Oxy-Fuel Burner Combustion Zone Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods struggle to efficiently and cleanly burn low-value bio-fuel byproducts and feedstocks due to their high viscosity, high flash points, and low heating values, often producing toxic compounds and environmental contaminants when burned improperly.
Innovation Solution
A burner system with an atomizing nozzle and oxidant gas ports, controlled by a unit that ensures a minimum combustion zone temperature of 1500 degrees F and an oxidant gas oxygen concentration of at least 29%, facilitating the introduction of combustible fluids with reduced viscosity and sufficient oxygen for complete combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional combustion methods are used to burn low-Btu bio-fuel byproducts, then the combustion process is simpler and uses standard equipment, but the fuels are difficult to ignite and burn with unstable flames, producing toxic compounds and environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by preheating the combustion zone to at least 1500°F before introducing the combustible fluid. This temperature elevation enables stable combustion of difficult-to-burn fuels like glycerol and low-Btu bio-fuel byproducts, preventing the formation of toxic compounds such as acrolein that form at lower temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent supplies oxidant gas with at least 29% oxygen concentration (compared to 21% in ambient air) to accelerate and complete the combustion process. This enhanced oxygen supply ensures complete combustion of the combustible fluid, preventing the formation of carbon monoxide and other incomplete combustion products
2Ease of manufacture
If combustible fluids with high viscosity are introduced directly into the combustion zone, then the system requires minimal preprocessing, but the fluids are difficult to ignite and do not burn efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary heating of the combustion zone to at least 1500°F before introducing the high-viscosity combustible fluid. This preheating action reduces the fluid's viscosity and raises its temperature above the flash point, enabling efficient atomization and combustion without requiring extensive preprocessing of the fuel itself
3Use of energy by moving object
If the combustion zone temperature is kept below 1000 degrees F to reduce energy input, then less energy is required to maintain the combustion zone, but toxic gases such as acrolein are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by maintaining the combustion zone at at least 1500°F, which is sufficiently high to prevent the formation of toxic acrolein gas while still being economically viable. The preheating requirement ensures that when combustible fluid is introduced, the temperature is already in the optimal range for clean combustion
4Device complexity
If ambient air is used as the oxidant source, then the system is simpler and requires no additional oxygen supply equipment, but the oxygen concentration is insufficient for complete combustion of difficult-to-burn fuels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses oxidant gas with at least 29% oxygen concentration instead of ambient air (21% oxygen). This higher oxygen concentration accelerates the combustion process and ensures complete combustion of difficult-to-burn fuels, preventing the formation of carbon monoxide and improving combustion reliability
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 system achieves stable, clean, and efficient combustion of difficult-to-burn bio-fuel byproducts by preheating the combustion zone and using a high oxygen concentration, reducing visible flame detachment and toxic emissions, thereby enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
atomizing a combustible fluid into a combustion zone
Implementation Method 2
combustible fluid, having a flash point of no less than 250 degrees F., into a combustion zone. An oxidant gas, having an oxygen concentration of no less than 29% on a volume basis, is introduced into the combustion zone
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for burning combustible fluids, such as biofuel byproducts and feedstocks, which are difficult to burn in a stable and clean manner. The method includes preheating the combustion zone prior to initiating flow of the combustible fluid and maintaining a minimum oxygen concentration in the oxidant gas.