BURNER ASSEMBLY WITH CRESCENT SHUTTERED AIRPLATE

Abstract

A burner assembly for an oil or gas dehydration system is provided which allows for standard pilot access through the burner assembly. The burner assembly includes an airplate system having a crescent shaped shutter plate.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/635,297, filed on Apr. 19, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to burner assemblies used in firetubes. More specifically, the present invention relates to burner assemblies having a shuttered airplate for controlling airflow to a flame that heats air blown through a firetube, which acts as a heating element to heat oil and gas within an oil or gas vessel at an oil or gas well site.

BACKGROUND

Oil and gas tanks, or vessels, are commonly placed at or near oil and gas wells where the oil, gas or other hydrocarbons are extracted from beneath the earth's surface. The hydrocarbons may be stored or undergo preliminary refinement in a vessel near the well site after being extracted from the oil or gas well. Hydrocarbons exiting the well commonly include a component of water. The water component is generally not desirable in the end product and must eventually be removed as part of the refining process.

One method of removing water from oil or gas after extraction from the wells is dehydration. This may be accomplished by heating the hydrocarbons within vessels located at or near the well site. The heating process may be accomplished using a firetube protruding through the vessel through which hot air may be blown.

Near one end of the firetube, where the tube enters the vessel, is a burner assembly. At the other end of the firetube is an exhaust stack. An airplate may be used to control airflow to a combustion source or burner in the burner assembly where a flame burns to heat air that is blown through the firetube. There is generally at least one firetube and one burner assembly for each oil or gas vessel.

The burner assembly and airplate are important components of the oil/gas dehydration process because they may be used to manage combustion efficiency of the flame used to heat air blown through the heating element that extends into the oil or gas vessel.

The combustion efficiency is important for a number of reasons. For example, as combustion efficiency increases, the cost of heating the oil or gas in the vessels decreases. Also, during the combustion process, byproducts such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), soot, and ash may be formed. These byproducts are regulated by the EPA, which sets specific standards and regulations for the emissions of these byproducts. The combustion efficiency may impact the emission levels of such EPA regulated byproducts.

Combustion efficiency is optimal when all of the fuel and all of the oxygen in the reaction chamber perfectly balance each other out, e.g., when the Air-Fuel Ratio (“AFR”) is optimal. The AFR is affected by airflow into the combustion chamber, e.g., airflow to the flame. Since airflow into the combustion chamber may be controlled at the burner assembly, the AFR may also be managed at the burner assembly. In other words, combustion efficiency may be managed by managing the AFR at the burner assembly.

The appropriate airflow for optimal combustion efficiency is affected by the total airflow to a combustion source or chamber. The airflow may affect several combustion efficiency factors, including time, temperature, and air turbulence. If fuel is not given sufficient time to burn, residual energy will remain in the fuel. If the fuel is provided excessive time to burn, resulting poor ADR creates long flames. Airflow may impact the amount of time fuel has to burn. Increased air turbulence also improves combustion efficiency as increased mixing of air and fuel within the combustion chamber increases the interaction and thus reaction between the air and the fuel.

Thus, increasing the air entering the combustion chamber increases the fuel that is burned until it approaches complete combustion. However, an excess amount of air entering the combustion chamber causes heat losses which can reduce rate of reaction and thus the amount of fuel being burned. Increased air entering the combustion chamber may also reduce the ratio of CO emissions.

By monitoring the temperature, CO levels, and other factors, the amount of airflow needed for optimal combustion efficiency can be gauged and then managed at the burner assembly using an airplate to control the airflow and air turbulence.

By managing airflow at the burner assembly, airplates may also help address other concerns within the firetube system. For example, airflow within the firetube may affect gas pressure in the exhaust stack, e.g., draft. This may be particularly important in a natural draft system. Low draft pressures may cause build-up of toxic gases (e.g., CO) or explosive gases. Such gas build-ups within the system can pose a serious risk of injury or death. High pressure drafts, on the other hand, may also be problematic by creating excessive air turbulence in the system, which prevents complete or efficient combustion. High draft pressures may also damage the combustion chamber and heat exchanger material from flame impingement. Thus, a burner and airplate assembly may be important for managing draft pressure and reducing risks associated with high and low pressure drafts.

Early burner assemblies commonly included a ventilated disc-shaped airplate set into the firetube to control air flow. Most early airplates were not adjustable. Later airplate models provided for adjustable 360 degree disc-shaped shutter plates that permitted airflow through the burner assembly to be modified. Most contemporary burner assemblies continue to use a 360 degree disc-shaped shutter for adjusting the burner assembly's airflow settings.

While disc-shaped shutters of contemporary burner assemblies have the advantage of being adjustable, they also have a number of problems or disadvantages. One problem is that the 360 degree disc-shaped shutters make it difficult to configure the burner assembly to fit functionally within smaller diameter firetubes. The challenges of configuring burner assemblies within smaller diameter firetubes can make it economically less feasible to build smaller oil or gas dehydration systems.

Another disadvantage of burner assemblies currently available is that the 360 degree disc-shaped shutter plates generally do not permit standard pilot access through the burner assembly and airplate.

Furthermore, while burner assemblies with 360 degree disc-shaped shutter plates may be adjustable, the range of airflow settings may also be limited and difficult to adjust, which may lead to increased inefficiencies in combustion and increased risks of injury to personnel and the heat exchanger materials.

It is thus desirable to have a burner assembly having an airplate system which permits economically configuring burner assemblies for smaller diameter firetubes. It is also desirable to have a burner assembly having an airplate system that allows standard pilot access through the burner assembly and airplate. It is also desirable to have a burner assembly having an airplate system with improved adjustability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved burner assembly. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved airplate system having an adjustable shutter plate. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved burner assembly and airplate system that permits standard pilot access through the burner assembly and airplate system.

According to one aspect of the invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system configured to economically permit placement within smaller diameter firetubes. According to another aspect of the invention, a burner assembly is provided having an airplate and system which allows for standard pilot access through the burner assembly and the airplate system. The airplate system components may be comprised of heat resistant materials. The airplate system components may be comprised of castable or machinable materials.

According to another aspect of the invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having an adjustable shutter plate that is configured in a crescent shape. (“Crescent” as used herein refers to a shutter plate having a shape or configuration that is substantially arched but consists of less than a full 360 degree circle.) According to another aspect of the invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having an adjustable crescent shaped shutter plate wherein the crescent-shaped shutter plate is configured adjacent to the airplate in a manner to provide a greater range of adjustability.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is between about 250 degrees and about 265 degrees. According to another aspect of the present invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees. According to another aspect of the present invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is between about 185 degrees and about 245 degrees.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a combustion source such as a burner may be positioned adjacent to the airplate and adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate. The burner assembly having an airplate system with an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate may be installed in a firetube. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the burner assembly and airplate system having an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate may comprise part of an oil and gas dehydration system.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for installing a burner assembly configured with an airplate system having a crescent shaped shutter plate for adjusting airflow. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for adjusting the airflow in a burner management system used for dehydration of hydrocarbons at an oil or gas well site.

These and other aspects of the present invention are realized in a burner assembly and airplate system as shown and described in the following figures and related description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cutaway perspective of oil or gas dehydration system showing typical location of burner assembly within firetube in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a burner assembly and airplate system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an assembled view of an embodiment of a burner assembly and airplate system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a partially assembled view of an embodiment of a burner assembly and airplate system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an airplate system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6; shows an assembled view of an embodiment of an airplate system in accordance with the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a cutaway view of a system for dehydrating oil or gas is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, a firetube 14 may extend into an oil or gas vessel 12 wherein the firetube 14 may be configured in a U-shape. At a first end of the firetube, a burner assembly 10 having an airplate system 56 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) for controlling airflow may be positioned within a flame arrestor housing of the firetube 14 on the outside of the vessel 12 near where the firetube 14 enters the vessel 12. At a second end of the firetube 14, where the firetube 14 exits the vessel 12, the firetube 14 may be configured as an exhaust stack 16. Within the vessel 12, the firetube 14 may be configured in a U-shape or a series of U-shapes to increase exposure of the firetube 14, which acts as a heating element, to hydrocarbons within the vessel 12.

A flame may be maintained at the burner assembly 10 for heating air blown through the firetube 14. An airplate system 56 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) having an adjustable shutter plate 20 may be used to manage airflow to the flame at the burner assembly 10 and to manage airflow through the firetube 14.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, exploded and assembled views are respectively shown of a burner assembly 10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a burner assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention may include a burner nozzle 30; a burner nipple 32; a hub plate assembly which may be comprised of a hub plate 22, a coupling 24, and a pilot assembly opening 50; an inspirator tube 34 or a compound injector tube 34; a main burner mixer 52; a pilot assembly 54 (as also shown in FIG. 4) which may be comprised of a pilot nozzle 36, a pilot nipple 38, a pilot electrode 40, an electrode bushing 48, a pilot bracket 42 with threaded securing bolts 44, and pilot mixer 46; and an airplate assembly 56 (as also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) which may be comprised of an airplate 18, a crescent-shaped shutter plate 20, the hub plate assembly, and airplate bolts 26a-g and flange nuts 28-a-g.

The airplate 18 and the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 of the airplate assembly 56 have holes or slots for airflow, wherein the shutter plate 20 may be positioned adjacent to airplate 18 and be adjustably configured to permit more or less airflow through the holes or slots in the airplate 18.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the airplate assembly 56 may be assembled by positioning the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 between the airplate 18 and a first side of the hub plate assembly and then securing the hub plate assembly to the airplate 18 so that the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 is positioned between the airplate 18 and a first side of the hub plate 22. The crescent shaped shutter plate 20 may be adjustably held in position adjacent to the airplate 18 using flange nuts 28a-g and airplate bolts 26a-g which may be inserted through holes or recesses in the airplate 18 and the hub plate 22 and then tightened to adjustably secure the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 between the airplate 18 and the hub plate 22. The bolts may also be spot welded to the airplate. It should be understood that the airplate assembly 56 components may also be assembled using any methods or means available to one skilled in the art.

By tightening and loosening the flange nuts, the shutter plate 20 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the holes or slots created by an overlap of the shutter plate 20 and the airplate 18. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the means for positioning the shutter plate 20 adjacent to the airplate 18 will not be limited to flange nuts and bolts, but will include any means known in the art for securing and adjusting the position of the shutter plate 20 with respect to the airplate 18.

As shown in FIG. 2, the airplate 18 may include an opening in the center of the airplate 18 to permit access by the burner nipple 32 through the airplate 18 so that the burner nipple may be connected to the hub plate assembly. The airplate 18 may also include a second opening disposed adjacent to the center opening of the airplate to permit access by the pilot assembly 54 (see FIG. 4) through the airplate 18. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the center opening and the adjacent second opening of the airplate 18 may comprise a single keyhole-shaped opening in the airplate 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, the hub plate assembly may also include a pilot assembly opening 50 to permit access by the pilot assembly 54 through the hub plate 22 and through the burner assembly 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may be substantially arch-shaped having a center opening to permit access through the shutter plate 20 by a burner fuel conduit, such as the burner nipple 32. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an opening between a first end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 and a second end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may be coextensive with the center opening of the shutter plate 20 so that said first end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 and said second end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 are not joined at their end points. The opening between the first and second ends of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may permit access by the pilot assembly 54 through the airplate assembly 56 and the burner assembly 10 while also allowing the adjustability of a wide range of airflow settings.

The first end or second end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may also include a finger-like extension. The finger-like extension may allow for greater adjustability by providing additional shutter plate surface for contact with flange nut for securing the shutter plate in a setting.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shutter plate 20 comprises a crescent shape of between about 250 degrees and about 265 degrees. According to another aspect of the present invention, the crescent-shaped shutter plate comprises a crescent shape of between about 270 degrees and about 314 degrees. According to another aspect of the present invention, the crescent-shaped shutter plate comprises a crescent shape of between about 185 degrees and about 245 degrees. Of course, the number of degrees defining the span of the arch forming the crescent-shaped shutter plate is not limited by the preferred embodiment.

Having assembled the airplate assembly 56, the burner assembly 10 may be further assembled by putting together a burner unit or burner part of the burner assembly 10, which may include threading a first end of the burner nipple 32 into an opening in the center of the coupling 24 on the first side of the hub plate 22, threading a first end of the burner nozzle 30 onto a second end of the burner nipple 32, and threading a first end of the inspirator tube 34 into the opening in the center of the coupling 24 on a second side of the hub plate 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the burner nipple 32, the coupling 24, the burner nozzle 30, the inspirator tube 34, and main burner mixer 52, may each be configured with threaded fittings to permit connecting them as described herein. It should be understood that the airplate assembly 56 components may also be assembled using any methods or means available to one skilled in the art.

The main burner mixer 52 may be disposed on a second end of the inspirator tube 34 by threading or welding it onto the second end of the inspirator tube 34 or the main burner mixer 52 may form an integrated component of the inspirator tube 23 as a singularly cast body.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the burner assembly provides for standard pilot access, wherein a pilot for igniting the combustion source may be positioned adjacent to the airplate 18 and/or adjacent to the burner nozzle 30. The pilot assembly 54 may be assembled by threading the pilot nozzle 36 onto a first end of the pilot nipple 38; inserting a second end of the pilot nipple 38 through a first opening in the pilot bracket 42 adjacent to the threaded securing bolts 44; threading the pilot mixer 46 onto the second end of the pilot nipple 38, securing the second end of pilot nipple 38 in the pilot bracket 42 by tightening the threaded securing bolts 44; securing the pilot electrode 40 to the pilot bracket 42 so that the pilot electrode is adjacent and substantially parallel to the pilot nipple 38 and further configuring the pilot electrode 40 so that a pilot ignition end 40a of the pilot electrode 40 is adjacent to the pilot nozzle 36 by extending an electrical source end 40b of the pilot electrode 40 through a second opening in the pilot bracket 42 on a first side of the pilot bracket 42 and then inserting the electrical source end 40b of the pilot electrode through an outer threaded end of the electrode bushing 48 and threading the electrode bushing into a second side of the pilot bracket 42 until tight.

The electrical source end 40b of the pilot electrode 40 may also be secured in the pilot bracket 42 by extending the electrical source end 40b of the pilot electrode 40 through the electrode bushing 48 before extending the pilot electrode through the pilot bracket 42 so that the electrode bushing may be threaded into the second opening of the pilot bracket 42 on the first side of the pilot bracket 42.

The pilot nozzle 36, pilot nipple 32, threaded securing bolts 44, pilot mixer 46, pilot bracket 42, pilot electrode 40, and electrode bushing 48, may each be configured with threading to permit connecting their threaded fittings as described herein. It should be understood that the pilot assembly 54 components may also be assembled using any methods or means available to one skilled in the art.

The pilot assembly 54 may be disposed in the burner assembly 10 by extending the pilot assembly through the pilot assembly opening 50 in the hub plate 22, between the first and second ends of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20, and through the pilot opening in the airplate 18, and configuring the pilot assembly 54 so that the pilot assembly 54 is positioned substantially parallel to the inspirator tube 34 and the burner nipple 32 and so that the pilot nozzle 36 is held in a position adjacent to burner nozzle 30 as shown in FIG. 3.

Increased adjustability of the airflow is thus provided while concurrently providing for pilot assembly 54 access through the burner assembly 10. The airflow through the airplate 18 may be managed by adjusting the size of the holes or slots created by the overlap of the holes or slots of the airplate 18 and the shutter plate 20. The airflow space may be increased or decreased by changing the position of the shutter plate 20 with respect to the airplate 18. The shutter plate 20 may be adjusted by rotating the shutter plate 20 clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the airplate 18 so that the holes or slots increase or decrease in size. The flange nuts 28a-g may be loosened to permit the shutter plate 20 to be rotated or the flange nuts may be tightened to secure the shutter plate 20 in a selected position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the airplate 18 may be made of metal, steel, alloy, ceramic, or other materials that can withstand high temperatures or are heat resistant. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the shutter plate 20 may be made of metal, steel, alloy, ceramic, or other materials that can withstand high temperatures or are heat resistant. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the airplate 18 and shutter plate 20 may be made of a castable or machinable material. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the materials comprising the airplate and shutter plate are not be limited to metal, steel, alloy, or ceramic, but will include any materials known in the art to withstand the temperatures to which the airplate or shutter plate may be exposed.

FIGS. 3 through 6 provide additional perspectives of embodiments according to the present invention. As can be seen from the Figures, the crescent shape of the shutter plate 20 provides several advantages when assembling the burner assembly 10 and airplate assembly 56 and in the functioning of the burner assembly 10 and airplate assembly 56 once assembled.

The crescent shape of the shutter plate 20 permits the shutter plate 20 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the airplate 18 without being substantially impeded by the pilot assembly 54. The crescent shape of the shutter plate may also allow for a wide range in the number of holes or slots available for airflow through the airplate 18 while providing a burner assembly configuration with adjustable airflow. Thus, the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 allows the airplate assembly 56 to be configured with an optimal balance between the available space for airflow and the available range of adjustability of the airflow space.

The burner assembly 10 may be installed in an oil or gas dehydration system as shown in FIG. 1 by disposing the burner assembly in a flame arrestor housing adjacent to the end of the firetube where the firetube enters the vessel 12. The burner assembly may be secured in the flame arrestor housing by securing the main burner mixer to a first end of a threaded pipe hub using threaded nipple or pipe fittings between the burner mixer and the threaded pipe hub. The pipe hub may be secured to the flame arrestor housing by welding the pipe hub to a side of the flame arrestor housing. Fuel for operating the burner assembly may be delivered to the burner assembly through fuel pipes connected to the threaded pipe hub at a second end of the threaded pipe hub.

The present invention provides several additional benefits. The present invention may provide a burner assembly 10 with standard pilot access. The present invention may also allow for improved management of airflow by the airplate assembly 56. The present invention may also facilitate configuring a burner assembly 10 for smaller diameter firetubes.

There is thus disclosed an improved burner assembly 10 having an airplate assembly 56 with a crescent-shaped shutter plate 20. It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A burner assembly providing for adjustable airflow and pilot access comprising:

an airplate assembly including a circular airplate having a plurality of openings for passage of air and a shutter plate having a plurality of openings for passage of air, wherein the shutter plate is adjustably positioned adjacent to the circular airplate so that a plurality of openings in the airplate assembly created by an overlap of the plurality of openings in the circular airplate and the plurality of openings in the shutter plate may be adjusted to increase or decrease a dimension of said plurality of openings in the airplate assembly by rotating the shutter plate with respect to the circulate airplate;

a burner unit, including a main burner mixer, an inspirator tube, and a burner nozzle, wherein the burner unit is positioned substantially perpendicular to the airplate assembly and wherein the main burner mixer is disposed on a first side of the airplate assembly and the burner nozzle is disposed on a second side of the airplate assembly and wherein the burner unit extends through the airplate assembly; and

a pilot assembly, including a pilot nozzle, wherein the pilot assembly is positioned substantially parallel to the burner unit and the pilot assembly extends through an opening in the airplate assembly so that the pilot nozzle is disposed adjacent to the burner nozzle;

wherein the shutter plate is configured in a substantially crescent shape to permit the pilot assembly to be disposed through the airplate assembly at an angle substantially parallel to the burner unit.

2. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the shutter plate is comprised of a heat resistant material.

3. The burner assembly of claim 2, wherein the heat resistant material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and ceramic.

4. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the airplate is comprised of a heat resistant material.

5. The burner assembly of claim 4, wherein the heat resistant material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and ceramic.

6. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 250 degrees and about 265 degrees.

7. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees.

8. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 185 degrees and about 245 degrees.

9. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the shutter plate further comprises at least one finger-like member extending from at least one end of an arch forming the crescent shape of the shutter plate.

10. An airplate system providing for adjustable airflow and pilot access for a burner assembly comprising:

a circular airplate having a plurality of openings for passage of air;

a shutter plate having a plurality of openings for passage of air; and

a hub plate configured with an opening in the hub plate to permit disposing a pilot assembly through the hub plate;

wherein the shutter plate is adjustably positioned adjacent to the circular airplate between the hub plate and the airplate so that a plurality of airplate assembly openings are created by an overlap of the plurality of openings in the circular airplate and the plurality of openings in the shutter plate and so that the plurality of airplate assembly openings may be adjusted to increase or decrease a dimension of said plurality of airplate openings by rotating the shutter plate with respect to the circulate airplate; and

wherein the shutter plate is configured in a substantially crescent shape to permit the pilot assembly to be disposed through the airplate assembly at a substantially perpendicular angle to the airplate.

11. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 250 degrees and about 265 degrees.

12. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees.

13. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the crescent shape of the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 185 degrees and about 245 degrees.

14. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the shutter plate is comprised of a heat resistant material.

15. The airplate system of claim 14, wherein the heat resistant material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and ceramic.

16. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the airplate is comprised of a heat resistant material.

17. The airplate system of claim 16, wherein the heat resistant material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and ceramic.

18. The airplate system of claim 10, further comprising a pilot assembly wherein the pilot assembly is positioned substantially perpendicular to the airplate and the pilot assembly extends through an opening in the airplate assembly and through an opening between a first end of an arch forming the crescent shape of the shutter plate and a second end of the arch forming the crescent shape of the shutter plate.

19. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the shutter plate further comprises at least one finger-like member extending from at least one end of an arch forming the crescent shape of the shutter plate.

20. A method of installing a burner assembly providing for adjustable airflow and pilot access comprising:

selecting an airplate assembly including a circular airplate having a plurality of openings for passage of air and a shutter plate having a plurality of openings for passage of air, wherein the shutter plate is adjustably positioned adjacent to the circular airplate so that a plurality of openings in the airplate assembly created by an overlap of the plurality of openings in the circular airplate and the plurality of openings in the shutter plate may be adjusted to increase or decrease a dimension of said plurality of openings in the airplate assembly by rotating the shutter plate with respect to the circulate airplate and wherein the shutter plate is configured in a substantially crescent shape to permit the pilot assembly to be disposed through the airplate assembly at an angle substantially parallel to a burner unit;

selecting a burner unit, including a main burner mixer, an inspirator tube, and a burner nozzle;

selecting a pilot assembly, including a pilot mixer and a pilot nozzle;

disposing the burner unit substantially perpendicular to the airplate assembly so that the main burner mixer is disposed on a first side of the airplate assembly and the burner nozzle is disposed on a second side of the airplate assembly and wherein the burner unit extends through the airplate assembly;

disposing the pilot assembly substantially parallel to the burner unit so that the pilot assembly extends through an opening in the airplate assembly and so that the pilot nozzle is disposed adjacent to the burner nozzle; and

securing the airplate assembly, the burner unit, and the pilot assembly in a flame arrestor housing.