FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for nozzle assemblies, and particularly to apparatuses and methods for burner fuel oil nozzle assemblies.
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
It is known to use apparatuses and methods for burner nozzle assemblies. Conventional apparatuses and methods, however, suffer from one or more disadvantages. For example, conventional burner nozzle assemblies and methods do not sufficiently reduce air consumption or air inlet pressure. Conventional burner nozzle assemblies and methods do not sufficiently optimize atomization or the mixture of fuel and air. Conventional burner nozzle assemblies do not produce a sufficiently uniform conical curtain of fuel and air mixture behind the pintle. Conventional burner nozzle assemblies and methods do not comprise a removable pintle.
It would be desirable, therefore, if an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly could be provided that would reduce air consumption and air inlet pressure. It would also be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly could be provided that would optimize atomization and the mixture of fuel and air. It would be still further desirable if such an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly could be provided that would produce a uniform conical curtain of fuel and air mixture behind the pintle. In addition, it would be desirable if such an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly could be provided that would comprise a removable pintle.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly that reduces air consumption and air inlet pressure. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly that optimizes atomization and the mixture of fuel and air. It is an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly that produces a uniform conical curtain of fuel and air mixture behind the pintle. It is also an advantage of the preferred embodiments of the invention claimed herein to provide an apparatus and method for a burner nozzle assembly that comprises a removable pintle.
Additional advantages of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the invention comprises a burner nozzle assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a nozzle body having a body inlet end, a body outlet end spaced apart from the body inlet end, a body air inlet adapted to convey a quantity of air, and a body fuel inlet adapted to convey a quantity of fuel. The preferred burner nozzle assembly also comprises a nozzle mixer having a mixer inlet end, a mixer outlet end spaced apart from the mixer inlet end, a mixer air inlet adapted to convey the quantity of air, a mixer fuel inlet adapted to convey the quantity of fuel, and a mixing zone. Preferably, the mixer inlet end is disposed adjacent to the body outlet end. The preferred burner nozzle assembly further comprises a nozzle cap which is disposed adjacent to the body outlet end and the nozzle mixer. The preferred burner nozzle assembly still further comprises a pintle which is partially disposed in the nozzle mixer. In the preferred burner nozzle assembly, the body air inlet is in fluid communication with the mixer air inlet, the body fuel inlet is in fluid communication with the mixer fuel inlet, and the mixer air inlet forms a substantially conical shape.
The method of the invention comprises a method for producing a burner flame. The preferred method comprises providing a burner nozzle assembly having a longitudinal axis. The preferred burner nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle body having a body inlet end, a body outlet end spaced apart from the body inlet end, a body air inlet adapted to convey a quantity of air, and a body fuel inlet adapted to convey a quantity of fuel. The preferred burner nozzle assembly also comprises a nozzle mixer having a mixer inlet end, a mixer outlet end spaced apart from the mixer inlet end, a mixer air inlet adapted to convey the quantity of air, a mixer fuel inlet adapted to convey the quantity of fuel, and a mixing zone. Preferably, the mixer inlet end is disposed adjacent to the body outlet end. The preferred burner nozzle assembly further comprises a nozzle cap which is disposed adjacent to the body outlet end and the nozzle mixer. The preferred burner nozzle assembly still further comprises a pintle which is partially disposed in the nozzle mixer. In the preferred burner nozzle assembly, the body air inlet is in fluid communication with the mixer air inlet, the body fuel inlet is in fluid communication with the mixer fuel inlet, and the mixer air inlet forms a substantially conical shape. The preferred method further comprises conveying the quantity of air to the burner nozzle assembly, conveying the quantity of fuel to the burner nozzle assembly, mixing the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel, and igniting the mixture of the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a partial sectional front view of the preferred embodiment of the burner nozzle assembly in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an isolated front view of the preferred nozzle body illustrated in FIG. 1
FIG. 3 is an isolated inlet end view of the preferred nozzle body illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.
FIG. 4 is an isolated outlet end view of the preferred nozzle body illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
FIG. 5 is an isolated front view of the preferred nozzle mixer illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is an isolated inlet end view of the preferred nozzle mixer illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5.
FIG. 7 is an isolated outlet end view of the preferred nozzle mixer illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5-6.
FIG. 8 is an isolated front view of the preferred nozzle cap illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is an isolated inlet end view of the preferred nozzle cap illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8.
FIG. 10 is an isolated outlet end view of the preferred nozzle cap illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8-9.
FIG. 11 is an isolated front view of the preferred pintle illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 is an isolated inlet end view of the preferred pintle illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 11.
FIG. 13 is an isolated outlet end view of the preferred pintle illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 11-12.
FIG. 14 is a partial sectional front view of a first alternative embodiment of the preferred burner nozzle assembly in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an isolated front view of the preferred pintle illustrated in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is an isolated inlet end view of the preferred pintle illustrated in FIGS. 14-15.
FIG. 17 is an isolated outlet end view of the preferred pintle illustrated in FIGS. 14-16.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated by FIGS. 1 through 17. As shown in FIGS. 1-17, the preferred burner nozzle assembly is adapted to reduce air consumption and air inlet pressure. The preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly optimize atomization and the mixture of fuel and air. The preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly produce a uniform conical curtain of fuel and air mixture behind the pintle. The preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly comprise a removable pintle.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a partial sectional front view of the preferred embodiment of the burner nozzle assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred burner nozzle assembly is designated generally by reference numeral 20. Preferred burner nozzle assembly 20 has longitudinal axis 22 and comprises nozzle body 30. Preferred nozzle body 30 has body inlet end 32, body outlet end 34 spaced apart from the body inlet end, body air inlet 36 which is adapted to convey a quantity of air, and body fuel inlet 38 which is adapted to convey a quantity of fuel. Preferably, body air inlet 36 and body fuel inlet 38 are adapted to keep the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel separate from each other. Preferred nozzle body also comprises body threaded portion 39 disposed adjacent to body outlet end 34. In the preferred embodiments of the burner nose assembly the quantity of air comprises compressed air and the quantity of fuel comprises liquid fuel oil. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention, however, that any suitable gas and/or fuel may be used to produce a burner flame using the preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly.
Still referring to FIG. 1, preferred burner nozzle assembly 20 also comprises nozzle mixer 40. Preferred nozzle mixer 40 has mixer inlet end 42, mixer outlet end 44 spaced apart from the mixer inlet end, mixer air inlet 46 which is adapted to convey the quantity of air, mixer fuel inlet 48 which is adapted to convey the quantity of fuel, and mixing zone 50. Preferably, mixer inlet end 42 is disposed adjacent to body outlet end 34. In addition, body air inlet 36 is preferably in fluid communication with mixer air inlet 46, body fuel inlet 38 is preferably in fluid communication with mixer fuel inlet 48, and mixer air inlet 46 and mixer fuel inlet 48 are preferably in fluid communication with each other. Preferably, mixer air inlet 46 forms a substantially conical shape. More particularly, preferred mixer air inlet 46 tapers out at a 7 degree angle downstream and comprises a plurality of separate, substantially cylindrical mixer air inlet conduits that are disposed at an angle relative to longitudinal axis 22. See e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7. Preferred mixer fuel inlet 48 comprises a plurality of separate, substantially cylindrical mixer fuel inlet conduits that are substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 22. See e.g., FIG. 6. As a result of the relative disposition of mixer air inlet 46 and mixer fuel inlet 48, the quantity of air conveyed by the mixer air inlet is adapted to shear the quantity of fuel conveyed by the mixer fuel inlet.
Still referring to FIG. 1, preferred burner nozzle assembly 20 further comprises nozzle cap 60 having cap inlet end 62 and cap outlet end 64. Preferably, nozzle cap 60 is disposed adjacent to body outlet end 34 and nozzle mixer 40. Preferred nozzle cap 60 includes cap threaded portion 66 which is adapted to fittingly contact and engage with body threaded portion 39 of nozzle body 30 so as to removably secure nozzle mixer 40 to the nozzle body.
Still referring to FIG. 1, preferred burner nozzle assembly 20 still further comprises pintle 70. Preferably, pintle 70 is partially disposed in nozzle mixer 40 and comprises pintle head 72. Preferred pintle head has angled surface 74. Preferred angled surface 74 forms a 150 degree angle. Preferred pintle 70 is removably disposed in nozzle mixer 40 and held in place by threaded fastener 80 which is adapted to removably connect the pintle to the nozzle mixer. Preferred burner nozzle assembly 20 further comprises alignment roll pin 90 which is preferably partially disposed in nozzle body 30 and nozzle mixer 40. Preferred alignment roll pin 90 is adapted to provide the proper alignment of nozzle body 30 and nozzle mixer 40.
While FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred configuration and arrangement of the burner nozzle assembly, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the burner nozzle assembly may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an isolated front view of preferred nozzle body 30 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, preferred nozzle body 30 has body inlet end 32, body outlet end 34, and threaded portion 39.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an isolated inlet end view of preferred nozzle body 30 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, preferred nozzle body 30 comprises body air inlet 36 and body fuel inlet 38.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an isolated outlet end view of preferred nozzle body 30 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4, preferred nozzle body 30 comprises body air inlets 36, body fuel inlet 38, and body alignment roll pin hole 92. In addition, preferred nozzle body 30 comprises air manifold 100 which provides fluid communication between body air inlets 36 and mixer air inlets 46. See also FIG. 6.
While FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the preferred configuration and arrangement of the nozzle body, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the nozzle body may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an isolated front view of preferred nozzle mixer 40 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, preferred nozzle mixer 40 has mixer inlet end 42 and mixer outlet end 44.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an isolated inlet end view of preferred nozzle mixer 40 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, preferred nozzle mixer 40 comprises a plurality of mixer air inlet conduits 46, a plurality of mixer fuel inlet conduits 48, mixer alignment roll pin hole 102, and pintle hole 104.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an isolated outlet end view of preferred nozzle mixer 40 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 7, preferred nozzle mixer 40 comprises mixer air inlet conduits 36, mixing zone 50, and pintle hole 104.
While FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the preferred configuration and arrangement of the nozzle mixer, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the nozzle mixer may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 8, an isolated front view of preferred nozzle cap 60 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 8, preferred nozzle cap 60 has cap inlet end 62 and cap outlet end 64.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an isolated inlet end view of preferred nozzle cap 60 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 9, preferred nozzle cap 60 comprises cap threaded portion 66.
Referring now to FIG. 10, an isolated outlet end view of preferred nozzle cap 60 is illustrated.
While FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the preferred configuration and arrangement of the nozzle cap, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the nozzle cap may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an isolated front view of preferred pintle 70 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 11, preferred pintle 70 comprises pintle head 72 having angled surface 74.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an isolated inlet end view of preferred pintle 70 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 12, preferred pintle 70 comprises pintle head 72 having angled surface 74. Preferred pintle 70 also comprises pintle hole 106 which is adapted to receive threaded fastener 80.
Referring now to FIG. 13, an isolated outlet end view of preferred pintle 70 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 13, preferred pintle 70 comprises pintle head 72 and pintle hole 106.
While FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the preferred configuration and arrangement of the pintle, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the pintle may be of any suitable configuration and arrangement.
Referring now to FIG. 14, a partial sectional front view of a first alternative embodiment of the preferred burner nozzle assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 14, the preferred burner nozzle assembly is designated generally by reference numeral 120. Preferred burner nozzle assembly 120 has longitudinal axis 122 and comprises nozzle body 130. Preferred nozzle body 130 has body inlet end 132, body outlet end 134 spaced apart from the body inlet end, body air inlet 136 which is adapted to convey a quantity of air, and body fuel inlet 138 which is adapted to convey a quantity of fuel. Preferably, body air inlet 136 and body fuel inlet 138 are adapted to keep the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel separate from each other. Preferred nozzle body also comprises body threaded portion 139 disposed adjacent to body outlet end 134.
Still referring to FIG. 14, preferred burner nozzle assembly 120 also comprises nozzle mixer 140. Preferred nozzle mixer 140 has mixer inlet end 142, mixer outlet end 144 spaced apart from the mixer inlet end, mixer air inlet 146 which is adapted to convey the quantity of air, mixer fuel inlet 148 which is adapted to convey the quantity of fuel, and mixing zone 150. Preferably, mixer inlet end 142 is disposed adjacent to body outlet end 134. In addition, body air inlet 136 is preferably in fluid communication with mixer air inlet 146, body fuel inlet 138 is preferably in fluid communication with mixer fuel inlet 148, and mixer air inlet 146 and mixer fuel inlet 148 are preferably in fluid communication with each other. Preferably, mixer air inlet 146 forms a substantially conical shape. More particularly, preferred mixer air inlet 146 tapers out at a 7 degree angle downstream and comprises a plurality of separate, substantially cylindrical mixer air inlet conduits that are disposed at an angle relative to longitudinal axis 122. Preferred mixer fuel inlet 148 comprises a plurality of separate, substantially cylindrical mixer fuel inlet conduits that are substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 122. As a result of the relative disposition of mixer air inlet 146 and mixer fuel inlet 148, the quantity of air conveyed by the mixer air inlet is adapted to shear the quantity of fuel conveyed by the mixer fuel inlet.
Still referring to FIG. 14, preferred burner nozzle assembly 120 further comprises nozzle cap 160 having cap inlet end 162 and cap outlet end 164. Preferably, nozzle cap 160 is disposed adjacent to body outlet end 134 and nozzle mixer 140. Preferred nozzle cap 160 includes cap threaded portion 166 which is adapted to fittingly contact and engage with body threaded portion 139 of nozzle body 130 so as to removably secure nozzle mixer 140 to the nozzle body.
Still referring to FIG. 14, preferred burner nozzle assembly 120 still further comprises pintle 170. Preferably, pintle 170 is partially disposed in nozzle mixer 140 and comprises pintle head 172. Preferred pintle head has angled surface 174. Preferred angled surface 174 forms a 100 degree angle. Preferred pintle 170 is removably disposed in nozzle mixer 140 and held in place by threaded fastener 180 which is adapted to removably connect the pintle to the nozzle mixer. Preferred burner nozzle assembly 120 further comprises alignment roll pin 190 which is preferably partially disposed in nozzle body 130 and nozzle mixer 140. Preferred alignment roll pin 190 is adapted to provide the proper alignment between nozzle body 130 and nozzle mixer 140.
Referring now to FIG. 15, an isolated front view of preferred pintle 170 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 15, preferred pintle 170 comprises pintle head 172 having angled surface 174.
Referring now to FIG. 16, an isolated inlet end view of preferred pintle 170 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 16, preferred pintle 170 comprises pintle head 172 having angled surface 174 and pintle hole 206.
Referring now to FIG. 17, an isolated outlet end view of preferred pintle 170 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 17, preferred pintle 170 comprises pintle head 172 and pintle hole 206.
The invention also comprises a method for producing a burner flame. The preferred method for producing a burner flame comprises providing a burner nozzle assembly. The preferred burner nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle body having a body inlet end, a body outlet end spaced apart from the body inlet end, a body air inlet adapted to convey a quantity of air, and a body fuel inlet adapted to convey a quantity of fuel. The preferred burner assembly also comprises a nozzle mixer having a mixer inlet end, a mixer outlet end spaced apart from the mixer inlet end, a mixer air inlet adapted to convey the quantity of air, a mixer fuel inlet adapted to convey the quantity of fuel, and a mixing zone. The preferred mixer inlet end is disposed adjacent to the body outlet end. The preferred burner nozzle assembly further comprises a nozzle cap that is disposed adjacent to the body outlet end and the nozzle mixer. The preferred burner nozzle assembly still further comprises a pintle, said pintle being partially disposed in the nozzle mixer. In the preferred burner nozzle assembly, the body air inlet is in fluid communication with the mixer air inlet, the body fuel inlet is in fluid communication with the mixer fuel inlet, and the mixer air inlet forms a substantially conical shape. The preferred method for producing a burner flame also comprises conveying the quantity of air to the burner nozzle assembly, conveying the quantity of fuel to the burner nozzle assembly, mixing the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel, and igniting the mixture of the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel.
In other preferred embodiments of the method for producing a burner flame, the method further comprises forming a uniform conical curtain from the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel mixture behind the pintle. In other preferred embodiments of the method for producing a burner flame, the method further comprises forming a conical spray of the quantity of air and the quantity of fuel mixture. In still other preferred embodiments of the method for producing a burner flame, the burner nozzle assembly further comprises a threaded fastener that is adapted to removably connect the pintle to the nozzle mixer and the method for producing a burner assembly further comprises removing the pintle from the burner nozzle assembly by removing the threaded fastener and replacing the pintle into the burner nozzle assembly by replacing the threaded fastener.
In operation, several advantages of the preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly are achieved. For example, the preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly reduce air consumption and air inlet pressure. The preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly also optimize atomization and the mixture of fuel and air. In addition, the preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly produce a uniform conical curtain of fuel and air mixture behind the pintle and a conical spray from the air and fuel mixture. Further, in the preferred embodiments of the burner nozzle assembly, the pintle is easily removed and replaced using a threaded fastener.
Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20170227214
