Method and apparatus for furnace air supply enrichment

Abstract

A method and system for enhancing the supply of combustion air delivered to a burner of a furnace to increase productivity and thermal efficiency of the burner while minimizing changes to the nominal combustion ratio of the burner are disclosed. Oxygen and fuel are introduced into an air plenum upstream of the burner assembly in controlled quantities to form a nonflammable premix of pressurized gases in the air plenum formed from the air, fuel, and oxygen. The air plenum has an outlet that communicates the nonflammable premix of pressurized gases to the burner for combustion. The nonflammable premix of pressurized gases has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel. The predetermined percentage level of fuel is selected so that the percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1 .72(b).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates in general to air-oxygen-fuel combustion processes. More particularly, the invention relates to an enrichment system for a supply of air, and a method of enriching the supply of air practiced thereby, adapted for use with a combustion burner of a furnace, such as, for example, the type used in the production of molten metals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A majority of combustion processes use air as an oxidizer to combust a fuel such as natural gas, fuel oil, methane, propane, waste oils, and other hydrocarbons and the like. It is known that the performance of many air-fuel combustion processes may be improved by enriching the combustion air with oxygen. Enrichment of the combustion air results in a hotter flame and generally more thermal efficiency since combustion energy is not wasted on heating a large amount of tramp nitrogen. The cost of using oxygen to enrich the combustion air may be offset by the gains in productivity from the enhanced combustion.

[0004] As known, using oxygen to enhance combustion has many benefits, which include increasing productivity and thermal efficiency which are both of interest in many of the high temperature heating and melting processes used in industry. However, the cost of completely replacing the combustion air with high purity oxygen is often cost prohibitive, and may not be otherwise required or desirable. Thus, as a compromise, prior art apparatuses suggest the use of an intermediate oxygen composition comprising a combination of air and high purity oxygen. It has been demonstrated that there is an initial rise in thermal efficiency benefit as the percentage of oxygen within the intermediate oxygen composition increases up to about 60%. Above 60%, however, the efficiency benefits still increase, but at a much lower rate which results in diminishing economic returns.

[0005] Many attempts have been made to develop burners that use both air and oxygen in the combustion process to maximize the benefit to cost ratio while minimizing NOx production. Air-fuel burner manufacturers have designed new-low NOx burners which incorporate many of the known techniques for minimizing NOx formation including fuel or furnace gas recirculation, oxidizer or fuel staging, pulse combination, and controlled premixing of a flammable mixture of fuel, oxygen, and air. However, in many cases there is a reduction in thermal efficiency and productivity. Examples of premix burners are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,977 to Phillips, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,940 to Phillips, et al., as well as U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,152 to Little, Jr., et al., respectively.

[0006] Furnace combustion burner designs that do not premix the combustion air and the fuel gas prior to the injection of the gases into the burner are known as nozzle mix or non-premix burners. These types of burners operate with a lower adiabatic flame temperature than that of a premix burner, and thus do not attain the thermal efficiency of premix burners.

[0007] The introduction of oxygen into the combustion air supply of most furnaces and burners generally requires a readjustment of the furnace fuel supply in response to the availability of oxygen in the air supply to avoid a fuel lean condition at the burner. This readjustment is laborious and time consuming in a furnace that typically has multiple burners, and can upset the production process in the furnace if the readjustment is required when the furnace is in production.

[0008] What is needed, therefore, but seemingly unavailable in the art is an enrichment system, as well as method practiced thereby, adapted for use with conventional premix or non-premix burners to enrich the oxygen content of the air supplied to the burner for the purpose of increasing, in a cost-effective manner, the thermal efficiency and productivity of the burner, but which also allows for the maintenance of the combustion ratio of the burner for the purpose of reducing the amount of readjustment required on the burners. Accordingly, what is needed is a enrichment system that enriches the percentage level of oxygen available in the supply of air provided to a burner as well as minimizing the effect on the burner combustion ratio, when and as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a method and system for enhancing the supply of air delivered to a conventional premix or non-premix combustion burner assembly to increase productivity and thermal efficiency of the burner while minimizing changes to the nominal combustion ratio of the burner. Oxygen and fuel are introduced into an air plenum upstream of the burner assembly in controlled quantities to form a nonflammable premix of pressurized air, fuel, and oxygen in the air plenum. The air plenum has an outlet that communicates the nonflammable premix of pressurized gases to the conventional premix or non-premix burner for combustion. The nonflammable premix of pressurized gases has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel. The predetermined percentage level of fuel is selected so that the percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum.

[0010] In use, a pressurized flow of air is directed into an air plenum of a furnace. A supply of pressurized oxygen is passed into the air plenum via a first inlet port and a supply of pressurized fuel is passed into the air plenum via a second inlet port. The pressurized air, oxygen and fuel mix together in the plenum to form the nonflammable premix of gases in which the percentage level of fuel present within the nonflammable premix is not sufficient to support combustion. The premix of pressurized gases exit through an outlet port of the air plenum and which is in communication with the burner, which burner may be of a conventional premix or non-premix design.

[0011] The above-described method may also include the steps of measuring a flow rate of the air supplied to the air plenum and determining, based on the measured flow rate of air, the flow rate of oxygen and fuel required to provide the desired predetermined percentage levels of fuel and oxygen in the nonflammable premix. The method may also include the steps of regulating the supply of oxygen and the supply of fuel entering the air plenum so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined level of oxygen, and so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined level of fuel.

[0012] It is, therefore, a object of the present invention to provide a system and method for safely enriching the supply of air to a burner of a furnace to increase the efficiency of the burner, as well as to enrich the supply of air in a timely and cost-effective manner. It is to this object, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, which will become apparent upon reading the specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to which the invention is directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional combustion burner assembly connected to a fuel plenum for carrying a pressurized flow of fuel therein, and an air plenum for carrying a pressurized flow of air therein, the fuel plenum and the air plenum in fluid communication with the combustion burner assembly.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an enrichment system for mixing oxygen and fuel into the flow of air to form a nonflammable premix of gases in an air plenum.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of an enrichment system for mixing oxygen, fuel, and a heat absorber into the flow of air to form a nonflammable premix of gases in an air plenum.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of an enrichment system for mixing oxygen and fuel into the flow of air to form a nonflammable premix of gases in an air plenum, the oxygen and fuel passing into the air plenum via a first and a second critical orifice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As used in the specification and in the claims, “a,” “an,” and “the” can mean one or more, depending upon the context in which it is used. The preferred embodiment is now described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several figures.

[0018] While the system of the present invention will be described in its preferred form as being utilized to enrich a flow of pressurized combustion air with oxygen and fuel, it will be appreciated that this invention may be practiced with a wide variety of gaseous fuels, including natural gas, CO, hydrogen, propane, hydrogen-rich fuels, refinery waste fuels, other gaseous or vaporized fuels such as, for example, vaporized naptha, and the like. One will also appreciate that the invention may be used with a wide variety of burner constructions and in a wide variety of furnace installations. Additionally, the enrichment system described below is well suited for use with existing furnaces, or may be readily integrated into the design of new furnaces.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of the supply of combustion air and fuel to a typical combustion burner assembly 4 of a furnace 2 is shown. Here, a fuel plenum 20 and an air plenum 10 are in fluid communication with a combustion burner assembly 4. The combustion burner assembly 4 is of a conventional type which may be, for example, a premix combustion burner assembly or a non-premix combustion burner assembly. Both the fuel plenum 20 and the air plenum 10 are of the conventional type that is used to duct a pressurized flow of a gas. The fuel plenum 20 carries a pressurized flow of fuel from a source of pressurized fuel, and has an outlet port 22 that is adapted to be in fluid communication with the combustion burner assembly. Similarly, the air plenum 10 carries a pressurized flow of combustion air A from a blower 16 or fan to an outlet port 12 that is adapted to be in fluid communication with the combustion burner assembly 4. The air plenum 10 can have multiple outlet ports 12 if, for example, the air plenum 10 supplies two or more combustion burner assemblies 4.

[0020] If a premix combustion assembly is used, and as known, the housing of a premix combustion burner assembly generally defines a premixing chamber 6. The outlet ports 12, 22 of the air plenum 10 and the fuel plenum 22 respectively, are in communication with the premixing chamber 6. Thus, streams of gas exiting from the outlets 12, 22 of the respective air and fuel plenums 10, 20 pass into the premixing chamber 6 and are mixed together to form a flammable premixed combustion gas stream which is subsequently ignited to provide the flame for the burner assembly.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of the enrichment system of the present invention is shown. Here, a portion of the air plenum 10 having a plurality of inlet ports 10 is shown. The plurality of inlet ports 30 includes at least a first inlet port 31 and a spaced second inlet port 32.

[0022] An oxygen supply plenum 50 and a separate fuel supply plenum 70 are connected to the air plenum 10. The oxygen supply plenum 50 is adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized oxygen 52 for supplying pressurized oxygen to the air plenum 10. The oxygen supply plenum 50 has a distal end 54 that is connected to the first inlet port 31 of the air plenum 30. In like fashion, the fuel supply plenum 70 is adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized fuel 72 for supplying of pressurized fuel to the air plenum 70. The fuel supply plenum 70 thus has a distal end 74 that is connected to the second inlet port 32 of the air plenum 10. In the air plenum 10, the pressurized oxygen and the pressurized fuel, together with the pressurized combustion air previously placed into the air plenum 10, mix together to form a non-flammable premix of pressurized gases M.

[0023] To ensure that combustible mixtures within the air plenum 10 are not inadvertently formed by pockets of unmixed oxygen and fuel therein, it is preferred that the oxygen and the fuel are introduced into the air plenum at different points along the air plenum 10. Thus, preferably, the first and the second inlet ports 31, 32 are spaced apart at least one air plenum diameter D apart, and more preferably at least four air plenum diameters apart, and still more preferably, at least seven air plenum diameters apart. It is also preferred that the first inlet port 31 be positioned upstream of the second inlet port 32 so that the introduced oxygen is mixed with the combustion air prior to the introduction of the fuel into the air plenum 10. The inlet ports 30 are therefore spaced proximate to the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10, and are thus proximate to the combustion burner assembly 4.

[0024] Unlike prior art designs, which generally only add oxygen to the air plenum 10 to enhance the thermal efficiency of the burner 4, in the present invention both fuel and oxygen are added to the air plenum 10 in particular predetermined percentage levels. Thus, the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases exiting the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel. The predetermined percentage level of oxygen is greater than the percentage of oxygen available in the supply of the combustion air because of the addition of the oxygen into the air plenum 10. The oxygen enrichment of the gases that are delivered to the combustion burner assembly 4 therefore serves to increase the thermal efficiency of the burner 4. Further, the addition of the fuel to the non-flammable premix of gases in the air plenum 10 aids in preventing the combustion ratio at the burner 4 from becoming excessively fuel lean. Accordingly, the amount of readjustment required on the burner 4 is minimized while also at the same time the combustion efficiency of the burner 4 is being increased.

[0025] To prevent an explosion and/or combustion hazard, the predetermined percentage level of the fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum 10. Thus, the premix of air, oxygen, and fuel supplied to the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 is non-flammable. Only upon the addition of additional fuel at the combustion burner assembly 4, through the separate fuel plenum 20, will a combustible mixture of gases be formed.

[0026] The first embodiment of the enrichment system may also include an air flow rate sensing device 80 for measuring the flow rate of the air flowing through the air plenum 10 upstream of the first inlet port 31, a control device 90 for controlling the percentage levels of oxygen and fuel exiting the air plenum 10, an oxygen regulating device 100 for regulating the supply of pressurized oxygen passed through the first inlet port 31, a fuel regulating device 120 for regulating the supply of pressurized fuel passed through the second inlet port 32, an oxygen feedback device 110 for adjusting the oxygen regulating device 100 so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of oxygen, and a fuel feedback device 130 for adjusting the fuel regulating device 110 so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of fuel.

[0027] The air flow rate sensing device 80 generates an air flow rate output signal 82 based on the measured flow rate of the air in the air plenum 10. The air flow rate sensing device 80 may, for example, comprise a conventional flow rate sensor coupled to the air plenum 10 upstream of the first inlet port 31. Alternatively, power readings, such as for example, blower amps, from the combustion air blower 16 may be used to determine the flow rate of the air in the air plenum 10.

[0028] The oxygen regulating device 100 and the fuel regulating device 120 are operably coupled to the respective oxygen supply plenum 50 and the fuel supply plenum 70. Each regulating device is in fluid communication with a respective one or two inlet ports of the air plenum 10 and is adapted to regulate the flow of the supply of gas in fluid communication with its respective inlet port 30. In the preferred embodiment, each regulating device 100, 120 comprises a regulator defining a passage (not shown) through which a gas traverses, and a flow controlling device (not shown) for adjusting the passage to change the rate of flow of the gas therethrough. The respective oxygen and fuel feedback device 100, 120 adjust the flow controlling device of at least one regulator, if necessary, so that the percentage level of oxygen and the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum 10 through the outlet gas port 12 is established and maintained at the predetermined percentage levels. The regulator may be electrically actuated or pneumatically actuated, as known in the art. Further, the regulator may be a binary regulator, which is in either a fully open or a fully closed position, or, more preferably, a proportional regulator, in which the passage is opened in different amounts corresponding to the various desired flow rates.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control device 90 is primarily responsive to the air flow output signal 82. The control device 90 establishes a determined oxygen flow rate from the oxygen supply plenum 50 and a determined fuel flow rate from the fuel supply plenum 70 which, when combined with the flow rate of the pressurized combustion air, will provide the predetermined percentage level of oxygen and the predetermined percentage level of fuel within the nonflammable premix of pressurized gases in the air plenum 10. The determined oxygen flow rate level and the determined fuel flow rate level are preferably continuously determined and updated to reflect any changes to the flow rate of the combustion air so that the determined oxygen and fuel flow rate levels are sufficient to provide the desired percentage compositional mix of air, oxygen, and fuel in the non-flammable premix of gases. Based on the determination of the respective determined oxygen and fuel flow rates, the control device 90 generates an oxygen meter signal 102 and a fuel meter signal 122. Preferably, the control device 90 comprises a processor or microprocessor electrically coupled to the air flow rate sensor or blower output that is used as the air flow rate sensing device 80.

[0030] The control device 90, in response to the air flow rate output signal 82, may, as a safety measure, also compare the flow rate of the air to a predetermined air flow rate level and generate the oxygen meter signal 102 and the fuel meter signal 122 only if the measured flow rate of the air is at least equal to the predetermined air flow rate level. This ensures that pressurized oxygen and pressurized fuel are not added to the air plenum 10 if an obstruction exists in the air plenum 10 or the combustion burner assembly 4 downstream of the inlet ports 30 within the air plenum 10. Thus, a minimum flow rate of air through the air plenum 10 is ensured before pressurized oxygen and pressurized fuel are passed into the air plenum 10.

[0031] The control device 90 controls the percentage composition of the nonflammable premix of gases exiting the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 by correcting the flow rate of oxygen and fuel entering the air plenum 10 through the first and second inlet ports 31, 32. This control process occurs using the oxygen feedback device 110 and the fuel feedback device 130, which are responsive to the oxygen meter signal 102 and the fuel meter signal 122, respectively. The oxygen feedback device 110 adjusts the oxygen regulating device 100, and the fuel feedback device 130 adjusts the fuel regulating device 120 so that the percentage level composition of oxygen and the percentage level composition of fuel in fluid communication at the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined percentage levels.

[0032] Preferably, each feedback device 110,130 comprises a driver circuit electrically coupled to the microprocessor and to its respective regulating device, e.g., the flow controlling device. Thus, the oxygen feedback device 110 comprises a first driver circuit 112 coupled to the microprocessor and to the oxygen regulating device 100, and the fuel feedback device 130 comprises a second driver circuit 132 coupled to the microprocessor and to the fuel regulating device 120. The first and second driver circuits 112, 132 adjust the respective oxygen and fuel regulating device 100, 120 based on electrical signal received from the microprocessor, thus varying the percentage level composition of oxygen and fuel within the air plenum 10.

[0033] For continual feedback, the first embodiment of the enrichment system may also include an oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 for measuring the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum 50, and a fuel flow rate sensing device 170 for measuring the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum 70. The oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 is preferably disposed adjacent the distal end 54 of the oxygen supply plenum 50 and in fluid communication with the first inlet port 31. The oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 generates an oxygen flow rate output signal 152 based on the measured oxygen flow rate. Similarly, the fuel flow rate sensing device 170 is preferably disposed adjacent the distal end 74 of the fuel supply plenum 70 and in fluid communication with the second inlet port 32. The fuel flow rate sensing device 170 generates a fuel flow rate output signal 172 based on the measured fuel flow rate. Each fuel and oxygen flow rate sensing device 150, 170 preferably comprises a conventional flow rate sensor. However, any sensor that is capable of determining the flow rate of gas exiting the respective oxygen and fuel supply plenums 50, 70 and providing a signal representative of the measured flow rate may by substituted for the respective oxygen flow rate or fuel flow rate sensors.

[0034] If the enrichment system has an oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 and a flow rate sensing device 170, the microprocessor of the control device 90 is electrically coupled to the oxygen flow rate sensor that is used as the oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 and to the fuel flow rate sensor that is used as the fuel flow rate sensing device 170.

[0035] The control device 90 compares the output of the oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 to the determined oxygen flow rate and generates an oxygen response signal 104 based upon this comparison. Further, the control device 90 compares the output of the fuel flow rate sensing device 170 to the determined fuel flow rate level and generates a fuel response signal 124 based upon this second comparison. The control device 90 controls the percentage composition of the non-flammable premix of gases exiting the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 by correcting the flow rate of oxygen and fuel entering the air plenum 10 through the first and second inlet ports 31, 32. This control process occurs by using the oxygen feedback device 110 and the fuel feedback device 130, which are responsive to the oxygen response signal 104 and the fuel response signal 124, respectively. The oxygen feedback device 110 adjusts the oxygen regulating device 100 and the fuel feedback device 130 adjusts the fuel regulating device 120 so that the flow rates of oxygen and fuel entering the air plenum 10 are maintained at the determined oxygen and fuel flow rates, which then allows the percentage level composition of oxygen and the percentage level composition of fuel in fluid communication with the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 to be maintained at the predetermined percentage levels.

[0036] A sonic flow rate sensor, such as known in the art, coupled to the distal ends 54, 74 of the respective oxygen and fuel supply plenums 50, 70 may be a suitable substitute for the described oxygen and/or the fuel flow rate sensors. Each sonic flow rate sensor defines a critical orifice (not shown) which is in fluid communication with the air plenum 10.

[0037] Alternatively, the distal end 54 of the oxygen supply plenum 50 may define a first critical orifice 56 in fluid communication with the air plenum 10, and the distal end 74 of the fuel supply plenum 70 may define a second critical orifice 76 which is in fluid communication with the air plenum 10. The critical orifices 56, 76 serve to mix the respective gases within the air plenum 10 due to the pressure wave fronts that propagate from the critical orifices 56, 76 proximate the air plenum 10.

[0038] In use, a pressurized flow of air is directed into the air plenum 10 of the furnace 2. The supply of pressurized oxygen is passed into the air plenum 10 via the first inlet port 31, and the supply of pressurized fuel is passed into the air plenum 10 via the second inlet port 32. The pressurized air, oxygen, and fuel mix together in the air plenum 10 to form the nonflammable premix of gases M in which the percentage level of fuel present within the nonflammable premix is not sufficient to support combustion. The premix of pressurized gases exits thought the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 towards the combustion burner assembly 4.

[0039] The method may also include the steps of measuring a flow rate of the air supplied to the air plenum 10 and determining, based thereon, the flow rate of oxygen and fuel required to provide the desired predetermined percentage levels of fuel and oxygen in the nonflammable premix. The method may also include the steps of regulating the supply of oxygen and the supply of fuel entering the air plenum 10 so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined level of oxygen, and so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined level of fuel. Preferably the steps of measuring and regulating occur continuously when the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases is being supplied to the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10.

[0040] Before supply of oxygen and fuel to the air plenum 10 is initiated, the method may also comprise the steps of comparing the air flow rate output signal 82 to the predetermined flow rate level of the air, and only supplying pressurized oxygen and pressurized fuel to the air plenum 10 when the air flow rate output signal 82 is at least equal to the predetermined flow rate level of the air.

[0041] The method may also include the steps of monitoring the flow rate of oxygen and the flow rate of fuel entering the air plenum 10, comparing the measured oxygen flow rate to the determined oxygen flow rate and the measured fuel flow rate to the determined fuel flow rate, and regulating the supply of oxygen and the supply of fuel entering the air plenum 10 so that the flow rate of oxygen supplied to the air plenum 10 is maintained at the determined oxygen flow rate and so that the flow rate of fuel supplied to the air plenum 10 is maintained at the determined fuel flow rate. Preferably, these monitoring, comparing, and regulating steps occur continuously.

[0042] In an example of use, the lower limit of flammability of methane in oxygen or air is approximately 4% at room temperature. Therefore, a mixture of less than approximately 4% methane in air or oxygen will not support combustion. So, by introducing methane into the air plenum 10 at a predetermined 3% level, which is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum 10, and by introducing oxygen into the air plenum at a predetermined 6% level, the amount of oxygen available in the resulting nonflammable premix of pressurized gases is increased by approximately 28% and the available nitrogen is decreased by approximately 13%. Additionally, the combustion ratio of the combustion burner assembly 4 will remain generally constant due to the addition of the methane to the non-flammable premix.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment further comprises a pressurized heat absorber plenum 180, a heat absorber regulator 184, and a heat absorber driver circuit 186. The heat absorber plenum 180 has a distal end 182 connected to a third inlet port 33 of the air plenum 10 for supplying a pressurized heat absorber, such as, for example, vaporized water, ammonia, and the like, to the air plenum 10. The third inlet port 33 may be positioned where desired on the air plenum 10, but is preferably positioned adjacent the second inlet port 32. The heat absorber regulator 184 is operatively coupled to the heat absorber plenum 180 and is in fluid communication with the third inlet port 33 of the air plenum 10. The heat absorber driver circuit 186 is operably coupled to the microprocessor and the heat absorber regulator 184 so that the flow rate of heat absorber supplied to the air plenum 10 is maintained at a predetermined heat absorber rate. The addition of heat absorber to the air plenum 10 acts to increase the lower limit of flammability of the non-flammable premix of gases in the air plenum 10.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the enrichment system of the present invention. In this embodiment, the distal end 54 of the oxygen supply plenum 50 defines a first critical orifice 56 of known dimension and the distal end 74 of the fuel supply plenum 70 defines a second critical orifice 76 of known dimension. Critical orifices are known to those skilled in the art, and allow for the sonic or near sonic passage of a predetermined flow rate of a gas from, in this instance, the respective oxygen and fuel supply plenums 50, 70 to the air plenum 70. As noted above, the critical orifices 56, 76 also serve to mix the respective gases within the air plenum 10. Thus, in this embodiment, pressurized oxygen at a predetermined pressure is supplied to the first critical orifice 56 and is passed therethrough and into the air plenum 10 at a predetermined fuel flow rate. Pressurized fuel at a predetermined pressure is supplied to the second critical orifice 76 and is passed therethrough and into the air plenum 10 at a predetermined fuel flow rate. The streams of the combustion air, oxygen, and fuel supplied to the air plenum 10 mix together to form the non-flammable premix stream of pressurized gases which is directed toward, and exits from the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10.

[0045] This embodiment of the enrichment system may also include the oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 for measuring the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum 50, the fuel flow rate sensing device 170 for measuring the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum 70, a control device 90 for controlling the percentage levels of oxygen and fuel exiting the air plenum 10, the oxygen regulating device 100 for regulating the supply of pressurized oxygen passed through the first inlet port 31, the fuel regulating device 120 for regulating the supply of pressurized fuel passed through the second inlet port 32, the oxygen feedback device 110 for adjusting the oxygen regulating device 100 so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of oxygen, and the fuel feedback device 130 for adjusting the fuel regulating device 120 so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum 10 is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of fuel.

[0046] The oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 is in fluid communication with the first critical orifice 56 and the fuel flow rate sensing device 170 is in fluid communication with the second critical orifice 76. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, a sonic flow rate sensor of conventional design may be a suitable substitute for the oxygen and fuel flow rate sensors because the critical orifice 56, 76 is defined within the sonic flow rate sensor. However, conventional flow rate sensors may be used, as previously discussed.

[0047] Also, in this embodiment the control device 90 is primarily responsive to the oxygen flow rate signal 152 and the fuel flow rate signal 172. The control device 90 compares the output of the oxygen flow rate sensing device 150 to a predetermined oxygen flow rate level and generates an oxygen response signal 114 based upon the comparison. Further, the control device compares the output of the fuel flow rate sensing device 170 to a predetermined fuel flow rate level and generates a fuel response signal 124 based upon the comparison. The predetermined oxygen and fuel flow rate levels are based on a substantially constant and known flow rate of the combustion air and are sufficient to provide the desired percentage compositional mix of air, oxygen, and fuel in the non-flammable premix of gases. In this embodiment, the control device 90 preferably comprises a processor or microprocessor electrically coupled to the oxygen flow rate sensor and the fuel flow rate sensor that are used as the respective oxygen and fuel flow rate sensing devices 150, 170.

[0048] The control device 90 controls the percentage level composition of the non-flammable premix of gases exiting the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 by correcting the flow rate of oxygen and fuel entering the air plenum 10 through the first and second inlet ports 31, 32. This control occurs using the oxygen feedback device 110 and the fuel feedback device 130, each of which are responsive to the oxygen response signal 114 and the fuel response signal 124, respectively. The oxygen feedback device 110 adjusts the oxygen regulating device 100 and the fuel feedback device 130 adjusts the fuel regulating device 120 so that the flow rate of oxygen and fuel entering the air plenum 10 is maintained at the desired predetermined oxygen and fuel flow rates and so that the percentage level composition of oxygen and the percentage level composition of fuel in fluid communication with the outlet port 12 of the air plenum 10 are maintained at the predetermined percentage levels.

[0049] The third embodiment of the enrichment system may also include the air flow rate sensing device 80 for measuring the flow rate of the combustion air through the air plenum 10 upstream of the first inlet port 31. The air flow rate sensing device generates an air flow rate output signal 82 based on the measured flow rate of the air. Thus, as a safety measure, the control device 90 of the third embodiment may be responsive to the air flow rate output signal 82 to compare the flow rate of the air to a predetermined air flow rate level and generate the oxygen response signal 114 and the fuel response signal 124 if the measured flow rate of the air is at least equal to the predetermined air flow rate level. Thus, a minimum flow rate of air through the air plenum 10 is ensured before pressurized oxygen and pressurized fuel are added to the combustion air within the air plenum 10.

[0050] Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of enriching a supply of air for a burner of a furnace, comprising the steps of: a. supplying a pressurized flow of air into an air plenum, the air plenum having a plurality of inlet ports, including at least a first inlet port and a spaced second inlet port, and an outlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with the burner, wherein the first inlet port is upstream of the second inlet port; b. measuring a flow rate of the air supplied to the air plenum; c. generating an air flow rate output signal based on the measured flow rate of the air; d. supplying pressurized oxygen into the air plenum through the first inlet port; e. supplying pressurized fuel into the air plenum through the second inlet port, wherein the air, the pressurized oxygen, and the pressurized fuel mix with each other in the air plenum to form a non-flammable premix of pressurized gases having a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel, wherein the predetermined percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum, and wherein the premix of pressurized gases exit through the outlet port of the air plenum; e. determining, based on the generated air flow rate output signal, an oxygen flow rate and a fuel flow rate required to provide the predetermined percentage level of oxygen and the predetermined percentage level of fuel; f. regulating the supply of oxygen and the supply of fuel entering the air plenum so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined level of oxygen and so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined level of fuel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring and regulating steps occur continuously when the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases is supplied to the outlet of the air plenum.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, before the steps of supplying oxygen and fuel to the air plenum, the steps of: a. comparing the air flow rate output signal to a predetermined flow rate level of the air; and b. supplying pressurized oxygen and pressurized fuel to the air plenum when the air flow rate output signal is at least equal to the predetermined flow rate level of the air.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: a. monitoring the flow rate of oxygen entering the air plenum; b. generating an oxygen flow rate signal based on the measured flow rate of the oxygen; c. monitoring the flow rate of fuel entering the air plenum; d. generating a fuel flow rate signal based on the measured flow rate of the fuel; e. comparing the oxygen flow rate signal to the determined oxygen flow rate; f. comparing the fuel flow rate signal to the determined fuel flow rate; g. regulating the supply of oxygen and the supply of fuel entering the air plenum so that the flow rate of oxygen supplied to the air plenum is maintained at the determined oxygen flow rate and so that the flow rate of fuel supplied to the air plenum is maintained at the determined fuel flow rate.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the monitoring, comparing, and regulating steps occur continuously when the premix of pressurized gases is supplied to the outlet of the air plenum.

6. An enrichment system for a supply of air provided to a burner of a furnace, comprising: a. an air plenum that carries a pressurized flow of the air, the air plenum having an outlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the burner, the air plenum having a plurality of inlet ports, which include at least a first inlet port and a spaced second inlet port; b. a pressurized oxygen supply plenum for supplying pressurized oxygen to the air plenum, the oxygen supply plenum having a distal end connected to the first inlet port of the air plenum; and c. a pressurized fuel supply plenum for supplying pressurized fuel to the air plenum, the fuel supply plenum having a distal end connected to the second inlet port of the air plenum, wherein pressurized oxygen and the pressurized fuel, together with the air in the air plenum, form a non-flammable premix of pressurized gases, wherein the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases exiting the outlet of the air plenum has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel, and wherein the predetermined percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix within the air plenum.

7. The enrichment system of claim 6, wherein the first inlet port is upstream of the second inlet port.

8. The enrichment system of claim 6, further comprising: a. air flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of the air flowing through the air plenum upstream of the first inlet port, wherein the air flow rate sensing means generates an air flow rate output signal based on the measured flow rate of the air; b. control means for controlling the percentage levels of oxygen and fuel exiting the air plenum, the control means being responsive to the air flow rate output signal, wherein the control means determines a determined oxygen flow rate from the oxygen supply plenum and a determined fuel flow rate from the fuel supply plenum which, when combined with the flow rate of the air, will provide the predetermined percentage level of oxygen and the predetermined percentage level of fuel within the premix of pressurized gases, the control means generating an oxygen meter signal and a fuel meter signal based on the determination; c. oxygen regulating means for regulating the supply of oxygen in fluid communication with the first inlet port of the air plenum, the oxygen regulating means coupled to the oxygen supply plenum; d. fuel regulating means for regulating the supply of fuel in fluid communication with the second inlet port of the air plenum, the fuel regulating means coupled to the fuel supply plenum; e. oxygen feedback means, responsive to the oxygen meter signal, for adjusting the oxygen regulating means so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of oxygen; and f. fuel feedback means, responsive to the fuel meter signal, for adjusting the fuel regulating means so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of fuel.

9. The enrichment system of claim 8, wherein the control means, in response to the air flow rate output signal, compares the flow rate of the air to a predetermined air flow rate level and generates the oxygen meter signal and the fuel meter signal if the measured flow rate of the air is at least equal to the predetermined air flow rate level.

10. The enrichment system of claim 8, further comprising: a. oxygen flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum, the oxygen flow rate sensing means disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the first inlet port, wherein the oxygen flow rate sensing means generates an oxygen flow rate output signal based on the measured oxygen flow rate, wherein the control means, in response to the oxygen flow rate output signal, compares the oxygen flow rate output signal to the determined oxygen flow rate and generates an oxygen response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the oxygen feedback means, responsive to the oxygen response signal, adjusts the oxygen regulating means so that the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum is maintained at the determined oxygen flow rate; and b. fuel flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum, the fuel flow rate sensing means disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the second inlet port, wherein the fuel flow rate sensing means generates a fuel flow rate output signal based on the measured fuel flow rate, and wherein the control means, in response to the fuel flow rate output signal, compares the fuel flow rate output signal to the determined fuel flow rate and generates a fuel response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the fuel feedback means, responsive to the fuel response signal, adjusts the fuel regulating means so that the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum is maintained at the determined fuel flow rate.

11. An enrichment system for a supply of air provided to a burner of a combustion furnace, the furnace having an air plenum that carries a pressurized flow of the air, the air plenum having an outlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the burner and at least a first inlet port and a spaced second inlet port, the first inlet port upstream of the second inlet port, the enrichment system comprising: a. a pressurized oxygen supply plenum for supplying pressurized oxygen to the air plenum, the oxygen supply plenum having a distal end connected to the first inlet port of the air plenum; b. a fuel supply plenum for supplying pressurized fuel to the air plenum, the fuel supply plenum having a distal end connected to the second inlet port of the air plenum; c. air flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of the air passing through the air plenum upstream of the first inlet port, wherein the air flow rate sensing means generates an air flow rate output signal based on the measured flow rate of the air; d. control means for controlling the percentage levels of oxygen and fuel exiting the outlet of the air plenum, the control means being responsive to the air flow rate output signal, wherein the control means determines a determined oxygen flow rate from the oxygen supply plenum to the air plenum and a determined fuel flow rate from the fuel supply plenum to the air plenum which forms a non-flammable premix of pressurized gases downstream of the first and second inlet ports from the mixed pressurized air, oxygen, and fuel, wherein the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel, and wherein the predetermined percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum, the control means generating an oxygen meter signal and a fuel meter signal based on the determination; e. oxygen regulating means for regulating the supply of oxygen in fluid communication with the first inlet port of the air plenum, the oxygen regulating means operably coupled to the oxygen supply plenum; f. fuel regulating means for regulating the supply of fuel in fluid communication with the second inlet port of the air plenum, the fuel regulating means operably coupled to the fuel supply plenum; g. oxygen feedback means, responsive to the oxygen meter signal, for adjusting the oxygen regulating means so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of oxygen; and h. fuel feedback means, responsive to the fuel meter signal, for adjusting the fuel regulating means so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of fuel.

12. The enrichment system of claim 11, wherein the oxygen regulating means comprises an oxygen regulator defining a passage through which oxygen traverses and oxygen flow controlling means for adjusting the passage to change the rate of flow of oxygen therethrough, the oxygen feedback means adjusting the flow controlling means of the oxygen throttle valve, and wherein the fuel regulating means comprises a fuel regulator defining a passage through which fuel traverses and fuel flow controlling means for adjusting the passage to change the rate of flow of fuel therethrough, the fuel feedback means adjusting the flow controlling means of the oxygen throttle valve.

13. The enrichment system of claim 11, wherein the control means comprises a processor operably coupled to the air flow rate sensing means.

14. The enrichment system of claim 13, wherein the oxygen feedback means comprises a first driver circuit operably coupled to the microprocessor and to the oxygen regulating means, wherein the first driver circuit adjusts the oxygen regulating means in response to electrical signals received from the processor for varying the percentage level of oxygen within the air plenum, and wherein the fuel feedback means comprises a second driver circuit operably coupled to the microprocessor and to the fuel regulating means, wherein the second driver circuit adjusts the fuel regulating means in response to electrical signals received from the processor for varying the percentage level of fuel within the air plenum.

15. The enrichment system of claim 11, wherein the control means, in response to the air flow rate output signal, compares the flow rate of the air to a predetermined air flow rate level and generates the oxygen meter signal and the fuel meter signal if the measured flow rate of the air is at least equal to the predetermined air flow rate level.

16. The enrichment system of claim 11, further comprising: a. oxygen flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum, the oxygen flow rate sensing means disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the first inlet port, wherein the oxygen flow rate sensing means generates an oxygen flow rate output signal based on the measured oxygen flow rate, wherein the control means, in response to the oxygen flow rate output signal, compares the oxygen flow rate output signal to the determined oxygen flow rate and generates an oxygen response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the oxygen feedback means, responsive to the oxygen response signal, adjusts the oxygen regulating means so that the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum is maintained at the determined oxygen flow rate; and b. fuel flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum, the fuel flow rate sensing means disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the second inlet port, wherein the fuel flow rate sensing means generates a fuel flow rate output signal based on the measured fuel flow rate, and wherein the control means, in response to the fuel flow rate output signal, compares the fuel flow rate output signal to the determined fuel flow rate and generates a fuel response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the fuel feedback means, responsive to the fuel response signal, adjusts the fuel regulating means so that the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum is maintained at the determined fuel flow rate.

17. An enrichment system for a supply of air provided to a burner of a furnace, the furnace having an air plenum that carries a pressurized flow of the air, the air plenum having an outlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the burner, the air plenum having a plurality of inlet ports, which include at least a first inlet port and a spaced second inlet port, the first inlet port upstream of the second inlet port, the enrichment system comprising: a. a pressurized oxygen supply plenum for supplying pressurized oxygen to the air plenum, the oxygen supply plenum having a distal end connected to the first inlet port of the air plenum; b. a pressurized fuel supply plenum for supplying pressurized fuel to the air plenum, the fuel supply plenum having a distal end connected to the second inlet port of the air plenum; c. air flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of the air flowing through the air plenum upstream of the first inlet port, wherein the air flow rate sensing means generates an air flow rate output based on the measured flow rate of the air; d. a microprocessor for controlling the percentage levels of oxygen and fuel exiting the outlet of the air plenum, the microprocessor being operably coupled to the air flow rate output of the air flow rate sensing means, wherein the microprocessor determines, in response to the air flow rate output, a determined oxygen flow rate from the oxygen supply plenum and a determined fuel flow rate from the fuel supply plenum which, when combined with the flow rate of the air within the air plenum, forms a non-flammable premix of pressurized gases downstream of the first and second inlet ports which has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel, wherein the predetermined percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum, wherein the microprocessor generates an oxygen meter signal and a fuel meter signal based on the determination; e. an oxygen regulator coupled to the oxygen supply plenum and in fluid communication with the first inlet port of the air plenum; f. a fuel regulator coupled to the fuel supply plenum and in fluid communication with the second inlet port of the air plenum; g. an oxygen driver circuit operably coupled to the microprocessor and the oxygen regulator, wherein the oxygen driver circuit adjusts the oxygen regulator in response to the oxygen meter signal so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of oxygen; and h. a fuel driver circuit operably coupled to the microprocessor and the fuel regulator, wherein the fuel driver circuit adjusts the fuel regulator in response to the fuel meter signal so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of fuel.

18. The enrichment system of claim 17, wherein the microprocessor, in response to the air flow rate output, compares the flow rate of the air to a predetermined air flow rate level and generates the oxygen meter signal and the fuel meter signal if the flow rate of the air is at least equal to the predetermined air flow rate level.

19. The enrichment system of claim 18, further comprising: a. an oxygen flow rate sensor disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the first inlet port for measuring the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum, wherein the oxygen flow rate sensor generates an oxygen flow rate output based on the measured oxygen flow rate, wherein the microprocessor is operably coupled with and responsive to the output of the oxygen flow rate sensor so that the microprocessor compares the oxygen flow rate output to the determined oxygen flow rate and generates an oxygen response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the oxygen driver circuit, responsive to the oxygen response signal, adjusts the oxygen regulator so that the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum is maintained at the determined oxygen flow rate; and b. a fuel flow rate sensor disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the second inlet port for measuring the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum, wherein the fuel flow rate sensor generates an fuel flow rate output based on the measured fuel flow rate, wherein the microprocessor is operably coupled with and responsive to the output of the fuel flow rate sensor so that the microprocessor compares the fuel flow rate output to the determined fuel flow rate and generates a fuel response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the fuel driver circuit, responsive to the fuel response signal, adjusts the fuel regulator so that the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum is maintained at the determined fuel flow rate.

20. The enrichment system of claim 19, wherein the oxygen flow rate sensor is a first sonic flow rate sensor coupled to the distal end of the oxygen supply plenum, wherein the fuel flow rate sensor is a second sonic flow rate sensor coupled to the distal end of the fuel supply plenum.

21. The enrichment system of claim 20, wherein each of the respective first and second sonic flow rate sensor defines a critical orifice in fluid communication with the air plenum.

22. The enrichment system of claim 17, wherein the distal end of the oxygen supply plenum defines a first critical orifice in fluid communication with the air plenum and wherein the distal end of the fuel supply plenum defines a second critical orifice in fluid communication with the air plenum.

23. The enrichment system of claim 17, wherein the air flow rate sensing means comprises a flow rate sensor disposed in fluid communication with the air plenum upstream of the first inlet port.

24. The enrichment system of claim 17, further comprising: a. a pressurized heat absorber plenum for supplying pressurized heat absorber, the heat absorber plenum having a distal end connected to a third inlet port of the air plenum; b. a heat absorber regulator coupled to the heat absorber plenum and in fluid communication with the third inlet port of the air plenum; c. a heat absorber driver circuit operably coupled to the microprocessor and the heat absorber regulator so that the flow rate of heat absorber supplied to the air plenum is maintained at a predetermined heat absorber flow rate.

25. An enrichment system for a supply of air provided to a burner of a furnace, comprising: a. an air plenum that carries a pressurized flow of air, the air plenum having an outlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the burner, the air plenum having a plurality of inlet ports, which include at least a first inlet port and a spaced second inlet port; b. an oxygen supply plenum adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized oxygen, the oxygen supply plenum having a distal end connected to the first inlet port of the air plenum, the distal end of the oxygen supply plenum defining a first critical orifice; and c. a fuel supply plenum adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fuel, the fuel supply plenum having a distal end connected to the second inlet port of the air plenum, the distal end of the fuel supply plenum defining a second critical orifice; wherein pressurized oxygen from the oxygen supply plenum is passed at a predetermined oxygen flow rate to the air plenum through the first critical orifice and pressurized fuel from the fuel supply plenum is passed at a predetermined fuel flow rate to the air plenum through the second critical orifice to form a nonflammable premix of pressurized gases from the air, oxygen, and fuel, the nonflammable premix of pressurized gases exiting the outlet of the air plenum having a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel, and wherein the predetermined percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix in the air plenum.

26. The enrichment system of claim 25, further comprising: a. oxygen flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of oxygen exiting the oxygen supply plenum, the oxygen flow rate sensing means disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the first critical orifice, wherein the oxygen flow rate sensing means generates an oxygen flow rate output signal based on the measured oxygen flow rate; b. fuel flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of fuel exiting the fuel supply plenum, the fuel flow rate sensing means disposed adjacent and in fluid communication with the second critical orifice, wherein the fuel flow rate sensing means generates an fuel flow rate output signal based on the measured fuel flow rate; c. control means for controlling the percentage levels of oxygen and fuel exiting the air plenum, wherein the control means, in response to the oxygen flow rate output signal, compares the oxygen flow rate output signal to the predetermined oxygen flow rate level and generates an oxygen response signal based on the comparison, and wherein the control means, in response to the fuel flow rate output signal, compares the fuel flow rate output signal to the predetermined fuel flow rate level and generates a fuel response signal based on the comparison; d. oxygen regulating means for regulating the supply of pressurized oxygen passed through the first inlet port, the oxygen regulating means operably coupled to the oxygen supply plenum; e. fuel regulating means for regulating the supply of pressurized fuel passed through the second inlet port, the fuel regulating means operably coupled to the fuel supply plenum; f. oxygen feedback means, responsive to the oxygen response signal, for adjusting the oxygen regulating means so that the percentage level of oxygen exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of oxygen; and g. fuel feedback means, responsive to the fuel response signal, for adjusting the fuel regulating means so that so that the percentage level of fuel exiting the air plenum is maintained at the predetermined percentage level of fuel.

27. The enrichment system of claim 26, further comprising an air flow rate sensing means for measuring the flow rate of the air through the air plenum upstream of the first inlet port, wherein the air flow rate sensing means generates an air flow rate output signal based on the measured flow rate of the air, wherein the control means, in response to the air flow rate output signal, compares the flow rate of the air to a predetermined air flow rate level of the air and generates the oxygen response signal and the fuel response signal if the measured flow rate of the air is at least equal to the predetermined air flow rate level.

28. The enrichment system of claim 24, wherein the first inlet port is upstream of the second inlet port.

29. An enrichment system for use with a combustion burner assembly, the combustion burner assembly including an elongate housing, comprising: a. a fuel plenum that carries a pressurized flow of fuel, the fuel plenum having an outlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the combustion burner assembly; b. an air plenum that carries a pressurized flow of the air, the air plenum having an outlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the combustion burner assembly, the air plenum having a plurality of inlet ports, which include at least a first inlet port and a spaced second inlet port; c. a pressurized oxygen supply plenum for supplying pressurized oxygen to the air plenum, the oxygen supply plenum having a distal end connected to the first inlet port of the air plenum; and d. a pressurized fuel supply plenum for supplying pressurized fuel to the air plenum, the fuel supply plenum having a distal end connected to the second inlet port of the air plenum, wherein pressurized oxygen and the pressurized fuel, together with the air in the air plenum, form a non-flammable premix of pressurized gases, wherein the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases exiting the outlet of the air plenum has a predetermined percentage level of oxygen and a predetermined percentage level of fuel, and wherein the predetermined percentage level of fuel is less than that required to create a flammable premix within the air plenum.

30. The burner enrichment system of claim 29, wherein the first inlet port is upstream of the second inlet port.

31. The enrichment system of claim 29, further comprising a premixing chamber defined therein the housing, wherein the outlet of the fuel plenum and the outlet of the air plenum are in communication with the premixing chamber, wherein a first stream of the non-flammable premix of pressurized gases is passed into the premixing chamber through the outlet of the air plenum and a second stream of pressurized fuel is passed into the premixing chamber through the outlet of the fuel plenum, wherein the first and the second stream are mixed with one another into a flammable premixed combustion gas stream.