Abstract: The invention relates to recirculation flow combustors having a generally curved recirculation chamber and unobstructed flow along the periphery of the boundary layer of the vortex flow in this chamber, and methods of operating such combustors. Such combustors further have a border interface area of low turbulence between the vortex flow and the main flow in the combustor, in which chemical reactions take place which are highly advantageous to the combustion process, and which promote a thermal nozzle effect within the combustor. A combustor of this type may be used for burning lean and super-lean fuel and air mixtures for use in gas turbine engines, jet and rocket engines and thermal plants such as boilers, heat exchanges plants, chemical reactors, and the like. The apparatus and methods of the invention may also be operated under conditions that favor fuel reformation rather than combustion, where such a reaction is desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to recirculation flow combustors having a generally curved recirculation chamber and unobstructed flow along the periphery of the boundary layer of the vortex flow in this chamber, and methods of operating such combustors. Such combustors further have a border interface area of low turbulence between the vortex flow and the main flow in the combustor, in which chemical reactions take place which are highly advantageous to the combustion process, and which promote a thermal nozzle effect within the combustor. A combustor of this type may be used for burning lean and super-lean fuel and air mixtures for use in gas turbine engines, jet and rocket engines and thermal plants such as boilers, heat exchanges plants, chemical reactors, and the like. The apparatus and methods of the invention may also be operated under conditions that favor fuel reformation rather than combustion, where such a reaction is desired.