Energy Research Company (ERCo) develops new technologies related to industrial energy and emissions. Some sample recent R&D projects are below.

• Laser Based Melt Diagnostics: An innovative instrument for monitoring the elemental constituents of a metal or glass melt, inside a furnace or during pouring, in real time. Funded by DOE.            

• Laser For Coal Analysis: Two $100,000 grants from the federal Department of Energy were recently awarded to ERCo to develop a laser system aimed at reducing toxic emissions from coal-burning power plants. ERCo will develop a laser-based technique for anlayzing the properties of coal while the coal is being fired in an electric utility boiler or a coal gasifier. ERCo will also develop laser diagnostics to continuously measure particulates in gases being emitted from coal-fired plants. 
  

• Laser for Glass Batch Quality Control and Cullet Sortation: ERCo is developing its Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology to measure the chemical makeup of glass batch and cullet feedstock in real time and in-situ for the specialty and fiberglass industries. This device will give a manufacturer the ability to control the entire process resulting in improvements in quality and productivity, as well as reductions in energy use and emissions.
  

• Vertical Floatation Melter (VFM): An innovative scrap metal furnace that reduces energy usage by 81% as compared to a conventional reverbatory furnace. Funded by the federal Department of Energy (DOE).

• VFM Decoater: Similar in appearance to the VFM Melter, the VFM decoater removes organics of any type from scrap aluminum and steel.                   
  

• Protective Coatings: A new coating developed specifically for high temperature applications in caustic environments. Other coating applications are:
  • Gas turbine blade protection
  • Ceramic sealing
  • Protection of pipes carrying high pressure, moderately high temperature oxygen
    

  Co-funded by DOE and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
  

• Laser Based Measurements of Multiple Species in Gases and Water: ERCo is developing a Raman scattering laser technique to simultaneously measure many molecular species in gases or liquids. ERCo's proprietary method increases the sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy so that sensitivity to parts per million is achieved. ERCo's instrument will be used to measure many pollutants which currently require multiple and expensive instruments. The exact pollutant species (not just its class) and its concentration is measured.
  

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