Adjustable Burner Nozzle for Fuel Switching Without Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial burner nozzles are designed for a single fuel type and require physical modification to operate with alternate fuels, making it impractical to switch between fuels, especially with intermittent fuel supplies like hydrogen, which is not well-suited to conventional burners.
Innovation Solution
A fuel nozzle apparatus with an adaptable air shroud that allows manual or automatic selection of two modes of operation, adjusting the amount and location of air introduction to facilitate the use of multiple fuels without shutdown, by varying the position of the air shroud in an axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuel nozzles are designed for a single fuel type, then combustion precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to multiple fuels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle geometry adjustable through a movable insert element that can be positioned at different locations along the nozzle axis. This allows the nozzle to dynamically change its air-fuel mixing characteristics to adapt to different fuel types (natural gas, hydrogen, or mixed fuels) while maintaining reliable combustion for each specific fuel type through optimized geometry configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the nozzle internal geometry parameters (such as air inlet opening positions, mixing chamber dimensions, and outlet configuration) through the movable insert element. These parameter adjustments enable the nozzle to optimize air-fuel mixing ratios and flow patterns for different fuel types, achieving both adaptability and combustion reliability for each fuel type
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical modification is made to switch fuel types, then adaptability to multiple fuels is improved, but process continuity and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert element can be adjusted during operation or between operations without requiring complete nozzle replacement or extensive physical modification. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables fuel type switching while minimizing process interruption, as the insert can be repositioned along the nozzle axis to configure the geometry for the desired fuel type
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is segmented into a fixed outer structure and a movable inner insert element. This segmentation allows the critical geometry-changing components to be isolated in the removable insert, enabling quick swaps or adjustments without modifying the entire nozzle assembly, thus maintaining process continuity while achieving fuel adaptability
3Productivity
If air introduction is varied for different fuels, then combustion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert element provides a simple yet effective mechanism to dynamically adjust air introduction characteristics. By sliding the insert to different positions, the air inlet openings are selectively exposed or covered, thereby varying the air-fuel mixing ratio and improving combustion efficiency for different fuel types without requiring complex control systems or multiple separate nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable insert element serves multiple functions: it controls air inlet openings, defines mixing chamber geometry, and adjusts outlet flow patterns. This multi-functionality allows the nozzle to achieve optimized combustion efficiency for various fuel types while avoiding the complexity of having separate adjustment mechanisms for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless transition between fuels, optimizing combustion efficiency and stability without process interruption, providing flexibility to use alternate fuels when available and switching to natural gas if needed.
Implementation Method 1
the fuel and air are mixed and ignited, creating heat that is used for various industrial processes
Implementation Method 2
a fuel nozzle apparatus for use with industrial burners... facilitating the use of two gaseous fuels... creating heat that is used for various industrial processes
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel nozzle apparatus can include a nozzle that functions with two or more modes of operation with respect to a group of fuels, and an air shroud fixed over the nozzle. The air shroud blocks air through the nozzle or allows air through the nozzle in a predefined pattern. When a position of the air shroud is varied, the amount of the air and the location of the air into the nozzle is changed to facilitate the two or more modes of operation with respect to the group of fuels.