RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/561,936, filed April 14, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/616,040, filed October 5, 2004, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many attempts have been made at creating waste disposal systems that eliminate or reduce the need to landfill municipal solid waste. Traditional approaches have included incineration and pyrolisis. Conventional incineration however is objectionable because the high bum temperatures in the presence of oxygen results in the formation of complex pollutants that are difficult and expensive to control. Furthermore, the vast majority of incinerated organic material is converted into undesirable carbon dioxide, which is implicated in global warming, ozone layer depletion, and the formation of volatile organic compounds. The incineration process also releases nitrogen oxides that contribute to smog problems in urban areas. The pyrolisis procedure involves the use of an oxygen depleted, high temperature environment to convert various materials into a gas. However, the high temperature, oxygen depleted environment of pyrolisis may create some extremely toxic compounds. Furthermore, pyrolisis is an inefficient method for disposing large volumes of waste materials, and the residual ash material may contain large amounts of carbon. [0003] Many of the disadvantages of incineration and pyrolisis are overcome by waste gasification. Waste gasification involves supplying the minimum amount of oxygen necessary to cause a thermo-chemical reaction that releases simple combustible gases at a controlled temperature, without supplying enough oxygen to cause combustion. When feed stock waste materials that are rich in energy, as measured by British thermal units, are loaded into gasification reactor chambers, and are exposed to a controlled temperature, oxygen depleted environment, such solid, sludge, or liquid feed stock materials may be converted into a heavy vapor fuel gas. Materials that are rich in energy include, but are not limited to, coal, wood, cardboard, paper, industrial scrap, plastics, tires, organic wastes, sewage cake, animal waste, and crop residue, or a combination thereof. The released heavy vapor fuel gas is then mixed with oxygen and burned. Examples of gasification systems are shown in U.S. Pat. App. No. 10/632,043, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0004] Traditionally, gasification systems have increased the oxygen content of the produced heavy vapor fuel gases before the heavy vapor fuel gases are burned by directing the gases through air mixing chambers. Prior art systems typically have relied on traditional air draft systems to withdraw or vent the produced heavy vapor fuel gases out from the gasification chamber and into the mixing chambers. These mixing chambers are typically large, cylindrical vessels, with a variety of air induction tubes attached to multiple blower fans that flood the air mixing chambers with outside air using air compressors or high velocity fans. Yet, because of their large size, these chambers require substantial fabrication and installation time, and as a result are expensive. The use of fans and/or air compressors may also increase the initial cost of the system along with associated operating and maintenance expenses. [0005] Furthermore, the inconsistency of up-draft air movement in natural draft systems has a tendency to cause the produced heavy vapor fuel gases to linger in the gasification reactor chamber. The lingering fuel gases may then become subject to accidental combustion, which ultimately may lower the Btu content of the extracted heavy vapor fuel gases. Additionally, environmental factors, such as humidity, wind, barometric pressure, and outside temperature may affect the rate of flow through a natural draft system. [0006] The inconsistent flow of heavy vapor fuel gases from the gasification reactor chamber may also cause the evacuation of gases from the gasification reactor chamber to frequently stall, produce negative results in the process, and adversely effect the total cycle time for the gasification of the feed stock material. More specifically, if the venting of produced gases from the gasification reactor chamber is slower than the production rate of the gas, the gasification reactor chamber may become back- pressured, whereby the subsequent rate of gasification of the waste load may become suppressed. For instance, it has been determined that the gasification of roughly 2 tons of solid waste material over a ten to twelve hour period can produce approximately 140 cfm of heavy vapor fuel gas. However, because some prior art designs are only capable of moving approximately 9 cfm, the complete gasification of 2 tons of waste material could require more than 48 hours. [0007] Once heavy vapor fuel gases are withdrawn from the gasification reactor chamber, and mixed with an oxygenating gas, conventional waste gasification systems often use supplemental fuel burners (i.e. natural gas, propane, methane, or diesel) to ignite the produced fuel gas. However, a portion of the air pollutants in a system that employs the combustion of fossil fuel in its process may be contributable directly to those fossil fuels. Thus, eliminating reliance on the contribution of fossil fuels to the process event may reduce the pollution of the system as a whole. [0008] Further, the equipment required to control and safely manage these supplemental fuel burners can often be costly, and may also consume significant amounts of fuel stocks. This equipment manages the pressure of the supplied supplemental fuel, assures adequate pre-ignition purging of the equipment to eliminate the potential for an explosion caused by excess supplemental fuel gas that may have accumulated in the system, and continuously monitors the "On - Off status of the supplemental fuel's flame pattern. [0009] However, when electrical heating elements are used in place of supplemental fuel burners for the ignition and combustion of fuel gases, none of the above- referenced process safety equipment is required, and thus equipment and operating expenses may be reduced. Monitoring of the status and control of electric heating elements may also be simple and cost effective. Additionally, compared to supplemental fuel burners, systems using electric heating elements may also have a reduced amount of pollutants in the final exhaust stream. [0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fuel gas combustion chamber configured to thoroughly mix produced heavy vapor fuel gases that are received from a gasification reactor chamber with an oxygenating supplemental gas. [0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel gas combustion chamber that utilizes electric heating elements to combust heavy vapor fuel gases. [0012] It is a another object of the present invention to provide an improved fuel gas combustion chamber that releases a minimal amount of uncombusted fuel gases. [0013] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved fuel gas combustion chamber that reduces the amount of pollutants in the final exhaust stream [0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved fuel gas combustion chamber that is capable of assisting in the venting of produced heavy vapor fuel gases from a gasification reactor chamber at a sufficient rate so as to prevent the development of back pressure in the gasification reactor chamber. [0015] At least one of the preceding objects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, which will become apparent in view of the present specification, including the claims and drawings. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is directed to a fuel gas combustion chamber that accumulates, mixes, and ignites produced heavy vapor fuel gases that have been withdrawn and/or vented from a gasification reactor chamber. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a fuel gas combustion chamber having a "maze" passageway that may provide not only space for increased turbulence for the mixing of produced heavy vapor fuel gases with an oxygen-providing supplemental gas, but which may also provide a chamber in which the combusting oxygenated fuel gas can completely expend prior to leaving the maze passageway. Further, the fuel gas combustion chamber of the present invention may provide additional retention time of the combusted heavy vapor fuel gases in a hot environment. The fuel gas combustion chamber of the present invention may also prevent back pressure from developing in the gasification reactor chamber. [0017] The fuel gas combustion chamber may be at least partially insulated and may include at least one inlet port, an exhaust port, and a passageway. Each inlet port may have its own dedicated igniter. Although the igniter may be a standard supplemental fuel burner, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, ignition of the heavy vapor fuel gas, and any additional oxygenating supplemental gas mixed therein, may be achieved through the use of at least one electric igniter. [0018] Produced heavy vapor fuel gas may be withdrawn or vented out of the gasification reactor chamber through the use of an induced draft transfer fan and into one or more interconnecting intake conduit before reaching at least one inlet port of the fuel gas combustion chamber. A supplemental gas, such as, but not limited to, ambient air, that may assist in the oxygenation and subsequent combustion of the heavy vapor fuel gas, may be introduced into the stream of withdrawn heavy vapor fuel gas prior to, or after, the fuel gas enters the fuel gas combustion chamber. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the induced draft transfer fan may assist in both withdrawing heavy vapor fuel gases from the gasification chamber and drawing supplemental gas into the intake conduit, thereby allowing the supplemental gas to flow and/or mix with heavy vapor fuel gases as the fuel gases flow onto the fuel gas combustion chamber. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the supplemental gas may be introduced into at least a portion of the heavy vapor fuel gas stream after the heavy vapor fuel gas has passed into the fuel gas combustion chamber. In such an embodiment, supplemental gas may flow through a supply nipple, pipe, or other conduit located within the fuel gas chamber and before the igniter. In such an embodiment, the addition of the supplemental gas inside the fuel gas combustion chamber through a supply nipple before the fuel gases reach the igniter allows the fuel gases to be at least partially oxygenated before the combustion event. [0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet port is comprised of three inlet ports, each having its own dedicated electric igniter. In such an embodiment, each of the inlet ports may receive a divided share of the heavy vapor fuel gas. By dividing the quantity of inflowing heavy vapor fuel gases that are delivered to each of the inlet ports, smaller quantities of combustible gases may pass by each electric igniter, thereby potentially allowing for a more thorough combustion of the fuel gases. For example, a more thorough or complete combustion of heavy vapor fuel gases that may last approximately 4 seconds at temperatures between 1600 and 1750 degrees F. may result in a cleaner exhaust air. [0020] Combustion may be achieved when the oxygenated heavy vapor fuel gas mixture passes along, or in proximity to, an igniter. Testing has demonstrated that oxygenated fuel gases may ignite when passed over a hot surface, such as that provided by a metal or silicon carbide resistance heater. Because ignition of the oxygenated heavy vapor fuel gases does need require the presence of a live flame, suitable igniters include not only supplemental fuel burners, but also electric igniters. For example, acceptable electric igniters include, but are not limited to, electric heating elements and resistance igniters, such as silicon carbide electric heating elements or electric heat elements that may be enclosed in stainless pipe and covered with a piece of titanium expanded metal. [0021] After being ignited, the combusted gases may pass into the interior region of the fuel gas combustion chamber. Within the interior region of the fuel gas combustion chamber may be at least one divider. The at least one divider may be oriented so as to create a winding passageway, or maze, through which combusted heavy vapor fuel gases may flow. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the at least one divider may be configured to include an opening, or provide a space in the passageway, through which the combusted gases may flow. The opening or space provided by the divider may also be oriented so as to subject the flowing gases to at least one turn or corner. The winding maze configuration of the passageway created by the divider may cause additional turbulence in the gas flow that enhances the mixing of the combusted fuel gases. The winding pattern may also slow the flow of the gases through the fuel gas combustion chamber. Because the ignition of gases passing by the igniter may result in combustion that resembles a "fireball," retaining fuel gases within the chamber for longer periods of time may allow those gases that were not initially combusted to still be combusted via exposure to the heat produced in the immediate vicinity of the "fireball." For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the additional retention time allows the combusted and/or uncombusted gases to continue to be exposed to an environment of approximately 1600 - 1750 degrees F. for approximately 4 seconds. The extended retention time of the combusted fuel gases in a hot environment exceeds current regulatory requirements of 1600 degrees F. for a duration of 2 seconds for some regulated waste materials that undergo thermal processing. [0022] Combusted gases may exit the fuel gas chamber via an exhaust port. The hot combusted gases may then be delivered to an end use device, such as, but not limited to, a boiler, hot water heater, reverse chiller, or turbine, so as to provide energy for steam or hot water production, refrigeration or electrical power in lieu of natural gas, propane, or other fossil fuels. Alternatively, the hot combusted gases exiting through the exhaust port may be discharged into the atmosphere through a main flue discharge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be had to the embodiment illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of example of the invention. [0024] Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a fuel gas combustion chamber having a maze passageway in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0025] Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional end view of a gasification reactor unit having a gasification reactor chamber in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0026] Figure 3 illustrates a partial cross sectional top view of a gasification unit having a gasification reactor chamber, a fuel gas combustion chamber, and at least one interconnecting intake conduit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0027] Figure 4 illustrates a damper for the supplemental gas intake in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0028] Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a fuel gas combustion chamber in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0029] Figure 6 illustrates a fuel gas combustion chamber access panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0030] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel gas combustion chamber in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0031] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an ignition unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0032] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a maze assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0033] Figure 10 is a cross sectional rear view of a fuel gas combustion chamber in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0034] Figure 11 is a cross sectional side view of a fuel gas combustion chamber in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a fuel gas combustion chamber 14 having a maze passageway 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Heavy vapor fuel gases that are produced during the gasification of solid feed stock material are withdrawn or vented from a gasification chamber and delivered to the fuel gas combustion chamber 14, whereupon the heavy vapor fuel gas is combusted in the presence of an oxygenating supplemental gas. [0036] As shown in Figure 1, the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may include a plurality of sidewalls 60a, 60b, a top portion 62, a bottom portion 64, at least one inlet port 16, insulation 18, a passageway 20, at least one divider 22, at least one igniter 24, and an exhaust port 26. The fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may be a generally rectangular or square insulated steel container. In one embodiment, the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may occupy a portion of a ten (10) or twenty (20) foot long steel sea cargo vessel. In such an embodiment, the fuel gas combustion chamber may generally have a five (5) foot long by eight (8) foot wide by (9) nine foot high rectangular configuration. Suitable insulation 18 includes, but is not limited to, xonotilite. In the one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port may be an approximately sixteen (16) by twenty-four (24) inch square hole. [0037] The fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may be operably connected to an exhaust fan that may also be operably connected to a gasification reactor chamber. The exhaust fan may assist in venting or withdrawing produced heavy vapor fuel gases out from the gasification reactor chamber and delivering the withdrawn gas into the fuel gas combustion chamber 14. In one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust fan may not be activated until the waste materials inside the gasification reactor chamber have begun to gasify, and may then run continuously until the gasification cycle is completed. [0038] Supplemental gases may be added to oxygenate, and thus improve the combustibility of, heavy vapor fuel gases that have been withdrawn from the fuel gas combustion chamber 14. Appropriate supplemental gases include, but is not limited to, ambient air. Oxygenation of the heavy vapor fuel gases through the introduction of the supplemental gas may also increase the size of the "fireball" that is created during the combustion event, which may also improve the mixing of the heavy vapor fuel gas with the supplemental gas. [0039] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, supplemental fuel gases may be introduced into at least a portion of the stream of heavy vapor fuel gases after those fuel gases have entered into the fuel gas combustion chamber 14. In such an embodiment, the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may include a supply nipple, pipe, or conduit located before, or in front of, the igniter 24, the supply nipple, pipe, or conduit being configured to allow for the passage of supplemental gas into at least a portion of the adjacent flowing stream of heavy vapor fuel gases inside the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 prior to the combustion event. In one embodiment, supplemental gas may be introduced into the adjacent stream of heavy vapor fuel gas through a 3/4 inch supply nipple located above the igniter 24. However, the supplemental gas may also be introduced into at least a portion of the flow of heavy vapor fuel gases prior to the entry of said fuel gases into the combustion chamber 14, as described below. [0040] After flowing into the fuel gas combustion chamber 14, the oxygenated heavy vapor fuel gas may encounter an igniter 24. As shown in Figure 1, each of the at least one igniter 24 may be comprised of several heating elements that are configured to provide an ignition source for the combustion of the heavy vapor fuel gas- supplemental gas mixture. Suitable igniters 24 include, but are not limit to, a fuel- fired igniter, electric thermal radiant heat assembly, or an electric resistance heater. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one igniter 24 is comprised of four electric heat elements that are enclosed in stainless pipe and covered with a piece of titanium expanded metal having 1/8 inch openings. In such an embodiment, heat may be generated by passing a 220 volt current through the electric heat element. Alternatively, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the igniter 24 may be comprised of silicon carbide electric heating elements. [0041] Produced heavy vapor fuel gases typically enter the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 around the same temperature as the gasification chamber itself, i.e. approximately 800 degrees F. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one igniter 24 may be activated prior to the gasification procedure to a temperature of approximately 1000 to 1600 degrees F. Early activation of the igniter 24 may assist in preventing uncombusted gases from passing through the fuel gas combustion chamber 14. Once in the preheated passageway 20 of the combustion chamber 14, the combustion of the produced heavy vapor fuel gases by the at least one igniter 24 may raise the temperature inside the combustion chamber 14 to around 1600 degrees F. [0042] The at least one divider 22 is configured and/or positioned within the interior of the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 so as to create a passageway 20 that has a winding ("maze") configuration, through which heavy vapor fuel gas may travel from the inlet port 16 to the exhaust port 26. The divider may include, but is not limited to, sheet metal, xonotilite, ceramics, or other suitable materials that are capable of withstanding the high temperatures created inside the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 by the combustion of the fuel gases. Alternatively, a divider 22 may be created through the use of conduit or ductwork for the passageway 20, in which such conduit or ductwork is oriented so as to create a winding passageway 20 configuration. Each turn in the winding passageway 20 may create turbulence in the gas flow so as to aid in the mixing of the combusted gases, and allow for additional retention time of the combusted gases in a hot environment. The increase in retention time may also expose heavy vapor fuel gases that passed in proximity to the igniter 24 without combusting to the heat generated by "fireballs" that may be produced by the combustion of subsequent flowing heavy vapor fuel gases, and may thus provide an additional opportunity for the ignition of those uncombusted gases. Additionally, increased retention time of the combusted gases in the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may allow those gases to continue to be exposed to an environment of approximately 1550 - 1750 degrees F. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, retention time of the gasses passing through the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 4 seconds. [0043] Upon passage through the exhaust port 26, this hot air effluent may be directed into the enclosure of a primary end use device, such as, but not limited to, a boiler, hot water heater, reverse chiller, or turbine, so as to provide energy for steam or hot water production, refrigeration or electrical power in lieu of natural gas, propane, or other fossil fuels. Alternatively, the hot combusted gases exiting through the exhaust port may be discharged into the atmosphere through a main flue discharge. [0044] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, heat generated during the initial activation of an igniter 24 may also be used to provide heat to the gasification reactor chamber. In accordance with such an embodiment, a second, smaller exhaust fan, may transfer heat from the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 to the gasification reactor chamber via a tube that extends from the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 and into the gasification reactor chamber. For example, once the temperature inside the interior of the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 reaches approximately 500 degrees F., a damper may be opened in the gasification reactor chamber, thereby activating the exhaust fan to divert a portion of the hot air in the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 into the gasification reactor chamber, and may blow the hot air into the gasification reactor chamber until the gasification reactor chamber reaches an optimum temperature envelope. [0045] The fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may also include at least one access door 28. The access door 28 may provide a point of entry for maintenance of the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 and/or service of the at least one igniter 24. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one access door 28 may be located along a side wall of the fuel gas combustion chamber 14. [0046] Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional end view of a gasification unit 10 having a gasification reactor chamber 12 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Heavy vapor fuel gases may be withdrawn from the gasification reactor chamber 12 through the use of an induced draft transfer fan 36. The induced draft transfer fan 36 may be operably connected to the gasification reactor chamber 12 through at least one intake conduit 30. The intake conduit 30 may include an chamber outlet 34 that is operably connected to the gasification reactor chamber 12, the chamber outlet 34 being configured to receive vented or withdrawn fuel gases from inside the gasification reactor chamber 12. [0047] Figure 3 illustrates a partial cross sectional top view of a gasification unit 10 having a gasification reactor chamber 12, a fuel gas combustion chamber 50, and at least one interconnecting intake conduit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The chamber outlet 34 may be operably connected to a damper 44, the damper 44 being configured to control the opening and closing of the chamber outlet 34. When in an open position, the damper 44 may permit heavy vapor fuel gases to enter the chamber outlet 34 and flow into the intake conduit 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the intake conduit 30 leading from the gasification reactor chamber 12 may be constructed from standard HVAC ductwork materials, including sheet metal, and may have an approximately fifteen (15) inch by fifteen (15) inch configuration. [0048] The intake conduit 30 also may be operably connected to a supplemental gas intake 46. The supplemental gas intake 46 may be configured to allow a supplemental gases containing a combustible gas, such as oxygen, including, but not limited to ambient air, to enter into at least a portion of the intake conduit 30. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the supplemental gas intake 46 may also be constructed from standard HVAC ductwork materials, including sheet metal, and may have an approximately fifteen (15) inch by fifteen (15) inch configuration. [0049] Figure 4 illustrates a damper for the supplemental gas intake 46 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The passage of supplemental gases into the supplemental gas intake 46 may be controlled by a damper 42. When in an opened position, the damper 42 may allow the supplemental gases to enter into the supplemental gas intake 46. After passing through the supplemental gas intake 46, the supplemental gases may join the stream of heavy vapor fuel gas in the intake conduit 30. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the supplemental gas intake 46 may terminate at the intake conduit 30 via a "T" shaped intersection 48. [0050] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the joined heavy vapor fuel gases and supplemental gases may be transported through an intake conduit 30 and into the fuel gas combustion chamber 50. As the heavy vapor fuel gases and supplemental gases travel together through at least a portion of the intake conduit 30, the fuel gases and supplemental gases may mix together. In accordance with one embodiment, at least a portion of the intake conduit 30 terminating in proximity to the fuel gas combustion chamber 14 may be constructed from standard HVAC ductwork materials, including sheet metal, and may have an approximately eight (8) inch by sixteen (16) inch configuration. [0051] Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a fuel gas combustion chamber 50 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The intake conduit 30 delivers the fuel gas and supplemental gas mixture to at least one inlet port of the fuel gas combustion chamber 50. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one inlet port may be comprised of three inlet ports 16a, 16b, 16c, each of the inlet ports 16a, 16b, 16c receiving at least a portion of the heavy vapor fuel gases and supplemental gases that are delivered to the fuel gas combustion chamber 50 through the intake conduit 30. Each inlet port 16a, 16b, 16c may have its own dedicated electric igniter 24a, 24b, 24c to ignite the heavy vapor fuel-supplemental gas mixture. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the igniters 24a, 24b, 24c may be comprised of electric heating elements or resistance igniters, including silicon carbide electric heating elements. Alternatively, the igniters 24a, 24b, 24c may include four electric heat elements that are enclosed in stainless pipe and covered with a piece of titanium expanded metal having 1/8 inch openings, as previously discussed. [0052] Once past the igniters 24a, 24b, 24c, the combusted, and any remaining uncombusted gases, may converge into, and proceed through, the winding passageway 20 of the fuel gas combustion chamber 50. The passage 20 may have a winding ("maze") configuration created by the orientation of at least one divider 22, as previously discussed. Following combustion, exposure to the heat generated by any subsequent "fireball" may increase the amount of fuel gases that are fully combusted before exiting the fuel gas combustion chamber 50. Although, the plurality of inlet ports 16a, 16b, 16c may converge the combusted gases into a common passageway 20, in an alternative embodiment, the plurality of inlet ports 16a, 16b, 16c may lead the combusted gases into separate passageways 20 and onto a common or separate exhaust port. [0053] As shown in Figure 5, the combusted fuel gases may then proceed though the passageway 20 until reaching an exhaust port 38. The combusted fuel gases may then exit the fuel gas combustion chamber 50 through the exhaust port 38, whereupon the combusted exhaust gases may be discharged through a main flue 52 or directed to a primary end use device, including, but not limited to, a boiler. [0054] Figure 6 illustrates a fuel gas combustion chamber access panel 56 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The access panel 56 may provide a point of entry for maintenance of the fuel gas combustion chamber 50 and/or service of the igniters 24a, 24b, 24c. [0055] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel gas combustion chamber 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The fuel gas combustion chamber 100 may include a container 102, an ignition unit 112, and a maze assembly 124. The container 102 may be a standard ten (10) or twenty (20) foot steel sea cargo vessel. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 is a ten (10) foot long by eight (8) foot wide by nine (9) foot high vessel that acts as a housing for the fuel gas combustion chamber 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be partitioned so that the container 102 houses not only the fuel gas combustion chamber 100, but may also have areas that are used for other operations, such as a gasification reactor chamber and/or a control room. [0056] As shown in Figure 7, the container 102 may have an interior 110, a plurality of sidewalls 104a, 104b (not shown), 104c, 104d, a top portion 106, and a bottom portion 108. At least one sidewall 104d may be configured to function as, or include, an access door. The access door may provide access to the interior 110 of the container 102 for various purposes, including maintenance, cleaning, and positioning of the ignition unit 112 and maze assembly 124. At least a portion of the container 102 may be insulated. [0057] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an ignition unit 112 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The ignition unit 112 may be positioned atop a stand 115 within the interior 110 of the container 102. The ignition unit 112 may be configured to ignite, and thus combust, incoming heavy vapor fuel gases and any added oxygenating supplemental gases that may be mixed therein. The ignition unit 112 may include a shell 120, an intake port 121, an outlet port 123, and at least one heating element 118. The shell 120 may be constructed from heat resistant materials, including, but not limited to, sheet metal, ceramic materials, and xonotilite. At least a portion of the interior of the shell 120 may also be lined with insulation 114. Suitable insulation materials include, but is not limited to, xonotilite. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the intake and outlet ports 121, 123 within the interior of the igniter housing 112 may be approximately four (4) inch diameter openings. The size of these openings may increase, especially along at least the outer portion of the shell 120, so as to accommodate the outer diameter of the inlet and outlet conduit 122, 116, as shown in Figure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet and outlet conduit 122, 166 may have a four (4) insulated inside diameter and an outer diameter of approximately sixteen (16) inches. [0058] In one embodiment of the present, the shell may be a rectangular cube that is approximately forty (40) inches long by thirty six (36) inches wide by forty-three (43) inches high, while the open interior area within the shell 120 for combusting gases may have a size of twenty-eight inches (28) long by twenty-four (24) inches wide by twenty eight (28) inches high. As previously noted however, all dimensions provided in the current disclosure are for purposes of illustration, and are not limitations on the present invention. [0059] As shown in Figure 8, the at least one heating element 118 may be comprised of a series of electric heating elements. At least a portion of the heating elements may be inserted into a series of holes positioned along a portion of the shell 120, and secured through the use of pins or clamps 142. In accordance with such an embodiment, the heating elements may be thirty-nine (39) inch long "U" shaped silicon carbide electric resistance heating elements wherein the legs of the rod are approximately one and one- quarter (1-1/4) inches wide. [0060] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a maze assembly 124 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The maze assembly 124 may include at least one divider 128a-e and a partition wall 126. The partition wall 126 may separate and insulate the interior of the maze assembly 124 from the remainder of the fuel gas combustion chamber 100. At least a portion of the sidewalls 104a, 104b, 104d in the interior 110 of the container 102 may also be insulated so as to further assist in maintaining the hot environment of the maze assembly 124. [0061] Each of the dividers 128a-e maybe spaced apart from adjacent dividers 128a-e so as to create a passageway through which the combusted fuel gases may flow. The number of dividers 128a-e employed may be dictated by space limitations for the fuel gas combustion chamber 100 and/or the maze assembly 124. However, the number of dividers 128a-e may affect the speed at which combusted fuel gases may flow through the maze assembly 124, and thus may impact the retention time of the gases in a hot environment, as explained in more detail hereinafter. [0062] Each divider 128a-e may include an opening 130a-e positioned in proximity to the end of the divider 128a-e. The end of the divider 128a-e at which the opening 130a-e may be located in proximity to may alternate for each subsequent divider 128a-e so that an opening 130a-e in one divider 128a-e is not located at the same end, or aligned with, the openings 130a-e in the preceding or subsequent divider 128a-e. The alternating and/or non-aligned location of the openings 130a-e may force the hot combusted fuel gases flowing through each opening 130a-e to turn in direction in order to flow onto, and eventually through, the next subsequent opening 130a-e. The winding flow of the combusted fuel gases created by such turns may increase turbulence in the gas flow. Further, such turns in direction may also slow the flow of the combusted fuel gases through the maze assembly 124, thereby increasing the retention time of the gases in, and exposure to the hot environment of, the maze assembly 124. The prolonged exposure to the hot environment of the maze assembly 124 may also allow heavy vapor fuel gases that passed through the ignition unit 122 without combusting to be exposed to sufficient heat to trigger combustion. [0063] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the dividers 128a-e may be constructed from approximately two and one-half (2-1/2) to five (5) foot wide by four and one-half (4-1/2) to eight (8) foot long three (3) inch thick xonotilite. Further, the openings 130a-e may be circular, square, or rectangular holes that are centered along the width of the divider 128a-e. In one embodiment of the invention, the openings are approximately sixteen (16) inch diameter holes that are nine (9) to ten (10) inches from the end of the divider 128a-e. However, in another embodiment, at least a portion of the divider 128a-e may be shortened so as to not extend all the way to one adjoining wall 104a, 104b, 104d of the container 102, thereby providing a gap through which the combusted gases may flow. Each divider 128a-e may also be spaced approximately nine (9) inches away from adjacent dividers 128a-e so as to create the desired passageway through which the combusted gases may flow. Although the dividers 128a-e may be supported by a variety of structural elements, including rails, hangers, and support brackets, among others, in the illustrated embodiment, the dividers 128a-e may be supported by blocks 132 of insulation. [0064] When assembled within the interior 110 of the container 102, the dividers 128a-e and partition wall 126 may form a structure that is eighty-eight and one-half (88.50) inches long by fifty-one (51) inches wide by eighty-eight and one-half (88.50) inches high. Further, the first divider 128a may be spaced approximately eighteen (18) inches from the bottom portion 108 of the container 102, while the last divider 128e may be approximately nineteen and one-half (19.5) inches from the top portion 106 of the container 102. [0065] Figure 10 is a cross sectional side view of a fuel gas combustion chamber 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As previously discussed, heavy vapor fuel gases and any accompanying oxygenating supplemental gases may flow through an intake conduit or an intake conduit 122 with the aid of an induced draft fan (not shown). A valve 138, such as, but not limited to, a butterfly valve, may control whether the heavy vapor fuel gases and any accompanying supplemental gases may enter into the fuel gas combustion chamber 100. If the valve 138 is in an open position, the gases may flow into the ignition unit 112, whereupon the oxygenated heavy vapor fuel gases may be combusted. [0066] As previously discussed, the igniters 118 may be activated prior to the gasification procedure to a temperature of approximately 1000 to 1600 degrees F so as to assist in preventing uncombusted gases from passing through the fuel gas combustion chamber 100. [0067] Also, as previously discussed, the induced draft fan may be activated after the feed stock materials inside the gasification reactor chamber have started to gasify, at which time heavy vapor fuel gases may begin to be delivered to the ignition unit 112. Because the quantity and/or quality of heavy vapor fuel gases initially delivered into the ignition unit 118 may be low, combustion within the ignition unit 122 may be sporadic, and thus the heating elements may have to rely solely on electrical power to create and maintain the desired temperature of approximately 1600 degrees F. within the ignition unit 112. However, as the quantity and/or quality of heavy vapor fuel gases passing through the ignition unit 122 improves, allowing a consistent and/or continuous flame to be created in the ignition chamber, the electrical draw required by the heating elements to maintain the desired temperature within the ignition unit 122 may be eliminated or reduced to a minimal amount (i.e. 10% or less). [0068] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, once combusted, the heavy vapor fuel gases may be delivered from the ignition unit 116 and to the maze assembly 124. The combusted fuel gases may enter into the maze assembly 124 through an inlet port 136 located below the dividers 128a-e. The combusted fuel gases may then flow towards a first opening 130a in the first divider 128a. After flowing through the first opening 130a, the flow of the combusted fuel gases must then turn in direction and flow along the passageway created between the first and second dividers 128a, 128b and onto and through the second opening 130b. After passing through the second opening 130a, the combusted fuel gases must once again make a turn in direction before flowing onto the third opening 130c. This process continues repeating itself until the combusted fuel gases flow through the last opening 130e and subsequently onto and through the exhaust port 134 and out of the fuel gas combustion chamber 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust port 134 may be operably connected to an insulated conduit that assists in leading the exhaust away from the container 102. A suitable conduit for escorting the expelled exhaust away from the container may have a four (4) inch inside diameter and a sixteen (16) inch outside diameter. [0069] While the present invention has been illustrated in some detail according to the preferred embodiment shown in the foregoing drawings and descriptions, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications that incorporate those features that come within the spirit and scope of the invention.