Perforated Flame Holder Segmentation for Low Emission Combustion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustion systems face challenges in reducing NOx and CO emissions while maintaining efficient combustion, often requiring complex emission control measures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combustion system with a modular burner featuring a ceramic support structure and perforated flame holders separated by gaps, which supports combustion reactions within and between the flame holders, reducing temperature and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional combustion systems are used, then combustion efficiency is maintained, but NOx and CO emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The burner is divided into multiple perforated flame holders separated by gaps, allowing the combustion process to be segmented into multiple zones. This segmentation enables better control of combustion characteristics, reducing NOx and CO emissions without requiring complex external emission control systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the burner are designed with specific local characteristics - the perforated flame holders provide localized combustion zones with controlled air-fuel mixing. This local quality approach allows optimization of combustion in each zone to minimize harmful emissions while maintaining overall combustion efficiency
2Productivity
If flame holders are placed close together, then firing capacity increases, but upstream flame propagation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The burner uses multiple discrete perforated flame holders separated by gaps rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the flame holders to be positioned close together for high firing capacity while the gaps prevent flame from propagating upstream between adjacent holders
Solution Approach 2:
The gaps between perforated flame holders act as intermediaries that break the continuity of the combustion process. These gaps prevent direct flame propagation between adjacent flame holders while still allowing close spacing to maintain high firing capacity
3Productivity
If flame holders are placed close together, then firing capacity increases, but temperature increases causing reduced life
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with multiple perforated flame holders separated by gaps allows close spacing for high firing capacity while distributing thermal load across multiple discrete components. This segmentation prevents excessive temperature concentration and extends the operational life of each flame holder
Solution Approach 2:
The gaps between flame holders serve as thermal intermediaries that provide cooling effects and prevent direct thermal coupling between adjacent holders. This allows close spacing for high productivity while protecting individual flame holders from excessive temperatures that would reduce their service life
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
This configuration achieves low NOx and CO emissions, extends the life of flame holders, increases firing capacity, and reduces upstream flame propagation, without the need for additional emission control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first perforated flame holder is disposed to receive a first portion of the fuel and oxidant and to support a first combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the fuel air mixture that passes to or through the gap is combusted with no significant increase in oxides of nitrogen NOx or carbon monoxide CO output
Data Source
AI summary
A combustion system includes a fuel and oxidant source that outputs fuel and oxidant, a first perforated flame holder, and a second perforated flame holder separated from the first perforated flame holder by a gap. The first and second perforated flame holders sustain a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the first and second perforated flame holders.