Apparatus and method for combustion within porous matrix elements

US5141432A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Radian Group Inc. · US
• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Ronald D. Bell · Austin, US
• William C. Gardiner · Austin, US
• John R. Howell · Bruceville, US
• Mark M. Koeroghlian · Austin, US
• Ronald D. Matthews · Austin, US
• Steven P. Nichols · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 1991
• Grant date: Aug 25, 1992
• Expiry date: Mar 15, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F23D14/82
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Burner apparatus for use in controlled low NO.sub.x combustion. Mixing and flow-directing means receive and mix fuel and air provided thereto and form a flow of the resulting combustible mixture. A combustion zone defined by a porous high temperature-resistant matrix includes an input end for receiving the combustible flow. Cooling means are mounted in proximity to the input end of the combustion zone, for maintaining the temperature of the flowing combustible mixture proximate the input end below ignition temperature, thereby limiting the flame produced by combustion in the porous matrix to the downstream side of the cooling means. The method for controlled low NO.sub.x combustion is also disclosed and claimed.