Abstract: This invention relates to a lance/burner apparatus and a method for melting and refining metals. Combustion produced from an oxy-fuel or fuel-air-oxygen flame is used to preheat and melt scrap. Oxygen is introduced through a lance pipe into the molten scrap to refine the metal.

Abstract: A burner and method is disclosed in which a first oxidizing gas containing a high oxygen concentration is injected as a stream into the central zone of combustion tunnel, and part of the fuel is injected into said central pyrolysis zone to mix with said first oxidizing gas to create a highly luminous, high temperature flame core containing microparticles of carbon of the proper size for maximum luminosity and high temperature, and a relatively small amount of hydrocarbon radicals. In addition, the remaining part of the fuel is injected in a plurality of streams about said flame core to mix with a second oxidizing gas containing a lower oxygen concentration than the first oxidizing gas and injecting said second oxidizing mixture about said flame core and said remaining fuel flow to mix with said remaining fuel flow. This creates a plurality of fuel lean flames which are directed toward said luminous flame core to form a final flame pattern having high temperature, high luminosity and low NO.sub.x content.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lance/burner apparatus and a method for melting and refining metals. Combustion produced from an oxy-fuel or fuel-air-oxygen flame is used to preheat and melt scrap. Oxygen is introduced through a lance pipe into the molten scrap to refine the metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to ladle heating methods and apparatus. More particularly, this invention pertains to rapid high temperature ladle preheating utilizing an optimized heating cycle by involving oxygen and combustion air preheated by recuperation in the fuel burning process. Controlled oxygen flow directed into the process is used to increase the heat input during the initial preheating phase and to insure maximum efficiency of the system during the soaking phase of ladle preheating. The disclosed ladle preheating station comprises a refractory lined lid including a partially open refractory ring for docking a portion of a ladle rim having a significant protrusion caused by a local accumulation of solidified metal or slag, said refractory lid opening shaped to receive said protrusion within the opening while providing a gap between said metal deposition and the refractory lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for waste heat recovery and reduction in industrial furnaces and heating equipment. The method of heat recovery comprises directing the exhaust gases through a system of channels inside the refractory wall where heat from the flue gases is transferred to the refractory lining and also to the combustion air traveling inside of a heat exchanger also located inside said channels. The high temperature exhaust flue gases traveling along said channels increase the hot face temperature of the refractory wall and reduce the heat flux from the working chamber through the refractory wall. An apparatus for the realization of the heat recovery method includes a flue duct, a recuperator, hot air piping and a hot air burner, all located inside the furnace wall refractory lining.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high temperature heating, melting, refining and superheating of materials, such a steel scrap, metals, ceramics or glass. The invention provides an economizing method of hydrocarbon fluid fuel combustion in an ongoing flame in a liquid cooled combustion chamber by separately supplying streams of fuel and at least two oxidizing gases wherein a first oxidizing gas reacts with the fuel, and a second oxidizing gas is directed about the flame core to further react with the fuel, while controlling the flow of the fuel, the oxidizing gases and cooling liquid to provide the required heat input, combustion product chemistry, temperature, velocity, emissivity and combustion block temperature. Also disclosed are burners for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high temperature heating, melting, refining and superheating of materials, such as steel scrap, metals, ceramics or glass. The invention provides an economizing method of hydrocarbon fluid fuel combustion in an ongoing flame in a liquid cooled combustion chamber by separately supplying streams of fuel and at least two oxidizing gases wherein a first oxidizing gas reacts with the fuel, and a second oxidizing gas is directed about the flame core to further react with the fuel, while controlling the flow of the fuel, the oxidizing gases and cooling liquid to provide the required heat input, combustion product chemistry, temperature, velocity, emissivity and combustion block temperature. Also disclosed are burners for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: Several ladles (11-14) for receiving hot metals are preheated by applying a lid (40, 42) to the rim of each ladle and directing an open flame through the lid into the ladle. The hot exhaust gases move back through the lid and through a heat exchanger (35-38) to heat the oncoming combustion air, and the exhaust gases from the ladles being preheated are combined and directed through a lid (41) applied to a ladle at a drying station to dry the ladle.

Abstract: An oxygen-fuel burner of the rocket burner type includes a graphite burner block for direct exposure to the interior of a furnace, and a cylindrical combustion chamber formed through the hot face of the burner block and extending into the burner block. An oxygen supply conduit delivers oxygen to the combustion chamber along the center line of the combustion chamber and fuel supply ducts deliver fuel to the combustion chamber at the concave surface of the combustion chamber. A plurality of rectilinear cooling bores extend into the burner block and are arranged in a parallel array about the combustion chamber. A liquid coolant header moves cooling liquid through a plurality of parallel supply tubes which are telescopically received within the cooling bores, thereby maintaining the burner block at a reduced temperature. The nozzle that supplies the oxygen to the combustion chamber is movable along the length of the combustion chamber so as to change the shape of the flame emitted from the burner.

Abstract: A pair of burner tubes are arranged in concentric relationship. Fuel and air in a rich fuel-air ratio is provided to the central burner tube, and fuel and air in a lean fuel-air ratio is provided to the outer burner tube. The rich combination of fuel and air is partially burned at a temperature of about 2,500.degree. F. while the lean combination of fuel and air is burned at a temperature of less than 2,800.degree. F., and the flames from the burner tubes are mixed at the ends of the burner tubes to form a final flame envelope and to finish the combustion of the rich mixture. Exhaust gas is directed about the burner tubes, and combustion supply air is circulated about and preheated by the exhaust gas conduits and the outer burner tube. The separate combustion of the rich and lean fuel-air mixtures at relatively low temperatures and the subsequent mixing of the flames from the burner tubes results in low NOx emissions and results in high luminosity of the final flame envelope.

Abstract: Several ladles 11-14 for receiving hot metals are preheated by applying a lid 40, 42 to the rim of each ladle and directing an open flame through the lid into the ladle. The hot exhaust gases move back through the lid and through a heat exchanger 35-38 to heat the oncoming combustion air, and the exhaust gases from the ladles being preheated are combined and directed through a lid 41 applied to a ladle at a drying station to dry the ladle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high temperature heating, melting, refining and superheating of materials, such a steel scrap, metals, ceramics or glass. The invention provides an economizing method of hydrocarbon fluid fuel combustion in an ongoing flame in a liquid cooled combustion chamber by separately supplying streams of fuel and at least two oxidizing gases wherein a first oxidizing gas reacts with the fuel, and a second oxidizing gas is directed about the flame core to further react with the fuel, while controlling the flow of the fuel, the oxidizing gases and cooling liquid to provide the required heat input, combustion product chemistry, temperature, velocity, emissivity and combustion block temperature. Also disclosed are burners for carrying out the invention.