Single-Inlet Oxygen Burner With Pressure-Shifted Flow Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single inlet oxygen burners for electric arc furnaces lack independent control over oxygen flow rates between the shroud and main discharge lines, limiting operational efficiency and flexibility in producing different flame modes.
Innovation Solution
A burner apparatus with a tubular body housing a first oxygen circuit and an external second oxygen circuit, featuring a valve with a hollow piston and cylinder that adjusts oxygen flow distribution between the circuits based on pressure changes, allowing for varying ratios of flow through the shroud and main lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single oxygen line is used to supply both shroud and main discharge lines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because independent flow control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single oxygen line is segmented into two separate oxygen circuits (first oxygen circuit to shroud, second oxygen circuit to main) with independent control valves for each circuit, allowing independent flow control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-line configuration to a dynamic multi-circuit configuration where oxygen flow to each discharge line can be independently adjusted based on operational requirements, enabling flexible control of flame modes
2Device complexity
If oxygen flow is varied through a single line, then the device complexity remains low, but the manufacturing precision of flow distribution deteriorates because equal proportion variation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen supply is segmented into separate circuits with individual control, allowing precise adjustment of flow rates to each discharge line independently rather than forcing equal proportion variation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of oxygen flow parameters (pressure, flow rate) to each discharge line, allowing precise control of flow distribution ratios to achieve specific flame modes with high precision
3Device complexity
If control is limited to one discharge line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because multiple operational modes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to provide independent control over both the shroud and main discharge lines, enabling the burner to operate in multiple modes (scrap metal flame, decarburizing flame) by adjusting each circuit independently
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-circuit oxygen supply system provides multi-functionality by enabling the single burner to perform multiple operations (melting, decarburizing, alloying) through independent adjustment of oxygen flow to shroud and main lines
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
Enables independent control of oxygen flow rates between the shroud and main lines, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency by allowing the burner to operate in multiple modes with precise adjustment of oxygen distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is responsive to oxygen pressure applied at the second end to the hollow piston
Implementation Method 2
The spring is in physical communication with the hollow piston and the tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a metal making burner in fluid communication with a gas inlet and comprising an oxygen inlet valve that provides control of oxygen flow to two different discharge lines, such as a main line and a shroud line. This allows distinct “modes” of operation, utilizing only the flow from the single oxygen supply as the control method. The apparatus includes a moving piston with ports therein that meter flow to both discharge lines when the ports line up with a separate set of ports in a cylinder that receives the piston. At low or no pressure from the gas inlet, flow rates follow one ratio of flows between the discharge lines. As pressure from a gas inlet changes in the burner, the piston moves and realigns the ports (opening or closing some of the ports), which results in a different ratio of flows between the discharge lines.