Angled Baffle Assembly for Uniform Burner Cavity Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas burners and other systems face issues with non-uniform flame production due to transitional effects when fluid flows transition between differently sized cavities, leading to variations in pressure and velocity that affect flame quality.
Innovation Solution
A compact, easily replaceable baffle assembly with angled vanes and impingement plates is used to modify fluid flow, reducing entrance and transitional effects by imparting rotation and redirecting fluid flow, thereby improving flame uniformity and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flows transition between differently sized cavities, then the fluid flow can be supplied to different cavities, but entrance effects cause non-uniform pressure and velocity distribution affecting flame quality
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle assembly with angled vanes and impingement plates is introduced as an intermediary device between differently sized cavities. The vanes redirect fluid flow at specific angles while the impingement plates create controlled turbulence and mixing, serving as a mediator that transforms the flow characteristics to achieve uniform pressure and velocity distribution across the transition zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle assembly changes the physical parameters of the fluid flow by converting laminar flow into turbulent flow through the angled vanes and impingement plates. This parameter change in flow regime facilitates better mixing and more uniform distribution of pressure and velocity as the fluid transitions between cavities of different sizes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a baffle assembly with angled vanes and impingement plates is used to modify fluid flow, then flame uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: angled vanes for flow redirection and impingement plates for turbulence generation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity in the design and ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled vanes and impingement plates are designed with specific geometric angles and curvatures optimized for flow control. The curved surfaces and angled configurations naturally guide the fluid flow to achieve uniform distribution without requiring complex active control systems, thereby improving flame uniformity while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If the baffle assembly is made compact and easily replaceable, then ease of operation is improved, but the effectiveness in modifying flow over longer distances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compact baffle assembly design uses high-intensity localized flow modification techniques where the angled vanes and impingement plates create immediate turbulence and mixing in a short distance. This allows the flow to be effectively modified and stabilized quickly, achieving the desired uniformity in a compact length rather than requiring a long gradual transition zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The impingement plates are positioned to create periodic turbulence and mixing zones as the fluid passes through the baffle assembly. This periodic action enhances the mixing efficiency and accelerates flow stabilization within a compact length, making the device both effective and easily replaceable.
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
The baffle assembly enhances flame uniformity and stability by reducing velocity and increasing pressure, ensuring a consistent flame across the burner length by minimizing entrance length and stabilizing fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
each vane comprising: a leg extending from the collar at a first angle with respect to the central axis, the first angle of the leg configured to impart rotation to a flow of fluid through the baffle assembly
Implementation Method 2
an impingement plate extending from the leg at a second angle with respect to the central axis, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle
Data Source
AI summary
A baffle assembly and burner including the baffle assembly. The baffle assembly includes a collar having a central axis. A plurality of vanes are secured to the collar. Each vane includes a leg extending from the collar at a first angle with respect to the central axis. The first angle of the leg is configured to impart rotation to a flow of fluid through the baffle assembly. An impingement plate extends from the leg at a second angle with respect to the central axis. The second angle is greater than the first angle.