Abstract: A burner assembly for a furnace or like device having a firebox defining a combustion zone. The burner assembly includes a first annular tile defining a centrally located path for a flow of combustion air and a second annular tile concentric with the first annular tile. The second annular tile has an internal diameter which is larger than an external diameter of said first annular tile, and the second annular tile is positioned in surrounding relationship relative to at least a portion of said first annular tile so that a ring-shaped conduit is defined therebetween. The tiles are adapted for placement in the combustion zone of the furnace with the conduit in direct fluid communication with flue gases surrounding the combustion zone. The arrangement is such that combustion air flowing along said path induces a flow of flue gas through the conduit for entrainment by the flow of combustion air.

Abstract: A burner assembly for a radiant burner includes a burner tube structure in the form of an elongated burner conduit having spaced inlet and outlet ends. The conduit is adapted and arranged for directing a fuel lean gaseous mixture comprising a portion of the total fluid fuel to be combusted and oxygen therealong from the inlet end to the outlet end. The assembly also includes a main burner nozzle at the outlet end of the conduit, which nozzle has a central axis, a wall extending around a centrally located chamber therein, and a downstream end spaced from the outlet end of the conduit. The main burner nozzle is arranged and adapted for receiving the mixture from the conduit in the chamber and redirecting the same through a plurality of apertures in the wall and into a combustion zone in a direction transverse to the axis and at a velocity which is greater than the flame speed of the gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A burner arrangement includes a venturi cluster including a plurality of venturis arranged for parallel flow. The multi venturi arrangement utilizing pressurized fuel as the inducing fluid to induce a flow of air enables the provision of an ultra fuel lean premix of fuel and air. A central burner tube which extends outwardly beyond the delivery end of a primary burner tip and mounts a relatively small capacity nozzle at a substantial distance from the delivery end of the burner tip enabling the ultra fuel lean mixture to expand and slow down such that its linear speed does not exceed the flame speed of the mixture prior to by the flame of the spaced nozzle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the nozzle to assist in stabilizing the flame after the expansion and slowing process has been completed.

Abstract: A burner arrangement includes a venturi cluster including a plurality of venturis arranged for parallel flow. The multi venturi arrangement utilizing pressurized fuel as the inducing fluid to induce a flow of air enables the provision of an ultra fuel lean premix of fuel and air. A central burner tube which extends outwardly beyond the delivery end of a primary burner tip and mounts a relatively small capacity nozzle at a substantial distance from the delivery end of the burner tip enabling the ultra fuel lean mixture to expand and slow down such that its linear speed does not exceed the flame speed of the mixture prior to by the flame of the spaced nozzle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the nozzle to assist in stabilizing the flame after the expansion and slowing process has been completed.

Abstract: A low NOx burner nozzle assembly for a radiant wall burner includes an elongated hollow burner tube and a discharge nozzle. The burner tube defines a conduit for supplying a mixture of fuel and air to a radiant combustion area of a combustion zone that surrounds the nozzle assembly. The discharge nozzle is mounted on the tube at the downstream end of the conduit adjacent the radiant combustion area and the same is adapted for directing the mixture of fuel and air into the radiant combustion area in an essentially radial direction. The discharge nozzle includes a plurality of flow directing members arranged in an array which extends circumferentially around the discharge nozzle, and the same are arranged to define therebetween a plurality of passageways which extend in a generally radial direction. The passageways are arranged so as to have different respective flow areas. The discharge nozzle also has an end cap to prevent axial flow of the primary air/fuel mixture.

Abstract: A continuously operating ultra-stable flare pilot for igniting a flammable fluid discharged from the open end of a flare stack and methods are provided. The flare pilot basically comprises a fuel-air mixture inlet conduit, a fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle attached to the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit and a wind shield having a lower end attached to the fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle or the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit. The wind shield has an open upper end which includes an upstanding wall portion facing the open end of the flare stack and the wind shield includes an outwardly extending wind capturing baffle attached to each of the opposite sides of the wind shield positioned substantially around openings in the wind shield through which captured wind can flow into the interior of the wind shield.

Abstract: Compact low NOx gas burner apparatus and methods for discharging fuel gas and air mixtures into furnace spaces wherein the mixture is burned in folded flame patterns and flue gases having low NOx content are formed are provided. A burner apparatus of the invention is basically comprised of a housing having a burner tile attached thereto and means for introducing air therein. The burner tile has an opening therein with a wall surrounding the opening which extends into a furnace space. The exterior sides of the wall are divided into sections by radially positioned baffles with alternate sections having the same or different heights and slanting towards the opening at the same or different angles. Primary fuel gas mixed with flue gases and air is discharged through the burner tile. Secondary fuel gas is discharged adjacent to the external slanted wall sections whereby the secondary fuel gas mixes with flue gases in the furnace space.

Abstract: A high efficiency method for atomizing a liquid fuel. A liquid fuel is caused to flow into and through a pre-atomization chamber. A first portion of a pressurized atomizing fluid is introduced into the liquid fuel flowing through the chamber so as to at least partially atomize the fuel and provide a first admixture containing atomized fuel and atomizing fluid. The first admixture is delivered from the chamber and caused to flow into and through a first elongated port in an atomizing tip connected to the chamber. A second portion of pressurized atomizing fluid is directed into and caused to flow through a second elongated port in the tip. The first admixture from the first port is introduced into the second port and caused to become intimately intermixed with the second portion of pressurized atomizing fluid so as to further atomize the fuel and provide a second admixture comprising atomized fuel and atomizing fluid.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for burning fuel with low NOx formation are provided. An apparatus of the invention for discharging a mixture of fuel gas and air into a furnace wherein the mixture is burned and flue gases having a low NOx content are formed includes the following. A burner housing, attached to a furnace, is provided having a means for mixing a first portion of the fuel gas with a first portion of the air to form a primary fuel gas-air mixture and discharging the primary fuel gas-air mixture into a primary burning zone in the furnace from at least one discharge location surrounded by a wall which extends into the furnace. A means for mixing a second portion of the fuel with a second portion of the air to form a secondary fuel gas-air mixture is also provided whereby the secondary fuel gas-air mixture is discharged into a secondary burning zone in the furnace from at least one discharge location adjacent to an exterior side of the wall.

Abstract: A biogas flare system for burning biogas generated primarily by a landfill includes at least one burner for igniting a mixture of biogas and air. A main supply line supplies a mixture of biogas and air to the burner. A biogas supply line feeds biogas into the main supply line. An air supply line feeds air into the main supply line. A mixer structure mixes the biogas and air prior to the mixture being supplied to the burner.

Abstract: A biogas flare system for burning biogas generated primarily by a landfill includes at least one burner for igniting a mixture of biogas and air. A main supply line supplies a mixture of biogas and air to the burner. A biogas supply line feeds biogas into the main supply line. An air supply line feeds air into the main supply line. A mixer structure mixes the biogas and air prior to the mixture being supplied to the burner.

Abstract: Low NOx axial premix burner apparatus and methods for burning fuel gas are provided by the present invention. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of the steps of mixing a first portion of the fuel gas and all of the air to form a lean primary fuel gas-air mixture, discharging the lean primary fuel gas-air mixture into the furnace space whereby the mixture is burned in a primary combustion zone therein, discharging a second portion of the fuel gas into the primary combustion zone to stabilize the flame produced therein and discharging the remaining portion of the fuel gas into a secondary combustion zone in the furnace space.

Abstract: A low NOx burner nozzle assembly for a radiant wall burner includes an elongated hollow burner tube and a discharge nozzle. The burner tube defines a conduit for supplying a mixture of fuel and air to a radiant combustion area of a combustion zone that surrounds the nozzle assembly. The discharge nozzle is mounted on the tube at the downstream end of the conduit adjacent the radiant combustion area and the same is adapted for directing the mixture of fuel and air into the radiant combustion area in an essentially radial direction. The discharge nozzle includes a plurality of flow directing members arranged in an array which extends circumferentially around the discharge nozzle, and the same are arranged to define therebetween a plurality of passageways which extend in a generally radial direction. The passageways are arranged so as to have different respective flow areas. The discharge nozzle also has an end cap to prevent axial flow of the primary air/fuel mixture.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for burning fuel with low NOx formation are provided. A method of the invention for discharging a mixture of fuel gas and air into a furnace wherein the mixture is burned and flue gases having a low NOx content are formed includes the following steps. A first portion of the fuel gas is mixed with a first portion of the air to form a primary fuel gas-air mixture. The primary fuel gas-air mixture is discharged into a primary burning zone in the furnace from at least one discharge location surrounded by a wall which extends into the furnace. A second portion of the fuel and a second portion of the air are mixed to form a secondary fuel gas-air mixture. The secondary fuel gas-air mixture is discharged into a secondary burning zone in the furnace from at least one discharge location adjacent to an exterior side of the wall.

Abstract: A burner assemblage includes an elongated, round burner assembly having a central axis and including internal baffle structure. The baffle structure is arranged to cause concentric primary and secondary air flows to move in a direction generally parallel to said axis. The secondary air flow is generally annular in shape and the same is disposed in generally surrounding relationship relative to said primary air flow. The assemblage also includes a swirler structure for swirling the air primary and secondary air flowing through the central portions of the burner. The swirler structure includes a first swirler component located in a position for swirling the primary air flow. The first swirler component has an outer circumferential edge that extends around the axis of the burner in radially spaced relationship thereto. The swirler also includes a second generally annular swirler component located in a position for swirling the secondary air flow independently of the swirling of the primary air flow.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is provided. The inlet mixture is caused to flow through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on the bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced. The hydrocarbon-free inert gas is vented and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon is evacuated with an ejector operated by a motive liquid. A major portion of the hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from the bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with the motive liquid is produced. The inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture is separated from the motive liquid and conducted to a point of additional processing or disposal.

Abstract: A high efficiency liquid fuel atomizer includes an elongated generally tubular member defining a liquid fuel pre-atomization chamber. The tubular member has an outer wall that extends around the chamber, an upstream end adapted for connection to a source of liquid fuel and a downstream fuel delivery outlet. The atomizer also includes a larger diameter outer tube that is concentric to the tubular member and defines a generally annular pressurized atomizing fluid supply conduit disposed in surrounding relationship relative to the chamber. The outer tube has an inlet adapted for connection to a source of pressurized atomizing fluid and a downstream pressurized atomizing fluid delivery outlet. One or more orifices are provided in the outer wall of the tubular member so as to intercommunicate the chamber and the annular conduit to permit pressurized atomizing fluid to enter the chamber and at least partially atomize the fluid fuel therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of reducing NOx emissions in the flue gases produced by a steam boiler fired by a fluid fuel and combustion air burner and including a steam drum provided with make-up water from which produced steam and blowdown steam are withdrawn. In accordance with the invention at least a portion of the blowdown steam is combined with the fluid fuel or combustion air or both.

Abstract: Low NOx apparatus and methods for burning liquid and gaseous fuels are provided by the present invention. The apparatus of the invention is basically comprised of a housing having an open discharge end attached to a furnace space, means for introducing a controlled quantity of air into the housing and into the furnace space, a combustion compartment disposed within the housing for providing a primary combustion zone therein having an open inlet end for receiving a portion of the air introduced into the housing and an open discharge end, a liquid fuel nozzle attached to the housing for discharging liquid fuel into the primary combustion zone, at least one primary gaseous fuel nozzle for discharging primary gaseous fuel into the primary combustion zone and at least one secondary gaseous fuel nozzle for discharging secondary gaseous fuel into the furnace space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the content of nitrogen oxides in the flue gases produced by the combustion of fuel gas and combustion air introduced into a burner connected to a furnace are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of conducting the combustion air to the burner, providing a chamber outside of the burner and furnace for mixing flue gases from the furnace with the fuel gas, discharging the fuel gas in the form of a fuel jet into the mixing chamber so that flue gases from the furnace are drawn into the chamber and mixed with and dilute the fuel gas therein and conducting the resulting mixture of flue gases and fuel gas to the burner wherein the mixture is combined with the combustion air and burned in the furnace.