EP0630462B1 - Combustion apparatus using solid or solid/liquid fuels - Google Patents

Abstract

A combustion apparatus using solid and/or liquid fuels and including an outer body or shell (1) with a lower portion housing a furnace consisting of a grate assembly (2) having at least two grates (2a, 2b) placed one above the other and provided with flat bars (2c) inclined about their longitudinal axis. The combustion apparatus may be configured as a heat generator and/or incinerator for burning solid materials (wood, coal, coke, sawdust, miscellaneous refuse such as used tyres, industrial or household waste, medical waste, etc.) and/or liquids (various oils, etc.).

Description

The present invention relates to a combustion apparatus using solid or solid / liquid fuels. This device can be made so as to constitute a heat generator and / or an incinerator, capable of operating by combustion or burning of solid materials (wood, coals, coke, sawdust, various scraps such as used tires, industrial waste or household, medical waste, etc.) and / or liquid materials (oils of various origins, etc.).

There are known heaters capable of operating by the combustion of solid and / or liquid fuels (FR-A-2,603,686). The hearth of these devices comprises a set of superimposed grids constituted by spaced bars, of circular section or the like. The grids constituted by spaced bars of circular or polygonal cross section do not retain sufficiently fine fuels (coal dust, etc.) or liquids, so that one is led to increase the number of superimposed grids to overcome this drawback , without succeeding in eliminating it completely. As a result, a certain amount of fuel is not burned or is incompletely consumed.

A first object of the present invention is in particular to remedy this drawback.

This objective is achieved by means of an apparatus comprising a body or external envelope in the lower part of which is housed a hearth constituted by a set of grids comprising at least two superimposed grids; this device being particularly remarkable in that at least two superimposed grids of this set are constituted by flat bars inclined around their longitudinal axis. Interestingly, means make it possible to adjust the inclination of the flat bars or flaps of at least one of these grids and more particularly of the lower grid.

Thanks to this device, fine solid fuels and liquid fuels are retained longer on flat bars or inclined flaps of superimposed grids, which allows their complete combustion.

According to one embodiment of the heating appliance described in document FR-A-2,603,686, provision has been made to have, above this assembly, a tubular body closed at its upper part and delimiting a central cavity constituting, at the same time, a solid fuel tank and a distillation chamber, the lower part of this body comprising a plurality of outlet orifices, distributed over its periphery, for the passage of gases from the distillation. In order to allow combustion regulation, a shutter wall is mounted with a vertical sliding ability against the perforated lateral surface of the interior body, so as to regulate the volume of gases leaving the distillation chamber. However, such a device makes it possible to intervene only in a limited way on the temperature of the apparatuses due to the fact that the height of the combustibles in ignition state remains constant, during operation.

According to the invention, this drawback is greatly mitigated by the fact that the set of grids is mounted with the ability to move vertically, which allows the height of the products in good condition to be adjusted. ignition or height of fire and, therefore, an adjustment of the temperature of the devices. On the other hand, the obturating wall is replaced by a perforated grid or belt secured to the set of grids in its vertical movements, so that any elevation of said set reducing the height of the ignition zone or height of fire leads to a reduction in the volume of gases from distillation, and vice versa.

The aims, characteristics and advantages above and others still will emerge more clearly from the description which follows and from the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view, in schematic and in vertical section of the combustion device according to the invention, the movable assembly is shown in its lowest position.

Figure 2 is a half-section view similar to Figure 1, partially broken away, showing the movable part of the device in the high position.

Figure 3 is a side view, schematic and in vertical section of this device.

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view along line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view along line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a top view of Figure 1.

FIG. 7 is a detail view, in perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the device for adjusting the inclination of the flat bars of the grids and of the system for controlling the vertical movements of the set of grids and of the various members supported by these last.

Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the double wall dispenser aerator.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of one of the ash drawers of the appliance.

Reference is made to said drawings to describe an interesting, although in no way limiting, embodiment of the combustion device according to the invention which, in this case, is arranged so as to constitute a heating device or stove emitting heat. by radiation, but which could also be equipped for the production of hot water; this device can also fulfill the function of an incinerator of household, agricultural, industrial or other waste.

In known manner, the apparatus according to the invention comprises an outer casing or body 1 having a rectangular cross section according to the example illustrated, but which could also have a square, circular or other section and executed, for example, in sheet metal d '' refractory or cast iron.

In the lower part of this envelope or external body 1, is mounted a set of grids 2 comprising at least two superimposed grids 2a, 2b.

In the space reserved below the set of grates 2, an ash recovery device 3 is installed comprising, for example, two drawers or ashtrays 3a, 3b placed side by side.

In the outer body 1 and above the set of grids 2, is mounted, fixedly and vertically, an inner tubular body 4, of smaller dimensions, for example made of refractory steel and having a quadrangular, circular or other. According to the example illustrated, this body comprises an upper part and a lower part of parallelepiped shape connected to one another by an intermediate troncopyramidal part.

In its lower part 4a, the inner body 4 can be provided with a plurality of orifices 4b regularly spaced and distributed over its entire lateral surface, said lower part preferably comprising several levels or stages of spaced orifices 4b, for example arranged in staggered rows or otherwise.

The central cavity 4c delimited by the internal body 4 constitutes, at the same time, a solid fuel tank and a distillation chamber, while its perforated lower part 4a forms a gas burner resulting from the distillation of said fuels.

An aerator 5 constituted by an annular sheath of rectangular section and comprising an internal wall 5a provided with air distribution orifices, is disposed around and at a distance from the perforated lower part 4a of the internal body 4. An annular space 6 is located thus formed between the perforated lower part 4a of the body 4 and the internal wall 5a of the aerator 5, this space 6 constituting the combustion chamber of the distillation gases.

In its upper part, the envelope or external body 1 is provided with a smoke outlet orifice 7 capable of being connected, in any known manner, to a smoke duct.

At its top, the outer body 1 is closed by a cover plate 8 fixed by screwing or otherwise on said body. Under this plate 8 which can be made of cast iron, is fixed, for example by screwing, the upper end of the inner body 4. In its central part, the cover plate 8, has a loading opening closed by a pivoting cover 9 itself provided in its central part with an air inlet opening 10 closed by a sliding hatch 11. The cover 9 allows the introduction of solid fuels into the appliance, while the sliding hatch 11 allows an adjustable air inlet which promotes the combustion of certain fuels which are difficult to burn, such as certain varieties of coal, peat, etc. As indicated below, the hatch 11 also allows the passage of the inlet duct or ducts for various liquid fuel products, when the appliance is not permanently fitted, with an inlet for liquid fuel at its upper part.

According to an important characteristic arrangement of the invention, the bars 2c of at least two superimposed grids 2a and 2b of the set of grids 2, are constituted by inclined blades or flaps or by bars capable of being able to be inclined. On the other hand, the flat bars 2c of the upper grid 2a advantageously have an inverse inclination to that of the flat bars 2c of the lower grid 2b, and / or a position offset with respect to that of the latter. The lower part of the inclined flat bars 2c 'of the upper grid 2a is arranged above the upper part of the inclined flat bars 2c "of the lower grid 2b. In this way, the liquids which are not completely burnt or volatilized when they come into contact with the upper flat bars 2c ', slide on the latter and fall on the lower flat bars 2c "in contact with which their calcination or evaporation ends.

Advantageously, the apparatus comprises means allowing an adjustment of the inclination of the flat bars 2c of at least one of the grids 2a, 2b and, preferably, an adjustment of the inclination of the flat bars 2c " of the lower grid 2b of the set of grids 2.

Illustrated in Figure 7, an embodiment of the means for this adjustment. According to this example, the blades or flaps 2c constituting the flat bars of the lower grid 2b, are provided, laterally and at their upper part, with pivot axes 2d engaged in bearings 2e which may consist of simple notches made in the upper edge of two opposite sides 2f of a 2g frame supporting all the flat bars of the grid.

The means for adjusting the inclination of the blades or shutters 2c "comprise a rod 12 movable longitudinally and arranged perpendicular to said blades or shutters, along the base of one of the sides 2f of the frame 2g and outside this last.

One of the ends of this rod 12 is rigidly secured to a rack-and-pinion operating handle 13 accessible outside the casing 1 and making it possible to move said rod axially. The latter is provided with spaced rods 14 preferably oriented vertically and rigidly integral with said rod, the spacing of these rods corresponding to the spacing of the flaps 2c ". The upper end of each rod 14 is connected, by means of a connecting rod 15, with a hinge pin 16 which are provided with the blades or flaps 2c "at the base of their end arranged near the rod 12. The side 2f of the frame 2g disposed near the rod 12 includes lights or an opening 17 allowing the axes 16 to move. It is understood that the adjustment of the inclination of the flat bars 2c "is obtained by pushing or pulling the handle 13. According to the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the pushing movement makes it possible to reduce the inclination of the flat bars, while the pulling movement makes it possible to increase this inclination by bringing it closer to the vertical.

Preferably, the flat bars 2c of the upper grid 2a are rigidly fixed to the frame or belt of the latter, so that said bars have an invariable degree of inclination, for example of the order of 45 degrees. However, the upper grid 2a could also be arranged to allow an adjustment of the inclination of its flat bars, for example by means of a device of the type which has been previously described for adjusting the inclination of the flat bars. of the lower grid 2b.

The set of grids 2 may also include one or more grids provided with ordinary bars and disposed (s) above the pair of grids 2a, 2b with inclined flat bars.

According to another important arrangement characteristic of the invention, the set of superimposed grids 2 is mounted with an aptitude for vertical movement and this set is subject to means allowing this movement and the immobilization of said set at different possible heights.

These means comprise, for example, two similar devices arranged on two opposite sides of the set of grids 2 and each comprising a pair of racks 18 arranged vertically, opposite, and rigidly secured to one of the sides 2h of the lower grid 2b. These racks are engaged with a pair of toothed wheels or pinions 19 meshing with each other, one of these pinions being integral in rotation with a button or operating handle 19a disposed outside of the enclosure 1 of the device. It is understood that by turning this operating handle, the pinions 19 are rotated in opposite directions, these pinions communicating a vertical movement with the racks 18 with which they are engaged and, consequently, a movement identical to the assembly of grids 2 integral with these racks. The shafts 19b on which the pinions 19 are wedged, are carried by a vertical plate 21 fixedly disposed between the set of grids 2 and the outer casing 1. In principle, the set of grids 2 comes to a stop as soon as the force on the operating handle ceases to be exerted . However, a stop device known per se can be provided to immobilize the operating handle and, consequently, the set of grids 2 in the desired position. Vertical slides for example constituted by angles 22 ensure the guiding of the set of grids 2, during its vertical movements.

It is emphasized that the control of the vertical displacements of the set of grids 2 and of the movable assembly constituted by said grids and by the various devices integral with the latter and described below, can be manual and / or motorized anyway familiar to those skilled in the art.

According to another very interesting characteristic arrangement of the invention, an annular grid 20 for distributing the gases from the distillation, is arranged around the lower part 4a of the internal body 4 and this grid is mounted with a vertical sliding ability against the external surface of this lower part. This distribution grid 20 is constituted by a belt plate provided with orifices, and it rests on the upper grid 2a of the movable grid assembly 2, on which it can be fixed in any suitable manner, preferably in a removable manner .

It is understood that the upward movement of the assembly 2-20 makes it possible to reduce the number of gas outlet orifices (FIG. 2), and, consequently, the volume of the latter, while the displacement of the assembly 2- 20 downwards (FIG. 1) makes it possible to increase the number of said orifices and, consequently, the volume of gases leaving the distillation.

The orifices 23 of the distribution grid 20 are regularly distributed over the entire lateral surface of the latter which thus comprises several levels or stages spaced from orifices staggered or otherwise arranged. These stepped orifices have, for example, a circular shape and a diameter of the order of 5 to 10 mm; they are separated by an interval of the order of 5 to 10 mm. They constitute a plurality of elementary burners distributed around the base of the distillation chamber 4c.

According to another important characteristic arrangement, the aerator 5 is arranged both around and at a distance from the lower part 4a of the internal body 4 and around and at a distance from the distribution grid 20, and this aerator 5 is integral with the 'set of grids 2 in its vertical movements.

The sheath 5 constituting the aerator can rest on the set of grids 2 or be fixed, in any suitable manner, on the upper grid 2a of this set, preferably removably.

The annular space 6 formed between, on the one hand, the internal wall 5a of the aerator 5 and, on the other hand, the lower part 4a of the internal body 4 and the distribution grid 20, constitutes, as indicated previously, the combustion chamber of gases from distillation.

It will be appreciated that when the grid assembly 2 is moved vertically, the distribution grid 20 and the aerator 5 perform identical movements, so that said aerator always remains perfectly positioned with respect to said grid.

Interestingly, provision is made to make the aerator 5 in two parts 5b, 5c, independent of one another, these two parts being arranged symmetrically on either side of the part lower 4a of the inner body 4. It is thus possible to regulate each of these parts differently, which can also be replaced more easily.

On the other hand, the internal side of the aerator 5 has two walls 5a, 5d, spaced, parallel and provided with orifices, respectively 5g, 5f for distributing and distributing air (FIG. 8). This double wall delimits a distribution chamber allowing the pressure of the air or gas to be distributed over the entire outlet of the aerator, and to reduce the heat effect inside, as well as the discharge in certain cases.

Interestingly, the orifices 5f formed in the inner wall 5d of the aerator have a larger diameter than that of the orifices 5g that has the outer wall 5a. For example, the holes 5f have a diameter which is twice the diameter of the holes 5g. In this way, the holes 5g allow a first distribution of the air which is then distributed in the chamber 6 for combustion of the distillation gases. On the other hand, the orifices 5f are significantly less numerous than the orifices 5g.

The lower part of the outer casing 1 has air suction openings 24 allowing the entry of combustion air into the device, this air being conveyed to the aerator via vertical ducts 25 the base of which opens in the lower part of the casing 1. These suction outlets 24 can be provided with means known per se, making it possible to adjust the volume of air sucked in.

Above the mobile assembly 2-20-5 of the apparatus and at a distance from the latter, there is fixedly disposed, between the external envelope and the internal body 4, a flame-cutter or heat distributor device 26. This device consists of a U-shaped plate arranged horizontally in the rear half-part of the device, this plate being provided with orifices 27, preferably regularly spaced.

As indicated in document FR-A-2,603,686, a gas train 28 can be housed in the lower part of the combustion chamber 6, facing at least part of the outlet orifices 23 of the distribution grid 20 , this gas train is constituted by a duct provided with outlet orifices oriented in the direction of the outlet orifices 23 of the grid 20.

It may have a rectilinear shape or an arcuate or circular shape so as to partially or completely surround the grid 20. It is preferably arranged in the front part of the device, so as to be visible through the porthole equipping it. front wall of the outer body 1; the aerator being, in this case, shaped to allow the combustion flames to be seen.

The gas train can be supplied with different gaseous fuels such as butane, propane, natural gas, etc.

The apparatus according to the invention may also include one or more admissions of liquid fuels opening at the upper part of the interior body 4 and connected to one or more tanks containing these fuels. This or these liquid admissions can be permanently fixed to the upper part of the casing 1 of the device and can have various shapes (distribution manifold, single pipe, etc.). They can also be constituted by end pieces 31 of pipes not fixed to the device and connected by means of flexible pipes to one or more auxiliary tanks (not shown). In this case, when you want to burn a liquid, just introduce the or the inlet nozzles in the upper part of the appliance, through the opening 10. It is emphasized that it is possible to burn several combustible liquids simultaneously, certain products being able to be burned to cancel the harmful effects resulting from the combustion of 'others products.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, the ash drawers 3a, 3b have a rear wall 3c movable from rear to front and vice versa, this movable wall being connected to a 3d handle disposed in front of the front wall 3e said drawers, via a movable frame 33. The movable rear wall 3c makes it possible to scrape the bottom 3g of the ash drawers and to bring the ash collected therein forward. It can also be mounted with a tilting ability around a horizontal axis x-x located halfway up said wall. In this way, if ashes pass behind the wall 3c during its displacement towards the front, said wall will tilt around this axis when it is pushed backwards, and will then allow to bring back the rest of the centers, when moving forwards again. A stop 32 secured to the movable frame 33 and disposed at the rear and at the base of the tilting wall 3c opposes its pivoting in the opposite direction, when it moves forwards.

The front wall 3e of the drawers 3a, 3b, is provided with a mouth 3f capable of being connected to a suction pipe A of a vacuum cleaner device making it possible to empty said drawers.

The latter are also equipped, in their front part, with a fixed vertical wall 29 provided with openings 30 partially delimited by the bottom 3g of said drawers. This perforated wall 29 makes it possible to screen the ashes during their suction, this screening avoiding obstruction of the vacuum cleaner hose.

Claims (14)

1. A combustion apparatus using solid or solid/liquid fuels comprising a body or outer case (1) in the lower part of which is housed a firebox made up of a grate assembly (2) comprising at least two superimposed grates, characterised by the fact that at least two superimposed grates (2a, 2b) of this assembly comprise flat bars (2c) slanted around their longitudinal axis.
2. A combustion apparatus according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the bottom part of the slanted flat bars (2c') of the upper grate (2a) is positioned over the top part of the slanted flat bars (2c") of the lower grate (2b).
3. A combustion apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that the flat bars (2c') of the upper grate (2a) have an inverse slant to that of the flat bars (2c") of the lower grate (2b).
4. A combustion apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised by the fact that at least the flat bars of one of the grates, and preferably, the flat bars (2c") of the lower grate (2b) have an adjustable slant, and that the said apparatus comprises means (12-13-14-15-16) whereby this slope can be adjusted.
5. A combustion apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a tubular body (4) installed vertically in the upper part of the body or outer case (1), above and at a distance from the superimposed grate assembly (2), this inner body being open at its base and delimiting a central cavity (4c) constituting, at the same time, a reservoir for solid fuel and a distillation chamber around the lower part of which is fitted a combustion chamber (6) for gases produced by the distillation, characterised by the fact that the said assembly of superimposed grates (2) is mounted with a capability of vertical movement, so that it is possible to regulate the distance between the base of the said inner body (4) and the upper grate (2a) of the said assembly (2), the said apparatus comprising means (18, 19) permitting the position of the grate assembly (2) to be adjusted.
6. A combustion apparatus according to claim 5, characterised by the fact that a movable grate (20) is positioned vertically around the lower part (4a) of the inner body (4) and that this peripheral grate (20) is supported by the movable assembly of superimposed grates (2) with which it is integral in vertical movement.
7. A combustion apparatus according to either of claims 5 or 6, characterised by the fact that the lower part (4a) of the inner body (4) is provided with multiple holes (4b) for the passage of gas produced in the distillation.
8. A combustion apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7, comprising an aerator (5) made up of an annular duct positioned around and at a distance from the lower part (4a) of the inner body (4) and the peripheral grate (20), in such a manner as to form an annular combustion chamber (6) for the distillation gases, characterised by the fact that this aerator (5) is integral with the superimposed grate assembly (2) in its vertical movements.
9. A combustion apparatus according to claim 8, characterised by the fact that the inner side of the aerator (5) has two walls (5a, 5d) separated by a space, provided with multiple holes and delimiting an air distribution chamber; the holes (5f) of the inner wall (5d) having a diameter greater than that of the holes (5g) of the outer wall (5a).
10. A combustion apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 9, characterised by the fact that it comprises a flame arrester device or heat distributor (26) made up of a perforated plate positioned between the outer case (1) and the inner body (4), above and at a distance from the movable unit (2-20-5) of the apparatus.
11. A combustion apparatus according to claim 1, comprising one or more ash boxes, characterised by the fact that this ash box or each ash box (3a, 3b) has, firstly, a movable rear wall (3c) towards the front and, secondly, a front wall (3e) provided with an opening (3f) to which to an aspirator (A) can be connected.
12. A combustion apparatus according to claim 11, characterised by the fact that the rear movable wall (3c) of the ash box(es) (3a, 3b), is mounted so as to be able to tilt around a horizontal axis (x-x).
13. A combustion apparatus according to either of claims 11 or 12, characterised by the fact that the ash box or each ash box (3a, 3b) is provided, at its front part, with a fixed vertical wall (29), provided with openings (30) partially delimited by the bottom (3g) of the ash box or boxes.
14. A combustion apparatus according to either of claims 8 or 9, characterised by the fact that the aerator (5) is made in two parts (5b, 5c) separate from each other.

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