Multi-mode Combustion Device for Flexible Oxidant and Fuel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustion devices lack the ability to operate in multiple modes using various oxidant and fuel sources, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in industrial applications such as metal and glass melting furnaces.
Innovation Solution
A combustion device capable of operating with multiple oxidant sources (air, oxygen, and blends) and multiple fuel sources (liquid, gaseous, and blends), allowing for flexible operation modes, including primary and backup functions, and enabling controlled flame characteristics and oxidant supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional combustion devices use single oxidant and fuel sources, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion device is designed with multiple oxidant sources (air inlet, oxygen inlet) and multiple fuel sources (liquid fuel inlet, gaseous fuel inlet) that can be independently controlled through separate valves. This allows the device to perform multiple combustion modes (air-fuel, oxy-fuel, air-gas, oxy-liquid, etc.) within a single system, achieving universality without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms including independent valves for each oxidant and fuel source, allowing real-time adjustment of combustion mode ratios. The controller can dynamically switch between different operating modes (primary burner, backup burner, supplement mode) based on process requirements, enabling the device to adapt to changing operational conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If combustion device uses multiple oxidant and fuel sources, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion device is segmented into distinct functional modules: air inlet with air valve, oxygen inlet with oxygen valve, liquid fuel inlet with liquid fuel valve, and gaseous fuel inlet with gaseous fuel valve. Each module can be independently controlled and regulated, allowing complex multi-mode operation while maintaining manageable system architecture through modular design
3Productivity
If single fuel source is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic control capabilities where the controller manages the coordination of multiple fuel sources (liquid and gaseous) and oxidant sources based on predetermined parameters and process conditions. This self-service automation maintains ease of operation by eliminating manual intervention while maximizing productivity through optimized multi-fuel combustion
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 device provides improved flame coverage, stability, and flexibility, allowing for efficient operation in diverse industrial processes, including aluminum and glass melting, with reduced pressure drop and the ability to transition between fuel and oxidant types, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
combustion device for producing elevated temperatures in industrial melting furnaces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for continuation of combustion with a combustion apparatus when the supply of the normal operating oxidant or normal operating fuel is disrupted, or temporally reduced. Air or oxygen enriched air or oxygen and a gaseous fuel or a liquid fuel or both a gaseous and liquid fuel are introduced into the combustion apparatus in place of the normal oxidant-fuel mixture to effect combustion and maintain the heating level in the furnace.A burner capable of firing in any one of the following nine firing modes: Air-Gas; Air-Oxy-Gas; Oxy-Gas; Air-Oil; Air-Oxy-Oil; Oxy-Oil; Air-Oil-Gas; Air-Oxy-Oil-Gas; Oxy-Oil-Gas.