METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMBUSTION SYSTEM INCLUDING A PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority benefit and is a Continuation-in- Part under 35 USC 120 from PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/016632, (docket number 2651 -188-04), entitled "FUEL COMBUSTION SYSTEM WITH A

PERFORATED REACTION HOLDER", filed February 14, 2014; which, to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is a method for operating a combustion system that includes a fuel and oxidant source and a perforated flame holder positioned to receive fuel and oxidant from the fuel and oxidant source. The method includes outputting fuel and oxidant from the fuel and oxidant source, receiving the fuel and oxidant at the perforated flame holder, and sustaining a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a process for operating a combustion system including a perforated flame holder, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of a burner system including a perforated flame holder, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is side sectional diagram of a portion of the perforated flame holder of FIGS. 2, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for operating a burner system including the perforated flame holder of FIGS. 2 and 3, according to an

embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for configuring a combustion system including a perforated flame holder, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the

accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a process 100 for operating a combustion system including a perforated flame holder, according to an embodiment. At 101 , fuel and oxidant is output from the fuel and oxidant source. At 103, the fuel and oxidant is received at a perforated flame holder positioned to receive the fuel and oxidant from the fuel and oxidant source. At 105, a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant is supported within the perforated flame holder.

According to an embodiment, the perforated flame holder includes an input surface, an output surface, and a plurality of perforations extending between the input surface and the output surface.

According to an embodiment, the perforated flame holder receives the fuel and oxidant into the perforations. The perforated flame holder supports a majority of the combustion reaction within the perforations. According to an embodiment, the perforated flame holder supports 80% or more of the

combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a burner system 200 including a perforated flame holder 102 configured to hold a combustion reaction, according to an embodiment. As used herein, the terms perforated flame holder, perforated reaction holder, porous flame holder, and porous reaction holder shall be considered synonymous unless further definition is provided. Experiments performed by the inventors have shown that perforated flame holders 102 described herein can support very clean combustion. Specifically, in

experimental use of systems 200 ranging from pilot scale to full scale, output of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) was measured to range from low single digit parts per million (ppm) down to undetectable (less than 1 ppm) concentration of NOx at the stack. These remarkable results were measured at 3% (dry) oxygen (O ₂ ) concentration with undetectable carbon monoxide (CO) at stack temperatures typical of industrial furnace applications (1400 - 1600 °F). Moreover, these results did not require any extraordinary measures such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), water/steam injection, external flue gas recirculation (FGR), or other heroic extremes that may be required for conventional burners to even approach such clean combustion.

According to embodiments, the burner system 200 includes a fuel and oxidant source 202 disposed to output fuel and oxidant into a combustion volume 204 to form a fuel and oxidant mixture 206. As used herein, the terms

combustion volume, combustion chamber, furnace volume, and the like shall be considered synonymous unless further definition is provided. The perforated flame holder 102 is disposed in the combustion volume 204 and positioned to receive the fuel and oxidant mixture 206.

FIG. 3 is side sectional diagram 300 of a portion of the perforated flame holder 102 of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the perforated flame holder 102 includes a perforated flame holder body 208 defining a plurality of perforations 210 aligned to receive the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 from the fuel and oxidant source 202. As used herein, the terms perforation, pore, aperture, elongated aperture, and the like, in the context of the perforated flame holder 102, shall be considered synonymous unless further definition is provided. The perforations 210 are configured to collectively hold a combustion reaction 302 supported by the fuel and oxidant mixture 206. The fuel can include hydrogen, a hydrocarbon gas, a vaporized

hydrocarbon liquid, an atomized hydrocarbon liquid, or a powdered or pulverized solid. The fuel can be a single species or can include a mixture of gas(es), vapor(s), atomized liquid(s), and/or pulverized solid(s). For example in a process heater application, the fuel can include fuel gas or byproducts from the process that include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H ₂ ), and methane (CH ). In another application the fuel can include natural gas (mostly CH ) or propane (C3H8). In another application, the fuel can include #2 fuel oil or #6 fuel oil. Dual fuel applications and flexible fuel applications are similarly contemplated by the inventors. The oxidant can include oxygen carried by air and/or can include another oxidant, either pure or carried by a carrier gas. The terms oxidant and oxidizer shall be considered synonymous herein.

According to an embodiment, the perforated flame holder body 208 can be bounded by an input face 212 disposed to receive the fuel and oxidant mixture 206, an output face 214 facing away from the fuel and oxidant source 202, and a peripheral surface 216 defining a lateral extent of the perforated flame holder 102. The plurality of perforations 210 which are defined by the perforated flame holder body 208 extend from the input face 212 to the output face 214. The plurality of perforations 210 can receive the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 at the input face 212. The fuel and oxidant mixture 206 can then combust in or near the plurality of perforations 210 and combustion products can exit the plurality of perforations 210 at or near the output face 214.

According to an embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 is

configured to hold a majority of the combustion reaction 302 within the

perforations 210. For example, on a steady-state basis, more than half the molecules of fuel output into the combustion volume 204 by the fuel and oxidant source 202 may be converted to combustion products between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102. According to an alternative interpretation, more than half of the heat output by the combustion reaction 302 may be output between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102. Under nominal operating conditions, the perforations 210 can be configured to collectively hold at least 80% of the combustion reaction 302 between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102. In some experiments, the inventors produced a combustion reaction that was apparently wholly contained in the perforations 210 between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102. According to an alternative interpretation, the perforated fame holder 102 can support combustion between the input face 212 and output face 214 when combustion is "time-averaged". For example, during transients, such as before the perforated flame holder 102 is fully heated, or if too high a (cooling) load is placed on the system, the combustion may travel somewhat downstream from the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder.

While a "flame" is described in a manner intended for ease of description, it should be understood that in some instances, no visible flame is present.

Combustion occurs primarily within the perforations 210, but the "glow" of combustion heat is dominated by a visible glow of the perforated flame holder 102 itself. In other instances, the inventors have noted transient "huffing" wherein a visible flame momentarily ignites in a region lying between the input face 212 of the perforated flame holder 102 and the fuel source 218, within the dilution region D _D . Such transient huffing is generally short in duration such that, on a time-averaged basis, a majority of combustion occurs within the perforations 210 of the perforated flame holder 102, between the input face 212 and the output face 214. In still other instances, the inventors have noted apparent combustion occurring above the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102, but still a majority of combustion occurred within the perforated flame holder as evidenced by the continued visible glow (a visible wavelength tail of blackbody radiation) from the perforated flame holder 102.

The perforated flame holder 102 can be configured to receive heat from the combustion reaction 302 and output a portion of the received heat as thermal radiation 304 to heat-receiving structures (e.g., furnace walls and/or radiant section working fluid tubes) in or adjacent to the combustion volume 204. As used herein, terms such as thermal radiation, infrared radiation, radiant heat, heat radiation, etc. are to be construed as being substantially synonymous, unless further definition is provided. Specifically, such terms refer to blackbody radiation of electromagnetic energy, primarily in infrared wavelengths.

Referring especially to FIG. 3, the perforated flame holder 102 outputs another portion of the received heat to the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 received at the input face 212 of the perforated flame holder 102. The perforated flame holder body 208 may receive heat from the (exothermic) combustion reaction 302 at least in heat receiving regions 306 of perforation walls 308. Experimental evidence has suggested to the inventors that the position of the heat receiving regions 306, or at least the position corresponding to a maximum rate of receipt of heat, can vary along the length of the perforation walls 308. In some experiments, the location of maximum receipt of heat was apparently between 1/3 and 1/2 of the distance from the input face 212 to the output face 214 (i.e., somewhat nearer to the input face 212 than to the output face 214). The inventors contemplate that the heat receiving regions 306 may lie nearer to the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102 under other conditions. Most probably, there is no clearly defined edge of the heat receiving regions 306 (or for that matter, the heat output regions 310, described below). For ease of understanding, the heat receiving regions 306 and the heat output regions 310 will be described as particular regions 306, 310.

The perforated flame holder body 208 can be characterized by a heat capacity. The perforated flame holder body 208 may hold heat from the combustion reaction 302 in an amount corresponding to the heat capacity times temperature rise, and transfer the heat from the heat receiving regions 306 to heat output regions 310 of the perforation walls 308. Generally, the heat output regions 310 are nearer to the input face 212 than are the heat receiving regions 306. According to one interpretation, the perforated flame holder body 208 can transfer heat from the heat receiving regions 306 to the heat output regions 310 via thermal radiation, depicted graphically as 304. According to another interpretation, the perforated flame holder body 208 can transfer heat from the heat receiving regions 306 to the heat output regions 310 via heat conduction along heat conduction paths 312. The inventors contemplate that both radiation and conduction heat transfer mechanisms may be operative in transferring heat from the heat receiving regions 306 to the heat output regions 310. In this way, the perforated flame holder 102 may act as a heat source to maintain the combustion reaction, even under conditions where a combustion reaction would not be stable when supported from a conventional flame holder.

The inventors believe that the perforated flame holder 102 causes the combustion reaction 302 to occur within thermal boundary layers 314 formed adjacent to walls 308 of the perforations 210. As the relatively cool fuel and oxidant mixture 206 approaches the input face 212, the flow is split into portions that respectively travel through individual perforations 210. The hot perforated flame holder body 208 transfers heat to the fluid, notably within thermal boundary layers 314 that progressively thicken as more and more heat is transferred to the incoming fuel and oxidant mixture 206. After reaching a combustion temperature (e.g. the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel), the reactants continue to flow while a chemical ignition delay time elapses, over which time the combustion reaction 302 occurs. Accordingly, the combustion reaction 302 is shown as occurring within the thermal boundary layers 314. As flow progresses, the thermal boundary layers 314 merge at a merger point 316. Ideally, the merger point 316 lies between the input face 212 and output face 214 that defines the ends of the perforations 210. At some point, the combustion reaction 302 causes the flowing gas (and plasma) to output more heat to the body 208 than it receives from the body 208. The heat is received at the heat receiving region 306, is held by the body 208, and is transported to the heat output region 310 nearer to the input face 212, where the heat recycles into the cool reactants (and any included diluent) to raise them to the combustion temperature.

In an embodiment, the plurality of perforations 210 are each characterized by a length L defined as a reaction fluid propagation path length between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder 102. The reaction fluid includes the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 (optionally including nitrogen, flue gas, and/or other "non-reactive" species), reaction intermediates (including transition states in a plasma that characterizes the combustion reaction), and reaction products.

The plurality of perforations 210 can be each characterized by a

transverse dimension D between opposing perforation walls 308. The inventors have found that stable combustion can be maintained in the perforated flame holder 102 if the length L of each perforation 210 is at least four times the transverse dimension D of the perforation. In other embodiments, the length L can be greater than six times the transverse dimension D. For example, experiments have been run where L is at least eight, at least twelve, at least sixteen, and at least twenty-four times the transverse dimension D. Preferably, the length L is sufficiently long for thermal boundary layers 314 formed adjacent to the perforation walls 308 in a reaction fluid flowing through the perforations 210 to converge at merger points 316 within the perforations 210 between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder. In experiments, the inventors have found L/D ratios between 12 and 48 to work well (i.e., produce low NOx, produce low CO, and maintain stable combustion).

The perforated flame holder body 208 can be configured to convey heat between adjacent perforations 210. The heat conveyed between adjacent perforations 210 can be selected to cause heat output from the combustion reaction portion 302 in a first perforation 210 to supply heat to stabilize a combustion reaction portion 302 in an adjacent perforation 210.

Referring especially to FIG. 2, the fuel and oxidant source 202 can further include a fuel nozzle 218, configured to output fuel, and an oxidant source 220 configured to output a fluid including the oxidant. For example, the fuel nozzle 218 can be configured to output pure fuel. The oxidant source 220 can be configured to output combustion air carrying oxygen.

The perforated flame holder 102 can be held by a perforated flame holder support structure 222 configured to hold the perforated flame holder 102 a distance D _D away from the fuel nozzle 218. The fuel nozzle 218 can be configured to emit a fuel jet selected to entrain the oxidant to form the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 as the fuel jet and oxidant travel along a path to the perforated flame holder 102 through a dilution distance D _D between the fuel nozzle 218 and the perforated flame holder 102. Additionally or alternatively (particularly when a blower is used to deliver oxidant combustion air), the oxidant or combustion air source can be configured to entrain the fuel and the fuel and oxidant travel through the dilution distance D _D . In some embodiments, a flue gas recirculation path 224 can be provided. Additionally or alternatively, the fuel nozzle 218 can be configured to emit a fuel jet selected to entrain the oxidant and to entrain flue gas as the fuel jet travels through a dilution distance D _D between the fuel nozzle 218 and the input face 212 of the perforated flame holder 102.

The fuel nozzle 218 can be configured to emit the fuel through one or more fuel orifices 226 having a dimension that is referred to as "nozzle diameter". The perforated flame holder support structure 222 can support the perforated flame holder 102 to receive the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 at a distance D _D away from the fuel nozzle 218 greater than 20 times the nozzle diameter. In another embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 is disposed to receive the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 at a distance D _D away from the fuel nozzle 218 between 100 times and 1 100 times the nozzle diameter. Preferably, the perforated flame holder support structure 222 is configured to hold the perforated flame holder 102 about 200 times the nozzle diameter or more away from the fuel nozzle 218. When the fuel and oxidant mixture travels about 200 times the nozzle diameter or more, the mixture is sufficiently homogenized to cause the combustion reaction to output minimal NOx.

The fuel and oxidant source 202 can alternatively include a premix fuel and oxidant source, according to an embodiment. A premix fuel and oxidant source can include a premix chamber (not shown), a fuel nozzle configured to output fuel into the premix chamber, and an air channel configured to output combustion air into the premix chamber. A flame arrestor can be disposed between the premix fuel and oxidant source and the perforated flame holder 102 and be configured to prevent flame flashback into the premix fuel and oxidant source. The combustion air source, whether configured for entrainment in the combustion volume 204 or for premixing can include a blower configured to force air through the fuel and air source 202.

The support structure 222 can be configured to support the perforated flame holder 102 from a floor or wall (not shown) of the combustion volume 204, for example. In another embodiment, the support structure 222 supports the perforated flame holder 102 from the fuel and oxidant source 202. Alternatively, the support structure 222 can suspend the perforated flame holder 102 from an overhead structure (such as a flue, in the case of an up-fired system). The support structure 222 can support the perforated flame holder 102 in various orientations and directions.

The perforated flame holder 102 can include a single perforated flame holder body 208. In another embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 can include a plurality of adjacent perforated flame holder sections that collectively provide a tiled perforated flame holder 102.

The perforated flame holder support structure 222 can be configured to support the plurality of perforated flame holder sections. The perforated flame holder support structure 222 can include a metal superalloy, a cementatious, and/or ceramic refractory material. In an embodiment, the plurality of adjacent perforated flame holder sections can be joined with a fiber reinforced refractory cement.

The perforated flame holder 102 can have a width dimension W between opposite sides of the peripheral surface 216 at least twice a thickness dimension T between the input face 212 and the output face 214. In another embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 can have a width dimension W between opposite sides of the peripheral surface 216 at least three times, at least six times, or at least nine times a thickness dimension T between the input face 212 and the output face 214 of the perforated flame holder.

In an embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 can have a width dimension W less than a width of the combustion volume 204. This can allow the flue gas circulation path 224 from above to below the perforated flame holder 102 to lie between the peripheral surface 216 of the perforated flame holder 102 and the combustion volume wall (not shown).

Referring again to both FIGS. 2 and 3, the perforations 210 can include elongated squares, each of the elongated squares has a transverse dimension D between opposing sides of the squares. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can include elongated hexagons, each of the elongated hexagons has a transverse dimension D between opposing sides of the hexagons. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can include hollow cylinders, each of the hollow cylinders has a transverse dimension D corresponding to a diameter of the cylinders. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can include truncated cones, each of the truncated cones has a transverse dimension D that is rotationally symmetrical about a length axis that extends from the input face 212 to the output face 214. The perforations 210 can each have a lateral dimension D equal to or greater than a quenching distance of the fuel based on standard reference conditions.

In one range of embodiments, each of the plurality of perforations has a lateral dimension D between 0.05 inch and 1 .0 inch. Preferably, each of the plurality of perforations has a lateral dimension D between 0.1 inch and 0.5 inch. For example the plurality of perforations can each have a lateral dimension D of about 0.2 to 0.4 inch.

The void fraction of a perforated flame holder 102 is defined as the total volume of all perforations 210 in a section of the perforated flame holder 102 divided by a total volume of the perforated flame holder including body 208 and perforations 210. The perforated flame holder 102 should have a void fraction between 0.10 and 0.90. In an embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 can have a void fraction between 0.30 and 0.80. In another embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 can have a void fraction of about 0.70. Using a void fraction of about 0.70 was found to be especially effective for producing very low NOx.

The perforated flame holder 102 can be formed from a fiber reinforced cast refractory material and/or a refractory material such as an aluminum silicate material. For example, the perforated flame holder 102 can be formed from mullite or cordierite. Additionally or alternatively, the perforated flame holder body 208 can include a metal superalloy such as Inconel or Hastelloy. The perforated flame holder body 208 can define a honeycomb.

The inventors have found that the perforated flame holder 102 can be formed from VERSAGRID ® ceramic honeycomb, available from Applied

Ceramics, Inc. of Doraville, South Carolina.

The perforations 210 can be parallel to one another and normal to the input and output faces 212, 214. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can be parallel to one another and formed at an angle relative to the input and output faces 212, 214. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can be non- parallel to one another. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can be non-parallel to one another and non-intersecting. In another embodiment, the perforations 210 can be intersecting. The body 308 can be one piece or can be formed from a plurality of sections.

In another embodiment, which is not necessarily preferred, the perforated flame holder 102 may be formed from reticulated fibers formed from an extruded ceramic material. The term "reticulated fibers" refers to a netlike structure.

In another embodiment, the perforated flame holder 102 can include a plurality of tubes or pipes bundled together. The plurality of perforations 210 can include hollow cylinders and can optionally also include interstitial spaces between the bundled tubes. In an embodiment, the plurality of tubes can include ceramic tubes. Refractory cement can be included between the tubes and configured to adhere the tubes together. In another embodiment, the plurality of tubes can include metal (e.g., superalloy) tubes. The plurality of tubes can be held together by a metal tension member circumferential to the plurality of tubes and arranged to hold the plurality of tubes together. The metal tension member can include stainless steel, a superalloy metal wire, and/or a superalloy metal band.

The perforated flame holder body 208 can alternatively include stacked perforated sheets of material, each sheet having openings that connect with openings of subjacent and superjacent sheets. The perforated sheets can include perforated metal sheets, ceramic sheets and/or expanded sheets. In another embodiment, the perforated flame holder body 208 can include discontinuous packing bodies such that the perforations 210 are formed in the interstitial spaces between the discontinuous packing bodies. In one example, the discontinuous packing bodies include structured packing shapes. In another example, the discontinuous packing bodies include random packing shapes. For example, the discontinuous packing bodies can include ceramic Raschig ring, ceramic Berl saddles, ceramic Intalox saddles, and/or metal rings or other shapes (e.g. Super Raschig Rings) that may be held together by a metal cage.

The inventors contemplate various explanations for why burner systems including the perforated flame holder 102 provide such clean combustion.

In one aspect, the perforated flame holder 102 acts as a heat source to maintain a combustion reaction even under conditions where a combustion reaction would not be stable when supported by a conventional flame holder. This capability can be leveraged to support combustion using a leaner fuel-to- oxidant mixture than is typically feasible. Thus, according to an embodiment, at the point where the fuel stream 206 contacts the input face 212 of the perforated flame holder 102, an average fuel-to-oxidant ratio of the fuel stream 206 is below a (conventional) lower combustion limit of the fuel component of the fuel stream— lower combustion limit defines the lowest concentration of fuel at which a fuel/air mixture will burn when exposed to a momentary ignition source under normal atmospheric pressure and an ambient temperature of 25° C (77° F).

According to one interpretation, the fuel and oxidant mixtures supported by the perforated flame holder may be more fuel-lean than mixtures that would provide stable combustion in a conventional burner. Combustion near a lower combustion limit of fuel generally burn at a lower adiabatic flame temperature than mixtures near the center of the lean-to-rich combustion limit range. Lower flame temperatures generally evolve a lower concentration of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) than higher flame temperatures. In conventional flames, too-lean combustion is generally associated with high CO concentration at the stack. In contrast, the perforated flame holder 102 and systems including the perforated flame holder 102 described herein were found to provide substantially complete combustion of CO (single digit ppm down to undetectable, depending on experimental conditions), while supporting low NOx. In some embodiments, the inventors achieved stable combustion at what was understood to be very lean mixtures (that nevertheless produced only about 3% or lower measured O2 concentration at the stack). Moreover, the inventors believe perforation walls 308 may act as a heat sink for the combustion fluid. This effect may alternatively or additionally reduce combustion temperature.

According to another interpretation, production of NOx can be reduced if the combustion reaction 302 occurs over a very short duration of time. Rapid combustion causes the reactants (including oxygen and entrained nitrogen) to be exposed to NOx-formation temperature for a time too short for NOx formation kinetics to cause significant production of NOx. The time required for the reactants to pass through the perforated flame holder is very short compared to a conventional flame. The low NOx production associated with perforated flame holder combustion may thus be related to the short duration of time required for the reactants (and entrained nitrogen) to pass through the perforated flame holder 102.

Since CO oxidation is a relatively slow reaction, the time for passage through the perforated flame holder (perhaps plus time passing toward the flue from the perforated flame holder 102) is apparently sufficient and at sufficiently elevated temperature, in view of the very low measured (experimental and full scale) CO concentrations, for oxidation of CO to carbon dioxide (CO2).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method 400 for operating a burner system including the perforated flame holder shown and described herein. To operate a burner system including a perforated flame holder, the perforated flame holder is first heated to a temperature sufficient to maintain combustion of the fuel and oxidant mixture.

According to a simplified description, the method 400 begins with step

402, wherein the perforated flame holder is preheated to a start-up temperature, Ts. After the perforated flame holder is raised to the start-up temperature, the method proceeds to step 404, wherein fuel and oxidant are provided to the perforated flame holder and combustion is held by the perforated flame holder.

According to a more detailed description, step 402 begins with step 406, wherein start-up energy is provided at the perforated flame holder.

Simultaneously or following providing start-up energy, a decision step 408 determines whether the temperature T of the perforated flame holder is at or above the start-up temperature, T _s . As long as the temperature of the perforated flame holder is below its start-up temperature, the method loops between steps 406 and 408 within the preheat step 402. In step 408, if the temperature T of at least a predetermined portion of the perforated flame holder is greater than or equal to the start-up temperature, the method 400 proceeds to overall step 404, wherein fuel and oxidant is supplied to and combustion is held by the perforated flame holder.

Step 404 may be broken down into several discrete steps, at least some of which may occur simultaneously.

Proceeding from step 408, a fuel and oxidant mixture is provided to the perforated flame holder, as shown in step 410. The fuel and oxidant may be provided by a fuel and oxidant source that includes a separate fuel nozzle and combustion air source, for example. In this approach, the fuel and combustion air are output in one or more directions selected to cause the fuel and

combustion air mixture to be received by an input face of the perforated flame holder. The fuel may entrain the combustion air (or alternatively, the combustion air may dilute the fuel) to provide a fuel and oxidant mixture at the input face of the perforated flame holder at a fuel dilution selected for a stable combustion reaction that can be held within the perforations of the perforated flame holder.

Proceeding to step 412, the combustion reaction is held by the perforated flame holder.

In step 414, heat may be output from the perforated flame holder. The heat output from the perforated flame holder may be used to power an industrial process, heat a working fluid, generate electricity, or provide motive power, for example.

In optional step 416, the presence of combustion may be sensed. Various sensing approaches have been used and are contemplated by the inventors. Generally, combustion held by the perforated flame holder is very stable and no unusual sensing requirement is placed on the system. Combustion sensing may be performed using an infrared sensor, a video sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a charged species sensor, thermocouple, thermopile, and/or other known combustion sensing apparatuses. In an additional or alternative variant of step 416, a pilot flame or other ignition source may be provided to cause ignition of the fuel and oxidant mixture in the event combustion is lost at the perforated flame holder.

Proceeding to decision step 418, if combustion is sensed not to be stable, the method 400 may exit to step 424, wherein an error procedure is executed. For example, the error procedure may include turning off fuel flow, re-executing the preheating step 402, outputting an alarm signal, igniting a stand-by

combustion system, or other steps. If, in step 418, combustion in the perforated flame holder is determined to be stable, the method 400 proceeds to decision step 420, wherein it is determined if combustion parameters should be changed. If no combustion parameters are to be changed, the method loops (within step 404) back to step 410, and the combustion process continues. If a change in combustion parameters is indicated, the method 400 proceeds to step 422, wherein the combustion parameter change is executed. After changing the combustion parameter(s), the method loops (within step 404) back to step 410, and combustion continues.

Combustion parameters may be scheduled to be changed, for example, if a change in heat demand is encountered. For example, if less heat is required (e.g., due to decreased electricity demand, decreased motive power requirement, or lower industrial process throughput), the fuel and oxidant flow rate may be decreased in step 422. Conversely, if heat demand is increased, then fuel and oxidant flow may be increased. Additionally or alternatively, if the combustion system is in a start-up mode, then fuel and oxidant flow may be gradually increased to the perforated flame holder over one or more iterations of the loop within step 404.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the burner system 200 includes a heater 228 operatively coupled to the perforated flame holder 102. As described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4, the perforated flame holder 102 operates by outputting heat to the incoming fuel and oxidant mixture 206. After combustion is established, this heat is provided by the combustion reaction; but before combustion is established, the heat is provided by the heater 228.

Various heating apparatuses have been used and are contemplated by the inventors. In some embodiments, the heater 228 can include a flame holder configured to support a flame disposed to heat the perforated flame holder 102. The fuel and oxidant source 202 can include a fuel nozzle 218 configured to emit a fuel stream and an air source 220 configured to output combustion air adjacent to the fuel stream. The fuel nozzle 218 and air source 220 can be configured to output the fuel stream to be progressively diluted by the combustion air. The perforated flame holder 102 can be disposed to receive a diluted fuel and air mixture 206 that supports a combustion reaction that is stabilized by the perforated flame holder 102 when the perforated flame holder 102 is at an operating temperature. A start-up flame holder, in contrast, can be configured to support a start-up flame at a location corresponding to a relatively rich fuel and air mixture that is stable without stabilization provided by the heated perforated flame holder 102.

The burner system 200 can further include a controller 230 operatively coupled to the heater 228 and to a data interface 232. For example, the controller 230 can be configured to control a start-up flame holder actuator configured to cause the start-up flame holder to hold the start-up flame when the perforated flame holder 102 needs to be pre-heated and to not hold the start-up flame when the perforated flame holder 102 is at an operating temperature (e.g., when T > T _s ). Various approaches for actuating a start-up flames are contemplated. In one embodiment, the start-up flame holder includes a mechanically-actuated bluff body configured to be actuated to intercept the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 to cause heat-recycling vortices and thereby hold a start-up flame; or to be actuated to not intercept the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 to cause the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 to proceed to the perforated flame holder 102. In another embodiment, a fuel control valve, blower, and/or damper may be used to select a fuel and oxidant mixture flow rate that is sufficiently low for a start-up flame to be jet-stabilized; and upon reaching an perforated flame holder 102 operating temperature, the flow rate may be increased to "blow out" the start-up flame. In another embodiment, the heater may include an electrical power supply operatively coupled to the controller 230 and configured to apply an electrical charge or voltage to the fuel and oxidant mixture 206. An electrically conductive start-up flame holder may be selectively coupled to a voltage ground or other voltage selected to attract the electrical charge in the fuel and oxidant mixture 206. The attraction of the electrical charge was found by the inventors to cause a start-up flame to be held by the electrically conductive start-up flame holder.

In another embodiment, the heater 228 may include an electrical resistance heater configured to output heat to the perforated flame holder and/or to the fuel and oxidant mixture 206. The electrical resistance heater can be configured to heat up the perforated flame holder 102 to an operating

temperature. The heater 228 can further include a power supply and a switch operable, under control of the controller 230, to selectively couple the power supply to the electrical resistance heater.

An electrical resistance heater 228 can be formed in various ways. For example, the electrical resistance heater 228 can be formed from KANTHAL ® wire (available from Sandvik Materials Technology division of Sandvik AB of Hallstahammar, Sweden) threaded through at least a portion of the perforations 210 defined formed by the perforated flame holder body 208. Alternatively, the heater 228 can include an inductive heater, a high energy (e.g. microwave or laser) beam heater, a frictional heater, or other types of heating technologies. Other forms of start-up apparatuses are contemplated. For example, the heater 228 can include an electrical discharge igniter or hot surface igniter configured to output a pulsed ignition to the air and fuel. Additionally or alternatively, a start-up apparatus can include a pilot flame apparatus disposed to ignite a fuel and oxidant mixture 206 that would otherwise enter the perforated flame holder 102. An electrical discharge igniter, hot surface igniter, and/or pilot flame apparatus can be operatively coupled to the controller 230, which can cause the electrical discharge igniter or pilot flame apparatus to maintain combustion of the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 in or upstream from the

perforated flame holder 102 before the perforated flame holder 102 is heated sufficiently to maintain combustion.

The burner system 200 can further include a sensor 234 operatively coupled to the control circuit 230. The sensor 234 can include a heat sensor configured to detect infrared radiation or a temperature of the perforated flame holder 102. The control circuit 230 can be configured to control the heating apparatus 228 responsive to input from the sensor 234. Optionally, a fuel control valve 236 can be operatively coupled to the controller 230 and configured to control a flow of fuel to the fuel and oxidant source 202. Additionally or alternatively, an oxidant blower or damper 238 can be operatively coupled to the controller 230 and configured to control flow of the oxidant (or combustion air).

The sensor 234 can further include a combustion sensor operatively coupled to the control circuit 230, the combustion sensor being configured to detect a temperature, video image, and/or spectral characteristic of a combustion reaction held by the perforated flame holder 102. The fuel control valve 236 can be configured to control a flow of fuel from a fuel source to the fuel and oxidant source 202. The controller 230 can be configured to control the fuel control valve 236 responsive to input from the combustion sensor 234. The controller 230 can be configured to control the fuel control valve 236 and/or oxidant blower or damper to control a preheat flame type of heater 228 to heat the perforated flame holder 102 to an operating temperature. The controller 230 can similarly control the fuel control valve 236 and/or the oxidant blower or damper to change the fuel and oxidant mixture 206 flow responsive to a heat demand change received as data via the data interface 232.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for configuring a combustion system including a perforated flame holder and a fuel nozzle, according to an

embodiment. At 502, the perforated flame holder is supported within a

combustion volume. At 504, a fuel nozzle is positioned within the combustion volume. At 506, the fuel nozzle and the perforated flame holder are positioned a selected distance from each other to enable combustion of fuel and oxidant from the fuel nozzle within the perforated flame holder.

According to an embodiment, the method includes supporting the perforated flame holder with a support structure. The support structure can be coupled to a wall, a ceiling, or a floor of a furnace defining the combustion volume. According to an embodiment, the support structure can include a metal super alloy. According to an embodiment, the support structure can include one or more portions coupled to a floor of the furnace and one or more portions coupled to a wall of the furnace.

According to an embodiment, the perforated flame holder includes multiple tiles join together. The support structure can include individual portions supporting each individual tile of the perforated flame holder. According to an embodiment, the support structure can include a refractory brick.

According to an embodiment, the support structure can define apertures selected to allow circulation of flue gas within the combustion volume.

According to an embodiment, the support structure supports the

perforated flame holder a distance greater than 100 times a diameter of the fuel nozzle.

According to an embodiment, when configuring the combustion system, the position of the support structure and the fuel nozzle are selected so that the perforated flame holder will be a selected distance from the fuel nozzle when supported by the support structure. The selected distance is such that when fuel and oxidant are output from the fuel and oxidant source onto the perforated flame holder, the perforated flame holder can sustain a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder.

According to an embodiment, the process 500 includes outputting fuel and oxidant from the fuel nozzle, receiving the fuel and oxidant at the perforated flame holder, and supporting a combustion reaction of the fuel and oxidant within the perforated flame holder

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.