Burner apparatus and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The disclosed combustor apparatus provides for independent flow streams, one for oxidizer and one for fuel. The adjustable control capability permits various flame configurations and reproducible combustion rates at different oxidizer/gaseous fuel flow rates. The apparatus includes an oxidizer supply which is separated into a primary oxidizer path and a secondary oxidizer path, the flow rate in each of these paths being regulated. The primary oxidizer path and the secondary oxidizer path are combined in an oxidizer channel within a burner block of the burner assembly prior to exiting the burner assembly. Flow may be provided to only one of these paths should that be desired. A recombined oxidizer flow stream, of a non-homogenous velocity cross-section, is thus formed at the exit of the oxidizer channel. The burner apparatus also includes an gaseous fuel supply which is separated into a primary gaseous fuel path and a secondary gaseous fuel path, the flow rate in each of these paths being regulated. The primary gaseous fuel path and the secondary gaseous fuel path are combined in a gaseous fuel channel within the burner block prior to exiting the burner assembly. A recombined gaseous fuel flow stream of a non-homogenous velocity cross-section, is thus formed at the exit of the gaseous fuel channel.