US2682148A

US2682148A - Apparatus for progressive injection of combustibles in peripheral type burners

Info

Publication number: US2682148A
Application number: US789261A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ralph C Brierly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1947-12-02
Filing date: 1947-12-02
Publication date: 1954-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 1971-06-29

Description

2,682,148 LES June 29, 1954 R. c. BRIERLY APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBUSTIB IN PERIPHERAL TYPE BURNERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 2. 1947 FIG. 2

INVENTOR. PALPH c. BRIEFLY A TTOPNE Y June 29, 1954 Q BRlERLY 2,682,148

APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBUSTIBLES IN PERIPHERAL TYPE BURNERS Filed Dec. 2. 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

ATTOPA/H 2,682,148 STIBLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. RALPH C. 52/5/21) ATTOQNEY R. C. BRIERLY IN PERIPHERAL TYPE BURNERS June 29, 1954 APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBU Filed Dec. 2. 1947 FIG. l2

Patented June 29, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFME APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBUSTIBLES IN PEREPHERAL TYPE BURNERS 3 Claims.

(Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952),

sec. 266) This invention relates to improvements in fuel burners, and more particularly pertains to peripheral-burner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel, being applicable specifically to high heat-release combustion chambers such as those used in conjunction with gas turbines and jetpropulsion equipment, and applicable generally to any apparatus wherein peripheral heating, or firing around the circumference of a chamber, is desirable. Eflicient operation of combustion chambers of the types employed in gas turbine systems and the like is provided by the apparatus, permitting the burning of fuel under pressure at high, heretofore impracticable, heat-released and at minimum pressure-differentials or draft losses.

The optimum forms of combustion chambers heretofore employed are subject to many disadvantages. By employing end-firing equipment, such chambers limit range to heat release of a relatively low order, due to the great pressure loss between such firing equipment and the distal end of the chamber. Gas fiow must accordingly be limited to effect combustion of a substantial portion thereof. Neither flame, temperature distribution, nor air intermixture can be maintained uniformly throughout the chamber, nor can optimum heat concentration be achieved.

The apparatus herein disclosed overcomes these disadvantages. of pressure loss by dispensing with end-firing equipment and substituting the novel firing system disclosed; firing-rate range is increased to hitherto impracticable limits by structure permitting control of gas fiow over ranges of 1 to 100 or more; substantially uniform flame and temperature distribution and intimate air intermixture throughout the chamber is maintained; greater concentration of heat is provided by virtue of the above characteristics and by reason of the supercharging and aspirating effects; proper cooling of the chamber is maintained by the disperse system of admixing incoming fuel; and the fuel is prepared for rapid combustion without recourse to extraneous means.

The primary object of the invention is to provide simple and highly eflicient peripheralburner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel, wherein a high-speed, high-velocity and high-heat-containing flame of general conical section is formed by a series of nested rings that discharge air, air and fuel, or fuel into a common chamber in such a manner that a flame is formed with each successive ring adding an oxidant such as air, an oxidant and fuel, or fuel There is a substantial reduction under pressure to boost the intensity of the flame.

Another object is to provide peripheral-burner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel wherein hollow annular elements function as both combustion chamber walls and conical-flame producing burners.

Still another object is to provide peripheralburner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel wherein firing is effected directly through the elements comprising the walls of the chamher.

A further object is to provide peripheral-burner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel wherewith conventional end firing is eliminated, thereby avoiding the employment of firefronts or their equivalents and thus reducing draft losses.

Another object is to provide peripheral-burner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel wherein cooling of the chamber wall occurs simultaneously with the preparation of the combustible for firing.

Still another object is to provide peripheralburner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel, said apparatus being characterized by improved distribution of flame, maintenance of optimum gas temperature, increased combustion speed and more eiiicient flame concentration.

Further objects and advantages of this invention, as well as its construction, arrangement and operation, will be apparent from the following description and claims in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a fuel burner, partly in section and partly broken away, showing a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary isometric View of combustion chamber elements, showing a modified form of the counterpart elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of combustion chamber elements, showing a further modified form of the counterpart elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary isometric View of combustion chamber elements, showing still other modifications of the counterpart elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a schematized sectional elevation of a fuel burner and associated elements, showing another form of the invention;

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are isometric views of combustion chamber elements showing modified forms of the counterpart of elements of Fig. 5;

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of the tubes in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, respectively;

Fig. 12 is a schematized sectional elevation of a fuel burner and associated elements, showing a further modified form of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary isometric view of combustion chamber elements, showing a modified form of the counterpart elements of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary isometric view of combustion chamber elements, showing another modification of the counterpart elements of Fig. 12.

Similar numerals refer throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 shows a fuel burner including an outer chamber 2| of generally cylindrical shape. A plurality of hollow frusto-conical rings 23, arranged in axial alignment and in spaced relation, with each converging toward the down stream end of chamber 2|, are of the same base and the same top diameter and of the same height. Each ring 23 is provided with a plurality of openings 25 in its top or downstream surface, said openings communicating with the interior of each said ring, and the axis of each ring 23 is maintained coincident with the longitudinal axis of chamber 2| by means of a plurality of hollow fins 21, which secure said rings to the inner wall of chamber 2|. The respective interiors of fins 21 and their associated rings 23 are in communication.

Conduits 29 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins of adjacent rings, and an intake conduit 3| passes through the wall of chamber 2| proximate the upstream end of said chamber to a manifold 33, which communicates with the interiors of the fins 21 positioned at the upstream end of chamber 2|.

When a combustible, with or without other suitable fluid or pulverized substances, is introduced through intake conduit 3|, manifold 33 and conduit 23 to the rings 23 and ejected through openings 25 into an ignited mass interior the chamber defined by said rings, a cylindrical flame mass or a flame mass of peristalticcylindrical shape is maintained, while the material introduced through said rings functions as a coolant thereof and secondary air passes downstream around and between each ring to assist in the support of combustion. Accordingly, the need for employing a conventional burner or burners, together with means to support a burner or burners at the upstream end of the chamber to similar parts is obviated, and pressure loss in the gas stream passing through the chamber is reduced.

Fig. 2 shows a modified form of ring structure. A plurality of hollow frusto-

conical rings

35, 31, 39 and 4|, arranged in axial alignment and in spaced relation, with each converging toward the downstream end of an outer chamber (not shown), are of the same height, and of progressively increasing sizes. Rings 35, 31, 39 and 4| are each provided with a plurality of nozzles 43 in their top or downstream surfaces, said nozzles communicating with the interior of their respective rings, and are further provided with a plurality of

hollow fins

45, 41, 49 and respectively, the interior of said fins communicating with the interior of said rings, and said fins securing said rings relative said chamber.

Conduits 53 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins of adjacent rings, and a suitable intake conduit and manifold (not shown) communicating with the interiors of fins 45 is pro- 4 vided. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, except that a conical flame mass or a flame mass of conical-peristaltic shape is maintained.

Fig. 3 shows a further modified form of ring structure. A plurality of hollow frusto-conical rings, 55, 51, 59, BI, 63, 65 and 61, arranged in axial alignment and in spaced relation, with each converging toward the downstream end of an outer chamber (not shown), are of the same height, and of progressively decreasing and then progressively increasing sizes. Said rings are each provided with an annular slot 69, 1|, 13, 15, 11, 19 and 8| respectively in their top or downstream surfaces, said slots communicating with the interior of their respective rings, and are further provided with a plurality of

hollow fins

83, 85, 81, 89, 9|, 93 and 95 respectively, the interior of said fins communicating with the interior of said rings, and said fins securing said rings relative said chamber.

Conduits 91 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins of adjacent rings, and a suitable intake conduit and manifold (not shown) communicating with the interiors of fins 83 is provided. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, except that a flame mass defining a cylindroid generated by a substantially catenary curve, or a cylindroid generated by a substantially catenary and peristaltic curve, is maintained.

Fig. 4 shows still another form of ring structure. A plurality of hollow frusto-conical rings 99, IOI, I03 and I05, arranged in axial alignment and in spaced relation, with each converging toward the downstream end of an outer chamber (not shown), are of the same height, and of progressively decreasing size. Said rings are each provided with a plurality of slots I01, I09, III and H3 respectively in their top or downstream surfaces, said slots communicating with the interiors of their respective rings, and are further provided with a plurality of hollow fins II5, II1, H9 and I2I respectively, the interior of said fins communicating with the interior of said rings, and said fins securing said rings relative said chamber.

Conduits I23 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins of adjacent rings, and a suitable intake conduit and manifold (not shown) communicatin with the interiors of fins H5 is provided. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, except that a conoidal flame mass, or a peristaltic-conoidal shaped flame mass is maintained.

Structure adapted to ignite and fire the chamber, together with a regenerative system and a modified form of the invention, is shown in Fig. 5. Outer chamber I25, of generally cylindrical shape, is provided with a helically Wound tube I21, which is secured to the inner wall of said chamber and extends substantially the length thereof. Said tube I21 is preferably circular in cross-section, as shown in Fig. 9; alternatively, said tube is ovate in cross-section, as shown in Fig. 10, or of tear-drop or stream-lined shape, as shown in Fig. 11. A multiplicity of nozzles I29, each communicating with the interior of said tube I21, are arranged in spaced relation on the downstream portion of the surface of said tube.

Firing is effected by gas generated initially by the type of auxiliary apparatus disclosed and claimed in application Serial No. 551,420, filed August 26, 1944, Patent No. ,601,242, such apparatus being herein designated generally by the numeral I 3i, and includin combustion chamber I33 having fuel inlet I35, vaporizer I31, blower I39, diffusers MI, and manifold I 43. Fuel is injected through inlet I35, atomized by vaporizer I31, ignited, accelerated by blower I39, and guided through diffusers I iI to the principal chamber I25. Supplemental fuel supply is provided from main conduit I45 through manifold I 13, which feeds tube I21. Valve I41 is adapted to regulate the flow of fuel.

The regenerative system includes a return conduit Me communicating between the downstream end of tube I21 and blower I39, and by-pass conduit I5I communicating between said conduit I49 and the upstream end of the interior of chamber I25. Valve I53 is adapted to regulate the flow I from conduit N39 to blower I39, and valve I55 is adapted to regulate the flow through by-pass conduit I5I.

A modified form of helical tube is shown in Fig. 6. In lieu of the tube I21, a helically wound tube I51 of progressively increasing diameter of rotation downstream is provided, said tube I51 being provided with a multiplicity of bores I59, said bores being positioned on the downstream portion of each convolution of said tube and communicating with the interior of said tube. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, except that a conoidal flame mass, or a peristaltic-conoidal shaped flame mass is maintained.

The further modification shown in Fig. 7 includes, in lieu of the tube I21, a helically wound tube IBI of progressively decreasing diameter of rotation downstream. Said tube ItI is provided with a slot I 53 extending the length thereof, said slot being positioned on the down stream portion of said tube and communicating throughout its length with the interior of said tube. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, except that a flame mass of invertedconoidal shape, or of inverted peristaltic-conoidal shape, is maintained.

Another form of the invention, shown in Fig.

8, includes, in lieu of the tube I21, a helioally wound tube I65 of progressively decreasin and then progressively increasing diameter of rotation downstream. Said tube 555 is provided with a multiplicity of slots I51, said slots being positioned on the downstream portion of each con.- volution of said tube and communicating with the interior of said tube. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shown in l is effected, except that a flame mass defining a cylindroid generated by a substantially catenary curve, or a cylindroid generated by a substantially catenary and peristaltic curve, is maintained.

Fig. 12 shows a modified form of the invention. Outer chamber I55, of generally cylindrical shape, is provided with a plurality of hollow arcuate doors III arranged in spaced relationship. to define a cylinder forming acombustion chamber disposed in axial alignment with chamber I69. Each door I'II is provided with a plurality of compartments I13 and I15, each of said compartments opening into the chamber defined by said doors at an edge thereof. Conduit I11 extends into the interior or chamber I69 proximate the upstream end of said chamber, and feeds manifold I19, which in turn is provided with a plurality of conduits I8I communicating with compartments I13. Conduit I 83 extends into the interior of chamber I69 proximate the upstream end of said chamber, and feeds manifold I85, which in turn is provided with a plurality of conduits I81 communicating with compartments I15.

Conduits I89 communicate between the downstream end of compartments I15 and manifold I9I, which in turn connects with conduit I93, which is the return conduit of the regenerative system hereinabove described with reference to Fig. 5.

In operation, a suitable combustible, which at the same time can function as a coolant, is introduced through conduit I83, manifold I and conduits I81 to compartments I15 of doors Ill and ejected from the slots, nozzles, perforations or other openings in the leaving edge of each such compartment to form a sheet of flame or series of sheets of flames discharged in generally tangential relation to the gas stream passing through the chamber and paralleled on at least one side by air passing along at least one edge or surface of each said door III. coincidentally, combustible or an accelerator or other suitable substance is introduced through conduit I11, manifold I19 and conduits IBI to compartments I13 of doors Ill, and emitted from the slots, nozzles, perforations or other openings in the leaving edge of each such compartment to accelerate or otherwise assist in effecting the desired combustion. It is thus apparent that the disclosed structure obviates the necessity for employing a burner or burners, together with supporting means therefor, at the upstream end of the chamber, and consequently reduces pressure loss in the gas stream passing through the chamber.

Fig. 13 shows a modified form of door construe-- stream, is provided. The longitudinal axis of said frustum is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the outer chamber (not shown). Each door I55 includes a plurality of compartments similar to compartments I13 and I15 except that they are of varying cross-section. Suitable intake conduits I91 and I99, and outlet conduits 20L similar to the corresponding conduits of Fig. 12, are likewise provided.

It is apparent that except for flame shape, operation is the same as the operation of the structure shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 shows another modified form of door construction adapted for use in lieu of doors I1 I. A plurality of hollow arcuate doors 293 arranged in spaced relationship to define a, frustum of a cone, wherein the major diameter is disposed upstream, is provided. The longitudinal axis of said frustum is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the outer chamber (not shown). Each door 293 includes a plurality of compartments similar to the compartments I13 and I15 except that they are of varying cross-section. Suitable intake conduits 205 and 291, and outlet conduits 259, similar to the corresponding conduits of Fig. 12, are likewise provided. It is apparent that. except for the flame shape, operation is the same as the operation of the structure shown. in Fig. 12.

In operation of the peripheral burners hereinabove described, an orifice can be installed at the entering end of the chamber to facilitate and direct air flow, whereby air is caused to flow through the spaces between the annular elements shown in Figs. 1 to 4, between the turns of the spirals shown in Figs. 5 to 11, and between the doors shown in Figs. 12 to 14. Provision of such orifices is consistent with the avowed function of permitting minimum pressure loss, since the dimensions of such orifice and of the spaces between rings, turns and doors can be so proportioned that pressure losses are substantially lower than the pressure losses that occur when conventional burners are employed. Alternatively, a separate source of supply for air to be passed between the rings shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the spirals shown in Figs. 5 to 11, and the doors shown in Figs. 12 to 14, can be provided. As another alternative, nested construction can be employed, wherein hollow annular rings, a spiral tube within a spiral tube, or a hollow door within a hollow door, are provided. In the last named structure, fuel can be supplied through one element and air through the element paired therewith, so that the air is efiective to supercharge and aspirate the fuel leaving the other vessel.

While it is contemplated that the forms of the invention hereinabove described can be fired by gas generated initially by the apparatus disclosed in application Serial No. 551,420, filed August 26, 1944, Patent No. 2,601,242, any suitable firing means can be employed. For example, the chambers hereinabove described can make their own gas as operation continues, and thereby dispense with the use of part of the auxiliary gas-making apparatus: Gas can be first generated by vaporizing oil injected into the outlet of a separate combustion chamber. This gas, impelled by the blower of the separate combustion chamber, is ignited spontaneously or in any other suitable manner to raise the temperature of the air and the products of combustion passing axially through the chamber. Part of the gaseous mixture is thereafter led to the intake of the blower, propelled through the secondary combustion chamber and used to vaporize additional combustible for firing. Alternatively, the outlet of such secondary combustion chamber is attached to a hollow annular ring or to the turns of a hollow spiral proximate the chamber exit. As these become heated, they vaporize oil injected into them and allow the secondary charmber flame to be secured. This last-described apparatus permits employment of blower parts of lower heat resistance.

It is apparent that general function is the same in each of the structures hereinabove described. Combustible is forced into the hollow rings, spiral tube or hollow doors forming the walls of the chamber, leaves the apertures provided therein, burns in a moving stream with air passing axially through the chamber and air also being supplied between the hollow rings, turns of the spiral or hollow doors (any of which can be double: viz. a hollow ring within a hollow ring, tube within a tube, or door within a door) in such a manner that air and/or other substances such as combustion catalyzers can be supplied separately to supercharge, to aspirate, or to assist in the combustion of the combustible, or to perform other functions as required. Flames fed from such gas-generating structures ignite spontaneously. Alternatively, the mixture can be ignited by pilot flames, pyrotechnic cartridges, or firing devices of the type described in application Serial No. 455,254, filed August 18, 1942, now abandoned.

While air passing between the cones or helices described tends to produce cones or spirals of fiame, it is at times desirable to streamline flame flow with air flow to diminish resistance and thereby decrease pressure losses. It is apparent that this object can be accomplished by beveling the leaving ends of the cones inward, thereby inclining the jets toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber defined.

The frusto-conical structures hereinbefore described are shown as having two fins. It is to be understood, however, that any number of fins can be employed and that such fins can be disposed radially as well as tangentially. Further, said fins are shown as being. interconnected through manifolding to common sources of either combustible or mixtures of combustible and other substances. It is apparent that connection of the fins of alternate cones with independent sources of combustible or a mixture of combustible and other substances is both feasible and, in some cases, advantageous. Independent sources of special oxidants, including oxygen itself, special combustion catalysts, and oxidantdecomposing agents can be introduced in this manner.

In the chambers having helical members, interspersed helices, similar to the threads of multithread screws, can function similarly, with combustible in one helix, oxidant in a second, and catalyzers in a third, with all of said helices forming and defining the wall around the flame.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, corrugations, grooves or bafiles protruding from the inner surface of the doors are effective to assist in increasing flame travel and diminish axial slip of gas mixtures that would otherwise develop when velocities of a high order are present.

Various modifications and changes can be made in the subject device without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

I claim:

1. A combustion chamber comprising a casing, a plurality of hollow frusto-conical rings secured in axial alignment and in spaced relation therein, means to release downstream combustible from the interior of each of said rings, and means to supply combustible under pressure to the interior of each of said rings.

2. A combustion chamber comprising a casing, a plurality of hollow frusto-conical rings secured in axial alignment and in spaced relation therein, each of said rings converging downstream, means to release downstream combustible from the interior of each of said rings, and means to supply combustible under pressure to the interior of each of said rings.

3. A combustion chamber comprising a casing, a plurality of hollow frustoconical rings of progressively decreasing and then progressively increasing sizes downstreamward secured in axial alignment and in spaced relation therein, each of said rings converging downstream, an annular slot in the downstream edge of each of said rings adapted to release combustible from the interior of each of said rings, and means to supply combustible under pressure to the interior of each of said rings.

(References on following page) References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Lubbock Sept. 20, 1949 5 Lysholm Jan. 22, 1935 Pinkel Mar. 18, 1947 Sweeney June 22, 1948 Bonvillian Mar. 22, 1949 Stalker Nov. 29, 1949 10 Lloyd et a1. Nov. 14, 1950 Number Number Name Date Goddard Dec. 5, 1950 Price Feb. 6, 1951 Darling Mar. 27, 1951 Goddard May 29, 1951 Bonvillian et a1. Oct. 2, 1951 FQREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Sept. 1, 1922 France Oct. '7, 1946