Burner System Segmented Inlet for Diffuse Combustion Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furnace systems face challenges in transitioning from stable flame to diffuse combustion mode efficiently without increasing the firing rate when the process chamber temperature reaches the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel.
Innovation Solution
A burner system with a reaction zone that directs fuel-oxidant premix through a first total premix inlet flow area for stable flame formation and switches to a second total premix inlet flow area greater than the tile-stable limit to initiate diffuse combustion by blowing off the flame, maintaining a constant total premix inlet flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the total premix inlet flow area is increased to initiate diffuse combustion by blowing off the flame, then diffuse combustion mode is achieved, but the firing rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet flow area is segmented into multiple independent controllable inlets, allowing selective operation of different inlet groups to achieve different combustion modes without changing the overall firing rate. The first group of inlets operates for stable flame mode, while the second group operates for diffuse combustion mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different inlet configurations based on the desired combustion mode. The controller selectively opens or closes specific inlet groups, enabling transition from stable flame to diffuse combustion while maintaining constant total premix inlet flow rate through coordinated inlet operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the total premix inlet flow area is increased to blow off the flame for diffuse combustion, then diffuse combustion is initiated, but the flame stability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet system is divided into first and second groups of inlets that can be operated independently. The first group stabilizes the flame during normal operation, while the second group, when activated, provides sufficient flow area to blow off the flame and initiate diffuse combustion mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective inlet flow area parameter by switching between different inlet groups. This parameter change enables transition from a stable flame regime (first group active) to a diffuse combustion regime (second group active) while maintaining constant total premix inlet flow rate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inlet ports are used to enable mode switching, then combustion mode adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet system is segmented into first and second groups of inlet ports that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables mode switching capability while keeping each individual inlet port relatively simple in design, with the overall system complexity managed through coordinated control of the grouped inlets.
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 to diffuse combustion without increasing the premix firing rate, ensuring efficient thermal energy distribution in the process chamber by stabilizing the flame and maintaining constant flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a premix of fuel and oxidant is ignited and combusts to form a flame that projects from the reaction zone into a furnace process chamber
Implementation Method 2
The products of combustion are generated by reactants that are discharged from burners that fire into the process chamber
Implementation Method 3
directing the premix into the reaction zone through a second total premix inlet flow area greater than the first total premix inlet flow area
Data Source
AI summary
A method directs fuel-oxidant premix into a reaction zone through a first total premix inlet flow area, and causes the premix to combust and form a stable flame projecting into a process chamber through an outlet from the reaction zone. At a time when the process chamber has a temperature at or above an auto-ignition temperature of the fuel, the flame is blown off to initiate diffuse combustion in the process chamber without a stable flame. The flame is blown off by directing the premix into the reaction zone through a second total premix inlet flow area greater than the first total premix inlet flow area.