Flashback-Proof Gas Burner With Rapid Thermal Flame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Premix burners for hydrocarbon combustion face safety risks due to potential explosions from unburned fuel accumulation and ignition sources, with existing fast-acting sensors being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A flashback-proof gas burner design separates fuel and oxidizer flows until combustion, using a thermally responsive probe housed in the air manifold for rapid flame extinction detection, allowing quick valve closure to prevent explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fast-acting sensors based on flame radiation measurements are used to detect flame extinction, then the response speed is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical radiation measurement systems with a simple thermal conductivity-based temperature sensor. The sensor detects flame extinction through thermal conduction changes in the probe, eliminating the need for sophisticated radiation detection equipment while maintaining fast response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive temperature sensor that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using expensive, complex radiation measurement equipment. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity over using high-end measurement technology.
2Reliability
If flame radiation measurement sensors are used for safety redundancy, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radiation measurement sensors with simple thermal conductivity-based temperature sensors for safety detection. Multiple simple sensors can be deployed for redundancy without significantly increasing system complexity, as each sensor is inherently simple in design and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors utilize the natural thermal conduction properties of the probe material and the flame environment itself to detect flame extinction, without requiring complex external measurement systems. The system serves itself by using the thermal properties already present in the combustion environment.
3Ease of manufacture
If premix burners are used for hydrocarbon combustion, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the safety risks worsen due to potential fuel accumulation and explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety action by continuously monitoring temperature at the probe location and detecting flame extinction before significant fuel accumulation can occur. The fast-acting temperature sensor triggers valve closure proactively, preventing the development of hazardous fuel-rich conditions that could lead to explosions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback control system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the flame state and provides real-time information to the control valve. When flame extinction is detected through temperature change, the system immediately responds by closing the valve, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that prevents fuel accumulation.
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 burner ensures safe operation by preventing fuel accumulation and rapid response to flame extinction, meeting safety regulations with low manufacturing costs and enhanced safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The probe has a fast response to changes in temperature, in particular when the flame is extinguished
Implementation Method 2
The combustion of hydrocarbons formed by mixtures of various gases such as natural gas
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a flashback-proof gas burner adapted to be coupled to an aperture of a combustion chamber. The gas burner is characterized by a specific configuration of a probe and its location for sensing the temperature. The probe has a fast response to changes in temperature, in particular when the flame is extinguished, allowing a fast response to close a valve for supplying gas to the inlet port, thereby preventing any explosion.