A burner for a furnace

Abstract

The present invention relates to a burner (1000) for a furnace (1900), wherein the burner (1000) comprises a first outer channel element (1110), a second outer channel element (1120), and an inner channel element (1130); wherein the first outer channel element (1110) comprises a wall (1111) defining a respective inner volume (1112) with a respective front end (1113) and a respective rear end (1114); wherein the second outer channel element (1120) comprises a wall (1121) defining a respective inner volume (1122) with a respective front end (1123) and a respective rear end (1124); and wherein the inner channel element (1130) comprises a wall (1131) defining a respective inner volume (1132); wherein the second outer channel element (1120) is inserted through the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) such that the second outer channel element (1120) protrudes at least partially in axial direction through the front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110), such that the respective inner volume (1112) of the first outer channel element (1120) is in fluid connection with the respective inner volume (1122) of the second outer channel element (1120)to form an outer fluid channel; wherein the inner channel element (1130) is inserted through the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) such that the inner channel element (1130) is arranged inside the outer fluid channel protruding at least partially in axial direction from the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) and extending to the respective front end (1123) of the second outer channel element (1120) such that the inner volume (1132) of the inner channel element (1130) forms an inner fluid channel.

Description

[0001] P40211-EP

[0002] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0003] 1

[0004] Description

[0005] A burner for a furnace

[0006] The present invention relates to a burner for a furnace and to a furnace with such a burner.

[0007] Background of the invention

[0008] Burners or feed injectors can be used in furnaces for example for a partial oxidation process (POx) of a fuel comprising hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas, residual oil, coal etc., using an oxidant or an oxygen-comprising fluid, e.g. air, pure oxygen or a mixture thereof. A corresponding burner can comprise one or several annular channels for supplying one or several fluids of that kind. A burner of that kind can be exposed to high temperatures, high pressure, and a corrosive atmosphere, in particular to a metal dusting atmosphere, wherein metal dusting is a complex form of high-temperature corrosion. It is desirable to provide an improved burner, which can better withstand these kinds of loads.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a burner for a furnace and to a furnace with such a burner with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments and advantages form the subject-matter of the dependent claims and of the subsequent description.

[0011] The burner is particularly a jet type burner or feed injector configured to perform a combustion process, e.g. a full oxidation process or a partial oxidation process (POx). The furnace can for example be process furnace, a reactor, a fire box, etc. For example, the furnace can be provided for performing a chemical process, e.g. a process for carrying out a chemical reaction, for heating a medium, for melting a medium, etc.

[0012] The burner comprises a first outer channel element, a second outer channel element, and an inner channel element. The first outer channel element and the second outer channel element are particularly provided as modular elements, which can togetherP40211-EP

[0013] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0014] 2

[0015] form a first, outer fluid channel for providing a first fluid needed for the combustion process. The inner channel element is particularly provided to form a second, inner fluid channel inside the outer fluid cannel for providing a second fluid needed for the combustion process.

[0016] The first outer channel element comprises a wall defining a respective inner volume, especially a cylindrical volume or at least partially cylindrical in an axial direction, with a respective front end in axial direction and a respective rear end in axial direction.

[0017] Correspondingly, the second outer channel element comprises a wall defining a respective inner volume, especially a cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical volume, with a respective front end in axial direction and a respective rear end in axial direction. Correspondingly, the inner channel element comprises a wall defining a respective inner volume, especially a cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical volume, with a respective front end in axial direction and a respective rear end in axial direction. This nomenclature of a respective front end and a respective rear end of the respective channel element is particularly to be understood in relation to a fluid direction of fluids provided to the assembled burner, wherein a respective fluid is directed towards the front end of the respective channel.

[0018] The second outer channel element is inserted or configured to be inserted through the respective rear end of the first outer channel element such that the second outer channel element protrudes at least partially in axial direction through the front end of the first outer channel element. The second outer channel element is especially configured to be moved in axial direction inside the first outer channel element, i.e. inside the respective inner volume of the first outer channel element. Particularly, the second outer channel element is configured to be inserted through the respective rear end of the first outer channel element and moved axially inside the first outer channel element until at least the front end of the second outer channel element protrudes out of the front end of the first outer channel element. Particularly, the rear end of the second outer channel element remains inside the first outer channel element and can be fixed relative to the first outer channel element. The dimensions of the first outer channel element, especially the diameter of its inner volume, are expediently provided such that the second outer channel element can correspondingly be inserted and moved inside the first outer channel element. The second outer channel element is particularly provided as an insert inside the first outer channel element.P40211-EP

[0019] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0020] 3

[0021] Further, the second outer channel element is inserted or configured to be inserted through the respective rear end of the first outer channel element such that the respective inner volume of the first outer channel element is in fluid connection with the respective inner volume of the second outer channel element to form an outer fluid channel. This outer fluid channel is particularly formed such that the respective first fluid can flow through the inner volume of the first outer channel element and through the inner volume of the second outer channel element and such that the respective fluid can exit the outer fluid channel through the respective front end of the second outer channel element.

[0022] The inner channel element is inserted or configured to be inserted through the respective rear end of the first outer channel element such that the inner channel element is arranged inside the outer fluid channel protruding at least partially in axial direction from the respective rear end of the first outer channel element and extending to the respective front end of the second outer channel element such that the inner volume of the inner channel element forms an inner fluid channel. Particularly, the inner channel element is arranged at the entire axial distance from the respective rear end of the first outer channel element to the respective front end of the second outer channel element. Particularly, the respective front end of the inner channel element can be arranged at or adjacent to or in the vicinity of the front end of the second outer channel element. The respective rear end of the inner channel element can for example be arranged inside or outside the first outer channel element. The inner channel element is therefore at least partially arranged inside the inner volume of the first outer channel element and inside the inner volume of the second outer channel element. The inner fluid channel is therefore especially arranged inside the outer fluid channel and is especially surrounded by the outer fluid channel. This inner fluid channel is particularly formed such that the respective second fluid can flow through the inner volume of the inner channel element and can exit through the respective front end of the inner channel element.

[0023] The respective front end of the second outer channel element is particularly provided as a burner tip and particularly comprises a burner tip geometry or burner tip form, e.g. a conical form. Particularly, the combustion process can be performed at the respective front end of the second outer channel element. The respective front end of the innerP40211-EP

[0024] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0025] 4

[0026] channel element can for especially also comprises a tip geometry or tip form, e.g. a conical form.

[0027] The present invention therefore provides a modular or split burner design. Particularly, the outer burner shell is split into two different parts, i.e. the first and second outer channel element. This modular, split-piece design allows to provide one of the burner shell parts inside the furnace and the other one outside the furnace. One of the shell parts, particularly the first outer channel element, can particularly be configured to be provided outside of furnace. The other one of the shell parts, particularly the second outer channel part, can particularly be configured to be inserted into the furnace. The inner channel element can particularly be provided as a modular injection lance. As this injection lance is to be arranged inside the outer channel elements, the lance be shielded or protected from the furnace atmosphere by means of the outer channel elements.

[0028] The different outer channel elements can be constructed individually and independently from each other with individual properties in order to optimally withstand the corresponding conditions inside or outside of the furnace. For example, the different outer channel elements can be manufactured from different materials and with different geometrical properties, e.g. with a different wall thickness. For example, the second outer channel part to be inserted into the furnace might not be exposed to high pressures, whereas the first outer channel part can be exposed to high pressures. For example, the second outer channel part can at most be exposed to a pressure difference of a fluid over the injection nozzle, i.e. the inner channel element. Therefore, the second outer channel part can particularly be provided as a non-pressure-bearing or low-pressure-bearing part, but the first outer channel element can particularly be provided as a pressure-bearing part.

[0029] Furthermore, the outer channel elements and the inner channel element can individually and easily be replaced independently of each other. For example, as the second outer channel element configured for being inserted into the furnace might be exposed to a corrosive, damaging atmosphere inside the furnace, this second outer channel element can easily be replaced. Further, the inner channel element provided as modular injection lance can be replaced independent of the outer channel elements. The invention therefore can yield low costs of spare parts and fast replacement, e.g.P40211-EP

[0030] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0031] 5

[0032] since the part of the burner inserted inside the furnace can easily and individually be replaced.

[0033] As the second outer channel element might not be exposed to high pressures inside the furnace, but to high temperatures, the second outer channel part can expediently be designed with a small wall thickness and made from a high temperature resistant material. Thus, cooling by the fluid passing through the burner, expediently through the outer channel, can especially be sufficient to keep the second outer channel part at an acceptable operating temperature without an additional cooling system, e.g. without a water-cooling system. Further, a purge fluid, which might be used during burner operation, might suffice to keep the second outer channel part burner at the acceptable operating temperature.

[0034] Conventionally, due to high preheat temperature of the feed and high temperature at the tip of burners for partial oxidation, burners can for example be water-cooled to keep the metal temperature below metal dusting temperature. For example, this kind of water-cooling can be achieved either by a cooling jacket or by cooling coils. A cooling jacket of that kind can for example be provided as a cavity inside the wall of the burner for flowing or conducting water through the burner wall. Cooling coils can for example also be provided inside the burner wall for flowing water through the burner wall.

[0035] However, water cooled burners of that kind are usually made from metal, which is kept or tried to be kept below metal dusting temperature by the cooling water. For early detection of leaks in the cooling water system, the pressure in the cooling water system can be kept low, which along with thermal elongation can result in high stress of the metal parts. As a result, this can increase the wall thickness of the metal parts, which in turn can increase the metal temperature further. A cooling water system can add additional cost and complexity to engineering and operation of plants with water cooled burners. In contrast to that, the burner according to the present invention especially requires no additional cooling system in order to withstand high temperatures.

[0036] Conventionally, uncooled burners without additional cooling system oftentimes require a refractory block cast around or attached to the burner, wherein this refractory block can withstand the temperature in the furnace. However, if this refractory block gets damaged, the whole burner assembly might have to e be replaced. The damaged block might then have to be removed and a new block might have to be cast for replacement.P40211-EP

[0037] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0038] 6

[0039] In contrast to that, the burner according to the present invention especially requires no refractory blocks of that kind in order to withstand high temperatures.

[0040] The present invention therefore provides a burner design, which can withstand high temperatures, high pressure, and a corrosive atmosphere of the furnace. The burner particularly requires no cooling system and yields low capital expenditure (CAPEX) and low operating expense (OPEX). The invention provides a simple and reliable burner setup, which is easy to design, to handle, and to install.

[0041] The invention further refers to a furnace with at least one burner according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of these burners is particularly arranged at the furnace such that the respective first outer channel element is provided outside of the furnace and that the respective second outer channel element is provided at least partially in axial direction inside the furnace. Embodiments and advantages of the burner according to the invention and of the furnace according to the invention shall arise from the present description in an analogous manner.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the first outer channel element is configured to be connected with or attached to the furnace, especially with a wall of the furnace, such that the first outer channel element is arranged outside the furnace and such that the second outer channel element is arranged at least partially in axial direction inside the furnace. The first outer channel element can particularly be arranged entirely outside the furnace. Particularly, the respective front end of the first outer channel element can be configured to be connected with or attached to the furnace. As the second outer channel element protrudes through this front end of the first outer channel element, the second outer channel element can be inserted into the furnace through this front end of the first outer channel element. Especially, at least the front end of the second outer channel element is arranged inside the furnace. Especially, at least 50% of the second outer channel element in axial direction from its front end to its rear end can be arranged inside the furnace, further especially at least 75%, further especially at least 90%, further especially at least 95%. The second outer channel element can therefore especially be provided as a burner insert or burner module to be inserted into the furnace. The first outer channel element can especially be provided as a burner module to be fixed relative to the outside of the furnace. This modular design expediently allows to construct the first and second outer channel element independently from eachP40211-EP

[0043] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0044] 7

[0045] other with individual properties in order to optimally withstand the corresponding conditions inside or outside of the furnace.

[0046] According to an embodiment, a connection means is provided at the respective front end of the first outer channel element configured to be connected with or attached to the furnace. For example, this connection means can be provided as a flange element. The connection means can for example be connected with or attached to a corresponding connection means provided at the furnace, especially a corresponding flange element provided at the furnace.

[0047] According to an embodiment, a support element is provided at the respective front end of the first outer channel element. The respective rear end of the second outer channel element rests on this support element or is seated on this support element or abuts against this support element. This support element can for example be provided as a frame or a socket or a circumferential surface. Therefore, the second outer channel element protrudes especially almost entirely through the front end of the first outer channel element, such that at least the rear end of the second outer channel element remains in the first outer channel element. By means of the support element, the second outer channel element can especially be fixed relative to the first outer channel element.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the support element is provided at the connection means at the respective front end of the first outer channel element. For example, the support element can be provided as a supporting surface, e.g. a frame, socket or circumferential surface, machined into the flange, which in configured to connect the first outer channel element with the furnace. The respective connection means, especially the respective flange element, can therefore especially be provided both for connecting the first outer channel element to the furnace and for fixing the second outer channel element relative to the first outer channel element.

[0049] According to an embodiment, a gasket element is provided between the first outer channel element and the second outer channel element, particularly between the respective rear end of the second outer channel element and the respective front end of the first outer channel element. By means of this gasket element, the respective inner volume of the first outer channel element and the respective inner volume secondP40211-EP

[0050] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0051] 8

[0052] outer channel element, i.e. especially the outer fluid channel, can be sealed against the furnace. Expediently, the gasket element can be provided between the respective rear end of the second outer channel element and the support element. The second outer channel element can thus e.g. be seated with the gasket element.

[0053] According to an embodiment, a biasing element or pressing force element, especially a spring element, is provided in the respective inner volume of the first outer channel element configured to apply a pressing force to the second outer channel element. Particularly, by means of this pressing force element, the second outer channel element can be pressed against the first outer channel element, especially the rear end of the second outer channel element can be pressed against the support element, such that second outer channel element can be fixed relative to the first outer channel element. Furthermore, different thermal elongations can especially be compensated by means of this biasing element or pressing force element.

[0054] According to an embodiment, a pressing force transferring element is provided in the respective inner volume of the first outer channel element between the biasing element or pressing force element and the respective rear end of the second outer channel element. This pressing force transferring element is configured to transfer the pressing force generated by the pressing force element to the second outer channel element. For example, this pressing force transferring element can be provided as a pipe or as a keyed pipe or a pipe shaped extension, e.g. arranged at the wall of the first outer channel element. For example, the pressing force element can be provided at the respective rear end of the first outer channel element, e.g. as a spring provided at this rear end. The second outer channel element can particularly be pressed against the support element by means of the pressing force transferring element provided as pipe shaped extension with the pressing force element provided as a spring at the end of this pipe shaped extension.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the inner channel element is connected with or coupled to or fixed to or attached to the first outer channel element at the respective rear end of the first outer channel element. For example, the first outer channel element can comprise a respective connection means, e.g. a respective flange element, for connecting the inner channel element and the first outer channel element with each other. This respective connection means, especially this respective flange element, canP40211-EP

[0056] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0057] 9

[0058] further be configured to seal the respective inner volume of the first outer channel element and thus to seal the outer fluid channel. The respective connection means can further especially be configured to compress the force element or spring element, such that the force element can generate the force to be applied to the second outer channel element. Particularly, the respective connection means, especially the respective flange element, compresses this spring so that enough force is transferred to the second outer channel element and to the gasket sealing the inner volumes of the outer channel elements against the furnace.

[0059] According to an embodiment, at least one suspension element, especially at least one eye lug, is provided at the second outer channel element, particularly at the respective rear end of the second outer channel element, for inserting the second outer channel element through the respective rear end of the first outer channel element and for removing the second outer channel element through the respective rear end of the first outer channel element. By means of these suspension elements, the second outer channel element can easily be lifted into and out of the first outer channel element. The second outer channel element can therefore easily be replaced independently of the first outer channel element and independently of the inner channel element.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the first outer channel element is configured to be connected with a first fluid supply for providing a first fluid to the outer fluid channel, i.e. to the inner volume of the first outer channel element and, by means of the respective fluid communication, also to the inner volume of the second outer channel element. For example, the first outer channel element can comprise a respective connection means, e.g. a respective flange element, configured to be connected with the first fluid supply. This respective connection means can for example be provided at the wall of the first outer channel element.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the inner channel element is configured to be connected with a second fluid supply for providing a second fluid to the inner fluid channel. For example, the inner channel element can protrude out of the first outer channel element through its rear end and can be connected with the second fluid supply outside of the first outer channel element.P40211-EP

[0062] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0063] 10

[0064] The first fluid and the second fluid can each be fluids needed for the combustion process, e.g. a fuel or an oxidizer. Particularly, the first fluid can be a first one of the fuel and the oxidizer, and the second fluid can be the other one of the fuel and the oxidizer.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the respective wall of the second outer channel element is manufactured of a material with a high temperature resistance. As the second outer channel element is at least partially provided inside the furnace, the second outer channel element can be exposed to high temperatures, especially to higher temperatures than the first outer channel element provided outside of the furnace, the wall of the second outer channel element is especially manufactured of a material with a higher temperature resistance than the wall of the first outer channel element. For example, the wall of the second outer channel element can be manufactured of an NDS material, i.e. nitride dispersion-strengthened, or an ODS material, i.e. an oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloy, e.g. a so called Kanthal APMT material. This Kanthal APMT materials is a powder metallurgical, dispersion strengthened, ferritic iron-chromium-aluminium alloy (FeCrAIMo alloy). Alternatively or additionally, the wall of the second outer channel element can e.g. be manufactured of a ceramic material, e.g. SiC, SiSiC, ZrO2, AI2O3, and / or of a ceramic matrix composite material, and / or of a metal material covered with ceramic refractory material.

[0066] According to an embodiment, a thickness of the respective wall of the second outer channel element is smaller than a thickness of the respective wall of the first outer channel element. As the second outer channel element, which is at least partially inserted into the furnace, is exposed to smaller pressures than the first outer channel element provided outside of the furnace, the wall of the first outer channel element is thicker in order to withstand the respective high pressures. The second outer channel element can therefore be manufactured with a small wall thickness, e.g. such that cooling by the fluid passing through the inner volume of the second outer channel element is enough to keep the second outer channel element at acceptable operating temperatures without additional cooling. The thickness of the wall of the second outer channel element can especially be smaller than 10 mm, especially smaller than 5 mm, especially in the range between 1 mm to 4 mm.P40211-EP

[0067] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0068] 11

[0069] According to an embodiment, the inner channel element is provided as a hot oxygen burner or as a lance from a hot oxygen burner. In a hot oxygen burner and thus in the inner channel element of that kind, a small amount of fuel can be injected into an oxygen stream e.g. using a thermal nozzle. This amount of fuel can be fully combusted to heat up the oxygen jet. This way, a high-temperature, reactive jet of leftover oxygen and combustion products can be generated by means of the inner channel element and injected into the furnace. By means of this high temperature, an injection velocity of the jet can be increased and a high momentum, turbulent mixing jet can be created.

[0070] According to an embodiment, each element of the first outer channel element, the second outer channel element, and the inner channel element is manufactured by means of a machining process or a sintering process or an additive manufacturing process. The modular design of the burner therefore allows to manufacture each of these modular elements by means of an individual, optimum manufacturing process, such that each of these elements can be manufactured with low costs and with optimum properties to withstand the respective loads.

[0071] Further advantages and developments of the invention are specified in the description and the associated drawings.

[0072] It goes without saying, that the features named above and still to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated respectively, but also in other combinations or in a stand-alone manner, without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0073] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawings on the basis of exemplary embodiments and will be described in detail in the following with reference to the drawings.

[0074] Description of drawings

[0075] Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a furnace according to the present invention comprising an embodiment of a burner according to the present invention in a sectional side view.P40211-EP

[0076] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0077] 12

[0078] Detailed description of the drawing

[0079] Fig. 1 schematically shows a furnace 1900 with a burner 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The burner 1000 can for example be a jet type burner or feed injector configured to perform a combustion process, e.g. a partial oxidation process (POx), of a fuel comprising hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas, residual oil, coal etc., using an oxidant, e.g. air, pure oxygen or a mixture thereof.

[0081] The furnace 1900 can for example be process furnace, a reactor, a fire box, etc. For example, the furnace 1900 can be provided for performing a chemical process, for heating a medium, for melting a medium, etc. For reasons of clarity, the furnace 1900 is not shown in its entirety in Fig. 1. Only a part of the wall 1930 of the furnace 1900 is shown in Fig. 1. An inside of the furnace 1900, i.e. an inner volume defined by this wall 1930, is referred to with reference sign 1920. An outside of the furnace 1900 is referred to with reference sign 1910.

[0082] The burner 1000 comprises a first outer channel element 1110, a second outer channel element 1120, and an inner channel element 1130. The first outer channel element 1110 and the second outer channel element 1120 are modular elements, which together form a first, outer fluid channel. The inner channel element 1130 is provided as a modular element, e.g. as an injection lance, to form a second, inner fluid channel inside the outer fluid cannel.

[0083] The first outer channel element 1110 comprises a wall 1111 defining a respective inner volume 1112, especially a cylindrical volume in an axial direction, with a respective front end 1113 in axial direction and a respective rear end 1114 in axial direction.

[0084] Correspondingly, the second outer channel element 1120 comprises a wall 1121 defining an especially cylindrical inner volume 1122 with a respective front end 1123 and a respective rear end 1124. Correspondingly, the inner channel element 1130 comprises a wall 1131 defining an especially cylindrical inner volume 1132 with a respective front end 1133 and a respective rear end 1134. The front end 1123 of the second outer channel element 1120 is particularly provided as a burner tip andP40211-EP

[0085] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0086] 13

[0087] particularly comprises a burner tip geometry or burner tip form, e.g. a conical form. The front end 1133 of the inner channel element 1130 can also comprise a conical form.

[0088] The second outer channel element 1120 is configured to be inserted through the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110, such that the second outer channel element 1120 protrudes at least partially in axial direction through the front end 1113 of the first outer channel element 1110. When inserted into the first outer channel element 1110, the inner volume 1112 of the first outer channel element 1110 and the inner volume 1122 of the second outer channel element 1120 are in fluid communication with each other and form an outer fluid channel.

[0089] The inner channel element 1130 is configured to be inserted through the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110 such that the inner channel element 1130 is arranged inside the outer fluid channel, i.e. inside the inner volume 1112 of the first outer channel element 1110 and inside the inner volume 1122 of the second outer channel element 1200, protruding from the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110 and extending to the front end 1123 of the second outer channel element 1120. When the inner channel element 1130 is correspondingly inserted, the inner volume 1132 of the inner channel element 1130 forms an inner fluid channel. This inner fluid channel is therefore arranged inside the outer fluid channel and is surrounded by the outer fluid channel.

[0090] The inserted inner channel element 1130 can be connected with the first outer channel element 1110 at the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110. For this purpose, a connection means 1220 can be provided at the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110. This connection means 1220 can be provided as a flange connection comprising a first flange element 1221 connected with the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110. This first flange element 1221 can be connected with a corresponding second flange element 1222. Furthermore, the outer fluid channel, i.e. the inner volume 1111 of the first outer channel element 1110 and the inner volume 1121 of the second outer channel element 1210, can be sealed against an outside atmosphere by means of this flange connection 1220.

[0091] The first outer channel element 1110 is configured to be connected with a first fluid supply for providing a first fluid to the outer fluid channel, i.e. to the inner volume 1112P40211-EP

[0092] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0093] 14

[0094] of the first outer channel element 1110 and the inner volume 1122 of the second outer channel element 1120. For this purpose, the first outer channel element 1110 can comprise a connection means 1230, e.g. a flange element, which is provided at the wall 1111 of the first outer channel element 1110 and which is configured to be connected with a corresponding flange element of the first fluid supply.

[0095] The inner channel element 1130 is configured to be connected with a second fluid supply for providing a second fluid to the inner fluid channel 1132. For example, the inner channel element 1130 can be connected with this second fluid supply at its rear end 1134 outside of the first outer channel element 1110. For example, the first fluid can be a first one of a fuel and an oxidizer. The second fluid can be the other one of the fuel and the oxidizer.

[0096] For example, the inner channel element 1130 can be provided as a hot oxygen burner or as a lance from a hot oxygen burner. In such an inner channel element 1130, a small amount of fuel can be injected into an oxygen stream, e.g. using a thermal nozzle. This amount of fuel can be fully combusted to heat up the oxygen jet. This way, the inner channel element 1130 can generate a high-temperature, reactive jet of leftover oxygen and combustion product and can inject the jet into furnace 1900. In this case, for example, the inner channel element 1130 can provide the respective jet as an oxidizer, whereas the first and second outer channel element 1110, 1120 can provide a fuel.

[0097] The modular, split-piece design of the burner 1000, especially the module design of the outer channel elements 1110, 1120, allows to provide one of the outer channel elements, particularly the first outer channel element 1100, at the outside 1910 of the furnace 1900 and the other one of the outer channel elements, particularly the second outer channel part 1120, at the inside 1920 of the furnace 1900. For this purpose, a connection means 1210, e.g. a flange element 1210, is provided at the front end 1113 of the first outer channel element 1110. This flange element 1210 configured to be connected with or attached to the furnace 1900, e.g. with a corresponding flange element 1940 provided at the wall 1930 of the furnace 1900. Thus, the first outer channel element 1110 can be provided outside 1910 of the furnace 1900, especially in its entirety. The second outer channel element 1120 can provided at the inside 1920 the furnace 1900 at least partially in axial direction. Particularly, at least the front endP40211-EP

[0098] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0099] 15

[0100] 1123 of the second outer channel element 1120, i.e. the burner tip, is arranged at the inside 1920 of the furnace 1900. For example, at least 50% of the second outer channel element 1120 from its front end 1123 to its rear end 1124 can be arranged inside 1920 the furnace 1900, especially at least 75%.

[0101] The rear end 1124 of the second outer channel element 1120 rests on a support element 1300 provided at the front end 1113 of the first outer channel element 1110. For example, this support element 1300 can be provided at the flange element 1210, e.g. as a frame, socket or circumferential surface of the flange element 1210.

[0102] A gasket element 1400 is provided between the first outer channel element 1110 and the second outer channel element 1120, especially between the rear end 1124 of the second outer channel element 1120 and the front end 1113 of the first outer channel element 1110. For example, this gasket element 1400 can be provided between the rear end 1124 of the second outer channel element 1120 and the support element 1300.

[0103] A biasing or pressing force element 1500, e.g. a spring element, is provided in the inner volume 1112 of the first outer channel element 1110 configured to apply a pressing force to the second outer channel element 1120, e.g. for compensating different thermal elongations. The pressing force element 1500 can be arranged at the rear end 1114 of the of the first outer channel element 1110. A pressing force transferring element 1510 is provided in the inner volume 1112 of the first outer channel element 1110 between the pressing force element 1500 and the rear end 1124 of the second outer channel element 1120 in order to transfer the pressing force generated by the pressing force element 1500 to the second outer channel element 1120. The pressing force transferring element 1510 can e.g. be provided as a pipe or as a keyed pipe or a pipe shaped extension arranged at the wall 1111 of the first outer channel element 1110. When the two flange elements 1221 and 1222 of the flange connection 1220 are connected with each other, the flange element 1222 can particularly compress the spring element 1500, such that the pressing force to be applied to the second outer channel element 1120 can be generated. The second outer channel element 1120 can then be pressed against the gasket 1400 and thus against the support element 1300 by means of the pressing force element 1500 and the pressing force transferring element 1510.P40211-EP

[0104] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0105] 16

[0106] At least one suspension element 1600, e.g. a number of eye lugs, is provided at the second outer channel element 1120, e.g. at the rear end 1124 of the second outer channel element 1120. By means of these eye lugs 1600, the second outer channel element 1120 can be lifted through and out of the rear end 1114 of the first outer channel element 1110.

[0107] The modular design of the burner 1000 allows to easily replace the channel elements 1110, 1120, 1130 independently of each other. As the second outer channel element 1120 can be exposed to a corrosive, damaging atmosphere at the inside 1920 of the furnace 1900, the second outer channel element 1120 can easily be replaced independently of the other channel elements 1110, 1130. The invention therefore yields low costs of spare parts and fast replacement.

[0108] For example, in order to replace the first outer channel element 1110, this element 1110 can be removed from the furnace 1900 together with the second outer channel element 1120 and the inner channel element 1130 or after the elements 1120 and 1130 have been removed. Then, a corresponding replacement for the removed first outer channel element 1110 can be reinstalled in the furnace 1900 together with the second outer channel element 1120 and the inner channel element 1130.

[0109] The modular design of the burner 1000 further allows to individually design and manufacture the different channel elements 1110, 11120, 1130 with individual properties in order to optimally withstand the corresponding conditions on the inside 1920 or the outside 1910 of the furnace 1900.

[0110] For example, as the second outer channel element 1120, which is at least partially provided at the inside 1920 of the furnace 1900, can be exposed to higher temperatures than the first outer channel element 1110, the wall 1121 of the second outer channel element 1120 can be manufactured of a material with a higher temperature resistance than the wall 1111 of the first outer channel element 1110. For example, the wall 1121 of the second outer channel element 1120 can be manufactured of an NDS or ODS alloy, a ceramic material, a ceramic matrix composite material or of a metal material covered with ceramic refractory material.P40211-EP

[0111] 16.01.2025 - Jing Lu

[0112] 17

[0113] Further, as the second outer channel element 1120 can be exposed to smaller pressures than the first outer channel element 1110, the wall 1111 of the first outer channel element 1110 can be thicker than the wall 1121 of the second outer channel element 1120 in order to withstand the higher pressures. For example, the thickness of the wall 1121 of the second outer channel element 1120 can be smaller than 10 mm, e.g. in the range between 1 mm to 4 mm. The second outer channel element 1120 can be manufactured with such a small wall thickness that cooling by the fluid passing through the inner volume 1122 of the second outer channel element 1120 is enough to keep the second outer channel element 1120 at an acceptable operating temperature without an additional cooling system.

[0114] The present invention therefore particularly provides a modular, split-piece design for a burner 1000, such that the burner 1000 can withstand high temperatures, high pressure, and a corrosive atmosphere and such that the burner 1000 particularly requires no additional cooling system. The invention particularly provides a simple and reliable burner setup, which is easy to design, to handle, and to install and which yields low capital expenditure (CAPEX) and low operating expense (OPEX).

Claims

1. P40211-EP16.01.2025 - Jing Lu18Patent Claims1. A burner (1000) for a furnace (1900), wherein the burner (1000) comprises a first outer channel element (1110), a second outer channel element (1120), and an inner channel element (1130);wherein the first outer channel element (1110) comprises a wall (1111) defining a respective inner volume (1112) with a respective front end (1113) and a respective rear end (1114); wherein the second outer channel element (1120) comprises a wall (1121) defining a respective inner volume (1122) with a respective front end (1123) and a respective rear end (1124); and wherein the inner channel element (1130) comprises a wall (1131) defining a respective inner volume (1132);wherein the second outer channel element (1120) is inserted through the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) such that the second outer channel element (1120) protrudes at least partially in axial direction through the front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110), such that the respective inner volume (1112) of the first outer channel element (1120) is in fluid connection with the respective inner volume (1122) of the second outer channel element (1120) to form an outer fluid channel;wherein the inner channel element (1130) is inserted through the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) such that the inner channel element (1130) is arranged inside the outer fluid channel protruding at least partially in axial direction from the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) and extending to the respective front end (1123) of the second outer channel element (1120) such that the inner volume (1132) of the inner channel element (1130) forms an inner fluid channel.

2. The burner (1000) according to claim 1 , wherein the first outer channel element (1110), particularly the respective front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110), is configured to be connected with the furnace such that the first outer channel element (1110) is arranged outside (1910) the furnace (1900) and such that the second outer channel element (1120) is arranged at least partially in axial direction inside (1920) the furnace (1900).P40211-EP16.01.2025 - Jing Lu193. The burner according to claim 2, wherein a connection means (1210), especially a flange element (1210), is provided at the respective front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110) configured to be connected with the furnace.

4. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a support element (1300) is provided at the respective front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110) and wherein the respective rear end (1124) of the second outer channel element (1120) rests on this support element (1300).

5. The burner (1000) according to claim 3 and 4, wherein the support element (1300) is provided at the connection means (1210) at the respective front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110).

6. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gasket element (1400) is provided between the first outer channel element (1110) and the second outer channel element (1120), particularly between the respective rear end (1124) of the second outer channel element (1120) and the respective front end (1113) of the first outer channel element (1110).

7. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a biasing element (1500), especially a spring element, is provided in the respective inner volume (1112) of the first outer channel element (1110) configured to apply a pressing force to the second outer channel element (1120).

8. The burner (1000) according to claim 7, wherein a pressing force transferring element (1510) is provided in the respective inner volume (1112) of the first outer channel element (1110) between the biasing element (1500) and the respective rear end (1124) of the second outer channel element (1120) configured to transfer the pressing force generated by the biasing element (1500) to the second outer channel element (1120), particularly to the respective rear end (1124) of the second outer channel element (1120) resting on the support element (1300) of claim 4.P40211-EP16.01.2025 - Jing Lu209. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner channel element (1130) is connected with the first outer channel element (1110) at the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110).

10. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one suspension element (1600), especially at least one eye lug, is provided at the second outer channel element (1120), particularly at the respective rear end (1124) of the second outer channel element (1120), for inserting the second outer channel element (1120) through the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110) and for removing the second outer channel element (1120) through the respective rear end (1114) of the first outer channel element (1110).

11. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outer channel element (1110) is configured to be connected with a first fluid supply for providing a first fluid to the outer fluid channel (1112, 1122) and / or wherein the inner channel element (1130) is configured to be connected with a second fluid supply for providing a second fluid to the inner fluid channel (1132).

12. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective wall (1121) of the second outer channel element (1120) is manufactured of a material with a high temperature resistance and / or wherein a thickness of the respective wall (1121) of the second outer channel element (1120) is smaller than a thickness of the respective wall (1111) of the first outer channel element (1110).

13. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner channel element (1130) is provided as a hot oxygen burner or as a lance from a hot oxygen burner.

14. The burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each element of the first outer channel element (1110), the second outer channel element (1120), and the inner channel element (1130) is manufactured by means of a machining process or a sintering process or an additive manufacturing process.P40211-EP16.01.2025 - Jing Lu15. A furnace comprising at least one burner (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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