas stream of reduced impurity content. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,603 discloses an atomizing device arranged centrally in an atomizing chamber. A processing gas is supplied around the atomizing device through a conical guide duct communicating with a horizontal spiral duct through an annular mouth. Processing gas distribution is adjusted by deflection of the gas stream from the spiral duct into the conical guide duct by means of two separate sets of stationary guide vanes arranged relatively close to and overlaying each other in the mouth. A damper is arranged along the mouth to control the ratio of the portions of the gas stream conducted into each of the two vane sets. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,171 discloses a spray reactor for flue gas desulfurization equipped with an atomizing disc to spray an alkaline reagent into a flue gas. Concentric inner and outer annular passages around the atomizing disc convey the flue gas. The outer passage flow is controlled by a series of dampers adapted to maintain a relatively constant flow velocity in the inner passage in response to turndown of the reactor load. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,990 discloses an atomizer located in an upper portion of a chamber for introducing a finely dispersed spray of aqueous medium, and a gas injection means for receiving a major portion of a hot gas stream for introduction circumferentially about the atomizer. An essential feature of the apparatus is that a minor portion of the hot gas stream is introduced into the chamber in a direction counter to the direction of swirl of the major portion of the hot gas stream passing downwardly through the chamber from about the atomizer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,543 discloses an absorption chamber in which a stream of waste gas is injected downwards from an upper part thereof with an aqueous liquid containing an absorbent atomized into the gas stream. The water content of the aqueous liquid is adjusted depending on the drying capacity of the downward gas stream so the drying of the atomized liquid produces a particulate material having a moisture content of at least 3 percent by weight, to at least 10 percent by weight. A second gas stream is introduced upwards from a bottom part of the absorption chamber at a rate sufficient for fluidizing the moist particulate material within the absorption chamber. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,311 discloses a process gas treatment chamber with a pair of concentric, inner and outer annular gas inlet ducts surrounding a liquid spray apparatus. Partition means divide a spiral supply duct into independent inner and outer sub-ducts which define separate inner and outer flow passages connected respectively to the inner and outer annular gas inlet ducts. Damper means are provided in the inlet to the outer sub-duct to selectively control the flow of process gas there through as a means of maintaining the velocity of the flow of process gas through the inner flow passage at a minimum acceptable velocity. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,404 discloses a gas distribution arrangement with a helical inlet duct through an annular orifical slit for processing gas introduction into a space between two coaxial guide walls. Guide vanes are provided in the orifical slit to impart a change of direction to the flow of processing gas. Each guide vane is a spatial body with differently extending, vertical limitation surfaces which between adjacent vanes delimit ducts whose sectional area as measured transversely of the flow direction of the processing gas through the individual duct is substantially of the same size over the extent of the duct. The vertical height of the guide vanes may decrease along their radial extent inwards in the orifical slit, and their vertical limitation surfaces may form an acute angle at the radially innermost ends of the guide vanes. 
     A problem not addressed by the above-identified prior art, is the problem of undesirable harmonic or non-harmonic atomizer vibration. As known, a rotating component of a machine experiences harmonic oscillation at a particular speed of rotation due to speed and mass. Rotating a machine component at a speed in the component&#39;s harmonic range causes undesirable component oscillations or vibrations which thereby reduces the useful life of the machine component. Reducing the useful life of the machine component increases capital and operational costs associated therewith. Such is true of rotary atomizers used in SDA flue gas desulfurization systems. Depending on the speed at which the rotary atomizer is rotated, undesirable atomizer oscillations or vibrations result, thereby reducing the useful life of the atomizer, and increasing capital and operational costs associated therewith. Accordingly, an atomizer operable with lessened or without undesirable harmonic vibrations is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Harmonic balancers for atomizers of spray dryer absorber (SDA) flue gas desulfurization systems are disclosed herein. The harmonic balancers disclosed herein are operable to reduce flexible shaft or rigid shaft rotary type atomizer harmonic and non-harmonic vibration. By reducing such rotary atomizer vibration, atomizer on-line service is increased from about 200 hours to about 2000 hours, or upwards of 12,000 hours. Thus, atomizer maintenance and replacement costs are significantly reduced. The subject harmonic balancers may be fluid type, gel/wax/paraffin type, mechanical type or a combination thereof for built-in or retrofit use with rotary type atomizers of SDA flue gas desulfurization systems for reduced atomizer vibration within or outside the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range. Further, methods of using the subject built-in or retrofit harmonic balancers for flexible shaft or rigid shaft rotary type atomizers of SDA flue gas desulfurization systems to reduce atomizer vibration within or outside the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range are provided herein. Methods of using the subject built-in or retrofit harmonic balancers for flexible shaft or rigid shaft rotary type atomizers of SDA flue gas desulfurization systems increase atomizer on-line service hours, decrease atomizer maintenance requirements, and decrease atomizer associated costs. 
     One embodiment of the subject harmonic balancer is fabricated within an atomizer disk component of an atomizer. In a top surface of the atomizer disk, an annular channel of uniform depth and width extends around and a distance from a center of the atomizer disk. Extending from the channel, are at least two fluidly connected ports. Each of the ports are at least partially threaded adjacent the top surface of the atomizer disk. A planar top plate with openings therethrough aligning with each of the ports, is sized for removable fixation on the top surface of the atomizer disk to cover and seal the channel formed or machined in the top surface. Depending on the intended use of the atomizer as described in more detail below, through at least one of the ports a fluid, gel/wax/paraffin, mechanical members such as ball bearings, or a combination thereof is used to partially fill the channel while air displaced thereby flows out of at least one of the other ports. Depending on the size of the individual mechanical members and the size of the port, it may be necessary to arrange the mechanical members within the channel before the channel is sealed. Such would be the case if the mechanical members are of a size too large to pass through the port. Once the channel is filled, a flat headed screw is threadedly fixed within each of the at least two threaded ports thereby sealing the ports and securely removably fixing the top plate onto the atomizer disk. The atomizer disk is then fixed onto a free end of a flexible or rigid shaft extending from and below a center orifice of an atomizer distributor. 
     Another embodiment of the subject harmonic balancer is fabricated as a separate component removably affixed to a bottom surface of the atomizer disk component of the atomizer. As such, in a top surface of a planar balancer disk, an annular channel of relatively uniform depth and width is machined or formed to extend around and a distance from a center of the balancer disk. At the center of the balancer disk is a circular opening a distance from the channel. Extending from the channel, are at least two fluidly connected, at least partially threaded ports. A planar top plate is sized for removable fixation on the top surface of the balancer disk to cover and seal the channel formed or machined in the top surface of the balancer disk. Depending on the intended use of the atomizer as described in more detail below, through at least one of the ports a fluid, gel/wax/paraffin, mechanical members such as ball bearings, or a combination thereof is used to partially fill the channel while air displaced thereby flows out of at least one of the other ports. Once the channel is filled, a flat headed screw is threadedly fixed within each of the at least two threaded ports thereby sealing the ports and securely removably fixing the top plate onto the balancer disk. A plurality of spaced apart openings extend through the balancer disk a distance from the channel and around the periphery of the balancer disk. These spaced apart openings align with spaced apart, at least partially threaded openings on a bottom surface of an atomizer disk portion of an atomizer. Using flat head screws arranged and threadedly engaged within the aligned openings of the balancer disk and the atomizer disk, the balancer disk is removably fixed onto the bottom surface of the atomizer disk with the center circular opening of the balancer disk vertically aligning with the flexible or rigid shaft extending through the atomizer disk from and below a center orifice of an atomizer distributor. 
     The subject harmonic balancers are operable to reduce flexible shaft or rigid shaft rotary type atomizer vibration within or outside the atomizer&#39;s harmonic range. Due to the non-Newtonian properties of the one or more fluids, gel/wax/paraffin, mechanical members such as ball bearings, or a combination thereof, partially filling the channel of the harmonic balancer, the vibrational energy of the atomizer is converted to heat energy within the one or more fluids, gel/wax/paraffin, mechanical members such as ball bearings, or a combination thereof. The heat energy of the one or more fluids, gel/wax/paraffin, mechanical members such as ball bearings, or a combination thereof dissipates through the metal atomizer disk or balancer disk. Further, in the case of the atomizer disk, the fluid and/or slurry material dispersed from the atomizer also serves to cool or transfer heat from the atomizer disk. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the one or more fluids, gel/wax/paraffin, mechanical members such as ball bearings, or a combination thereof used to only partially fill the channel, may be displaced within the channel so as to provide a counter weight to thereby balance an unbalanced atomizer. So balancing the atomizer also reduces atomizer vibrations otherwise caused thereby. 
     A method of using a harmonic balancer of the subject disclosure comprises providing a channel in a top surface of a disk with at least two ports fluidly connected thereto, providing a plate to cover and seal the channel and having openings aligned with the at least two ports, partially filling the channel with a material of non-Newtonian properties, sealing the ports, and removably attaching the disk onto a flexible or rigid shaft below an atomizer distributor or removably attaching the disk to a bottom surface of an atomizer disk. 
     In summary, a spray dryer absorber atomizer with a balancer is disclosed herein comprising a distributor housing operable to distribute an absorbent liquid or slurry within a spray dryer absorber vessel, and an atomizer disk removably attached to the distributor housing comprising a sealed annular channel, at least two sealable ports fluidly connected to the annular channel, and a substance, mechanical members, or a combination thereof of non-Newtonian characteristics partially filling the annular channel. As such, each of the at least two ports are sealable by screws threadedly engaged therewith or similar such plugging means. The substance partially filling the annular channel is selected from the group consisting of natural oil, synthetic oil, high viscosity silicone, gel, wax, paraffin and combinations thereof depending on the operating conditions of the atomizer within the spray dryer absorber vessel. The annular channel could as an alternative be partially filled with mechanical members such as ball bearings, or with mechanical members in a substance such as ball bearings in a high viscosity silicone. The substance, member, or combination partially filling the annular channel is selected for stability at a temperature of about 200° F. to about 900° F., depending on the operating conditions within the spray dryer absorber vessel. For example, the selected substance partially filling the annular channel may be a high viscosity silicone stable at a temperature of about 300° F. to about 400° F. based on the operating conditions within the spray dryer absorber vessel. The partially filled annular channel and at least two ports fluidly connected thereto may be machined or formed within the atomizer disk. As an alternative, the partially filled annular channel and at least two ports fluidly connected thereto may be machined or formed within a component removably attached to the atomizer disk. 
     In summary, also disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a spray dryer absorber atomizer with a balancer that comprises providing a distributor housing operable to distribute an absorbent liquid or slurry within a spray dryer absorber vessel, providing an atomizer disk removably attached to the distributor housing comprising a sealed annular channel and at least two sealable ports fluidly connected to the annular channel, partially filling via a port the annular channel with a substance, mechanical members, or a combination thereof of non-Newtonian characteristics, and sealing each of the at least two ports after partially filling the annular channel. The annular channel and at least two ports may be machined or formed within the atomizer disk. As an alternative, the annular channel and at least two ports may be machined or formed within a component removably attached to the atomizer disk. Also, a method of using a spray dryer absorber atomizer with a balancer is disclosed herein comprising sealing a machined or formed annular channel of the spray dryer absorber atomizer, filling partially the annular channel with a substance, mechanical members, or a combination thereof of non-Newtonian characteristics using at least one port of at least two ports fluidly connected to the annular channel, and operating the spray dryer absorber atomizer for rotation thereof to disperse an absorbent liquid or slurry within a spray dryer absorber vessel. As such, the annular channel and at least two ports may be machined or formed within the atomizer disk. As an alternative, the annular channel and at least two ports may be machined or formed within a component removably attached to the atomizer disk, and for example partially filled with a high viscosity silicone, or with a high viscosity silicone and ball bearings, via at least one of the at least two ports. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject disclosure is now described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a power plant; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic exploded partial side perspective view of a rotary atomizer; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic exploded side cross sectional view of one embodiment of a harmonic balancer in accordance with the subject disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of the harmonic balancer of  FIG. 3  removably affixed to an atomizer; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic bottom cross section view of the harmonic balancer of  FIG. 4  taken along line A-A removably affixed to an unbalanced atomizer; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded side cross sectional view of another embodiment of a harmonic balancer in accordance with the subject disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of the harmonic balancer of  FIG. 6  removably affixed to an atomizer; and 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic bottom cross section view of the harmonic balancer of  FIG. 7  taken along line B-B removably affixed to an unbalanced atomizer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  exemplifies a power plant  10 . The power plant  10  comprises a boiler  12  in which a fuel F, such as coal or oil, is combusted. The combustion of the fuel F generates a hot process gas in the form of a flue gas FG. Sulphur species contained in the coal or oil produce upon combustion sulphur dioxide, which forms part of the flue gas FG. The flue gas FG flows from the boiler  12  to a fluidly connected electrostatic precipitator  14  via a duct  16 . The electrostatic precipitator  14 , an example of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,872, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, serves to remove dust particles from the flue gas FG. 
     Flue gas FG, from which most of the dust particles have been removed, then flows to a fluidly connected spray dryer absorber (SDA) system  18  via a fluidly connected duct  20 . The SDA system  18  comprises a SDA vessel  22  that defines interior chamber  22   a . One or more dispersers,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  of approximately 4 to approximately 5 meters in diameter are mounted at a roof  32  of the interior chamber  22   a . Each disperser  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  comprises an atomizer  34 . The atomizers  34  are so-called rotary type atomizers, in which a disk spinning at a high velocity is operative for atomizing an absorption liquid or a reagent slurry. In this regard, reference may be had by way of exemplification and not limitation, to the rotary atomizer described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,366, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Each disperser  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  also comprises a flow directing device  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . A dividing duct  44  supplies each of the fluidly connected dispersers  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  with a portion of the flue gas FG from fluidly connected duct  20 . Each of the flow directing devices  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  is operative for imparting the respective portion of flue gas FG flowing therethrough with movement around the atomizers  34  of the respective dispersers  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . 
     A supply source or tank  46  supplies each of the fluidly connected atomizers  34  with a flow of an absorption liquid or reagent slurry via fluidly connected distributing pipe  48 . Such absorption liquid or reagent slurry comprises, for example, a limestone slurry with a dilution liquid of, for example, water. 
     The action of the respective dispersers  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  result in a mixing of the flue gas FG with the absorption liquid or reagent slurry within interior chamber  22   a . The result is that the absorption liquid or reagent slurry absorbs gaseous pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, SO 2 , from the flue gas FG to produce a flue gas with a decreased level of impurities therein. At the same time the absorption liquid or reagent slurry absorbs the gaseous pollutants, the absorption liquid or reagent slurry is dried by the hot flue gas FG, thereby producing a dry end product EP. The dry end product EP is collected at the bottom  50  of the interior chamber  22   a . The dry end product EP is removed for disposal via a pipe  52  fluidly connected to interior chamber  22   a . Flue gas FG, from which most of the gaseous pollutants have been removed, flows out of the SDA system  18  via a fluidly connected duct  54 . As such, flue gas FG flows through duct  54 , to a second filter  56 , which may, for example, be an electrostatic precipitator. As an alternative option, the second filter  56  may be a bag house or any other suitable filtering device. The second filter  56  removes most of the remaining dust particles, and any dried residues of the absorption liquid or reagent slurry entrained in the flue gas FG. A cleaned flue gas CG of a reduced impurity level may then be released into the environment via a clean gas duct  58  fluidly connected to second filter  56 . 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded partial view of rotary type atomizer  34  illustrating the individual components thereof.  FIG. 2  is a “partial” view in that each of the individual components of atomizer  34  is illustrated with a front wedge cut away therefrom. As such, atomizer  34  comprises a solid planar top  80 . Planar top  80  has a top surface  82 , a bottom surface  84 , a center opening  86  defined by an inner edge  88 , and an outer edge  90 . Atomizer  34  likewise comprises a solid planar disk  92 . Planar disk  92  has a top surface  94 , a bottom surface  96 , a center opening  98  defined by an inner edge  100 , and an outer edge  102 . Atomizer  34  likewise comprises a distributor housing  104 . Distributor housing  104  includes a tubular side wall  106  having a top surface  108 , a bottom surface  110 , an exterior surface  112  and an interior surface  114 . Extending through tubular side wall  106  from exterior surface  112  through to interior surface  114  is a plurality of openings  116 . Secured within each of the openings  116  is a nozzle or delivery plug  118 . Adjacent top surface  108  on interior surface  114  is a protruding edge  120 . Atomizer  34  likewise comprises center member  124 . Center member  124  is a solid tubular shaped member having a top surface  126 , a bottom surface  128 , an exterior surface  130  and a threaded interior surface  132  defining opening  132   a  therethrough. Atomizer  34  likewise comprises a second solid planar disk  134 . Second planar disk  134  has a top surface  136 , a bottom surface  138 , a center opening  140  defined by an inner edge  142 , and an outer edge  144 . Atomizer  34  likewise comprises a solid atomizer disk  146 . Atomizer disk  146  includes a planar disk body  148  having a top surface  150  and a bottom surface  152 . Along a periphery  154  of planar disk body  148  is an extended lip  156  extending from periphery  154  of bottom surface  152  beyond top surface  150  to form lip edge  158  and lip interior surface  160 . Lip interior surface  160  is perpendicular to top surface  150 . Centered in atomizer disk  146  is a tubular member  162 . Tubular member  162  extends perpendicular to and beyond each top surface  150  and bottom surface  152 . As such, tubular member  162  has a free top edge  164 , an opposed free bottom edge  166 , a top exterior surface  168 , an opposed bottom exterior surface  170 , an interior surface  172  extending between opposed free top edge  164  and free bottom edge  166 , with interior surface  172  defining opening  174  therethrough. Extending around a portion  168   a  of top exterior surface  168  over a portion  150   a  of top surface  150  is an area  176  with a top surface  178  and perpendicular thereto, a side surface  180 . Extending through disk body  148  from bottom surface  152  through to top surface  150  adjacent to periphery  154  is a plurality of at least partially threaded openings  182 . Lastly, atomizer  34  comprises a flexible or rigid elongated shaft  184  with an end enlargement  186  opposite a free end  188 . 
     The subject rotary atomizer  34  is assembled by slipping the free end  188  of shaft  184  through opening  174  of atomizer disk  146  so that free bottom edge  166  abuts end enlargement  186 . Sized for arrangement on atomizer disk  146  is second planar disk  134 . Second planar disk  134  is arranged with bottom surface  138  on top of and in contact with top surface  150  of atomizer disk  146  between lip interior surface  160  and side surface  180 . Accordingly, inner edge  142  of second planar disk  134  abuts side surface  180  of atomizer disk  146 , and outer edge  144  of second planar disk  134  abuts lip interior surface  160  of atomizer disk  146 . When so arranged, top surface  136  of second planar disk  134  shares a common plane with lip edge  158  and top surface  178  of area  176 . The free end  188  of shaft  184  is then slipped through opening  132   a  of center member  124  with threading  184   a  of shaft  184  engaging threaded interior surface  132  so that bottom surface  128  of center member  124  relatively tightly abuts free top edge  164  of tubular member  162 . Distributor housing  104  is then placed over free end  188  of shaft  184  so that center member  124  is arranged within an interior area  114   a  defined by interior surface  114  of distributor housing  104 . Atomizer disk  146  is removably fixed to distributor housing  104  by flat headed screws  182   a  engaged with the plurality of at least partially threaded openings  182  through atomizer disk  146  and aligned at least partially threaded openings  110   a  in bottom surface  110  of distributor housing  104 . Planar disk  92  is then placed over free end  188  of shaft  184  so that inner edge  100  of planar disk  92  abuts exterior surface  130  of center member  124 , and outer edge  102  of planar disk  92  abuts interior surface  114  supported by protruding edge  120 . As such, top surface  94  of planar disk  92  shares a common plane with top surface  108  of distributor housing  104 . Finally, planar top  80  is slipped over free end  188  of shaft  184  so that inner edge  88  of planar top  80  abuts exterior surface  130  of center member  124 , so that top surface  82  of planar top  80  shares a common plane with top surface  126  of center member  124 . Additionally, bottom surface  84  of planar top  80  abuts top surface  94  of planar disk  92  and top surface  108  of distributor housing  104 . Once assembled, absorption liquid or slurry is delivered to distributor housing  104  which is rotated on shaft  184  to thereby disperse by centrifugal force the absorption liquid or slurry from interior area  114   a  of distributor housing  104  via nozzle or delivery plug  118 . 
     A first embodiment of the subject balancer is illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a side exploded view of a second solid planar disk  234  for an atomizer  34 . Second planar disk  234  has a top surface  236 , a bottom surface  238 , a center opening  240  defined by an inner edge  242 , and an outer edge  244 . Extending a distance from bottom surface  238  is an extended circular area  238   a  having a side exterior surface  238   b , a side interior surface  238   c  and a bottom surface  238   d . According to the subject embodiment, atomizer  34  likewise comprises a solid atomizer disk  246 . Atomizer disk  246  includes a planar disk body  248  having a top surface  250  and a bottom surface  252 . Centered in atomizer disk  246  is a tubular member  262 . Tubular member  262  extends perpendicular to and beyond each top surface  250  and bottom surface  252 . As such, tubular member  262  has a free top edge  264 , an opposed free bottom edge  266 , a top exterior surface  268 , an opposed bottom exterior surface  270 , an interior surface  272  extending between opposed free top edge  264  and free bottom edge  266 , with interior surface  272  defining opening  274  therethrough. Extending around a portion  268   a  of top exterior surface  268  over a portion  250   a  of top surface  250  is an area  276  with a top surface  278  and perpendicular thereto, a side surface  280 . Extending through disk body  248  from bottom surface  252  through to top surface  250  adjacent to periphery  254  is a plurality of at least partially threaded openings  282 . Machined into or formed in top surface  250  of disk body  248  is an annular channel  249  around and a distance from area  276 . Annular channel  249  is defined by opposed interior side walls  249   a  and bottom surface  249   b . Adjacent top surface  250  in annular channel  249  is an enlarged channel  251  of lesser depth having opposed interior side surfaces  251   a  and a bottom surface  251   b  extending beyond side walls  249   a  of annular channel  249 . Adjacent to area  276  fluidly connected to annular channel  249  through an interior side wall  249   a  is at least two partially threaded  253   a  ports  253 . Annular channel  249  is then partially filled with one or more substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC via at least one port  253  of the at least two ports  253  to allow air displaced by the one or more substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC to flow out of the annular channel  249  via at least one port  253  of the at least two ports  253 . Depending on the size of the individual mechanical members and the size of the port  253 , it may be necessary to arrange the mechanical members within the annular channel  249  before the annular channel  249  is sealed. Such would be the case if the mechanical members are of a size too large to pass through the port  253 . After the annular channel  249  is partially filled with one or more substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC, the at least two ports  253  are sealed. To seal ports  253 , flat headed threaded screws  253   b  are threadedly engaged within the threaded  253   a  ports  253 . 
     When the second planar disk  234  is assembled with the atomizer disk  246 , extended circular area  238   a  of the second planar disk  234  extends into enlarged channel  251  so that bottom surface  238   d  abuts bottom surface  251   b , and side exterior surface  238   b  and side interior surface  238   c  abut opposed interior side surfaces  251   a  of enlarged channel  251  to thereby seal annular channel  249 . Further, when second planar disk  234  and atomizer disk  246  are assembled, bottom surface  238  of second planar disk  234  abuts top surface  250  of atomizer disk  246 . As such, top surface  236  of second planar disk  234  shares a common plane with top surface  278  of area  276 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of the second planar disk  234  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) and atomizer disk  246  of the subject disclosure replacing the prior art second planar disk  134  and atomizer disk  146  of the assembled spray dryer atomizer  34 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 5  is a top view of a cross section of atomizer disk  246  taken along line AA of  FIG. 4 . Rather than the atomizer  34  being balanced around center C 1  of the atomizer disk  246 , atomizer  34  is balanced around point P 1 , i.e., out of balance. For this reason, the substance and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling channel  249  upon rotation collects in a portion of channel  249  while vacating an opposite portion of channel  249  to thereby balance the atomizer  34  around center C 1  to reduce or eliminate any non-harmonic vibration resulting from the imbalance. In the case of a harmonic vibration in atomizer  34 , the substance and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling channel  249  absorb the harmonic vibrational energy and converts the harmonic vibrational energy to heat energy. The heat energy over time gradually dissipates from the substance and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling channel  249  into surfaces forming channel  249  and its surrounding areas. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 6  is another embodiment of the subject balancer  300 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a side exploded view of a sealing member  302  for balancer base  304 . Sealing member  302  has a top surface  306 , a bottom surface  308 , a center opening  310  defined by an inner edge  312 , and an outer edge  314 . Extending a distance from bottom surface  308  is an extended annular area  308   a  having a side exterior surface  308   b , a side interior surface  308   c  and a bottom surface  308   d . According to the subject embodiment, balancer  300  likewise comprises a balancer base  304 . Balancer base  304  includes a planar disk body  316  having a top surface  318 , a bottom surface  320  and a side surface  326 . Centered through balancer base  304  is an opening  322  defined by interior surface  324 . Extending from side surface  326  adjacent top surface  318  is an extended tab  328 . Extended tab  328  includes a bottom surface  330 , side surface  332 , and a plurality of at least partially threaded  334  openings  336 . Formed or machined into top surface  318  of balancer base  304  is an annular channel  338  with opposed side walls  340  and a bottom  342 . Within side wall  340  adjacent top surface  318  is an indentation  344  including a bottom  346  and a side surface  348 . Also within side wall  340  adjacent bottom  346  of indentation  344  is an indentation  350 . Indentation  350  is defined by side wall  352  and bottom  354 . Arranged between interior surface  324  of opening  322  and side wall  340  of annular channel  338  through bottom  346  of indentation  344  are at least two ports  356  with threading  358  fluidly connected to annular channel  338  via side wall  340 . Sealing member  302  is sized for arrangement within indentation  344 . As such, the outer edge  314 , the bottom surface  308 , and the inner edge  314  of sealing member  302  abut side surface  348 , bottom  346  and side surface  348  of indentation  344 , respectively. When so positioned, top surface  306  of sealing member  302  shares a common plane with top surface  318  of balancer base  304 . Further, when so positioned, side exterior surface  308   b , bottom surface  308   d  and side interior surface  308   c  of extended annular area  308   a  abut side wall  352 , bottom  354  and side wall  352  of indentation  350 , respectively, to thus seal annular channel  338 . Sealing member  302  is removably attached to balancer base  304  through the use of flat headed screws  360  with threading  362  arranged within openings  364  through sealing member  302  and aligned openings  366  with threading  368  in bottom  346  of indentation  344 . Annular channel  338  is then partially filled with one or more substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC via at least one port  356  of the at least two ports  356  to allow air displaced by the one or more substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC flows out of the annular channel  338  via at least one port  356  of the at least two ports  356 . Depending on the size of the individual mechanical members and the size of the port  356 , it may be necessary to arrange the mechanical members within the annular channel  338  before the annular channel  338  is sealed. Such would be the case if the mechanical members are of a size too large to pass through the port  356 . After the annular channel  338  is partially filled with one or more substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC, the at least two ports  356  are sealed through the use of flat headed screws  370  with threading  372  arranged within openings  374  through sealing member  302  and aligned ports  356  with threading  358  in bottom  346  of indentation  344 . Flat headed screws  376  with threading  378  arranged through openings  336  with threading  334  aligned with and engaged by threading  378  within multiple openings  182  of atomizer disk  146  ( FIG. 2 ) removably attaches balancer  300  to atomizer disk  146 . As such, balancer  300  may be used to retrofit atomizer  34 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of the sealing member  302  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) and balancer base  304  of balancer  300  removably attached to the atomizer disk  146  of the assembled spray dryer atomizer  34 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 8  is a top view of a cross section of balancer base  304  taken along line BB of  FIG. 7 . Rather than the atomizer  34  being balanced around center C 2  of balancer base  304 , atomizer  34  is balanced around point P 2 , i.e., out of balance. For this reason, the substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling channel  338  upon rotation collects in a portion of channel  338  while vacating an opposite portion of channel  338  to thereby balance the atomizer  34  around center C 2  to reduce or eliminate any non-harmonic vibration resulting from the imbalance. In the case of a harmonic vibration in atomizer  34 , the substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling channel  338  absorb the harmonic vibrational energy and converts the harmonic vibrational energy to heat energy. The heat energy over time gradually dissipates from the substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling channel  338  into surfaces forming channel  338  and its surrounding areas. 
     In summary, a spray dryer absorber atomizer  34  is disclosed herein comprising a distributor housing  104  operable to distribute an absorbent liquid or slurry within a spray dryer absorber vessel  22 , and an atomizer disk  146 ,  246  removably attached to the distributor housing  104  comprising a sealed annular channel  249 ,  338  at least two sealable ports  253 ,  356  fluidly connected to the annular channel  249 ,  338  and one or more substances, mechanical members, or a combination thereof of non-Newtonian characteristics partially filling the annular channel  249 ,  338 . As such, each of the at least two ports  253 ,  356  are sealable by screws  253   b ,  370  threadedly engaged therewith or similar such plugging means. The substances of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling the annular channel  249 ,  338  is selected from the group consisting of natural oil, synthetic oil, high viscosity silicone, gel, wax, paraffin and combinations thereof depending on the operating conditions of the atomizer  34  within the spray dryer absorber vessel  22 . The annular channel  249 ,  338  could as an alternative be partially filled with mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC such as ball bearings, or with mechanical members in a substance such as ball bearings in a high viscosity silicone. The substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling the annular channel  249 ,  338  is selected for stability at a temperature of about 200° F. to about 900° F., depending on the operating conditions within the spray dryer absorber vessel  22 . For example, the selected substances and/or mechanical members of non-Newtonian characteristics SNC partially filling the annular channel  249 ,  338  may be a high viscosity silicone stable at a temperature of about 300° F. to about 400° F. based on the operating conditions within the spray dryer absorber vessel  22 . The partially filled annular channel  249  and at least two ports  253  fluidly connected thereto may be machined or formed within the atomizer disk  246 . As an alternative, the partially filled annular channel  338  and at least two ports  356  fluidly connected thereto may be machined or formed within a balancer base  304  removably attached to the atomizer disk  146 . 
     In summary, also disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a spray dryer absorber atomizer  34  with a balancer  246  that comprises providing a distributor housing  104  operable to distribute an absorbent liquid or slurry within a spray dryer absorber vessel  22 , providing an atomizer disk  246  removably attached to the distributor housing  104  comprising a sealed annular channel  249  and at least two sealable ports  253  fluidly connected to the annular channel  249 , partially filling via a port  253  the annular channel  249  with a substance, mechanical members, or a combination thereof of non-Newtonian characteristics, and sealing each of the at least two ports  253  after partially filling the annular channel  249 . The annular channel  249  and at least two ports  253  may be machined or formed within the atomizer disk  246 . As an alternative, the annular channel  338  and at least two ports  356  may be machined or formed within a balancer base  304  removably attached to the atomizer disk  146 . Also, a method of using a spray dryer absorber atomizer  34  with a balancer  246 ,  300  is disclosed herein comprising sealing a machined or formed annular channel  249 ,  338  of the spray dryer absorber atomizer  34 , filling partially the annular channel  249 ,  338  with a substance, mechanical members, or a combination thereof of non-Newtonian characteristics using at least one port  253 ,  356  of at least two ports  253 ,  356  fluidly connected to the annular channel  249 ,  338 , and operating the spray dryer absorber atomizer  34  for rotation thereof to disperse an absorbent liquid or slurry within a spray dryer absorber vessel  22 . As such, the annular channel  249  and at least two ports  253  may be machined or formed within the atomizer disk  246 . As an alternative, the annular channel  338  and at least two ports  356  may be machined or formed within a balancer base  304  removably attached to the atomizer disk  146 , and for example partially filled with a high viscosity silicone, or with a high viscosity silicone and ball bearings, via at least one of the at least two ports  253 ,  356 .

Technology Classification (CPC): 1