Oxygen forehearth burner components

Abstract

A burner assembly includes a body including a first orifice, a second orifice, a cavity disposed between the first orifice and the second orifice, and a gas inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The assembly also includes a gas nozzle disposed to terminate at a first distance from the first orifice of the body. The assembly also includes a fuel pipe and a fuel nozzle disposed in the cavity of the body, the fuel pipe being disposed to terminate in a first through hole of the gas nozzle, and the fuel nozzle being removably fixed to the fuel pipe, the fuel nozzle terminating at a second distance from the first orifice of the body, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance, or the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to gas burners and, more particularly, to a forehearth burner assembly that employs external combustion to improve burner efficiency. Background Art

[0002] Oxy-fuel combustion is a process for burning fuel using oxygen instead of air as the primary oxidant. Using oxy-fuel combustion can reduce harmful environmental emissions because the nitrogen component of the air oxidant is not heated, thereby reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and reducing fuel consumption.

[0003] Forehearth burners are typically used for smaller burner applications (less than 50,000 BTU), which are often difficult to keep cool during operation. In addition, due to size and airflow limitations, conventional forehearth burners have limited turndown ratios (e.g., 1:3-1:4), i.e., the ratio of maximum operating output to minimum operating output. In addition, forehearth burners typically use a premixed air-fuel mixture (i.e., a mixture of oxidant and fuel) that is mixed prior to or within the forehearth burner body. This premixed air-fuel mixture within the assembly leads to undesirable results, such as increased backfires within the burner assembly, increased operating temperatures, and potentially reduced fuel / burner efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a forehearth burner assembly that employs nozzle mixed oxygen-fuel combustion. The burner assembly discussed herein includes a gas nozzle, a fuel pipe, and a fuel nozzle, wherein the arrangement of the gas nozzle and the fuel nozzle prevents a first gas from mixing with a first fuel until the first gas and the first fuel exit the assembly. In addition, the burner assembly discussed herein has a wider turndown range than previous forehearth burners.

[0005] In general, in one example, a burner assembly is provided, the burner assembly comprising a body, the body comprising a first orifice, a second orifice, a cavity arranged between the first orifice and the second orifice, and a gas inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The assembly also includes a gas nozzle having a first end, a second end terminating at a first distance from the first orifice of the body, and a first through hole arranged between the first end of the gas nozzle and the second end of the gas nozzle, the first end of the gas nozzle being removably fixed to the first orifice of the body. The assembly also includes a fuel pipe disposed in the cavity of the body, the fuel pipe having a first end removably fixed to the second orifice, a second end arranged to terminate in the first through hole of the gas nozzle, and a positioning member arranged near the second end of the fuel pipe and arranged to make the fuel pipe substantially concentric with the first through hole of the gas nozzle. In addition, the assembly includes a fuel nozzle removably fixed to the second end of the fuel pipe, the fuel nozzle terminating at a second distance from the first orifice of the body, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

[0006] In one aspect, the fuel pipe positioning member includes a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member.

[0007] In one aspect, the first support member, the second support member, and the third member are disposed around an outer surface of the fuel tube.

[0008] In one aspect, the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are arranged about the outer surface of the fuel pipe at intervals of approximately 120 degrees from each other.

[0009] In one aspect, the assembly further includes a fourth support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, the third support member, and the fourth support member are arranged about an outer surface of the fuel pipe at approximately 90 degree intervals from one another.

[0010] In one aspect, the fuel nozzle includes a fuel nozzle body including a first end; a second end; a first body portion proximate the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first body portion having a first outer diameter; and a second body portion proximate the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second body portion having a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0011] In one aspect, the fuel nozzle body further includes a second through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second through hole having a first portion proximate to the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the second through hole having a first inner diameter; and the second through hole having a second portion proximate to the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the second through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

[0012] In one aspect, the fuel nozzle includes a fuel nozzle body, which includes a first end; a second end; a first body portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first body portion having a first outer diameter; a second body portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second body portion having a second outer diameter; and a third body portion arranged between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body, the third body portion having a third outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is greater than the third outer diameter, and the third outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.

[0013] In one aspect, the fuel nozzle body further includes a second through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second through hole having a first portion proximate to the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the second through hole having a first inner diameter; and the second through hole having a second portion proximate to the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the second through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

[0014] In one aspect, the fuel nozzle body also includes a first outer transition surface, a second outer transition surface, and a first inner transition surface, the first outer transition surface being arranged between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body; the second outer transition surface being arranged between the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body; and the first inner transition surface being arranged between the first portion of the second through hole and the second portion of the second through hole.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a burner assembly is provided, the burner assembly comprising a body having a first orifice, a second orifice, a cavity arranged between the first orifice and the second orifice, and a gas inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The assembly also includes a gas nozzle having a first end, a second end terminating at a first distance from the first orifice of the body, and a first through hole arranged between the first end of the gas nozzle and the second end of the gas nozzle, the first end of the gas nozzle being removably fixed to the first orifice of the body. The burner assembly also includes a fuel pipe disposed in the cavity of the body, the fuel pipe having a first end removably fixed to the second orifice, a second end arranged to terminate in the first through hole of the gas nozzle, and a positioning member arranged near the second end of the fuel pipe and arranged to make the fuel pipe substantially concentric with the first through hole of the gas nozzle. In addition, the burner assembly includes a fuel nozzle removably fixed to the second end of the fuel pipe, the fuel nozzle terminating at a second distance from the first orifice of the body, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the positioning member of the fuel pipe includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member and a third supporting member.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first support member, the second support member and the third member are disposed around an outer surface of the fuel pipe.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are arranged around the outer surface of the fuel pipe at a spacing of approximately 120 degrees from each other.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a fourth support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, the third support member and the fourth support member are arranged around the outer surface of the fuel pipe at a spacing of substantially 90 degrees from each other.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the fuel nozzle includes a fuel nozzle body, which includes a first end; a second end; a first body portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first body portion having a first outer diameter; and a second body portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second body portion having a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the fuel nozzle body also includes a second through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second through hole having a first portion close to the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the second through hole having a first inner diameter; and the second through hole having a second portion close to the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the second through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the fuel nozzle includes a fuel nozzle body, which includes a first end; a second end; a first body portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first body portion having a first outer diameter; a second body portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second body portion having a second outer diameter; and a third body portion arranged between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body, the third body portion having a third outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is greater than the third outer diameter, and the third outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the fuel nozzle body also includes a second through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second through hole having a first portion close to the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the second through hole having a first inner diameter; and the second through hole having a second portion close to the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the second through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the fuel nozzle body also includes a first outer transition surface, a second outer transition surface, and a first inner transition surface, the first outer transition surface is arranged between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body; the second outer transition surface is arranged between the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body; and the first inner transition surface is arranged between the first portion of the second through hole and the second portion of the second through hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The foregoing will become more apparent by reading the more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts in different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a burner assembly of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 The burner assembly of the present invention is generally Figure 1 The cross-sectional view obtained is taken along line AA in FIG.

[0028] Figure 3A is a side elevation view of a fuel nozzle of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3B yes Figure 2 and Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a fuel nozzle is shown.

[0030] Figure 3C yes Figure 2 and Figure 3A A front view of a fuel nozzle is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 The burner assembly of the present invention is generally Figure 1 The cross-sectional view obtained is taken along line AA in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5A is a side elevation view of a fuel nozzle of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a fuel nozzle is shown.

[0034] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A front view of a fuel nozzle is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of a fuel nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure generally relates to a forehearth burner assembly that employs nozzle mixed oxygen-fuel combustion. Embodiments of the burner assembly discussed herein include a gas nozzle, a fuel pipe, and a fuel nozzle, wherein the arrangement of the gas nozzle and the fuel nozzle prevents a first gas from mixing with a first fuel until the first gas and the first fuel exit the assembly. In addition, the burner assembly discussed herein has a wider turndown range than previous forehearth burners.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Although the burner assembly shown in the drawings is shown in an upward orientation, the description of the assembly shown in the drawings is not limited to a specific orientation.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 , which shows a front elevation view of a burner assembly 100 of the present disclosure.

[0039] Should refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Read the instructions below. Figure 2 The burner assembly 100 is shown generally along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view is obtained by cutting along the AA line in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the burner assembly 100 includes a body 102, a gas nozzle 104, a fuel pipe 106, and a fuel nozzle 108. The body 102 includes a first orifice 110, a second orifice 112, a cavity 114, and a gas inlet 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 102 is made of stainless steel and is substantially hollow. In another exemplary embodiment, the body 102 is a 3 / 4 inch stainless steel tee. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 102 is formed into an inverted "T" shape (i.e., a T-shaped joint), wherein the first orifice 110, the second orifice 112, and the gas inlet 116 constitute the points of the "T" shape connected by the cavity 114. The first orifice 110 of the body 102 is operably arranged to receive the gas nozzle 104; the second orifice 112 is operably arranged to receive the fuel pipe 106; and the gas inlet 116 is operably arranged to be connected to a gas source (not shown), that is, to a first gas source 118 (e.g., Figure 6The first orifice 110 and the second orifice 112 each have an inner circumference with threads. These threads can have various thread counts (i.e., the number of threads per inch) and can vary from a low thread count with the advantage of lower manufacturing cost at the expense of precision to a high thread count with the advantage of high precision and the disadvantage of increased manufacturing cost.

[0040] Although the gas inlet 116 is shown in the figures as an orifice centered on the body 102, it should be understood that the gas inlet 116 may be any orifice sufficient to deliver an appropriate volume of the first gas 118 (eg, Figure 6 The first gas 118 may be supplied to the body 102 (as shown) and subsequently to the gas nozzle 104 in any form. In an exemplary embodiment, the first gas 118 is oxygen or a gas mixture that is mostly oxygen. It should be understood that other gas mixtures may also be used, such as gas mixtures containing oxygen or any other gaseous oxidant that supports the combustion process.

[0041] The gas nozzle 104 includes a first end 120 and a second end 122. The first end 120 has an outer circumferential surface with threads machined thereon. The threads on the outer circumferential surface of the first end 120 of the gas nozzle 104 are arranged to engage with threads on the inner circumferential surface of the first orifice 110 of the body 102. These threads can have various thread counts (i.e., the number of threads per inch) and can vary from a low thread count with the advantage of lower manufacturing cost at the expense of precision to a high thread count with the advantage of high precision and the disadvantage of increased manufacturing cost. The second end 122 of the gas nozzle 104 is arranged so that it terminates or cuts off at a first distance FD measured from the first orifice 110 along a first direction DR1 relative to the body 102. It should be understood that the threads on the outer circumferential surface of the first end 120 of the gas nozzle 104 are arranged so that a precise distance, i.e., the first distance FD from the first orifice 110, can be set. In addition, the gas nozzle 104 further includes a through hole (i.e., a first through hole 124) arranged to extend from the first end 120 to the second end 122 along the length of the gas nozzle 104. The first through hole 124 has a first nozzle diameter ND1, so that the first gas 118 (e.g., the first through hole 124) entering the cavity 114 of the body 102 via the gas inlet 116 is Figure 6 The first gas 118 (as shown) can flow through the first through hole 124 and out of the second end 122. Figure 6 The flow rate (as shown) is in the range of 0.5-10.0 ft / sec.

[0042] The fuel pipe 106 includes a first end 126 and a second end 128. The first end 126 has an outer circumferential surface with threads machined thereon. The threads on the outer circumferential surface of the first end 126 of the fuel pipe 106 are configured to engage with threads on the inner circumferential surface of the second orifice 112 of the body 102. These threads can have various thread counts (i.e., the number of threads per inch) and can vary from a low thread count that has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs at the expense of precision to a high thread count that has the advantage of high precision and the disadvantage of increased manufacturing costs. The fuel pipe 106 also includes a second through hole 130, which is arranged in the fuel pipe 106 and is located between the first end 126 and the second end 128 of the fuel pipe 106. In addition, the first end 126 of the fuel pipe 106 is arranged to be fluidly connected to a fuel source (not shown), for example, to a first fuel source 132 (at Figure 6 The first fuel 132 (in Figure 6 The second through hole 130 is arranged so that the first fuel 132 (shown in FIG. 1 ) can be selected from: methane, propane, butane, hydrogen, natural gas, carbon monoxide, or any other gas fuel that can self-ignite at high temperature. Figure 6 ) can flow through the second through hole 130 and out of the second end 128. When engaged with the second aperture 112 of the body 102, the fuel tube 106 is substantially within the cavity 114 of the body 102 and is concentric with the gas nozzle 104.

[0043] The second end 128 further includes a positioning member 134. The positioning member 134 is used to suspend the fuel pipe 106, set the orientation of the fuel pipe 106 and / or center it so that the fuel pipe 106 is substantially concentric with the inner circumference of the first through hole 124. The positioning member 134 includes a plurality of support members extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the fuel pipe 106, wherein each support member contacts and engages with the inner circumference of the first through hole 124. The plurality of support members include a first support member 136, a second support member 138 (in Figure 1 ), the third support member 140 (in Figure 1 ), and an optional fourth support member 142. In one example, the positioning member 134 includes three support members, namely, a first support member 136, a second support member 138 (in Figure 1 ) and a third support member 140 (shown in Figure 1 ), each support member extends radially from the outer circumferential surface of the fuel pipe 106 and is equally spaced around the outer circumference of the fuel pipe 106, that is, substantially 120 degrees apart from each other around the outer circumference of the fuel pipe 106. In one example, the positioning member 134 includes four support members, namely, a first support member 136, a second support member 138 (in Figure 1 ), the third support member 140 (in Figure 1) and fourth support members 142, each of which extends radially from the outer circumferential surface of the fuel tube 106 and is equally spaced around the outer circumference of the fuel tube 106, that is, substantially 90 degrees apart from each other around the outer circumference of the fuel tube 106. It should be understood that any configuration of radially extending support members sufficient to suspend the fuel tube 106 substantially concentrically with the first through hole 124 is contemplated herein.

[0044] In addition, the second end 128 of the fuel pipe 106 has an orifice arranged to receive the fuel nozzle body 146 of the fuel nozzle 108, that is, the third orifice 144. The third orifice 144 has an inner circumferential surface arranged to engage with the first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146, as described below. The inner circumferential surface of the third orifice 144 has threads machined thereon. These threads can also have various thread counts (i.e., the number of threads per inch), and can vary from a low thread count with the advantage of lower manufacturing cost at the expense of precision to a high thread count with the advantage of high precision and the disadvantage of increased manufacturing cost. It should be understood that in the event of damage to the fuel nozzle 108 or a different nozzle diameter or length required for a specific application, this threaded connection makes the fuel nozzle 108 easy to replace.

[0045] Should refer to Figure 2 and Figures 3A-3C Read the following description. The fuel nozzle 108 has a fuel nozzle body 146 (in Figure 3A ). The fuel nozzle body 146 (shown in Figure 3A 148 and 150. The first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146 is arranged to engage with the third orifice 144 of the second end 128 of the fuel tube 106 and be removably fixed thereto. The fuel nozzle body 146 also includes a third through hole 152, which is substantially concentric with the second through hole 130 of the fuel tube 106. As described below, the third through hole 152 terminates at the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146 and has a second nozzle diameter ND2. The second nozzle diameter ND2 is selected so that the first fuel 132 (at Figure 6 The first fuel 132 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may flow through the second through hole 130 and the third through hole 152 and out of the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146. Figure 6 ) in the range of 30.0-330.0 ft / sec.

[0046] When the first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146 is engaged with the third orifice 144 of the fuel tube 106 and the first end 126 of the fuel tube 106 is engaged with the second orifice 112 of the body 102, the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146 is arranged to terminate or end at a second distance SD from the first orifice 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the first distance FD is less than the second distance SD. In other words, the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146 extends to a position beyond the second end 122 of the gas nozzle 104. In an example, the second distance SD is 0.0-1.0 inches greater than the first distance FD. This arrangement can prevent the first gas 118 (at Figure 6 ) and the first fuel 132 (in Figure 6 ) are mixed and ignited until the first gas 118 (in Figure 6 ) and the first fuel 132 (shown in Figure 6 ) are all outside the burner assembly, i.e., in the mixing zone 174 (in Figure 6 ). It should be understood that in a preferred embodiment, the gas nozzle 104 and the fuel nozzle 108 are made of stainless steel, or are bored and machined from solid stainless steel billets. Previous forehearth burners used Inconel materials to gain the ability to withstand higher operating temperatures; however, due to the advantages of the present burner assembly, the nozzles can be made of stainless steel because combustion occurs substantially or entirely outside of the gas nozzle 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas nozzle 104 is made of 303 or 304 grade stainless steel and the fuel nozzle is made of 310 grade stainless steel. Therefore, one potential advantage over previous assemblies is that because steel is cheaper to obtain and machine, the assemblies discussed in the present disclosure are less expensive to manufacture than previous versions using Inconel.

[0047] Figures 3A-3C A side elevation view, a cross-sectional side elevation view, and a front view, respectively, of a fuel nozzle 108 of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 3C is taken from the perspective of the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146. Figures 3A-3C As shown, in one example of the fuel nozzle 108, the fuel nozzle body 146 includes at least a first body portion 154 and a second body portion 156. The first body portion 154 is arranged near the first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146 and has a first outer diameter OD1. The second body portion 156 is arranged near the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146 and has a second outer diameter OD2. A first outer transition surface 164 is provided between the first body portion 154 and the second body portion 156, and the first outer transition surface transitions the outer surface of the fuel nozzle body 146 from the first outer diameter OD1 to the second outer diameter OD2.

[0048] The third through hole 152 of the fuel nozzle body 146 further includes a first portion 160 and a second portion 162. The first portion 160 of the third through hole 152 is arranged near the first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146, and the second portion 162 of the third through hole 152 is arranged near the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146. The first portion 160 of the third through hole 152 has a first inner diameter ID1 (not shown), and the second portion 162 of the third through hole 152 has a second inner diameter ID2 (not shown). A first inner transition surface 168 is provided between the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 of the third through hole 152, and the first inner transition surface transitions the inner surface of the third through hole 152 from the first inner diameter ID1 (not shown) to the second inner diameter ID2 (not shown).

[0049] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a combustor assembly 100 of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The embodiment shown is basically the same as Figure 2 The embodiments shown are similar with only a few changes. For example, Figure 4 It is shown that the first end 120 of the gas nozzle 104 may also include a stopper 170, which is arranged to prevent the aforementioned threads from further rotationally engaging within the inner circumferential surface of the first orifice 110. Similarly, the first end 126 of the fuel pipe 106 also has a stopper 170, which is arranged to prevent the aforementioned threads from further rotationally engaging on the inner circumferential surface of the second orifice 112. The stopper 170 creates a precise stop point for the gas nozzle 104 and the fuel pipe 106, so that the first distance FD and the second distance SD can be set with high precision. In addition, although not shown, it should be understood that the connection between the gas nozzle 104 and the first orifice 110 and the connection between the fuel pipe 106 and the second orifice 112 can be threaded. In addition, Figure 4 It is also shown that the gas nozzle 104 and the fuel nozzle 108 may terminate together at an equal distance from the first aperture 110 of the body 102 , ie, the first distance FD and the second distance SD are substantially equal. This arrangement also allows the first gas 118 and the first fuel 132 to mix outside the gas nozzle 104 .

[0050] Figures 5A-5C An exemplary embodiment of a fuel nozzle 108 having a fuel nozzle body 146 is shown. Figures 5A-5CAs shown, the fuel nozzle body 146 may include a first body portion 154, a second body portion 156, and a third body portion 158. The first body portion 154 is arranged near the first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146 and has a first outer diameter OD1. The second body portion 156 is arranged near the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146 and has a second outer diameter OD2. The third body portion 158 is arranged between the first body portion 154 and the second body portion 156 and has a third outer diameter OD3, wherein OD3 is less than OD1 but greater than OD2. A first outer transition surface 164 is provided between the first body portion 154 and the third body portion 158, and the first outer transition surface transitions the outer surface of the fuel nozzle body 146 from the first outer diameter OD1 to the third outer diameter OD3. A second outer transition surface 166 is provided between the third body portion 158 and the second body portion 156, and the second outer transition surface transitions the outer surface of the fuel nozzle body 146 from the third outer diameter OD3 to the second outer diameter OD2.

[0051] In addition, the third through hole 152 of the fuel nozzle body 146 further includes a first portion 160 and a second portion 162. The first portion 160 of the third through hole 152 is arranged near the first end 148 of the fuel nozzle body 146, and the second portion 162 of the third through hole 152 is arranged near the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146. The first portion 160 of the third through hole 152 has a first inner diameter ID1 (not shown), and the second portion 162 of the third through hole 152 has a second inner diameter ID2 (not shown). A first inner transition surface 168 is provided between the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 of the third through hole 152, and the first inner transition surface transitions the inner surface of the third through hole 152 from the first inner diameter ID1 (not shown) to the second inner diameter ID2 (not shown).

[0052] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the burner assembly 100 during operation is shown. Figure 1-6Read the following exemplary description. During operation, a first gas source connected to the gas inlet 116 provides a first gas 118, which flows through the gas inlet 116 into the cavity 114 of the body 102 of the combustor assembly 100. The cavity 114 has sufficient capacity to receive the first gas 118 and pass it through the first orifice 110, around the space occupied by the fuel pipe 106 and the fuel nozzle 108, into the first end 120 of the gas nozzle 104, along the first through hole 124 of the gas nozzle 104, and out of the second end 122 of the gas nozzle 104. At the same time, a fuel source (not shown) connected to the fuel pipe 106 provides a first fuel 132, which flows from the first end 126 of the fuel pipe 106 through the second through hole 130 to the second end 128 of the fuel pipe 106, into the third through hole 152 of the fuel nozzle 108, and out into the mixing area 174. Once the first gas 118 is mixed with the first fuel 132, the temperature experienced in the mixing region 174 is sufficient to cause the gas-fuel mixture to autoignite, which creates combustion 176 conditions for the burner assembly. Importantly, due to the location of the external mixing region 174, a number of advantages are achieved. First, because the gases are not mixed within the gas nozzle 104, there is less flameout / flashback with this arrangement. In addition, because the combustion occurs outside the burner assembly, the entire assembly, including the gas nozzle 104, experiences lower operating temperatures and the overall failure rate of the assembly is also lower. It should be understood that, although not shown, an igniter can be provided so that the combustion 176 does not rely on automatic ignition as described herein.

[0053] As described above, the flow rate of the first gas 118 is in the range of 0.5-10.0 feet per second. The flow rate of the first fuel 132 is in the range of 17.5-450.0 feet per second. Therefore, the ratio of the flow rate of the first gas 118 to the flow rate of the first fuel 132 is between 1:35-1:45. This difference in flow rate allows for a wider / broader turndown ratio during operation, such as 10:1, compared to previous burners, which had a turndown ratio closer to 3:1 or 4:1. This difference in flow rate is a result of the difference in diameter of the end of the gas nozzle 104 and the end of the fuel nozzle 108. The flow rate of the first fuel 132 depends on the diameter of the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146. The flow rate of the first gas 118 depends on the difference in the diameter of the second end 150 of the fuel nozzle body 146 minus the diameter of the second end 122 of the gas nozzle 104.

[0054] Although multiple embodiments are described and shown herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art can easily conceive of a variety of other devices and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the effects and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each of such changes and / or modifications should be considered to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More broadly, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are exemplary, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations depend on the specific application of the teachings of this article. It should be recognized or determined by those skilled in the art that many equivalent forms of the specific innovative embodiments described herein can be obtained only through routine experiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplary only, and that, within the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents, innovative embodiments different from the embodiments specifically described and claimed herein can be implemented. The innovative embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each specific feature, system, object, material and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, objects, materials and / or methods may be made as long as such features, systems, objects, materials and / or methods are not inconsistent with each other, but any such combination is included within the scope of the invention of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A burner assembly (100), comprising: A main body (102), the main body comprising: a first orifice (110); a second orifice (112); a cavity (114) disposed between the first orifice and the second orifice; and a gas inlet (116) in fluid communication with the cavity; and A gas nozzle (104), the gas nozzle comprising: a first end (120); a second end (122) terminating at a first distance (FD) from the first orifice of the body; and a first through hole (124) disposed between a first end of the gas nozzle and a second end of the gas nozzle, the first end of the gas nozzle being removably secured to the first aperture of the body; and A fuel pipe (106) is arranged in the cavity of the main body, the fuel pipe comprising: a first end (126) removably secured to the second aperture; a second end (128) arranged to terminate within the first through hole of the gas nozzle; and a locating member (134) disposed adjacent the second end of the fuel tube and arranged to align the fuel tube substantially concentrically with the first through hole of the gas nozzle; and a fuel nozzle (108) removably secured to the second end of the fuel tube, the fuel nozzle terminating at a second distance (SD) from the first orifice of the body, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance, the fuel nozzle further comprising: A fuel nozzle body (146) comprising: a first end (148); a second end (150); a first body portion (154) proximate a first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first body portion having a first outer diameter (OD1); and a second body portion (156) proximate a second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second body portion having a second outer diameter (OD2); wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, and Therein, the arrangement of the gas nozzle and the fuel nozzle prevents the first gas from mixing with the first fuel until the first gas and the first fuel exit the burner assembly.

2. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein: The fuel pipe positioning member includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a third supporting member.

3. The burner assembly of claim 2, wherein: The first support member, the second support member, and the third member are disposed around an outer surface of the fuel pipe.

4. The burner assembly of claim 3, wherein: The first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are arranged around the outer surface of the fuel pipe at intervals of approximately 120 degrees from each other.

5. The burner assembly of claim 2, further comprising a fourth support member, wherein: The first support member, the second support member, the third support member, and the fourth support member are arranged around the outer surface of the fuel pipe at intervals of approximately 90 degrees from each other.

6. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein: The fuel nozzle body also includes a third through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the third through hole having a first portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the third through hole having a first inner diameter; and the third through hole having a second portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the third through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

7. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein: The fuel nozzle body comprises: a third body portion disposed between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body, the third body portion having a third outer diameter; The first outer diameter is greater than the third outer diameter, and the third outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.

8. The burner assembly of claim 7, wherein: The fuel nozzle body also includes a third through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the third through hole having a first portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the third through hole having a first inner diameter; and the third through hole having a second portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the third through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

9. The burner assembly of claim 8, wherein: The fuel nozzle body also includes a first outer transition surface, a second outer transition surface, and a first inner transition surface, the first outer transition surface is arranged between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body; the second outer transition surface is arranged between the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body; and the first inner transition surface is arranged between the first portion of the third through hole and the second portion of the third through hole.

10. A burner assembly comprising: The subject includes: First orifice; Second orifice; a cavity disposed between the first orifice and the second orifice; and a gas inlet in fluid communication with the cavity; and A gas nozzle, the gas nozzle comprising: First end; a second end terminating at a first distance from the first aperture of the body; and a first through hole disposed between a first end of the gas nozzle and a second end of the gas nozzle, the first end of the gas nozzle being removably secured to the first aperture of the body; and A fuel pipe disposed within the cavity of the main body, the fuel pipe comprising: a first end removably secured to the second aperture; a second end arranged to terminate within the first through hole of the gas nozzle; and a locating member disposed adjacent the second end of the fuel pipe and arranged to bring the fuel pipe substantially concentric with the first through hole of the gas nozzle; and a fuel nozzle removably secured to the second end of the fuel tube, the fuel nozzle terminating at a second distance from the first orifice of the body, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance, the fuel nozzle further comprising: A fuel nozzle body comprising: First end; The second end; a first body portion proximate the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first body portion having a first outer diameter; and a second body portion proximate the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second body portion having a second outer diameter; wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, and Therein, the arrangement of the gas nozzle and the fuel nozzle prevents the first gas from mixing with the first fuel until the first gas and the first fuel exit the burner assembly.

11. The burner assembly of claim 10, wherein: The fuel pipe positioning member includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a third supporting member.

12. The burner assembly of claim 11, wherein: The first support member, the second support member, and the third member are disposed around an outer surface of the fuel pipe.

13. The burner assembly of claim 12, wherein: The first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are arranged around the outer surface of the fuel pipe at intervals of approximately 120 degrees from each other.

14. The burner assembly of claim 11, further comprising a fourth support member, wherein: The first support member, the second support member, the third support member, and the fourth support member are arranged around the outer surface of the fuel pipe at intervals of approximately 90 degrees from each other.

15. The burner assembly of claim 10, wherein: The fuel nozzle body also includes a third through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the third through hole having a first portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the third through hole having a first inner diameter; and the third through hole having a second portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the third through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

16. The burner assembly of claim 10, wherein: The fuel nozzle body comprises: a third body portion disposed between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body, the third body portion having a third outer diameter; The first outer diameter is greater than the third outer diameter, and the third outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.

17. The burner assembly of claim 16, wherein: The fuel nozzle body also includes a third through hole arranged between the first end of the fuel nozzle body and the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the third through hole having a first portion near the first end of the fuel nozzle body, the first portion of the third through hole having a first inner diameter; and the third through hole having a second portion near the second end of the fuel nozzle body, the second portion of the third through hole having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

18. The burner assembly of claim 17, wherein: The fuel nozzle body also includes a first outer transition surface, a second outer transition surface, and a first inner transition surface, the first outer transition surface is arranged between the first body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body; the second outer transition surface is arranged between the third body portion of the fuel nozzle body and the second body portion of the fuel nozzle body; and the first inner transition surface is arranged between the first portion of the third through hole and the second portion of the third through hole.

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