According to an embodiment, a burner system includes a pilot burner disposed in a furnace at a distal position along a main fuel and combustion air flow axis, and one or more main fuel nozzles disposed at a proximal position along the main fuel and combustion air flow axis. The pilot burner is configured to support a pilot flame and the one or more main fuel nozzles are configured to support a main flame in contact with the pilot flame. The pilot burner is disposed to cause the main fuel and combustion air to be ignited by the pilot flame. The pilot burner may support a diffusion pilot flame or may include a premixing apparatus to support a pre-mixed flame.
F23D 14/22 - Non-premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air on arrival at the combustion zone with separate air and gas feed ducts, e.g. with ducts running parallel or crossing each other
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23K 5/00 - Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
F23D 14/02 - Premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air upstream of the combustion zone
A combustion system includes a fuel distributor configured to output a fuel, an oxidant source configured to output an oxidant, and a mixing tube defining a mixing volume aligned to receive the fuel and oxidant. The mixing tube is shaped to convey the fuel and the oxidant through the mixing volume at a bulk velocity higher than a flame propagation speed. The combustion system includes a flame holder aligned to receive the mixed fuel and oxidant and to support a combustion reaction of the fuel and the oxidant.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Flame sensors and flame detectors for burners; ignition detection systems comprised of ignition detectors and flame scanners; integrated pilot and flame detection systems comprised of gas and flame detectors and sensors; electronic flame detectors for furnaces or boilers; electrical and electronic combustion control systems, namely, PLC's, power supplies, I/O modules, memory discs, and recorded computer software for industrial thermal oxidizers and flares; electronic controls for industrial, boilers and incinerators; electronic flame detection apparatus for pilot igniters; flame supervision apparatus; flame supervision apparatus integrated with flare ignition control systems; recorded computer software for controlling and monitoring the operation of industrial thermal oxidizers and flares; alarms and warning apparatus to alert malfunction of industrial thermal oxidizers and flares, namely, audible and visible notification appliances, namely, bar graph indicators, namely, electronic indicator boards featuring bar graphs, warning lamps, touch screen displays, annunciators, alarm bells and sirens.
4.
BURNER INCLUDING AN ELECTRICAL PERMITTIVITY OR ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE FLAME SENSOR
A burner includes a flame sensor configured to detect at least one of permittivity, capacitance, or resistance across a flame region. The permittivity, capacitance, or resistance is used to determine the presence or absence of the flame in a combustion system.
A combustion system supports a combustion reaction. The combustion system utilizes a combustion sensor and a plasma generator to stabilize the combustion reaction. A controller receives sensor signals from the combustion sensor and controls the plasma generator to stabilize the combustion reaction responsive to the sensor signals. The plasma generator stabilizes the combustion reaction by generating a plasma.
F23N 5/18 - Systems for controlling combustion using detectors sensitive to rate of flow of air or fuel
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
A system for measuring a fuel-oxidant equivalence ratio includes at least one wall defining a gas volume including fuel and air. A gas ionization source is configured to cause a formation of ions in the gas. A power supply is configured to output a time-varying voltage. A first electrode is disposed in the gas volume, operatively coupled to the power supply, and configured to carry the time-varying voltage. A second electrode is arranged to operatively couple to a signal output by the first electrode after the signal passes through the gas volume. Characteristics of the received signal indicate the fuel-oxidant equivalence ratio.
Burners, namely, gas burners, coal burners, wood burners;
primary gas burners and secondary liquid fuel burners for
industrial use; boilers, namely, furnace boilers, heating
boilers, fixed industrial boilers, and process heating
boilers; furnaces; burner replacement kits for boilers,
furnaces and process heaters, namely, burner replacement
parts in the nature of gas or liquid nozzles and flame
holders featuring multiple perforations.
8.
BURNER SYSTEM INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF PERFORATED FLAME HOLDERS
A combustion system includes a fuel and oxidant source, a first perforated flame holder, a second perforated flame holder, and a thermal load. The fuel and oxidant source outputs fuel and oxidant. The first and second perforated flame holders simultaneously or alternately hold combustion reactions of the fuel and oxidant and/or of combustion products. The thermal load receives thermal energy from the first and second combustion reactions.
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
F23D 14/28 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid in association with a gaseous fuel source, e.g. acetylene generator, or a container for liquefied gas
Burners, namely, gas burners; primary gas burners for industrial use; boilers, namely, furnace boilers, heating boilers, fixed industrial boilers, and process heating boilers; furnaces; burner replacement kits for boilers, furnaces and process heaters, namely, burner replacement parts in the nature of gas nozzles and flame holders featuring multiple perforations
10.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A BURNER WITH PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder, a preheating fuel distributor, a main fuel distributor, an oxidant source, an array of sensors, and a controller. The oxidant source outputs an oxidant. The preheating fuel distributor supports a preheating flame configured to preheat the perforated flame holder by outputting a preheating fuel when the combustion system is in a preheating state. The main fuel source outputs a main fuel in the standard operating state. The perforated flame holder is configured to support a combustion reaction of the main fuel and the oxidant in the standard operating state. The sensors are configured to sense parameters of the preheating flame and the perforated flame holder and to output sensor signals to the controller. The controller executes software instructions that include adjusting the flow of the main fuel, the preheating fuel, and the oxidant responsive to the sensor signals.
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 14/58 - Nozzles characterised by the shape or arrangement of the outlet or outlets from the nozzle, e.g. of annular configuration
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
A combustion system includes a flame holder with a plurality of perforations extending through between first and second faces of the flame holder. A main fuel nozzle is configured to emit a fuel stream toward the first face of the flame holder and support a combustion reaction substantially between the first and second faces. One or more pilot nozzles are positioned over the second face of the flame holder and configured to emit pilot fuel streams along respective pilot axes lying parallel to the second face. During periods in which the combustion reaction is unintentionally extinguished, pilot flames supported by the one or more pilot nozzles heat respective portions of the flame holder.
A combustion system includes a fuel distributor configured to output a fuel, an oxidant source configured to output an oxidant, and a mixing tube defining a mixing volume aligned to receive the fuel and oxidant. The mixing tube is shaped to convey the fuel and oxidant through the mixing volume at a bulk velocity higher than a flame propagation speed. The combustion system includes a perforated flame holder aligned to receive the mixed fuel and oxidant and to support a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant.
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
A flame holder system includes a support structure configured to support a plurality of burner tiles within a furnace volume. The support structure includes a frame supporting a support lattice. A number of burner tiles are arranged in an array on the lattice. The support structure is configured to be assemblable without tools inside the furnace volume, using components that are sized to fit through an access port in a wall of the furnace.
A combustion system supports a swirl-stabilized preheating flame with a preheating fuel and an oxidant. The combustion system preheats a perforated flame holder with the preheating flame. After the perforated flame holder has been preheated to the threshold temperature, the combustion system outputs a primary fuel. The perforated flame holder receives a mixture of the primary fuel and the oxidant supports a combustion reaction of the primary fuel and the oxidant.
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
F23D 14/70 - Baffles or like flow-disturbing devices
F23D 14/58 - Nozzles characterised by the shape or arrangement of the outlet or outlets from the nozzle, e.g. of annular configuration
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder and a preheating flame holder. During a preheating state, a preheating fuel nozzle outputs a preheating fuel stream onto the preheating flame holder and the preheating flame holder holds a preheating flame supported by the preheating fuel. The preheating flame heats the perforated flame holder to a threshold temperature. After the perforated flame holder has reached the threshold temperature, a fuel nozzle outputs a plurality of fuel streams including a fuel toward the perforated flame holder with a trajectory selected to entrain an oxidant with the fuel streams. The perforated flame holder supports a combustion reaction of the fuel and the oxidant.
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
F23D 14/70 - Baffles or like flow-disturbing devices
16.
FURNACE INCLUDING PERFORATED AND BLUFF BODY FLAME HOLDER FOR ENHANCED STABILITY AND TURNDOWN
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder and a plurality of bluff body members positioned between the perforated flame holder and a fuel source. The fuel source outputs a fuel stream through gaps between the bluff body members toward the perforated flame holder. The perforated flame holder and the bluff body members collectively hold a combustion reaction supported by the fuel stream.
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
F23D 14/58 - Nozzles characterised by the shape or arrangement of the outlet or outlets from the nozzle, e.g. of annular configuration
17.
Fluid heater with perforated flame holder, and method of operation
A water heater includes a water tank having an inlet and an outlet, and a flue extending through the tank. A nozzle is positioned near a first end of the flue, arranged so as to emit a fuel stream into the flue, and a flame holder is located within the flue in a position to receive the fuel stream and to hold a flame entirely within the flue.
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder, a fuel nozzle configured to output fuel toward the perforated flame holder, and a plasma ignition device configured to output a plasma during a preheating state of the combustion system and to cease outputting the plasma to transition from the preheating state to the standard operating state. In the preheating state the plasma ignition device causes a preheating flame of the fuel stream at a position between the fuel nozzle and the perforated flame holder. In the standard operating condition, the plasma is not present and the fuel stream impinges on the perforated flame holder. The perforated flame holder supports a combustion reaction of the fuel stream within the perforated flame holder when in the standard operating state.
F23D 14/22 - Non-premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air on arrival at the combustion zone with separate air and gas feed ducts, e.g. with ducts running parallel or crossing each other
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
F23D 14/58 - Nozzles characterised by the shape or arrangement of the outlet or outlets from the nozzle, e.g. of annular configuration
19.
PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER SUPPORT MEMBER FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
A furnace includes a perforated flame holder formed from an array of tiles. The perforated flame holder is stabilized by a support member extending between at least adjacent tiles. Elongated support members may be positioned to extend through each of the tiles in a respective column of the array of tiles.
F23D 14/14 - Radiant burners using screens or perforated plates
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
F23D 14/58 - Nozzles characterised by the shape or arrangement of the outlet or outlets from the nozzle, e.g. of annular configuration
Burners, namely, gas burners, coal burners, wood burners,
fluidized beds, primary burners, and secondary burners;
boilers, namely, furnace boilers, heating boilers, fixed
boilers (except steam boilers), power generation boilers,
ship's boilers (except steam boilers), and process heat
boilers; furnaces; structural parts for boilers and
furnaces, namely, combustion systems for boilers and
furnaces, comprised of one or more combustion reaction heat
evolution means and a number of perforated flame holders.
21.
BURNER SYSTEM WITH DISCRETE TRANSVERSE FLAME STABILIZERS
A combustion system includes a fuel and oxidant source and a flame holder. The flame holder includes a plurality of discrete slats arranged in parallel defining combustion channels between adjacent slats. The fuel and oxidant source outputs fuel and oxidant into the combustion channels. The flame holder holds a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant in the combustion channels.
A combustion system includes a fuel and oxidant source (101) that outputs fuel and oxidant, a first perforated flame holder (102), and a second perforated flame holder (102) separated from the first perforated flame holder by a gap (105). The first and second perforated flame holders sustain a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the first and second perforated flame holders.
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder configured to hold a main combustion reaction substantially between input and output faces thereof. A main fuel nozzle is positioned to emit a main fuel stream toward the input face. An igniter assembly is configured to ignite a preheat flame supported by the main fuel stream between the main fuel nozzle and the perforated flame holder, and to selectably control a degree of ignition of the fuel stream by the preheat flame. During a start-up of the combustion system, the perforated flame holder is preheated by the preheat flame. When the flame holder reaches a start-up temperature, the preheat flame is shifted from fully igniting to partially igniting the fuel stream, allowing fuel and oxidant to reach the flame holder. A flame is ignited in the flame holder while the preheat flame burns. The preheat flame is then released.
F23C 5/06 - Provision for adjustment of burner position during operation
F23D 14/14 - Radiant burners using screens or perforated plates
F23D 14/22 - Non-premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air on arrival at the combustion zone with separate air and gas feed ducts, e.g. with ducts running parallel or crossing each other
F23N 1/02 - Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
F23N 5/02 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium
Burners, namely, gas burners, coal burners, wood burners; primary gas burners and secondary liquid fuel burners for industrial use; boilers, namely, furnace boilers, heating boilers, fixed industrial boilers, and process heating boilers; furnaces; burner replacement kits for boilers, furnaces and process heaters, namely, burner replacement parts in the nature of gas or liquid nozzles and flame holders featuring multiple perforations
An ionizer provides charged particles to charge a combustion reaction. A conductive flame holder cooperates with the charged combustion reaction to hold the combustion reaction away from a fuel nozzle. Dilution and/or premixing of the fuel in the region between the fuel nozzle and the conductive flame holder results in a reduced flame temperature. The reduced flame temperature results in a reduced output of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
F23C 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
26.
APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS TO CONTROL CO AND NOx GENERATION IN A COMBUSTION REACTION
An apparatus comprises a reaction volume, a reactant or fuel nozzle, an oxidizer introducer, a sensor, a controller, and electrodes. The controller may comprise a power controller, a microcontroller, a sensor interface, a waveform generator, and amplifiers connected to the electrodes. The controller may control an electric current to the electrodes and produce an electric field proximate to a combustion boundary. The electric field may influence the movement of charged species in the reaction volume. The sensors may provide information to the controller, which information the controller may use to change parameters such as the rate of introduction of the reactant and/or oxidizer and/or of parameters of the electric current and electric field, such as the waveform of the electric current, the voltage of the electric current, the location of the electric field within the reaction volume. Reduction in undesirable reaction products may thereby be achieved.
A burner system includes staged reactions selected to output a low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) flue gas even when fuel carrying fuel-bound nitrogen is burned. The burner system further includes a perforated reaction holder generating a fuel by holding a gasification reaction within the perforated reaction holder by adding and mixing an oxidant. The fuel and oxidant are passed to a perforated flame holder for holding a combustion reaction between the fuel and the oxidant within the perforated flame holder. Heat is transferred from the perforated flame holder to the perforated reaction holder.
F23D 14/14 - Radiant burners using screens or perforated plates
F23D 14/32 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid using a mixture of gaseous fuel and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air
28.
PREFABRICATED INTEGRATED COMBUSTION ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF INSTALLING THE SAME INTO A COMBUSTION SYSTEM
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices and methods for improving operation of a combustion system. According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a prefabricated integrated combustion assembly is disclosed that may be installed into a combustion chamber of a combustion system. The combustion system may be a new combustion system that is being manufactured or a conventional combustion system that is being retrofitted.
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder, an oxidant source, and an adjustable fuel nozzle. The oxidant source outputs oxidant. The adjustable fuel nozzle outputs fuel onto the perforated flame holder. The perforated flame holder supports a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder. The position of the adjustable nozzle relative to the perforated flame holder can be adjusted to achieve selected characteristics of the combustion reaction within the perforated flame holder.
A burner system includes a perforated flame holder configured to hold a combustion reaction and a plurality of fuel nozzles aligned to deliver respective fuel streams to the perforated flame holder. According to an embodiment, a burner system includes a perforated flame holder and a plurality of fuel and oxidant sources configured to collectively provide a fuel and oxidant mixture to the perforated flame holder. The perforated flame holder is configured to hold a combustion reaction supported by the fuel and oxidant mixture.
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods of upgrading a conventional combustion system into an upgraded combustion system that includes a perforated flame holder. For example, the perforated flame holder may improve operational efficiency of the combustion system and/or reduce pollutants such as NOx output by the upgraded combustion system.
A furnace has a fuel and oxidant source to create a flow of combustible fuel/air mixture, a perforated flame holder on which the flow impinges, and a support structure to support the perforated flame holder in a position where it at least partially contains combustion of the fuel/air mixture. The support structure mechanically engages with the interior of the furnace to support the perforated flame holder, which may be movable within the furnace via a mechanism to optimize combustion or reduce NOx. The support may contain fluid coolant.
A system is configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or an electric field to a combustion reaction responsive to acoustic feedback from the combustion reaction.
F23B 30/00 - Combustion apparatus with driven means for agitating the burning fuelCombustion apparatus with driven means for advancing the burning fuel through the combustion chamber
F23N 5/16 - Systems for controlling combustion using noise-sensitive detectors
F23C 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Embodiments disclosed herein include flame holders that may provide recirculated fuel flow therethrough, combustion systems that include such flame holders, and related methods. A fuel and/or fuel-oxidant mixture may pass through one or more openings in the flame holder and, after combustion, the resulting flame may be held at or near a surface of the flame holder including in the one or more openings. Generally, the configuration of the flame holders disclosed herein (e.g., the one or more openings of the flame holders) may recirculate or regulate (e.g., decrease and/or increase) the flow of fuel and/or oxidant therethrough, at least limit flame flashback, improve fuel/oxidant mixing, increase flame stability, regulate where the flame is located in the flame holder, improve the operational stability window of the combustion system, or combinations of the foregoing.
Technologies are provided for employing electrical energy to control a combustion reaction. Energy is received from a combustion reaction. A portion of the received energy is converted to generated electricity. The generated electricity converted from the combustion energy is used to control the combustion reaction.
A solid fuel combustion system includes a solid fuel burner configured to sustain a combustion reaction of a solid fuel and an oxidant. The solid fuel combustion system includes a first and a second electrode positioned to adjust a shape of a combustion reaction of solid fuel and an oxidant by generating an electric field.
A system for electrically controlling a combustion flame may include a burner configured to generate the combustionflame. The combustion flame includes a resistance and a capacitance. The system may include an ionizer positioned proximate to the burner to supply ions of a first polarity to the combustion flame to charge the capacitance of the combustion flame to one or more voltage levels. The system may include a power supply coupled to the ionizer and configured to provide an output voltage signal of the first polarity to the ionizer to excite the ionizer to supply the ions of the first polarity to the combustion flame. The power supply may include a transformer and an output dampener operatively coupled in parallel to the transformer. The output dampener can suppress a second polarity of the output voltage signal to limit delivery of ions of the second polarity to the combustion flame by the ionizer.
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
F23D 14/72 - Safety devices, e.g. operative in case of failure of gas supply
A water heater includes a water tank having an inlet and an outlet, and a flue extending through the tank. A nozzle is positioned near a first end of the flue, arranged so as to emit a fuel stream into the flue, and a flame holder is located within the flue in a position to receive the fuel stream and to hold a flame entirely within the flue.
An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element.
Embodiments disclosed herein include flame positioning and stabilization devices, systems, and methods as well as burners and combustion systems (e.g., systems that include multiple burners), which incorporate such flame positioning and stabilization devices, systems, and methods.
Embodiments disclosed herein include flame positioning and stabilization devices, systems, and methods as well as burners and combustion systems (e.g., systems that include multiple burners), which incorporate such flame positioning and stabilization devices, systems, and methods.
A method of operation of a burner system includes introducing a fuel stream into a perforated flame holder, combusting the fuel stream, with a majority of the combustion occurring between an input face and an output face of the flame holder, and producing a heat output from the combustion of at least 1.5 kBTU/H/in2.
A method for operating a combustion system includes outputting fuel and oxidant from a fuel and oxidant source onto a perforated flame holder. The method further includes sustaining a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder.
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 14/72 - Safety devices, e.g. operative in case of failure of gas supply
F23R 3/16 - Continuous combustion chambers using liquid or gaseous fuel characterised by the air-flow or gas-flow configuration with devices inside the flame tube or the combustion chamber to influence the air or gas flow
A down-fired flame burner includes a flame holder positioned below the burner. The flame holder includes a plurality of perforations that collectively confine a combustion reaction of the burner to the flame holder.
B01J 19/26 - Nozzle-type reactors, i.e. the distribution of the initial reactants within the reactor is effected by their introduction or injection through nozzles
F23D 14/00 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid
F23D 14/28 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid in association with a gaseous fuel source, e.g. acetylene generator, or a container for liquefied gas
47.
APPLICATION OF AN ELECTRIC FIELD TO A COMBUSTION REACTION SUPPORTED BY A PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER
A combustion system includes a perforated flame holder that includes a plurality of perforations and substantially contains a combustion reaction within the perforations. The system further includes one or more electrodes coupled to the perforated flame holder and configured to electrically influence the combustion reaction within the perforations.
A burner includes an electrically powered heater configured to output heat energy to a burner portion configured to contact a fuel stream or a combustion reaction supported by the fuel stream.
F24H 1/24 - Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating with water mantle surrounding the combustion chamber or chambers
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
51.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING FLAMMABILITY LIMITS IN A COMBUSTION REACTION
A method for controlling a combustion reaction includes introducing fuel and oxidizer into a combustion volume at a ratio that is outside a range defined by an upper flammability or stability limit and a lower flammability or stability limit of the fuel, and producing a modified range defined by a modified upper flammability or stability limit and a modified lower flammability or stability limit of the fuel, by applying an electric field across a flame supported by the fuel and oxidizer, the ratio falling within the modified range.
Technologies are provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction. A first portion of a process material and a combustion reaction may be positioned in mutual proximity. A voltage source may be operatively coupled to the process material via an electrical coupling and to the combustion reaction via a combustion reaction charging mechanism. Respective voltages may be applied to the electrical coupling and the combustion reaction to cause an electrical potential to be formed between the combustion reaction and the process material. The electrical potential may be selected to cause a measurable effect on the combustion reaction, such as to increase or decrease heat transfer to the process material.
F23R 3/18 - Flame stabilising means, e.g. flame holders for after-burners of jet-propulsion plants
F23R 3/42 - Continuous combustion chambers using liquid or gaseous fuel characterised by the arrangement or form of the flame tubes or combustion chambers
F23D 14/26 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid with provision for a retention flame
F23D 11/10 - Burners using a direct spraying action of liquid droplets or vaporised liquid into the combustion space the spraying being induced by a gaseous medium, e.g. water vapour
54.
SYSTEM AND COMBUSTION REACTION HOLDER CONFIGURED TO TRANSFER HEAT FROM A COMBUSTION REACTION TO A FLUID
A combustion system includes a combustion reaction holder that defines plurality of combustion channels and a fluid volume separate from the plurality of combustion channels. The combustion channels are collectively configured to hold a combustion reaction. Heat from the combustion reaction is transferred to a fluid disposed in the fluid volume.
F23R 3/18 - Flame stabilising means, e.g. flame holders for after-burners of jet-propulsion plants
F23R 3/42 - Continuous combustion chambers using liquid or gaseous fuel characterised by the arrangement or form of the flame tubes or combustion chambers
55.
FLAME VISUALIZATION CONTROL FOR ELECTRODYNAMIC COMBUSTION CONTROL
A combustion system includes, burner, a camera, and a control circuit. The burner initiates a combustion reaction. The camera takes a plurality of images of the combustion reaction. The control circuit produces from the images an averaged image and adjusts the combustion reaction based on the adjusted image.
F23N 5/02 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
56.
PRE-MIXED FUEL BURNER WITH PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER
A combustion system such as a furnace or boiler includes a perforated reaction holder configured to hold a combustion reaction that produces very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
An electrically enhanced combustor includes bilayer insulation. A thermal insulator protects an electrical insulator from high temperatures that could cause the electrical insulator to become at least somewhat electrically conductive.
A combustion system includes an ionizer configured to eject charges (or accept charges) for uptake by a combustion reaction to cause a combustion reaction to carry a majority charge or voltage. The ionizer includes an inner electrode, a dielectric body surrounding the inner electrode, and one or more conductive or semi-conductive inner electrodes disposed on the surface of the dielectric body. The inner and outer electrodes are configured to be in a capacitive relationship.
A burner system includes a plurality of burners, each having a nozzle positioned to emit a stream of fuel into a combustion volume, and a perforated flame holder, including a plurality of apertures extending between first and second faces thereof, and positioned to receive a stream of fuel from the respective nozzle. In operation, the flame holders are configured to hold a flame substantially within the plurality of apertures.
F23D 11/02 - Burners using a direct spraying action of liquid droplets or vaporised liquid into the combustion space the combustion space being a chamber substantially at atmospheric pressure
F23D 11/36 - Burners using a direct spraying action of liquid droplets or vaporised liquid into the combustion space Details
60.
HORIZONTALLY FIRED BURNER WITH A PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER
A horizontally-fired flame burner includes a flame holder positioned laterally from the burner. The flame holder includes a plurality of perforations that collectively confine a combustion reaction of the burner to the flame holder.
Technologies are described for applying electrical energy according to a physical extent of a combustion reaction, which may include: supporting a combustion reaction at a fuel source; sensing a physical extent of the combustion reaction with respect to a plurality of different locations of a plurality of electrodes; and applying electrical energy to the combustion reaction via at least one of the plurality of electrodes responsive to the physical extent of the combustion reaction. Sensing the physical extent of the combustion reaction may include receiving a sensor signal corresponding to the physical extent of the combustion reaction.
Technologies are provided for applying energy to a combustion reaction. For example, a method may include supporting a combustion reaction; applying energy to the combustion reaction via one or more control signals; detecting a change in one or more parameters associated with the combustion reaction; comparing the change in the one or more parameters to a database; determining whether the change in the one or more parameters corresponds to a change in the combustion reaction; selecting a change in the one or more control signals from the database; and applying the change in the one or more control signals to change the a value of the energy applied to the combustion reaction responsive to changes in the one or more parameters associated with in the combustion reaction.
A selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) or selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system include a reagent charging apparatus configured to apply one or more electrical charges to a NOx reducing reagent. The electrical charges enhance mixing of the reagent with fluids carrying NOx and/or enhance reactivity of the reagent with NOx.
A combustor may include a nonmetallic combustor body configured to hold a combustion reaction and one or more electrodes disposed outside the nonmetallic combustor body and configured to apply an electric field, an electric field effect, charged particles, or voltage to the combustion reaction.
F23R 3/16 - Continuous combustion chambers using liquid or gaseous fuel characterised by the air-flow or gas-flow configuration with devices inside the flame tube or the combustion chamber to influence the air or gas flow
F23R 3/42 - Continuous combustion chambers using liquid or gaseous fuel characterised by the arrangement or form of the flame tubes or combustion chambers
66.
COMBUSTION-POWERED ELECTRODYNAMIC COMBUSTION SYSTEM
Technologies are provided for employing electricity to control a combustion reaction. Energy is received from a combustion reaction. A portion of the received energy is converted to generated electricity. The generated electricity converted from the combustion energy is used to control the combustion reaction.
An electrically stabilized burner is configured to support a combustion reaction such as a combustion reaction substantially at a selected fuel dilution and with a mixing rate selected to maximize the reaction rate without quenching the combustion reaction.
A swirl-stabilized burner includes a charge source configured to apply a majority charge to a combustion reaction and at least one stabilization electrode configured to apply electrical attraction or repulsion to the majority charge to control position or stability of the swirl-stabilized combustion reaction.
A combustion system includes a combustion fluid charge source and a start-up flame holder configured to attract the charge and hold a flame when the combustion system is cool and allow the flame to lift when the combustion system is warmed up.
A premixed combustion system includes a charge electrode, and an anchoring electrode positioned adjacent to a fuel nozzle. A charge having a first polarity is applied to the flame via the charge electrode and an electrical potential having a polarity opposite the first polarity is applied to the anchoring electrode. The oppositely-charged flame is attracted to the anchoring electrode, thereby anchoring the flame.
A burner system includes a fuel nozzle, an electrode configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction supported by the fuel nozzle, a high-voltage converter configured to receive electrical energy from a low-voltage power supply and to provide high-voltage power to the electrode, a battery charger, and a switch module coupled to the battery charger, the converter, and first and second batteries. The switch module is selectively switchable between first and second conditions. In the first condition, the first battery is coupled to the battery charger and decoupled from the high-voltage converter, while the second battery is coupled to the high-voltage converter and decoupled from the battery charger. In the second condition, the first battery is coupled to the high-voltage converter and decoupled from the battery charger, while the second battery is coupled to the battery charger and decoupled from the converter.
A combustion fluid flow barrier includes an aperture to control combustion fluid flow. The combustion fluid is charged by a charge generator. The combustion fluid flow barrier includes at least one flow control electrode operatively coupled to the aperture and configured to selectively allow, attract, or resist passage of the charged combustion fluid through the aperture, depending on voltage applied to the flow control electrode.
In an embodiment, a combustion system includes a burner, a flame charging device, and a flame control system. The burner outputs a flow including fuel that when ignited generates a flame. The flame charging device is positioned adjacent to the flame and charges the flame to generate a charged flame. The control system includes one or more electrodes disposed adjacent to the charged flame, a charge managing module operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes, one or more sensors in electrical communication to the controller, and a controller in electrical communication with the charge managing module and the one or more sensors. The charge managing module controls charging and discharging of the electrodes. The sensors are positioned and configured to measure at least one combustion parameter of the charged flame. The controller controls operation of the charge managing module responsive to the at least one combustion parameter measured by the sensors.
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
F23C 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
A burner supporting primary and secondary combustion reactions may include a primary combustion reaction actuator configured to select a location of the secondary combustion reaction. A burner may include a lifted flame holder structure configured to support a secondary combustion reaction above a partial premixing region. The secondary flame support location may be selected as a function of a turndown parameter. Selection logic may be of arbitrary complexity.
A perforated flame holder and burner including a perforated flame holder provides reduced oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during operation. The perforated flame holder includes a pattern of elongated apertures extending between a proximal and a distal surface of the flame holder relative to a fuel nozzle. The perforated flame holder can provide a significantly reduced flame height while maintaining heat output from the burner.
According to an embodiment, a combustion system is provided, which includes a nozzle configured to emit a diverging fuel flow, a flame holder positioned in the path of the fuel flow and that includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and a preheat mechanism configured to heat the flame to a temperature exceeding a startup temperature threshold.
A such as a furnace or boiler includes a perforated reaction holder configured to hold a combustion reaction that produces very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Embodiments are directed to a gasifier that electrodynamically agitates charged chemical species in a reaction region of a reaction vessel of a gasifier and related methods. In an embodiment, a gasifier includes a reaction vessel configured to gasify at least one hydrocarbon-containing feed material to synthesis gas. The reaction vessel includes an inlet(s) for receiving a gasification medium that reacts with the at least one hydrocarbon-containing feed material and an outlet for allowing the synthesis gas to exit from the reaction vessel, and a reaction region. The gasifier includes at least one electrode positioned to be in electrical communication with the reaction region, and a voltage source operatively coupled to the at least one electrode. The voltage source and the at least one electrode are cooperatively configured to generate a time varying electric field in the reaction region to effect electrodynamic mixing of charged chemical species therein during gasification.
A combustion system includes an electrodynamic combustion control system that provided for electrical control of a combustion reaction. Energy is received wirelessly, and electrical energy is generated from the wirelessly received energy. The electrical energy is applied to the combustion reaction in order to control or regulate operation of first and/or second electrodes configured to apply the energy to the combustion reaction.
A high voltage can be applied to a combustion reaction to enhance or otherwise control the combustion reaction. The high voltage is switched on or off by a grid electrode interposed between a high voltage electrode assembly and the combustion reaction.
Two or more unipolar voltage generation systems may apply respective voltages to separate but complementary electrodes. The complementary electrodes may be disposed substantially congruently or analogously to one another to provide bipolar electrical effects on a combustion reaction.
A burner may include a dielectric body configured to hold one or more electrodes in proximity to a combustion reaction. The dielectric body may be cast from a refractory material. The one or more electrodes may be cast into the dielectric body. The dielectric body and the electrodes may be configured for installation, removal, and replacement as a unit.
Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.
H01T 23/00 - Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases, e.g. into the atmosphere
F23N 5/26 - Systems for controlling combustion Details
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
F23C 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Technologies are provided for employing an ion flow to control a combustion reaction. A combustion reaction is supported at a burner or fuel source. One or more electrical signals are applied to an ionizer to generate an ion flow having a first polarity. The ion flow is introduced to the combustion reaction or a reactant at a first location, imparting a corresponding charge to the combustion reaction. The first location is at least intermittently upstream with respect to a reaction front of the combustion reaction. One or more of the electrical signals are applied to a first electrode at a second location downstream of the first location, which provokes a response by the combustion reaction according to the applied charge. The combustion reaction is controlled by selection of the one or more electrical signals.
A multijet burner system includes a plurality of fuel nozzles, each configured to support a respective flame, a plurality of charge electrodes, each positioned and configured to apply a charge potential to a fluid flow corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of fuel nozzles, and a charge controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of charge electrodes and configured to control a voltage potential applied to each respective charge electrode. By selecting the magnitude and polarity of a charge potential applied to individual ones of the flames of the plurality of burners, the flames can be made to change positions, move to selected positions, and redistribute themselves within a volume.
F23N 1/02 - Regulating fuel supply conjointly with air supply
F23D 14/08 - Premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air upstream of the combustion zone induction type, e.g. Bunsen burner with axial outlets at the burner head
F23D 14/60 - Devices for simultaneous control of gas and combustion air
86.
ELECTRODYNAMIC COMBUSTION CONTROL WITH CURRENT LIMITING ELECTRICAL ELEMENT
An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element.
Technologies are presented for selecting an electrode gain value for applying electricity to control a combustion reaction. F or example, a system can include one or more electrodes, an electrode gain selector configured to select an operative electrode gain value for the one or more electrodes, and a power supply operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes. The power supply can be configured to apply the electricity to the combustion reaction via the one or more electrodes at the operative electrode gain value.
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
Power generation boilers. Electrical controllers for controlling electric fields in
external combustion apparatuses; electrodes for applying
electric fields in external combustion apparatuses; computer
software that derives, optimizes, or generates waveforms for
applying electric fields in external combustion apparatuses;
voltage generators, electrodes, and control systems for
applying electric fields within burners, boilers, and
furnaces, all used as structural parts for burners, boilers,
and furnaces; fuel control and metering devices, namely,
flow meters coupled to electric field control panels. Burners, namely, gas burners, coal burners, wood burners,
fluidized beds, primary burners, and secondary burners;
boilers, namely, furnace boilers, heating boilers, fixed
boilers, ship's boilers (terms too vague in the opinion of
the International Bureau - Rule 13(2)(b) of the Common
Regulations), and process heat boilers; furnaces; structural
parts for boilers and furnaces, namely, combustion systems
for boilers and furnaces, comprised of one or more
combustion reaction heat evolution means and one or more
electrostatic field means; pollution control systems sold as
a unit, comprised of electrostatic precipitators,
electrostatic classifiers or electrostatic recyclers, used
for reducing particulate emission in industrial
applications.
A corona electrode may be used to apply an electric field to a combustion reaction to cause a response in the combustion reaction. The corona electrode may include an ion-ejecting feature having a small radius.
A down-fired flame burner including a flame charger and one or more field electrodes configured to control flame shape and/or heat transfer to a chemical reactor is presented. Also described is a method for providing process heat includes projecting a down-fired flame in a heating volume, electrically charging the flame to carry a majority charge, and applying an electric field proximate the down-fired flame to control flame shape, heat transfer from the flame, or flame shape and heat transfer from the flame, and applying heat from the flame to a chemical reactor.
B01J 19/08 - Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiationApparatus therefor
B01J 19/26 - Nozzle-type reactors, i.e. the distribution of the initial reactants within the reactor is effected by their introduction or injection through nozzles
F23C 5/00 - Combustion apparatus characterised by the arrangement or mounting of burners
A premixed fuel and air combustion system includes an anti-flashback electrode configured to repel a charge concentration in a combustion fluid and reduce or prevent the flame from flashing back into a mixer.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by a fuel burner is reduced by anchoring the flame to a conductive anchor disposed a lift distance from a fuel nozzle, using a voltage applied to the flame.
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
F23D 14/46 - Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid Details
F23D 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
93.
LOW NOx BURNER AND METHOD OF OPERATING A LOW NOx BURNER
A low NOx burner is configured to support a combustion reaction at a selected fuel mixture by anchoring a flame at a conductive flame anchor responsive to current flow between charges carried by the flame and the conductive flame anchor.
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
F23D 14/42 - Torches, e.g. for brazing or heating for cutting
F23D 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
A burner includes a flame positioning mechanism. The flame positioning mechanism includes a flame charger, a plurality of electrodes placed a respective distances along a fuel stream propagation path, and an electrode switch configured to place a subset of the plurality of electrodes into electrical continuity with a holding voltage. Current flow between the flame charge and the holding voltage anchors the flame to an electrode placed into electrical continuity with the holding voltage.
F23Q 3/00 - Ignition using electrically-produced sparks
F23D 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
F23N 5/12 - Systems for controlling combustion using devices responsive to thermal changes or to thermal expansion of a medium using ionisation-sensitive elements, i.e. flame rods
A gas turbine afterburner includes a gutter electrode that helps to hold an afterburner flame. A charge source applies a majority charge to be carried by a turbine exhaust gas. Electrical attraction between the majority charge and the gutter electrode helps to hold the afterburner flame.
F02C 3/00 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid
F02C 3/20 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products
F02C 3/14 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid characterised by the arrangement of the combustion chamber in the plant
A combustor provides reaction anchoring by injecting a voltage or charge into an exothermic reaction such as aflame, and anchoring the exothermic reaction to a conductive surface positioned adjacent to a fuel jet nozzle.
Technologies are presented for applying electrical energy to a combustion reaction to produce agglomerated combustion particulates. For example, a system may include: one or more electrodes configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction; a combustion zone configured to support the combustion reaction of a fuel at a fuel source; and an electrical power source operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes and configured to apply electrical energy to the combustion reaction. The combustion reaction is controlled to produce a distribution of agglomerated combustion particulates characterized by an increase in at least one of an average particulate diameter or an average particulate mass.
According to embodiments, a co-fired or multiple fuel combustion system is configured to apply an electric field to a combustion region corresponding to a second fuel that normally suffers from poor combustion and/or high sooting. Application of an AC voltage to the combustion region was found to increase the extent of combustion and significantly reduce soot evolved from the second fuel.
F23C 1/10 - Combustion apparatus specially adapted for combustion of two or more kinds of fuel simultaneously or alternately, at least one kind of fuel being either a fluid fuel or a solid fuel suspended in air liquid and pulverulent fuel
99.
SOLID FUEL BURNER WITH ELECTRODYNAMIC HOMOGENIZATION
A solid fuel burner may include a system for electrodynamic homogenization. One or more electrodes may apply an electric field to burning solid fuel or a region proximate the burning solid fuel. The electric field causes mixing and homogenization of volatilized fractions of the solid fuel, combustion gases, and air. The improved mixing and homogenization may reduce emission of carbon monoxide (CO), reduce emission of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reduce oxygen in flue gas, increase temperature of flue gas, and/or allow for a larger grate surface.
A gas turbine may include turbine blades configured to improve stream adhesion by selectively attracting or reducing repulsion of charged particles carried by a combustion gas stream. According to an embodiment, a gas turbine may include a combustor configured to output a combustion gas stream, the combustion gas stream being controlled or driven to at least intermittently or periodically include charged particles having a first sign. For example the first sign may be positive during at least an instant. The gas turbine also includes at least one turbine configured to receive the combustion gas stream (carrying the charged particles at least intermittently or periodically). The turbine includes at least one turbine stage having turbine blades. Each turbine blade includes a repelling surface configured to be at least intermittently or periodically held or driven to a repelling voltage having a polarity the same as the charged particles having the first sign.
