Cross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/284184 filed on November 30, 2021, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and systems for distributing fluid flow in a kiln, and in particular, to methods and systems for generating more uniform oxygen distribution within a periodic kiln.

Background

[0003] The manufacture of ceramic honeycomb products may include a firing process during which temperature, time, and atmosphere control is implemented. The atmosphere control in a gas-fired kiln may be achieved, for example, by adjusting the primary gas to a burner, and/or through the addition of a separate secondary gas. Control of the firing process parameters may be useful to control the timings and rates of reactions in order to deliver consistent, high-quality ceramic products.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems of generating more uniform gas distribution within a kiln.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of uniformly distributing a target gas component within a kiln, comprising supplying a first fluid flow containing the target gas component to the kiln via a first inlet; and supplying a second fluid flow containing the target gas component to the kiln via a second inlet; wherein the first inlet is located vertically above the second inlet; and wl ~ ~ t fluid flow has a first mass fraction of the target gas component that is greater than a second mass fraction of the target gas component within the second fluid flow.

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to the first aspect, wherein the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are supplied at temperatures less than a temperature within the kiln when the first and second fluid flows are supplied.

[0007] A third aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the method further comprises exhausting gas through an exhaust port located in a bottom of the kiln.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the method further comprises supplying a third fluid flow containing the target gas component to the kiln via a third inlet, wherein the third inlet is located vertically below the second inlet, and wherein a third mass fraction of the target gas component within the third fluid flow is less than the second mass fraction of the target gas component within the second fluid flow.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the method comprises supplying a first fluid flow containing a target gas to the kiln via a first inlet of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets; and supplying a second fluid flow containing the target gas to the kiln via a second inlet of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to the fourth aspect, wherein the method comprises supplying a first fluid flow containing a target gas to the kiln via a first inlet of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets; supplying a second fluid flow containing the target gas to the kiln via a second inlet of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets; and supplying a third fluid flow containing the target gas to the kiln via a third inlet of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are supplied simultaneously. [0012] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to the fourth aspect or the sixth aspect, wherein the first fluid flow, the second fluid flow, and the third fluid flow are supplied simultaneously.

[0013] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the kiln comprises a plurality of columns of vertically spaced inlets.

[0014] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein at least the first and second fluid flows are supplied to the kiln at the same mass flow rate.

[0015] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein at least the first and second fluid flows are supplied for a first duration to achieve a substantially uniform target mass fraction of the target gas within at least a first region of the kiln.

[0016] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to the ninth aspect, wherein the target mass fraction of the target gas within at least the first region of the kiln is from about 2.5% to about 15%.

[0017] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the target gas component is oxygen.

[0018] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas-fired kiln, comprising supplying a first fluid flow containing a target gas component to the kiln via a first inlet of a plurality of vertically-spaced inlets; and supplying a second fluid flow containing the target gas component to the kiln via a second inlet of the plurality of vertically-spaced inlets, the second inlet being located vertically below the first inlet; wherein the first fluid flow has a first mass flow rate of a target gas component that is greater than a second mass flow rate of the target gas component.

[0019] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to the fourtheenth aspect, wherein the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow are supplied simultaneously.

[0020] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to the fourtheenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect, wherein the first fluid flow has a mass fraction of the target gas component that is equal to a mass fraction of the target gas component of the second fluid flow and a flow rate of the first fluid flow is greater than that of the second fluid flow.

[0021] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a method according to any one of the fourteenth through sixteenth aspects, wherein at least the first and second fluid flows are supplied for a first duration to achieve a substantially uniform target mass fraction of the target gas component within at least a first region of the kiln.

[0022] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a system of preferential atmosphere inputs for a vertically-uniform gas distribution within a kiln, comprising the kiln; a plurality of vertically-spaced inlets comprising at least a first inlet located vertically above at least a second inlet, wherein each inlet is individually configured to communicate fluid to an interior space of the kiln; and a kiln controller configured to simultaneously supply a target gas component in a first fluid flow to the first inlet and the target gas component in a second fluid flow to the second inlet, where a first rate of the target gas component supplied by the first fluid flow is greater than a second rate of the target gas component supplied by the second fluid flow.

[0023] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the target gas component is oxygen.

[0024] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to the eighteenth aspect or the nineteenth aspect, wherein the first fluid flow has a first mass flow rate greater than a second mass flow rate of the second fluid flow.

[0025] A twenty first aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to any one of the eighteenth through twentieth aspects, wherein the first fluid flow has a first concentration of the first fluid flow that is greater than a second concentration of the second fluid flow.

[0026] A twenty second aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to any one of the eighteenth through twenty first aspects, wherein the plurality of vertically- spaced inlets comprises at least a first column of the vertically-spaced inlets and at least a second column of the vertically-spaced inlets.

[0027] A twenty third aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to any one of the eighteenth through twenty second aspects, wherein the system further comprises at least a first flow controller operatively connected to the first inlets of both of the first column of the vertically-spaced inlets and the second column of the vertically-spaced inlets; and at least a second flow controller operatively connected to the second inlets of both of the first column of the vertically-spaced inlets and the second column of the vertically-spaced inlets; wherein at least the first and second flow controllers are operatively connected to the kiln controller and configured to independently control at least the first and second fluid flows.

[0028] A twenty fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to any one of the eighteenth through twenty third aspects, wherein each of the vertically-spaced inlets are formed by at least a portion of a corresponding combination burner comprising a primary nozzle and a second nozzle.

[0029] A twenty fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes a system according to any one of the eighteenth through twenty fourth aspects, wherein the target gas component is oxygen.

[0030] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a system of distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas-fired kiln according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. IB is a side view of a schematic diagram of a period gas-fired kiln associated with a preferential atmosphere input system for a uniform gas distribution according to the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a top view of a schematic diagram of a period gas-fired kiln associated with a preferential atmosphere input system for a uniform gas distribution according to the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic of primary and secondary nozzle arrangements with various gas streams according to the present disclosure. [0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system of distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas-fired kiln managed by a kiln controller according to the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one method of distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas-fired kiln according to the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the staggered secondary gas flows to a column of vertically-spaced nozzle assemblies according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a gradient map illustrating a baseline mass fraction of oxygen in a firing lane of a periodic gas-fired kiln according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a gradient map illustrating a mass fraction of oxygen in a firing lane of a periodic gas-fired kiln according to other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a gradient map illustrating a mass fraction of oxygen in a firing lane of a periodic gas-fired kiln according to further aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the staggered oxygen gas flows to a column of vertically-spaced nozzle assemblies according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a gradient map illustrating a mass fraction of oxygen in a firing lane of a periodic gas-fired kiln according to still other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a gradient map illustrating a mass fraction of oxygen in a firing lane of a periodic gas-fired kiln according to still further aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0045] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating more uniform atmospheres within a gas-fired kiln during a firing process. Specifically, the systems and methods described herein are directed to eliminating the vertical stratification of certain gas components within the gas-fired kilns caused by the high density of relatively lower temperature input gases (in comparison to high kiln temperatures) without the need for additional preheating of the input gases. In particular examples, the systems and methods described herein utilize preferential gas inputs to counteract the stratification in the levels of certain gases, namely oxygen, that may occur.

[0046] Kilns, such as gas-fired kilns and/or periodic kilns, can be used to process green ceramic products. Such kilns and firing processes require temperature and atmosphere control throughout each of the different stages of the process in order to control reaction rates and deliver high quality products. One method of controlling the atmosphere within the kiln is by adding a secondary gas that is separate from the combustion gases delivered to the burners used to heat the kiln. The secondary gas can serve several purposes, including delivering a gas with a targeted composition, diluting the concentration of volatiles in the kiln, and/or increasing the convective flow within the kiln to improve thermal and atmosphere uniformity. However, it has been found by the current inventors that the typically lower temperature of the secondary gas (compared to the current and/or the targeted temperature of the kiln), may create a substantial vertical stratification of gases in the kiln atmosphere (i.e., in the vertical direction D shown in FIGS. 1A and IB). For example, such a vertical stratification may result in green ceramic products at different vertical positions (e.g., on different shelves) being exposed to different atmospheres. Accordingly, this vertical stratification of gases may be detrimental to the green ceramic products undergoing a firing process, particularly where the firing process requires specific concentrations of one or more gas components (such as specific oxygen concentrations), to uniformly promote certain reactions (such as organic bum out), in all products within the kiln regardless of vertical position of the products.

[0047] According to the present disclosure, described are systems and methods of using preferential gas inputs to achieve a more uniform distribution of one or more gas components within a kiln, and in particular, without having to preheat the input gas feed or create a pressure gradient.

[0048] Turning to FIGS. 1A and IB, various aspects of a system 100 for distributing a fluid flow within a kiln 102 are illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the kiln 102 can be a periodic gas-fired kiln. In addition to the kiln 102, the system 100 can comprise a fluid flow distribution apparatus 104, a kiln controller 110, and a fluid supply system 112. The fluid flow distribution apparatus 104 can be configured to deliver one or more individually-controllable fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C from the fluid flow supply 112 to the kiln 102. Although three fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C are illustrated, other numbers of two or more fluid flows, which may be referred to generally as fluid flows 106, can be included. Likewise, other components identified herein with reference numerals having alphabetic suffixes (e.g., A, B, C) may be referred to generally with the base reference numeral absent any alphabetic suffixes, particularly where a specific number of that component is illustrated but not necessary). The kiln 102 can comprise an exhaust 108 for exhausting gas from the kiln 102 during firing (e.g., as additional gas is delivered into the kiln 102 via the fluid flows 106).

[0049] With specific reference to FIG. IB, additional aspects of the system 100 are illustrated in connection with the kiln 102. In embodiments, the kiln 102 includes sidewalls 138 that enclose an interior open volume 136 within the kiln 102. One or more shelving units 132 supporting one or more green ceramic products 134 (e.g., green ceramic honeycomb bodies) can be disposed within the interior open volume 136 of the kiln 102. As shown, the kiln 102 includes multiple vertically-spaced shelves 132 of green ceramic products 134 that are arranged between an upper or top end 144 of the kiln 102 and a lower or bottom end 146 of the kiln 102.

[0050] In embodiments, the kiln controller 110 can be operatively connected to the kiln 102, the fluid flow distribution apparatus 104, and portions or components thereof. In further embodiments, the fluid flow distribution apparatus 104 includes one or more flow controllers 150A, 150B, 150C (e.g. valves) operatively connected to the kiln controller 110, which enable the independent control of each of the fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C. The fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C can be delivered into the kiln 102 via respective inlets 114A, 114B, 114C, e.g., arranged as nozzles or other openings into the kiln 102.

[0051] The fluid flows 106 (e.g., the flows 106A, 106B, 106C) each comprise a mixture of one or more types of gas, including one or more mixtures of different gases, which can be supplied by the fluid flow supply system 112. Each different gas combined into the fluid flows 106 may be referred to herein as a gas component. For example, the fluid flows 106 can comprise a gas mixture that has oxygen as a first gas component and nitrogen as a second gas component, although any number of different gas components can be included. The fluid flows 106 can be a primary gas mixture (e.g., a gas mixture to assist in combustion in a burner) and/or a secondary gas mixture (e.g., the gas not directly involved in burner combustion). In some embodiments, the primary (or combustion) gas mixture comprises a mixture of fuel and air, and is used by one or more burners in a combustion process to provide heat to the kiln 102. In further embodiments, the secondary gas mixture comprises air, nitrogen, recirculated products of combustion, or combinations thereof. Each of these gases and mixtures thereof can be provided by one or more fluid sources supplies, or tanksof the fluid supply system 112 that is operatively connected to the fluid flow distribution apparatus 104. For example, fluid sources 122A, 122B, 122C are illustrated in FIG. 1A, although other numbers of fluid sources can be included, and as described above, the fluid can be supplied not from a tank, but as recirculated products (e.g., from the exhaust 108).

[0052] In embodiments, the inlets 114 can be arranged in a vertical column (e.g., one directly above the next), or the inlets can be at different vertical locations, but staggered about the kiln 102 so that they are not in a direct column. In embodiments, the inlets 114 can be burner nozzles, e.g., supplying uncombusted primary gas and/or combustion products resulting from combustion of the primary gas into the kiln 102. For example, as shown in FIG. IB, the inlets 114 can comprise a first inlet 114A disposed vertically above a second inlet 114B and a third inlet 114C, where the second burner inlet 114B is disposed vertically above athe third inlet 114C.

[0053] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the the fluid flows 106 can have a mass fraction of a target gas component that is controlled by the flow controllers 150A, 150B, 150C, e.g., as instructed by the kiln controller 110. More specifically, the kiln controller 110 can provide information on the target atmosphere within the kiln 102 (i.e., feedback information on the oxygen percentage or concentration targeted for the atmosphere within the kiln 102) and instruct the flow controllers 150A, 150B, 150C to independently control the composition of the fluid flows 106 to achieve the target (e.g., mass fraction of the target gas component and/or the mass flow rate of the target gas component).

[0054] For example, the target gas component can be oxygen, and the volume fraction of oxygen in the fluid flows 106can be up to about 21% in embodiments, including subranges, such as from 0%to 5%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 15%, or from 15% to 21%. Additionally, the mass fraction of oxygen in the fluid flows 106 can vary over time, e.g., at different stages of a firing process that correspond to different reactions or events that occur during firing. In certain embodiments, the amount or flow rate of gas, or of one or more gas components, delivered through the inlets 114 of the fluid flow system 104 can be varied by inlet 114. For example, the mass or volume fraction of the target gas component in the first fluid flow 106A can be greater than that of the target gas component in the second fluid flow 106B, and the mass or volume fraction of the target gas component in the second fluid flow 106B can be greater than that of the target gas component in the third fluid flow 106C.

[0055] In particular embodiments, the volumetric or mass flow rate of the secondary gas mixture can be constant across each of the one or more inlets 114, but have a different composition to achieve a targeted uniform atmosphere . In other words, the fraction of the target gas component in the different fluid flows 106, e.g., the fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C, can be varied. In certain aspects, the differential between the fraction of the target gas component in the uppermost fluid flow 106 (e.g., fluid flow 106A) and the fraction of the target gas component in the secondary fluid flow of the lowest fluid flow 106 (e.g., fluid flow 106C) is within a certain threshold based on the average fraction of the target gas component delivered across all of the individually-controllable fluid flows 106. For example, in embodiments, the fluid flow distribution apparatus 104 comprises a plurality of vertically-spaced inlets 114 that deliver the fluid flows 106 having at least 5% mass fraction difference in the target gas component between any vertically-adjacent pair of vertically-spaced inlets 114. For example, there can be at least a 5% mass fraction difference in oxygen (or other target gas component) between the fluid flow 106A and the fluid flow 106B, or between the fluid flow 106B and the fluid flow 106C. In embodiments, one or more of the flows 106 has a different gas component concentration (e.g., mass fraction), and the difference (A) in the gas component concentration, across all the fluid flows 106 (i.e., the difference between the maximum gas component concentration and the minimum gas component concentration) is at least 5%, 10%, at least 15%, or even at least 20% with respect to the average gas component concentration of all of the flows 106. In embodiments, one or more of the flows 106 has a different flow rate of the gas mixture comprising the target gas component, and the difference (A) in the flow rate, across all the fluid flows 106 (i.e., the difference between the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate) is at least 5%, 10%, at least 15%, or even at least 20% with respect to the average gas component concentration of all of the flows 106. In embodiments, the difference (A) of the gas component concentration and/or flow rate, as applicable, across all fluid flows 106 is at most 30%, at most 40%, or at most 50%, including ranges comprising the values herein, such as from 5% to 50%. [0056] As described herein, the kiln controller 110 can be configured to deliver a plurality of individually-controllable fluid flows 106, e.g., fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C at a constant mass flow rate to a kiln 102 via a fluid flow distribution apparatus 104 but with a variable mass fraction of the target gas component within each of the fluid flows 106 in order to achieve a more uniform distribution of the target gas component within the kiln 102. In embodiments, the kiln controller 110 can be configured to deliver a plurality of individually-controllable fluid flows 106, e.g., fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C having a constant mass fraction of a target gas component in each separate flow, but at variable flow rates across the inlets 114 of the fluid flow distribution apparatus 104. In other words, the plurality of individually-controllable fluid flows 106 (e.g., fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C) can include the same gas mixture but be delivered into the kiln 102 at different rates. For example, if a first inlet (e.g., the inlet 114A) delivers a gas mixture at two times the flow rate of a second inlet (e.g., the inlet 114C), then the first inlet will correspondingly deliver twice the total mass fraction of the target gas component than the second inlet when the first and second inlets deliver a gas mixture having the same target gas composition. Alternatively, the flow rates can be the same and the target gas component concentration can be altered at different inlets 114 into the kiln 102.

[0057] In embodiments, the differential in the target gas component concentration and/or flow rate of the fluid flows 106 (e.g., 106A, 106B, 106C) delivered through each vertically- adjacent inlet is at least about 2.5%, at least about 5%, or even at least about 10%, with respect to an average value of the target component concentration and/or flow rate, as applicable, for all flows 106.

[0058] In embodiments, the total differential in the gas component (e.g., due to varying gas component concentration and/or flow rate) between the uppermost and lowest inlets can vary, for example and without limitation, by at least about 15% to about 30%, relative to an average across all fluid flows, in order to distribute the target gas component more uniformly in the kiln 102.

[0059] In embodiments, a sensor array 124 can be disposed in the kiln 102, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, fluid flows 106 can be received through a first side 140, and the sensor array 124 can be located at a second side 142 of the kiln 102 opposing the positioning of the fluid flows 106. The sensor array 124 can comprise one or more sensors 128, 130 configured to measure the concentration of the target gas component within the kiln 102, as well as one or more sensors 126A, 126B, 126C configured to measure the temperature within the kiln 102. As shown, the kiln 102 includes a first target gas sensor 128 (e.g., an oxygen sensor) positioned at a side 142 opposite the fluid flow 106A and disposed in an upper portion of the kiln 102 near the upper end 144, and a second target gas sensor 130 (e.g., an oxygen sensor) positioned at a side 142 opposite the fluid flow 106C and disposed in a lower portion of the kiln 102 near the bottom end 146 of the kiln 102. Further, the kiln 102 includes three temperature sensors 126A, 126B, 126C (e.g., thermocouples) positioned at a side 142 opposite the fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C, with a first temperature sensor 126A disposed in an upper portion of the kiln 102 near the upper end 144, a second temperature sensor 126B disposed in a middle portion of the kiln 102, and a third temperature sensor 126C disposed in a lower portion of the kiln 102 near the bottom end 146. As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the sensor array 124 and components thereof, including individual sensors, can be operatively connected to the kiln controller 110 and used in the control and creation of a more uniform distribution of an atmosphere having a target gas component within the open volume 136 of the kiln 102.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 2, a top view of a system 200 for distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas-fired kiln 202 is illustrated in accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, the system 200 includes a kiln 202 having a plurality of rows of green ceramic products 234 supported by rows of shelving units 232. The shelving units 232 can extend in a horizontal direction from a front end 248 of the kiln 202 to a back end 250 of the kiln 202, as well as vertically from a top end of the kiln to a bottom end of the kiln as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In further embodiments, the fluid flow distribution apparatus (e.g., apparatus 104 shown in FIGS. 1A and IB) can be arranged in a plurality of burner columns disposed between the rows of ceramic product 234. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the kiln 202 includes a plurality of burner columns having corresponding fluid flow distribution apparatuses 204A, 204B, 204C, where each apparatus 204A, 204B, 204C includes columns 214 of vertically-spaced inlets.

[0061] In embodiments, the fluid flow distribution apparatuses 204A, 204B, 204C can be disposed on alternating sides 240, 242 of the kiln 202 such that the fluid flows 206A, 206B, 206C are delivered into the open volume 236 of the kiln 102 in alternating horizontal directions. Further, each burner row can include a corresponding sensor array 224A, 224B, 224C (e.g., sensor array 124 shown in FIG. 1C) disposed at a corresponding opposite side 240, 242 of the kiln 102.

[0062] In certain embodiments, for each level of the fluid flow distribution apparatuses 204A, 204B, 204C, the corresponding inlets (e.g., inlets 104A, 104B, 104C shown in FIGS. 1A and IB) can be operatively connected to a corresponding flow controller (e.g., flow controllers 150A, 150B, 150C). In other words, a first inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204A, a first inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204B, and a first inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204C can be operatively connected to a flow controller (e.g., flow controller 150A), a second inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204A, a second inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204B, and a second inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204C can be operatively connected to another flow controller (e.g., flow controller 150B), a third inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204A, a third inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204B, and a third inlet of fluid flow apparatus 204C can be operatively connected to still another flow controller (e.g., flow controller 150C), and so on. Each of the flow controllers (e.g., flow controllers 150A, 150B, 150C) can be configured to supply a secondary gas mixture specific to that level of inlets (e.g., inlets 114A, 114B, 114C). Because each level of inlets can be operatively connected to different flow controllers, each inlet within a column 214 can be individually controlled. Similarly, because the inlets of the same level can be operatively connected to the same flow controller, the same target gas component profile can be provided horizontally within the kiln 202.

[0063] For example, the system 200 can include any number of fluid flow apparatuses 204, such as three apparatuses designated with reference numerals 204A, 204B, 204C. For example each apparatus 204 can comprise at least three vertically-spaced inlets (e.g., combination burners as discussed below), where the top level or uppermost gas inlet (e.g., inlet 114A) of each apparatus 204 (e.g., 204A, 204B, 204C) is operatively connected to a first flow controller (e.g., flow controller 150A), the next level / lower secondary gas inlet (e.g., inlet 114B) of each apparatus 204 (e.g., 204A, 204B, 204C) is operatively connected to a second flow controller (e.g., flow controller 150B), the next level / lower secondary gas inlet (e.g., inlet 114C) of each apparatus 204 (e.g., 204A, 204B, 204C) is operatively connected to a third flow controller (e.g., flow controller 150C), and so on. In this way, each of the vertical fluid flows 106 (e.g., 106A, 106B, 106C) of a specific fluid flow apparatus 204A, 204B, 204C are individually controllable even though the fluid flows of a specific level (e.g., fluid flows 206A, 206B, 206C shown in FIG. 2) have the same composition (e.g., mass fraction and/or mass flow rate of the target gas component).

[0064] Turning to FIG. 3, a combination burner 300, at least a portion of which can be used to form the inlets 114 of a fluid flow distribution apparatus (e.g., apparatus 104 shown in FIG. IB and apparatuses 204A, 204B, 204C shown in FIG. 2) in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the combination burner 300 comprising concentric nozzles 302, 306 such as a primary nozzle 306 and a secondary nozzle 302. In certain aspects, the primary nozzle 306 is configured to control the fluid flow of a combustion gas mixture (e.g., the “primary” gas for the burner) while the secondary nozzle 302 is configured to control the fluid flow of a secondary gas mixture (e.g., the “secondary” gas that is not directly involved in the combustion of the burner). Accordingly, The nozzles 302, 306, 308, 322 can define one or more inlets 314, 316, 318 and into the nozzle channels 304, 310, 320. For example, the nozzle 302 can have a nozzle channel 304 with a concentric inlet 314 configured to receive a fluid flow of a secondary gas 324 from a secondary gas supply. Similarly, the nozzle 306 can have a nozzle channel 310 configured to receive a fluid flow of primary gas or combustion air 326 from a corresponding gas supply or source. In particular embodiments, the combination burner 300 includes a fuel nozzle 332 with a fuel inlet 318 configured to receive a fluid flow of a burner fuel 328 from a fuel supply and communicate the burner fuel 328 through a channel 320 to a flame holder 312. Accordingly as described herein, the fluid flows 106 in FIG. 1 can be provided as the primary gas 326, as the secondary gas 324, or a combination comprising at least one of these. In other embodiments, a flow of secondary gas is delivered into the kiln from a separate inlet port that is not part of a combination burner assembly and therefore separate from the burner assembly.

[0065] The fluid flows 324, 326, 328 through the combination burner 300 can be individually / independently controlled to provide a designated amount of a target gas component into a kiln, such as by providing each of the fluid flows (106, 206) with specific mass fractions of a target gas component and/or with different flow rates, as discussed above. In embodiments, the mixing of the combustion air supply 326 and the burner fuel supply 328 forms a combustion gas mixture that is used primarily to heat the associated kiln. In further embodiments, the mixing of the secondary gas mixture 324 and the combustion gas mixture forms a combined fluid flow (e.g., individually-controllable fluid flows 106A, 106B, 106C) into the associated kiln. Each of the nozzles 302, 306, 308 can include outlets 330, 332, 334 respectively, that enable the mixing and ultimate communication of the fluid flows 324, 326, 328 through the combination burner 300. As such, each group or column of vertically-spaced inlets (e.g., inlets 114A, 114B, 114C) can be a column of vertically-spaced combination burners, such as combination burners 300.

[0066] Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a computer-implemented system 400 of distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas-fired kiln having a kiln controller 402 is illustrated according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The system 400 includes a kiln controller 402 comprising a memory 406 storing instructions 408 for controlling one or more functions of the system 400, including the performance of one or more steps of the method shown in FIG. 5. The memory 406 can further be configured to store information and data, such as fluid flow information 424, temperature information 430, and kiln atmosphere information 432. In particular embodiments, the fluid flow information includes target gas data 426 (e.g., oxygen data 426) as well as data 428 on other gas components (e.g., combustion air flow, fuel flow, secondary gas mixture, etc.).

[0067] The kiln controller 402 can further comprise one or more processors 404 in communication with the memory 406 and configured to execute the instructions 408. One or more input/output (I/O) interfaces 414, 416 are provided for sending and receiving instructions and information to and from various components of the system 400, including the columns 434, 436 of vertically-spaced inlets, the sensor arrays 438, and the exhaust system 440. I/O interfaces 414, 416 can further be configured to send and receive instructions and information from an associated computer system 442 and/or remote server 444. Hardware components 404, 406, 412, 414 of the system 400 can communicate via a data/control bus 410.

[0068] The memory 406 can represent any type of non-transitory computer readable medium such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic disk or tape, optical disk, flash memory, or holographic memory. In some embodiments, the memory 406 comprises a combination of random access memory and read only memory.

[0069] The one or more processors 404 can be variously embodied, such as by a singlecore processor, a dual -core processor (or more generally by a multiple-core processor), a digital processor and cooperating math coprocessor, a digital controller, or the like.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the instructions 408 can comprise one or more of a burner module 416, a secondary gas module 418, a sensor module 420, and/or an exhaust module 422. The burner module 416 and the secondary gas module 418 can be configured to control the respective fluid flows through an associated fluid flow distribution system (e.g., with inlets 434, 436) based on one or more of a pre-determined mass fraction of a target gas component and/or a pre-determined mass flow rate of a particular fluid flow. For example, the secondary gas module 418 can be configured to control the respective flow controllers (e.g., flow controllers 150A, 150B, 150C ofFIGS. lA and IB) to provide a fluid flow with a mass fraction of a target gas component within a fluid flow and/or a mass flow rate of a fluid flow having the target gas component. In particular embodiments, the target gas component can be oxygen and the pre-determined mass fraction can be a variable mass fraction of oxygen within the secondary gas mixture communicated through one or more columns of secondary gas inlets 436. More specifically, the one or more secondary gas inlets 436 of each column can be vertically-spaced inlets 436 and the mass fraction of oxygen can be greatest at an uppermost inlet 436 and lowest at a bottom-most inlet 436. Additionally, the burner module 416 and secondary gas module 418 can be configured to cause the delivery of a fluid flow with a variable mass flow rate, including a variable mass flow rate of a secondary gas supply.

[0071] In further embodiments, the sensor module 420 can be configured to receive information and data from the sensor array(s) 438 within the associated kiln, including oxygen sensors and/or temperature sensors. The sensor module 420 can further be configured to record such information in the memory 406, including fluid flow information 424, temperature information, and kiln atmosphere information 432. In certain embodiments, the burner module 416 and the secondary gas module 418 can be configured to adjust one or more parameters of the system 400 based on the information received and collected by the sensor module 420, including the mass fraction of the target gas component and/or the mass flow rate of a particular fluid flow.

[0072] In still further embodiments, the exhaust module 422 can be configured to operate an exhaust system 440 connected to the associated kiln. In particular, the exhaust module 422 can be configured to exhaust the atmosphere within the associated kiln at a particular mass flow rate, which can be based on information collected by the sensor module 420. In further embodiments, the exhaust module 422 can be configured to recycle the exhausted atmosphere, or portions thereof, back into the associated kiln.

[0073] The term “software,” as used herein, is intended to encompass any collection or set of instructions executable by a computer or other digital system so as to configure the computer or other digital system to perform the task that is the intent of the software. The term “software” as used herein is intended to encompass such instructions stored in storage medium such as RAM, a hard disk, optical disk, or so forth, and is also intended to encompass so-called “firmware” that is software stored on a ROM or so forth. Such software can be organized in various ways, and can include software components organized as libraries, Internet-based programs stored on a remote server or so forth, source code, interpretive code, object code, directly executable code, and so forth. It is contemplated that the software can invoke systemlevel code or calls to other software residing on a server or other location to perform certain functions.

[0074] Turning to FIG. 5, a method 500 of distributing a fluid flow within a periodic gas- fired kiln to create a more uniform distribution of a target gas component is illustrated according to the present disclosure. The method 500 begins at a step 510. At a step 520, the method 500 includes supplying a first fluid flow via a first inlet of at least a first column of vertically-spaced inlets. As discussed above, the associated kiln can include an arrangement of one or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets, such as an alternating arrangement with parallel burner rows. Further, each column of vertically-spaced inlets can include two or more inlets that are horizontally aligned and spaced apart vertically from a top end of the kiln to the bottom end of the kiln. In particular embodiments, each vertically-spaced inlet can comprise a combination burner comprising concentric nozzles for a secondary gas mixture, a combustion air mixture, and a fuel mixture. [0075] The first fluid flow can be supplied from an associated fluid supply and can contain a pre-determined, constant, and/or variable mass fraction of a target gas component, such as oxygen. Further, one or more components of the first fluid flow can be supplied at a predetermined, constant, and/or variable mass flow rate through the first inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets.

[0076] In specific embodiments, the first inlet of at least the first column of vertically- spaced inlets is an uppermost inlet that is disposed near an upper end / top of the associated kiln. In other words, there are no other inlets located vertically above the first inlet.

[0077] In a step 530, the method 500 includes supplying a second fluid flow via a second inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets. The second fluid flow can be supplied from an associated fluid supply and can contain a pre-determined, constant, and/or variable mass fraction of a target gas component, such as oxygen. Further, one or more components of the second fluid flow can be supplied at a pre-determined, constant, and/or variable mass flow rate through the second inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets. In specific embodiments, the second inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets is not the uppermost inlet and is disposed vertically below one or more other inlets.

[0078] In a step 540, the method 500 includes supplying athird fluid flow via athird inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets. The third fluid flow can be supplied from an associated fluid supply and can contain a pre-determined, constant, and/or variable mass fraction of a target gas component, such as oxygen. Further, one or more components of the third fluid flow can be supplied at a pre -determined, constant, and/or variable mass flow rate through the third inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets. In specific embodiments, the third inlet of at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets is not the uppermost inlet and is disposed vertically below one or more other inlets, such as below the first and second inlets.

[0079] While not limited to a particular number of inlets and fluid flows, it is contemplated that the method 500 includes supplying one or more additional fluid flows (e.g., a fourth, fifth, sixth, etc.) via a corresponding inlet (e.g., a fourth, fifth, sixth, etc.) within at least the first column of vertically-spaced inlets, wherein each inlet is located vertically below the previous inlet. Additionally, as mentioned above, the system (e.g., systems 100, 200) can include a number of burner rows with alternating fluid flow distribution apparatuses (e.g., apparatuses 204A, 204B, 204C shown in FIG. 2). Accordingly, the step 520 of the method 500 can include supplying the same first fluid flow via the first inlets of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets. Similarly, the step 530 of the method 500 can include supplying the same second fluid flow via the second inlets of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets, and the step 540 of the method 500 can include supplying the same third fluid flow via the third inlets of two or more columns of vertically-spaced inlets.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the first fluid flow has a greater mass fraction of the target gas component than the second fluid flow, and the second fluid flow has a greater mass fraction of the target gas component than the third fluid flow, and so on. In particular, the fluid flows can include a combustion gas mixture and a secondary gas mixture, where the secondary gas mixture has a variable mass fraction of the target gas component. In other embodiments, the fluid flows can have equal mass fractions of the target gas component, but the mass flow rate of the fluid flows (or components thereof) can be varied. For example, in some embodiments, each of the fluid flows include a secondary gas mixture and the first fluid flow has a secondary gas mixture with a greater mass flow rate than the secondary gas mixture of the second fluid flow, and the second fluid flow has a secondary gas mixture with a greater mass flow rate than the secondary gas mixture of the third fluid flow.

EXAMPLES

[0081] With reference to FIGS. 6 through 12, various examples of the disclosed systems and methods are shown.

[0082] According to one experiment, operation of a kiln according to three Examples was simulated and the results modeled. As shown in FIG. 6, three Examples, indicated as Baseline, Case 1, and Case 2 were evaluated by varying the flow rate of secondary gas delivered into the kiln at each vertically-spaced inlet, but maintaining a constant oxygen concentration (volume %) across all fluid flows. In each Example of FIG. 6, a fluid flow distribution apparatus generally corresponding to that illustrated in and described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B was used, but with a group of four vertically-spaced combination inlets. In Case 1, the secondary gas flow rate is varied by 5% between vertically-adjacent burners, and in Case 2, the secondary gas flow rate is varied by 10% between vertically-adjacent burners. For comparison, the Baseline case has the lowest flow rate at the top-most inlet, but otherwise behaves similarly to Cases 1 and 2. Relevant values are also shown in Table 1, below:

Table 1

[0083] A heatmap of the oxygen distribution within a horizontal cross-section of the modeled kiln corresponding to each of these three Examples are shown respectively in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, for the Baseline, Case 1, and Case 2 of FIG. 6 and Table 1.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, a fluid flow with equal parts of a combustion gas mixture and a secondary gas mixture is supplied to the kiln via four vertically-spaced combination burners (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 3). The secondary gas mixture of each fluid flow has a mass fraction of oxygen of about 0.05, resulting in a fluid flow with a mass fraction of oxygen (under perfect mixing conditions) of about 0.025, as indicated by the plume shown near each nozzle. As discussed above, because the secondary gas mixture is not preheated, it is colder than the target temperature within the kiln and therefore may tend to sink to or toward a bottom region of the kiln. This creates a stratification of the gas component concentrations within the kiln, such as the oxygen concentration, in the vertical direction where the top portion of the kiln has a mass fraction of the target gas component that is less than the mass fraction of the target gas component at the bottom of the kiln. For example, with respect to FIG. 7, there is an oxygen concetration of about 0.0275 to about 0.035 ) at the top of the kiln, while the bottom portion of the kiln has a greater mass fraction of oxygen of about 0.0375 to about 0.05 as indicated by the differently colored shadings in these areas. The uneven distribution of the target gas component may lead to, for example, the non-uniform performance of reactions or events at different vertical locations during firing, such as the uneven removal of hydrocarbons from the green ceramic products throughout the kiln space, which may undesirably lead to agreater possibility of forming defects in the ceramic honeycomb bodies.

[0085] In comparison, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the effects of staggering the secondary gas mass flow rate, which includes increasing uniformity when compared with the baseline example shown in FIG. 7. In particular, FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a kiln where a large upper portion (approximately the upper three quarters of the kiln) has an oxygen mass fraction of about 0.0225 to about 0.0275 as indicated by the consistent color of the shading in these areas. However, some degree of stratification was still present proximate to the bottom-most of the inlets.

[0086] Turning to FIG. 10, two examples of a fluid flow distribution apparatus are illustrated on a graph showing the mass fraction of oxygen within the secondary gas mixture of the fluid flow delivered through the four combination burners. In the comparative baseline case, the mass fraction of oxygen (i.e., the target gas component) is at a constant 5.00% for each of the vertically-spaced burners. In contrast, for Case 3, the oxygen mass fraction in the secondary gas mixture is set such that the total oxygen input into the kiln remains the same as the comparative baseline example (an average of 5.00%), but with each vertically-adjacent burner having increasing lower oxygen concentrations for the lower fluid flows (starting at about 5.6% at the top-most fluid flow and decreasing to about 4.4% at the bottom fluid flow).

[0087] The gradient maps shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 illustrate oxygen distribution for the comparative baseline example and the Case 3 example, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, more than half of the kiln has an oxygen mass fraction of about 0.0225 to about 0.0275 as indicated by the consistent shading color. When compared with Case 2 of FIG. 11, Case 3 of FIG. 11 demonstrates an even more uniform distribution of oxygen within most of the kiln.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 12, the oxygen distribution of a further example, Case 4, is illustrated according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, the mass fraction of oxygen for each of the burners in Case 4 is shown below in Table 2: Table 2

Burner No. O2 Mass Fraction A

Top 7%

Top-Center 5% 20%

Bottom-Center 3% 20%

Bottom 0% 30%

[0089] As shown in Table 5, the bottom burner is not provided with any oxygen gas within the secondary gas mixture, whereas the top, top-center, and bottom-center burners are setup with 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 mass fractions (7%, 5%, and 3%, respectively) of oxygen at the secondary gas nozzles respectively. As seen in FIG. 12, a substantial majority of the kiln has a substantially uniform distribution of between about 0.0225 and about 0.04, as indicated by the color gradients in FIG. 12. Further, a larger portion of the kiln space has an oxygen concentration closerto a target of 2.5%, eventhough Case 4 has an overall reduced total oxygen input with respect to the Example of Case (i.e., the average O2 mass fraction for Case 4 is only 3.75% in comparison to 5% for Case 3).

[0090] According to these and other aspects of the present disclosure, the systems and methods described herein provide a means of kiln operation aimed at reducing the vertical gradient in oxygen concentration in the kiln space that results from buoyancy differences between the hotter burner gas inputs and the colder secondary gas inputs. The preferential inputs described herein enables the uuniform removal of hydrocarbons from green ceramic products throughout the kiln space leading to improved shape and fewer defects. The reduction in process variability also increases production capacity (i.e., due to shorter cycles enabled by reduced variability in time to complete reactions).

[0091] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0092] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” [0093] The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0094] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also comprising more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” [0095] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily comprising at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0096] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0097] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0098] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects can be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices/computers .

[0099] The present disclosure can be implemented as a system, a method, and/or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[00100] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. [00101] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

[00102] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure can be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, statesetting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some examples, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[00103] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[00104] The computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram or blocks.

[00105] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[00106] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[00107] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant can be entitled.

[00108] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.