Local Fixation of Fiber Burner Deck for Ionization Probe Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Burners with fiber-based burner decks experience instability in combustion control over time due to thermal expansion, leading to changes in the distance between the burner deck and the ionization probe, resulting in unstable ionization signals and potential electrical shortcuts.

Innovation Solution

The fiber-based burner deck is fixed near the ionization probe within a specific area, typically 20-35 mm around its vertical projection, using techniques like welding, gluing, or stapling to maintain a constant distance and improve the ground connection, ensuring stable ionization signals and better heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fiber-based burner deck is not fixed locally near the ionization probe, then the burner deck can accommodate thermal expansion freely, but the distance between the burner deck and ionization probe changes over time causing unstable ionization signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionization signal stabilityVSAvoidburner deck fixation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The burner deck is fixed locally only in the area near the ionization probe (within 35mm of the vertical projection) rather than being fixed across the entire deck. This localized fixation maintains constant distance between the deck and probe in the critical measurement zone while allowing other areas to accommodate thermal expansion, thus ensuring reliable ionization signals without excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the burner deck is fixed across the entire surface, then the distance to the ionization probe remains constant, but thermal expansion is restricted causing potential damage and reduced burner deck lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance stabilityVSAvoidburner deck lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fixing the entire burner deck surface, only the local area near the ionization probe is fixed within a 35mm radius. This localized approach maintains distance stability where needed for reliable measurement while allowing the rest of the deck to expand and contract freely with thermal cycles, preventing damage and extending the burner deck's operational lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the burner deck material ages over time, then the physical properties change affecting combustion control, but fixing the deck locally reduces aging effects in the critical area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion control stabilityVSAvoidburner deck assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The burner deck is fixed locally near the ionization probe within a 35mm area to prevent material aging and dimensional changes in the critical measurement zone, ensuring stable combustion control. The fixation methods (welding, adhesive, or mechanical) are simple and do not significantly complicate the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution provides a stable and reliable ionization signal, enhances flame stability, and reduces the aging of the burner deck material, ensuring consistent combustion control throughout the burner's life.

Implementation Method 1

an ionization signal, which is obtained via an ionization electrode (ionization probe, ionization rod), is used in electronics to measure the presence of the flame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

a voltage is applied over the electrode and the earth... the burner thus serving as earth in the electrical circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical field stability: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP2649372B1Burner with locally fixed burner deck
Publication Date: 2015.02.11 BEKAERT COMBUSTION TECH
  • EP2649372B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2649372B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2649372B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a burner (10) comprising a fiber based burner deck (14), a perforated plate or a screen (16) supporting the fiber based burner deck, and at least one ionization probe (12). The ionization probe is installed at the burner side of the burner deck and defines a distance between the ionization probe and the burner deck. Near the ionization probe, the burner deck is partially fixed to the perforated plate or screen, so that the distance between ionization probe and burner deck remains constant during burning.