Burner Fuel Distribution for NOx Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low NOx burners with fixed fuel proportions to flame stabilizers and fuel staging lances are inadequate for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions while maintaining flame stability, as they generate a disproportionate amount of NOx at the flame stabilizer relative to fuel staging lances.
Innovation Solution
A burner system with an actuated valve to adjust the fuel flow rate to the flame stabilizer independently of the fuel staging lances, and a controller to monitor furnace temperature and adjust fuel distribution based on predetermined ratios to optimize NOx reduction while maintaining flame stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If fuel is introduced through the flame stabilizer and fuel staging lances with fixed proportions, then flame stability is maintained, but NOx emissions are not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed fuel proportioning to dynamic, adjustable fuel distribution. The actuated valve enables real-time modification of the fuel split between the flame stabilizer and fuel staging lances, allowing the system to adapt fuel distribution based on operating conditions to simultaneously reduce NOx emissions and maintain flame stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the fuel flow rate proportion between different burner components. By adjusting the fuel flow rate to the flame stabilizer relative to the fuel staging lances through the actuated valve, the system optimizes the fuel distribution parameters to reduce flame temperature and consequently lower NOx emissions while preserving adequate flame stability.
2Reliability
If the fuel flow rate to the flame stabilizer is increased to maintain stability, then flame extinction is prevented, but NOx formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fuel supply into distinct controllable streams: one through the flame stabilizer and another through the fuel staging lances. The actuated valve specifically controls the fuel flow rate to the flame stabilizer, enabling independent adjustment of this segment's fuel proportion. This segmented control allows optimization of flame stability in one region while managing NOx formation in another, resolving the contradiction between stability and emissions.
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 solution effectively reduces NOx emissions by adjusting the fuel distribution, achieving lower NOx concentrations while ensuring stable combustion, as demonstrated by experiments showing decreased NOx emissions with varying fuel ratios to the flame stabilizer and staging lances.
Implementation Method 1
an actuated valve for adjusting a flow rate of the first fuel through the flame stabilizer fuel feed duct
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for monitoring a furnace temperature
Implementation Method 3
a controller in signal communication with the temperature sensor and signal communication with the actuated valve, the controller for receiving a first signal corresponding to the furnace temperature and for sending a second signal for adjusting the actuated valve
Implementation Method 4
The flame stabilizer ensures that the main flame does not extinguish
Implementation Method 5
at least one fuel staging lance for introducing the first fuel into the furnace
Data Source
AI summary
A burner system and method of operating a burner for reduced NOx emissions. The burner system comprises a flame stabilizer, at least one fuel staging lance, an actuated valve, a temperature sensor and a controller. The amount of fuel to the flame stabilizer relative to the amount of fuel to the fuel staging lances is controlled depending on furnace temperature and/or furnace production rate.