Torch With Swirl Element And Bluff Body For Fuel Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torch and hood assemblies for crop flaming are inefficient, leading to suboptimal weed and pest control in conventional farming, with issues such as high propane consumption, pollution, and limited applicability in windy or wet conditions, and the potential for resistance development in targeted species.
Innovation Solution
A torch assembly with an ignition system featuring a bluff body wall, high voltage spark coil, and an elongated fuel line with a swirl-producing element to enhance heat transfer and a thermocouple for reliable ignition and flame monitoring, combined with a hood design that maintains heat close to the ground and allows for adjustable orientations to accommodate different crops and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional propane burning systems are used, then simple operation is achieved, but combustion efficiency is poor and propane consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is segmented into multiple components: fuel line, swirl-producing element, and torch assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the swirl element creates turbulence for better mixing while the torch design focuses heat efficiently, collectively improving combustion efficiency and reducing propane consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The bluff body wall acts as an intermediary element between the fuel injection point and the combustion zone. It serves multiple functions: stabilizing the flame, distributing heat evenly, and protecting the fuel line from direct flame contact. This intermediary structure enables more complete combustion without requiring complex electronic controls.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple torch designs are used, then ease of manufacture is achieved, but heat transfer to fuel line is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel line is positioned to pass through the bluff body wall in advance of combustion, allowing it to be pre-heated by radiant heat from the flame before the fuel reaches the combustion zone. This preliminary heating action ensures the fuel is at optimal temperature for vaporization and combustion without requiring complex external heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel line is routed through the bluff body wall rather than alongside it, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the torch assembly. This spatial arrangement maximizes the fuel line's exposure to thermal radiation from all directions of the flame, dramatically improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining a simple cylindrical torch structure.
3Temperature
If fuel line is positioned away from flame, then fuel line protection is achieved, but heat transfer to fuel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bluff body wall serves as a protective intermediary between the flame and the fuel line. It absorbs and distributes the intense thermal energy, preventing direct flame contact with the fuel line while still allowing sufficient radiant heat transfer to warm the fuel. This mediator structure protects the fuel line from thermal damage while maintaining efficient fuel heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the difference between convective heat transfer (which would damage the fuel line) and radiant heat transfer (which can penetrate through the bluff body wall to heat the fuel). By positioning the fuel line to receive primarily radiant heat through the wall rather than convective heat from direct flame contact, the system achieves effective fuel heating while protecting the fuel line from thermal damage.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional open flame systems are used, then simplicity is achieved, but combustion efficiency and pollution control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion process is segmented into distinct zones: fuel injection, mixing with air, ignition, and combustion. The swirl-producing element creates a distinct mixing zone that ensures thorough fuel-air mixing before combustion occurs. This segmentation of the combustion process enables more complete burning and reduced emissions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the torch assembly are designed with different local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The bluff body wall has thermal mass and insulating properties suited for heat distribution and protection, while the swirl element has a geometry optimized for creating turbulence and mixing. These localized optimizations collectively improve combustion efficiency and reduce pollution without requiring a completely complex system design.
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 solution reduces propane consumption by up to 50%, improves combustion efficiency, allows effective use in windy conditions, and prevents resistance development in pests and weeds, while minimizing soil erosion and water loss associated with mechanical cultivation.
Implementation Method 1
said fuel line having a fuel flow 'swirl' producing element therewithin that enters turbulence into fuel passing therethrough to thereby enable efficient transfer of heat from said torch to liquid fuel therewithin by disrupting formation of a gaseous insulating layer between said liquid fuel and the elongated fuel line
Implementation Method 2
a thermocouple, optionally secured to said ignition system bluff wall and positioned so that it intercepts a relatively high temperature region in said torch
Implementation Method 3
exterior to said torch, a high voltage spark coil which when functionally applied provides a high voltage to said spark plug
Data Source
AI summary
A torch comprising a functional combination of:1) an ignition system having an internal bluff body wall, said ignition system having an open end and an end in which is present a spark plug; and2) an elongated fuel line that is secured to said torch so that heat easily passes from hot gas and flame inside said torch thereinto during use, wherein the fuel line has a fuel flow “swirl” producing element therewithin; and3) a thermocouple secured in place inside the torch to monitor temperature at a relatively high temperature location therein, such that if the temperature decreases while fuel is still flowing a signal is generated to provide a spark to the spark plug.