ABSTRACT
What is a burner? In its simplest form, a burner is a device used to provide heat. Specifically, it is a device used to provide a controlled exothermic oxidation reaction.
Using this definition, one could argue that a wooden torch is a burner — even if there is some question as to the use of the exothermic reaction condition being met. However, it is also beneficial to assume that the device is not itself consumed by the reaction. As a more reasonable approach, a burner is a device that provides three basic design functions:
The modern concept of patterning the reaction flame is a direct outgrowth of continuous hydrocarbon and petrochemical processes. Processing of naturally occurring crude oils and organic by-products was initially accomplished through “batching.” In this method, the necessity of controlling the actual flame to precise dimensions was not critical. If, at the end of a single batch process, there were carbon residues or undesirable deposits, the fire was extinguished and the vat cleaned. With the advent of tubed, continuous throughput process furnaces, it was no longer economically desirable, and in some cases physically possible, to perform mechanical cleaning. This made it necessary to reduce or eliminate the carbon residues and deposits generated by localized overheating of the fluid being processed. Direct conductive heat transfer from flame impingement is a major source of this localized overheating.
