Dual-Flow Atomizer Nozzle for Shorter Waste Incineration Flames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing atomizer nozzles for waste incineration are prone to premature refractory damage due to long, intense flames and are not adaptable to varying waste compositions and flow properties, leading to clogging and reduced facility availability.

Innovation Solution

A dual-flow atomizer nozzle design with an inner and outer channel, where the outer channel is inclined and partially surrounded by a nozzle head, allowing for adjustable mixing and swirl generation, preventing clogging and optimizing flame shape for waste incineration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional atomizer nozzles are used for waste incineration, then atomization function is provided, but flame length increases extremely causing refractory damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization functionVSAvoidrefractory damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle incorporates an adjustable inner channel that can be positioned at different angles relative to the outer channel through threading mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment capability allows optimization of flame length and spray pattern to prevent refractory damage while maintaining atomization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design features a nested structure where the inner channel is positioned within the outer channel, with the inner channel outlet surrounded by the outer channel outlet. This nested arrangement enables controlled interaction between the two fluid streams to optimize atomization and flame characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed design nozzles are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different waste compositions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle design simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different waste compositions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable inner channel design allows the nozzle to be adapted to different waste compositions by changing the mixing angle between streams, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle design serves multiple functions: atomization, flame length control, spray pattern adjustment, and adaptability to different waste types. The adjustable inner channel enables a single nozzle design to handle various waste compositions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If nozzles operate at high throughput rates, then productivity increases, but flame length increases causing waste to burn on refractory surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste throughput rateVSAvoidwaste burning on refractory
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable inner channel allows optimization of the mixing angle between the two fluid streams to control flame length. At high throughput rates, the nozzle can be adjusted to produce a shorter, broader flame pattern that prevents waste from contacting the refractory surface, thereby maintaining high productivity without refractory damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If internal mix nozzles are used, then atomization occurs inside nozzle, but clogging risk increases with varying waste compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization efficiencyVSAvoidclogging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design separates the atomization process into two distinct channels: the inner channel for one fluid stream and the outer channel for the second stream. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function and reduces clogging risk by preventing solid particles from traveling through the entire nozzle length, thereby improving reliability while maintaining atomization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 nozzle produces a short, broad flame that reduces refractory damage, enhances facility availability, and withstands varying waste compositions, with improved durability and assembly efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the outer flow channel at its outlet being inclined towards the inner flow channel... allowing for adjustable mixing and swirl generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirl flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a high-velocity flow of gas or vapor is contacted with a liquid flow. Due to the kinetic energy of the gaseous or vaporous flow the fluid flow is atomized into particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic energy atomization: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP4415885B1Atomizer nozzle
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BASF SE
  • EP4415885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4415885B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an atomizer nozzle for atomizing a first fluid by means of a second fluid comprising a nozzle body (1) and a nozzle head (2), the atomizer nozzle having an inner flow channel (3) arranged in the nozzle body (1) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) for the first fluid to be atomized, and an outer flow channel (6) arranged around the inner flow channel (3) with an inlet (7) and an outlet (8) for the second fluid, the outlet (5) of the inner flow channel ending before the outlet (8) of the outer flow channel in the direction of flow, the outer flow channel (6) at its outlet (8) being inclined towards the inner flow channel (3), the nozzle head (2) having a nozzle outlet (9) for the atomized fluid and being placed on the outlet-side end of the nozzle body (1) and partially surrounding it in the radial and in the axial direction, and the cross-sectional area of the outlet (5) of the inner flow channel being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle outlet (9). The nozzle head (2) is designed as a sleeve-shaped cap attached to a part of the outer surface of the nozzle body (1), and the outer flow channel (6) comprises two sections, a first section extending completely in the nozzle body (1), and a second section (10) being formed by the outer surface of the nozzle body (1) and the inner surface of the nozzle head (2).