Modular Burner Combustion Tube Design for Food Processing Ovens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large burners used in food processing ovens suffer from deformation due to expansion, leading to the 'banana effect', increased size and weight, and non-uniform heat distribution, which complicates installation and cooking consistency.
Innovation Solution
A modular burner design with a combustion tube formed of tubular modules and internal distribution tubes, featuring calibrated leakage means and multiple distribution zones, ensures even fuel distribution and reduces deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large burner is used to cover wide conveyor belts (4-8 meters), then the burner can provide sufficient heat coverage, but the burner experiences deformation due to expansion leading to the banana effect
Solution Approach 1:
The burner is divided into multiple independent modular sections that can be assembled together. Each module maintains its own structural stability while contributing to the overall large coverage area. The modular design prevents thermal expansion from causing global deformation by isolating expansion effects to individual segments.
2Area of stationary object
If a large burner is used to cover wide conveyor belts, then sufficient heat coverage is achieved, but the size and weight increase leading to higher transport costs and complicated installation
Solution Approach 1:
The burner system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be manufactured separately and transported conveniently. These modules are designed for easy assembly on-site, reducing installation complexity and transport costs compared to manufacturing and transporting a single large burner unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar modular burner sections are combined to create the large-scale burner system needed for wide conveyor belts. This approach allows using smaller, more manageable components to achieve the required large coverage area.
3Manufacturing precision
If a large burner is used to compensate for edge effects, then homogeneous heat distribution is achieved, but the burner deflection and banana effect are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The burner is segmented into multiple modules that can be independently supported and positioned. This segmentation allows each module to maintain its geometric stability while collectively providing the large coverage area needed for homogeneous heat distribution across the entire conveyor belt width.
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 modular design minimizes deformation, reduces size and transport costs, and achieves homogeneous heat transfer across the burner's length, enhancing cooking consistency and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
Premix burners are burners where air is mixed with gas in a premix chamber, with or without the aid of a fan, before being distributed onto the surface of a porous support where the flame develops
Implementation Method 2
These burners allow for heat transfer either by radiation (infrared) or convection (blue flame)
Implementation Method 3
These burners allow for heat transfer either by radiation (infrared) or convection (blue flame)
Implementation Method 4
The fibers are classically made of a fire-resistant alloy, for example Fecralloy®, configured to resist corrosion at temperatures above 1000°C
Implementation Method 5
One drawback of large burners is their deformation due to expansion. This deformation generates a pronounced bow, also known as the banana effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This burner comprises a porous support (6) and a combustion tube (2) along which the porous support (6) is mounted, the combustion tube (2) having one or more openings to let a fuel through to the porous support (6), characterized in that the combustion tube (2) is formed of a plurality of tubular modules (20) that are connected together and in that the burner (1) further comprises at least one distribution tube extending inside the combustion tube (2) to distribute the fuel in a predetermined manner in the combustion tube.