Cylindrical burner apparatus and method

Abstract

A cylindrical burner apparatus and method which produce low NOx emissions and low noise levels without being dependent upon a blower, or natural draft, for providing air flow. A flow of combustion air is induced into a cylindrical burner lube by discharging a gas fuel from a plurality of discharge ports located inside the rearward end of the tube. At least some of the discharge ports are oriented to direct jets of the gas fuel toward flame stabilization structures positioned downstream of the discharge ports.

Description

RELATED CASE[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 927610 filed Jul. 13, 2020, and claims the benefit of the filing date thereof.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to cylindrical burner apparatuses and methods for water bath heaters, fire tube boilers and other applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Cylindrically contained burner systems are commonly used, for example, in water bath heaters and in fire tube boilers. Fire tube boilers are typically used for steam generation. Water bath heaters are primarily used for such purposes as: preheating crude oil; heating gas and / or crude at the well head; controlling fuel gas dew points; heating high pressure hydrocarbon gas streams; heating fuel gases at power generation sites; heating high viscosity fluids to reduce pumping pressures; heating at compressor stations; vaporization of process fluids; and reboiler heating.[0004]Fire tube boilers typically comprise a series of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention provides a cylindrical burner apparatus and method which satisfy the needs and alleviate the problems discussed above. The inventive cylindrical burner system provides increased FGR levels without the use of a blower. Moreover, the exhaust stack of the inventive cylindrical burner system need only be tall enough to prevent the exhaust from flowing into the air inlet. In addition, the inventive cylindrical burner system minimizes noise rumbling problems and is also quieter than the prior forced air systems. Also, the inventive cylindrical burner system provides significantly reduced NOx emission levels of less than 30 parts per million (ppm) (or even less than 20 ppm. or as low as 10 ppm or less, when optimized).

[0013]In one aspect, there is provided a method of operating a cylindrical burner, without forced air and without dependence on natural draft, while also producing low NOx emissions and low noise levels. The method preferably comprises the steps of: (a) inducing a flow of combustion air into a rearward end of an initial tube pass by discharging jets of a gas fuel from a plurality of fuel discharge ports positioned in the initial tube pass forwardly of the rearward end, and (b) inducing a flow of recycled flue gas from a subsequent tube pass into the initial tube pass, via a flue gas recirculation duct extending between the subsequent tube pass and the initial lube pass, by discharging one or more jets of the gas fuel which travel through the flue gas recirculation duct.

Problems solved by technology

The height of the stack increases the equipment and installation costs of the system and may create space and permitting problems.

Moreover the tall stacks required for fire tube burners commonly contribute to combustion noise problems which can be severe, and even harmful, and can prevent the natural draft systems from being used in song locations.

This phenomena, referred to as combustion “rumble,” produces low-frequency pulsations that -an be so severe as to: present undesirable sound levels for workers and others, both nearby and at a distance; shake loose electrical connections and terminations, including important safety devices; loosen or break mechanical fittings and connections and cause structural damage to property and equipment.

Unfortunately, however, forced air blower systems are more expensive to purchase, operate and maintain, produce increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as blower motors consume electrical power, and may not be feasible for use in remote areas having limited or no electrical power availability.

In addition, forced air blower systems also produce significant noise levels.

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