Hydrogen Burner Deck End-Cap Distance for Flashback Prevention
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen burners face a significant safety concern due to flashback, where the flame travels back into the combustion device, potentially causing explosions or damage. This issue is exacerbated by stagnated flow when burner holes are positioned too proximally to the endcap.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen burner design that incorporates a defined minimal distance between the last row of holes and the endcap, configured to reduce the chances of flashback. This distance is optimized between 2-10mm, with a preferred range of 3-6mm, to ensure smooth gas flow and prevent stagnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the burner holes are positioned too close to the endcap, then the burner structure is more compact, but the gas flow becomes stagnated and flashback risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the distance parameter between the last row of burner holes and the endcap. Specifically, the distance is set to be at least 5mm (or alternatively at least 10% of the distance from the first row of holes to the endcap), which changes the flow dynamics parameter to prevent stagnation while maintaining a relatively compact burner structure. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance between compactness and flashback resistance.
2Reliability
If the distance between the last row of holes and endcap is increased, then flashback risk is reduced, but the burner volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter to resolve this contradiction. By setting the distance to be at least 5mm (or alternatively at least 10% of the total distance from the first row to the endcap), the design achieves sufficient flashback protection while minimizing the increase in burner volume. This represents an optimized parameter selection that balances safety requirements with compact design goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by setting a minimum distance threshold (at least 5mm or 10%) rather than requiring a large distance. This partial measure is sufficient to prevent flow stagnation and flashback while avoiding the excessive volume increase that would result from larger distance requirements. The solution provides just enough separation to achieve the safety goal without over-designing the burner volume.
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 specified distance between the last row of holes and the endcap effectively reduces the risk of flashback by preventing stagnation and ensuring even gas flow, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of the hydrogen burner.
Implementation Method 1
the gas flow also has a cooling effect when flowing properly
Implementation Method 2
the risk of stagnation of flow within said distance can be reduced and as the risk of flashback is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydrogen burner comprising a burner deck having a plurality of holes, an end-cap located at a distal end of said burner deck, and a defined minimal distance between the last row of said holes and said end-cap, wherein said distance is configured to reduce the chances of flashback.