Burner nozzle assembly for use in association with animal carcass dehairing equipment

Abstract

A burner nozzle assembly having a base chamber, a flame chamber and a nozzle plate. The base chamber has an outer wall and an inner wall. The flame chamber is positioned above the base chamber and has an outer wall and an inner wall, and has two opposing channels splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements. The nozzle plate is positioned between the base chamber and the flame chamber and has a upward conical configuration, an upper wall and a lower wall. A plurality of circumferential spaced apart openings extend through the nozzle plate. An elongated slot is disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber. The elongated slot has opposing ends which terminate proximate a respective opposing channel, to facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to burner nozzles, and more particularly, to burner nozzles utilized in association with carcass dehairing equipment. In particular, the burner nozzle assemblies are utilized in burner assemblies to burn hair that remains on animal carcasses during the processing thereof.

2. Background Art

The use of burner nozzles and burner assemblies for dehairing animal carcasses is known in the art. One such burner nozzle assembly is shown in FIG. 1 and a conventional burner assembly is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. With reference to FIG. 1, the prior art burner nozzle assembly 200 includes a round burner opening 210 at the upper end thereof which generates a round flame 220 (FIG. 2a). With reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a number of these burner nozzles 200 are arranged in a vertical stack, such as stack 230. With reference to FIG. 2b, a plurality of burner stacks 230 are incorporated into a burner assembly 240. The burner nozzles in each stack are generally pointed upwardly. The bottom burner nozzle is ignited by an outside ignition source. Due to the upward inclination of the burner nozzles, the bottom nozzle ignites that immediately adjacent nozzle. This pattern continues until all the burner nozzles of the nozzle stack are sequentially ignited.

In many embodiments, a plurality of nozzle stacks, such as four nozzle stacks, are positioned so that the flames are directed inwardly toward each other into a central region 251 The animal carcass is then passed through this area causing the burner nozzle flames to ignite and burn any hair remaining on the animal carcasses. Where the animal carcasses have been washed, the burner nozzle flames additionally assist with the evaporation of the water from the animal carcass.

Such a system has some drawbacks. In particular, the nozzles are pointed in an upward direction so that one nozzle can light the immediately adjacent burner nozzle. Such an upward inclination reduces the intensity of the resulting flame into the central region 251 and against the animal carcass, as an upward inclination is a less than optimal configuration. To overcome this drawback, the flow of combustible fuel to the nozzles can be increased, thereby increasing the intensity of the flame. In other instances, the animal carcass can be exposed to the nozzle stacks and the burner assembly for a longer period of time. In either case, additional fuel is required which leads to increased fuel expense, as well as increased processing time that is required for each animal carcass.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved burner nozzle assembly without the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved burner assembly utilizing high efficiency burner nozzle assemblies.

It is another object of the invention to maximize the exposure of the burner nozzle flames to the animal carcass.

These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a burner nozzle assembly for use in animal dehairing equipment. The burner nozzle assembly comprises a base chamber, a flame chamber and a nozzle plate. The base chamber has an outer wall and an inner wall. The flame chamber is positioned above the base chamber and has an outer wall and an inner wall. Additionally, the flame chamber has two opposing channels extending therethrough splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements that are spaced apart by the opposing channels.

The nozzle plate is positioned between the base chamber and the flame chamber thereby providing separation therebetween. The nozzle plate has a upward conical configuration having an upper wall and a lower wall defining a central peak, and a surrounding valley. A plurality of circumferential spaced apart openings provide fluid communication through the nozzle plate between the base chamber and the flame chamber. An elongated slot is disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber. The elongated slot has opposing ends. Each of the opposing ends terminate proximate a respective one of the two opposing channels, to, in turn, facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the base chamber, the flame chamber and the nozzle plate are substantially circular in configuration. The elongated slot substantially extends through a center of the substantially circular nozzle plate. The slot has a length which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the nozzle plate at a lower wall thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the elongated slot has a length which is at least two times greater than the width of the elongated slot.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the elongated slot has a conical configuration through the nozzle plate so that the elongated slot is longer at the upper wall and shorter at the lower wall.

In one such embodiment, the burner nozzle assembly is substantially symmetrical about a line taken through the elongated slot along the length thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the two opposing channels of the flame chamber are at least 1.5 times the width of the elongated slot.

Preferably, at least three spaced apart circumferential openings are placed between the elongated slot and each of the two separate elements of the flame chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the base chamber, the flame chamber and the nozzle plate are integrally formed.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a burner assembly for use in association with animal dehairing. The assembly comprises a plurality of nozzle stacks in a spaced apart orientation, each of the plurality of nozzle stacks including a plurality of burner nozzle assemblies positioned linearly in a spaced apart vertical orientation. Each burner nozzle assembly is positioned so as to project in an inward direction. Each nozzle assembly includes a base chamber, a flame chamber and a nozzle plate. The base chamber has an outer wall and an inner wall. The flame chamber is positioned above the base chamber and has an outer wall and an inner wall. Additionally, the flame chamber has two opposing channels extending therethrough splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements that are spaced apart by the opposing channels.

The nozzle plate is positioned between the base chamber and the flame chamber thereby providing separation therebetween. The nozzle plate has a upward conical configuration having an upper wall and a lower wall defining a central peak, and a surrounding valley. A plurality of circumferential spaced apart openings provide fluid communication through the nozzle plate between the base chamber and the flame chamber. An elongated slot is disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber. The elongated slot has opposing ends. Each of the opposing ends terminate proximate a respective one of the two opposing channels, to, in turn, facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the inward direction comprises a generally horizontal direction which may be inclined in toward the vertical direction between 0° and 10°, and more preferably between 0° and 5°.

In another embodiment, the inclination in the vertical direction is between 0° and 2° so that the nozzle is substantially horizontal.

In another embodiment, four nozzle stacks are spaced in a substantially square configuration with the nozzle assemblies of the nozzle stacks directed inwardly toward the center of the square configuration.

In yet another embodiment, each of the nozzle stacks include at least five nozzle assemblies.

Preferably, at least two nozzle stacks are spaced apart from each other with the nozzle assemblies of the nozzle stacks directed inwardly to a location between the two nozzle stacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a prior art burner nozzle assembly;

FIG. 2a of the drawings is a side elevational view of a prior art burner assembly with a plurality of burner nozzle stacks and conventional burner nozzle assemblies, and depicting the conventional flame emanating from one of the burner nozzle assemblies;

FIG. 2b of the drawings is a top plan view of the prior art burner assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of a burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a top plan view of the burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure taken generally about lines 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure taken generally about lines 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8a of the drawings is a side elevational view of the burner assembly of the present disclosure, utilizing the burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure, and depicting the thin but wide flame in a fan-like shape emanating from one of the burner nozzle assemblies; and

FIG. 8b of the drawings is a top plan view of the burner assembly of the present disclosure, utilizing the burner nozzle assembly of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 3, the disclosure is directed to burner nozzle assembly 10 which is configured for use in association with animal dehairing equipment. Specifically, and as will be explained in detail hereinbelow, and with reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a plurality of nozzle assemblies 10 are incorporated into a nozzle stack, such as nozzle stack 130. Subsequently, a plurality of nozzle stacks (i.e., generally two or more) are positioned about a perimeter with the nozzle assemblies directed in an inward direction, to, in turn, define a burner assembly 140. The burner assembly is utilized to remove (through burning), any remaining hair on an animal carcass.

Burner nozzle assembly 10 will be described in detail followed by its application and incorporation into a burner assembly. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 4 through 7, nozzle assembly 10 includes base chamber 20, nozzle plate 22 and flame chamber 24. The nozzle assembly 10 is generally formed from a single integrated billet of metal, such as a steel material. Of course, other materials are contemplated for use, including but not limited to other metals and alloys thereof. Generally, a plurality of machining steps are required to form the various features of the present nozzle assembly. Additionally, it will be understood that the nozzle assembly may be formed from a plurality of different members that are coupled together through various means known to those of skill in the art.

The base chamber 20 includes outer wall 32 and inner wall 30. The chamber defines a base chamber cavity 31. Generally, the base chamber has a circular configuration so that the base chamber cavity 31 has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The upper end 33 of the base chamber 20 terminates at the nozzle plate 22. The base chamber allows for the receipt and passage of a combustible fluid therethrough.

The nozzle plate 22 is positioned at the upper end of base chamber 20. In the embodiment shown, comprises an upwardly conical configuration at the upper end of the base chamber 20. The nozzle plate includes upper wall 50 and lower wall 52 and central peak 54. The central peak 54 defines a center point 55 (FIG. 4) with a surrounding valley 57. Generally, the nozzle member is of a substantially uniform thickness, although variations are contemplated. Although not required, in the embodiment shown, a plurality of circumferential openings 42 extend through the nozzle member in a spaced apart configuration, directed outwardly, about the upwardly conical configuration. In certain other embodiments, it is contemplated that nozzle plate 22 may be substantially planar, which in certain instances may be the least costly configuration. Of course, shapes other than flat and conical are likewise contemplated. These shapes may be outwardly convex or outwardly concave.

Additionally, elongated slot 44 extends across the nozzle plate. The elongated slot extends across substantially the entirety of the nozzle member. In the embodiment shown, the length of the slot at the lower wall 52 substantially matches the diameter of inner wall 30 of the base chamber. The length of the elongated slot is substantially greater than the width thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, the length of the elongated slot may be three to six times larger than the width thereof, and more preferably approximately four times larger than the width. With reference in particular to FIGS. 5 and 7, the length of the elongated slot at the lower wall 52 may be smaller than the length of the elongated slot at the upper wall 50 so that the length of the slot expands outwardly (i.e., conical outward configuration of the opposing ends 67a, 67b of the elongated slot) as it traverses through the thickness of the nozzle member. The width of the central slot opening at the lower wall 52 may be identical to that at the upper wall 50. Of course, while the side walls are shown to be substantially parallel, this also can be varied such that the width may be varied. In other embodiments, the side walls of the elongated slot may be convex or concave, or may have varying surface configurations.

The flame chamber 24 comprises outer wall 34 and inner wall 36. The flame chamber 24 includes a pair of opposing channels 37, 38 that bisect the flame chamber into two opposing wall elements 46, 47. The opposing channels coincide with the elongated slot so that the slot is flanked on either side by the opposing wall elements 46, 47. In the embodiment shown, the two opposing channels are substantially uniform and the opposing wall elements are substantially identical mirror images of each other about a transverse line 83 (FIG. 6) taken through along the length of the elongated slot. The opposing channels are typically 1.5 times wider than the width of the elongated slot so as to allow for space for the flame emanating from the elongated slot. Additionally, the elongated slot ends on opposing sides proximate the respective opposing channel. It will be understood that in certain embodiments, the flame chamber may be eliminated, or the flame chamber may comprise a solid element which does not include channels.

For illustrative purposes, and not by way of limitation, the outer wall of the base chamber of one preferred embodiment is approximately 2.5″ in diameter with the inner wall being approximately 1.5″ in diameter, and the nozzle assembly has an overall length of approximately 2.38″The height of the inner wall 30 of the base chamber where the nozzle plate 22 intersects the inner wall is approximately 1.27″ with the height of the base chamber at the center 55 of the nozzle plate is being approximately 1.60″. The nozzle plate is angled upwardly at an angle of approximately 66° with respect to a vertical line bisecting the nozzle plate through the center thereof.

In such an embodiment, the inner wall 36 of the flame chamber 24 has a diameter of approximately 1.88″ and a height of approximately 0.83″Three spaced apart circumferential openings 42 are disposed on each side of the elongated slot opening spaced approximately 0.75″ from center 55 of the nozzle plate 22. Each circumferential opening has a diameter of approximately 7/64″, and due to the conical configuration of the nozzle plate 22, each of the circumferential openings are angled outwardly at an angle of approximately 24° with respect to a vertical axis taken through the center 55 of the nozzle plate 22. The elongated slot, at the lower wall is approximately 1.5″, at the upper wall 50 is at least 1.88″ and has a width of approximately 0.38″The width of the opposing channels 37, 38 is approximately 0.75″ or, almost twice the width of the elongated slot that extends therebetween. The ends 67a, 67b of the elongated slot are angled at an angle of 45° with respect to a vertical line extending through the center 55 of the nozzle assembly 10. Again, these dimensions are for illustrative purposes, and should not be deemed as limiting or as required.

Operationally, and as is shown in FIG. 8a, the elongated slot results in a flame 120 that is fan shaped. Specifically, the flame is thin but wide, similar to the shape of the elongated slot positioned on the nozzle plate 22. Such a flame extends into, and in some instances through the opposing channels 37, 38.

As with the prior art burner assemblies shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the nozzle assembly of the present invention is incorporated into a burner assembly. Specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the burner nozzle assemblies can be incorporated into a nozzle stack with a plurality of vertically arranged nozzle assemblies coupled to a common manifold 145 (or separate manifolds). A plurality of nozzle stacks can be positioned so that the elongated slots are vertically oriented and the respective flames therefrom are directed to a central location wherein the animal carcass can be introduced. While the embodiment shown includes four nozzle stacks, it is contemplated that there may be a fewer (i.e., one) or a greater number of nozzle stacks in a particular installation.

Unlike the prior art burner assemblies shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the present burner assemblies can have a modified structural configuration. In particular, the nozzles are all directed at the central location 151. Even with such a configuration, the vertical orientation of the elongated slots with the resulting shape of the flame is such that adjacent burner nozzles can be sequentially lit (due to the shape of the flame, and the configuration of the opposing channels 37, 38 at the ends of the elongated slot) while the nozzles and a majority of the respective flames are directed at the animal carcasses instead of being angled upwardly. As a result, the burner nozzles and the burner assemblies are substantially more efficient and require less fuel to achieve the same result. Most desirably, the nozzles are angled at an angle of between 0° and 2°, or virtually horizontal. It will be understood that these nozzles can be utilized as a direct replacement in conventional burner assemblies, as the improved flame configuration and shape provides an improved operation even if the nozzles are angled in an upward direction. In such configurations, there may be an inclination of up to 45° or greater, although, as the angle increases beyond 10° to 30°, efficiency results diminish dramatically. In other embodiments, the angle of successive nozzles can be varied to achieve a particular flame pattern.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A burner nozzle assembly for use in animal dehairing equipment comprising:

a base chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall; and

a nozzle plate positioned at an upper end of the base chamber, the nozzle plate includes an elongated slot disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber, to, in turn, facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

2. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 1 further comprising a flame chamber positioned above the base chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the nozzle plate resides between the base chamber and the flame chamber.

3. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 2 wherein the flame chamber has two opposing channels extending therethrough splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements that are spaced apart by the opposing channels, and the elongated slot includes opposing ends, each of the opposing ends terminating proximate a respective one of the two opposing channels.

4. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 3 wherein the nozzle plate includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart openings extending therethrough and positioned on either side of the elongated slot.

5. A burner nozzle assembly for use in animal dehairing equipment comprising:

a base chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall;

a flame chamber positioned above the base chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall, the flame chamber having two opposing channels extending therethrough splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements that are spaced apart by the opposing channels; and

a nozzle plate positioned between the base chamber and the flame chamber thereby providing separation therebetween, the nozzle plate comprising a upward conical configuration having an upper wall and a lower wall defining a central peak, and a surrounding valley, a plurality of circumferential spaced apart openings provide fluid communication through the nozzle plate between the base chamber and the flame chamber, and, an elongated slot disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber, the elongated slot having opposing ends, each of the opposing ends terminating proximate a respective one of the two opposing channels, to, in turn, facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

6. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 5 wherein the base chamber, the flame chamber and the nozzle plate are substantially circular in configuration, and the elongated slot substantially extends through a center of the substantially circular nozzle plate, and the slot has a length which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the nozzle plate at the lower wall thereof.

7. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 6 wherein the elongated slot has a length which is at least two times greater than the width of the elongated slot.

8. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 6 wherein the elongated slot has a conical configuration through the nozzle plate so that the elongated slot is longer at the upper wall and shorter at the lower wall.

9. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 6 wherein the burner nozzle assembly is substantially symmetrical about a line taken through the elongated slot along the length thereof.

10. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 6 wherein the two opposing channels of the flame chamber are at least 1.5 times the width of the elongated slot.

11. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 5 wherein at least two spaced apart circumferential openings are placed between the elongated slot and each of the two separate elements of the flame chamber.

12. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 5 wherein the base chamber, the flame chamber and the nozzle plate are integrally formed.

13. A burner assembly for use in association with animal dehairing comprising:

a plurality of nozzle stacks in a spaced apart orientation, each of the plurality of nozzle stacks including a plurality of burner nozzle assemblies positioned linearly in a spaced apart vertical orientation, each burner nozzle assembly positioned so as to project in an inward direction and comprising:

a base chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall; and

a nozzle plate positioned at an upper end of the base chamber, the nozzle plate includes an elongated slot disposed across the nozzle plate to provide fluid communication between the base chamber and the flame chamber, to, in turn, facilitate the generation of an thin but wide flame through the elongated slot.

14. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 13 further comprising a flame chamber positioned above the base chamber having an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the nozzle plate resides between the base chamber and the flame chamber.

15. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 14 wherein the flame chamber has two opposing channels extending therethrough splitting the outer and inner wall into two separate elements that are spaced apart by the opposing channels, and the elongated slot includes opposing ends, each of the opposing ends terminating proximate a respective one of the two opposing channels.

16. The burner nozzle assembly of claim 15 wherein the nozzle plate includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart openings extending therethrough and positioned on either side of the elongated slot.

17. The burner assembly of claim 13 wherein the inward direction comprises a generally horizontal direction which may be inclined in toward the vertical direction between 0° and 10°, and more preferably between 0° and 5°.

18. The burner assembly of claim 14 wherein the inclination in the vertical direction is between 0° and 2° so that the nozzle is substantially horizontal.

19. The burner assembly of claim 13 wherein at least four nozzle stacks are spaced in a substantially square configuration with the nozzle assemblies of the nozzle stacks directed inwardly toward the center of the square configuration.

20. The burner assembly of claim 13 wherein each of the nozzle stacks include at least five nozzle assemblies.

21. The burner assembly of claim 13 wherein at least two nozzle stacks are spaced apart from each other with the nozzle assemblies of the nozzle stacks directed inwardly to a location between the two nozzle stacks.