Cylindrical Burner Flow Stabilization via Grid and Vanes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylindrical surface combustion gas burners face challenges in achieving uniform gas flow and pressure distribution over the combustion surface, leading to irregular flame heights and increased emissions of CO and CO2, particularly when the fan is positioned remotely or when internal casings are used to enhance pressure, which increases weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

A pressure and flow rate stabilizing device comprising a grid with a central ring and deflecting blades is positioned inside the burner inlet, dividing the gas flow into a central laminar stream and a cyclonic vortex stream, ensuring even pressure and flow distribution across the combustion surface without significant pressure drop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an internal perforated casing is added to increase pressure and improve flow uniformity, then the combustion uniformity is improved, but the weight and cost of the burner substantially increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion uniformityVSAvoidburner weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The burner is divided into two functional zones: an inner combustion chamber where fuel is burned, and an outer annular combustion chamber where secondary air is introduced. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without requiring a heavy internal casing throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a radial pressure distribution problem to an axial dimension by introducing secondary air through the side wall of the outer chamber. This creates an annular combustion pattern that complements the central combustion, achieving uniformity without increasing weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If an internal perforated casing is added to stabilize pressure distribution, then the flame height uniformity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distribution uniformityVSAvoidburner structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The combustion process is segmented into primary combustion in the inner chamber and secondary combustion in the outer annular chamber. This segmentation simplifies the pressure stabilization mechanism by using the annular chamber geometry and secondary air flow rather than a complex internal casing with multiple perforations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer chamber serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, introduces secondary air for combustion, and creates the annular combustion pattern. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If an internal perforated casing is added to enhance pressure, then the gas flow distribution is improved, but the pressure drop in the gas flow increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow distributionVSAvoidpressure drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to control pressure distribution through radial perforations in an internal casing, the solution introduces secondary air axially through the side wall of the outer chamber. This creates an annular flow pattern that naturally balances pressure distribution without significant pressure drop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic principles by introducing secondary air flow through the outer chamber wall to create an annular combustion pattern. This pneumatic approach controls flow distribution through pressure differential and flow dynamics rather than mechanical perforation patterns, reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fan is positioned remotely from the burner inlet, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the gas flow uniformity at the combustion surface deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidgas flow uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outer chamber is designed with a specific geometry and secondary air introduction system that pre-condition the gas flow before it reaches the combustion surface. This preliminary structuring of the flow path ensures uniformity is achieved regardless of fan position, allowing installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses the flow uniformity problem by adding the annular combustion dimension. The secondary air introduction through the outer chamber wall creates a flow pattern that compensates for irregularities introduced by remote fan positioning, restoring uniformity at the combustion surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 device achieves a uniform flame height and optimal combustion hygiene by generating a constant gas flow and pressure distribution over the entire combustion surface, reducing emissions and maintaining low weight and cost.

Implementation Method 1

said deflecting blades generate a whirling movement of the peripheral part of this flow penetrating into the burner from the outside of the center ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclonic vortex flow: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

this grid being so shaped that it allows the free passage of the central part of the flow of gaseous mixture penetrating into the burner through the central ring, while said deflecting blades generate a whirling movement of the peripheral part of this flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow division and distribution: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP2232141B1Surface-combustion cylindrical burner provided with a device for stabilising the pressure and the flow of a gaseous mixture, and method
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 SERMETA
  • EP2232141B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2232141B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP2232141B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a gas burner comprising a perforated cylindrical wall used as a combustion surface, a bottom wall and an inlet opening through which a combustible gaseous mixture is fed inside the burner. The stabilisation device consists of a grid (4a) that can be positioned in the inlet opening of the burner, and that comprises a central ring (5a) surrounded by a series of diverting vanes (6), the grid being thus configured so as to allow the free passage of the central portion of the flow of gaseous mixture entering the burner through the central ring (5a) while said diverting vanes (6) generate an eddy movement in the peripheral portion of the flow entering the burner from the outside of the central ring (5a).